JP7238278B2 - Diagnosis support device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a diagnostic support device for supporting diagnosis of gynecological diseases.

Colposcopy, mainly in obstetrics and gynecology, to understand the degree and spread of cervical lesions by observing, photographing, and analyzing the photographed images (visualization of the disease) using a colposcope. An inspection called procedure is performed (see Patent Document 1). The most important role of colposcopy is to set the strongest lesion site of cervical premalignancy or early stage cancer, that is, the biopsy site. It is also valuable as a follow-up examination method for cervical epithelial abnormalities because it causes no pain or distress to the examinee and has a low economic burden.

In general, visualization of disease critical structures (blood vessels and nerves) using a colposcope involves three typical challenges. First, blood vessels and nerves cannot be distinguished due to poor visualization conditions. Second, blood vessels and nerves are hidden under other layers of tissue. Third, the vascular and neural structures of interest are indistinguishable from surrounding structures. In particular, currently available techniques that do not use exogenous contrast agents suffer from poor visualization by the colposcope.

Therefore, the colposcope employs a green filter to enhance the blood vessel image (see Patent Document 1, paragraph [0002]). However, although the red color is emphasized simply by passing it through a green filter, it may be over-emphasized, and there is room for improvement in the visualization of diseases using conventional colposcopes.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-515588

The present invention has been made with a focus on such problems, and uses a gynecological endoscope such as a colposcope to observe, photograph, and analyze the photographed image of the uterine cervix (visualization of disease). It is an object of the present invention to provide a diagnostic support device that enables more clear visualization when performing

In order to solve the above-described problems, one aspect of the present invention is a diagnosis support device for supporting diagnosis of gynecological diseases, comprising spot irradiation of an affected area using first visible light and second visible light. and a lens unit for visualizing the reflected light from the affected area, wherein the light unit comprises a first visible unpolarized light, a second visible unpolarized light, and a first visible polarized light , wherein the light source of the first visible unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source, and the light source of the second visible unpolarized light is a second visible light emitting source, the first visible light The light polarized light source is composed of a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively, the first visible light unpolarized light source, the second visible light unpolarized light source, and the first visible light source. The light sources for polarized light are arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. are arranged in two-to-four positions facing each other across the .
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specification and accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, diagnostic support for more clearly visualizing the uterine cervix using a gynecological endoscope such as a colposcope when observing, photographing, and analyzing the photographed image (visualization of disease). Equipment can be provided.

1 is a perspective view of a diagnosis support device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a diagnostic support device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a diagnosis support device according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a figure explaining the angle of view in a 1st embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a diagnosis support device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a diagnosis support device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a diagnosis support device according to a fourth embodiment; It is a graph explaining the transmittance|permeability of a green filter. It is a figure explaining the filter unit which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

An embodiment of a diagnostic support apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. The diagnostic support device is applied to a colposcopy camera, which is an imaging device for examining the vagina and cervix, and a close-up camera, which is a more general imaging device that takes pictures by touching the subject. However, in this specification, a colposcopy camera will be described as a representative example. In this specification, according to the proper use of "Microscope: Microscope" and "Microscopy: Microscopic examination or microscope use (method)", "Colposcope: Vaginal magnifier" and "Colposcopy: examination with colposcopic or colposcopic use (method)", "Cervicoscope: side-viewing endocervical endoscopy" and "Cervicoscopy: side-viewing The term "examination by cervical endoscopy or use of side-viewing cervical endoscopy (method)" refers to magnifiers (devices) for examination of the vagina and cervix and cervical cancer using such magnifiers (cervical cancer ) is used in the sense of inspection or use of the same magnifying glass (action).

The diagnostic support apparatus according to the present embodiment may be configured with only an observation mechanism, or may be configured as a colposcopy camera or a servicoscopy camera by adding an imaging mechanism. It is also applicable to mirrors. Although the case where the diagnostic support device is a colposcopy camera including an imaging mechanism will be described below, the diagnostic support device including only an observation mechanism is also included in the scope of the description. The colposcopy camera has a light source of green light with a green filter, which is a wavelength at which the blood vessels in the affected area to be observed can be seen with good contrast, and a wavelength with high transmittance of the green filter. It focuses on one thing. In addition, in one aspect of the present embodiment, by further arranging a polarizing filter, it is possible to appropriately obtain an antireflection effect even in the green filter transmission region, and confirmation and imaging of blood vessels are performed in a state in which surface reflection is removed. This enables appropriate lesion confirmation. A detailed description will be given below.

(First embodiment)
(Overall Configuration of Colposcopy Camera 10)
First, a colposcopy camera 10 (diagnosis support device) according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a colposcopy camera 10 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the same, and FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the angle of view. there is

In the following description, as shown in FIG. 1, the side of the colposcopy camera 10 is defined as the front (front, front) of the colposcopy camera 10, and the opposite side is defined as the rear (rear, rear). The description will be based on an orthogonal coordinate system in which the up, down, left, and right directions are taken as they are. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, each member may be attached by an appropriate method such as attachment using screws, screws, or the like, or attachment such as fitting.

As shown in FIG. 1, a colposcopy camera 10 includes a light unit 11 that illuminates an object in front (for example, the cervix), a camera body 12 to which the light unit 11 is attached, and a camera body 12 that is provided behind the camera body 12. It is configured integrally with the controller 13 . Although details will be described later, a plurality of light sources (here, 12) including various filters 114 (no filter 114a, polarizing filter 114b, polarizing filter 114c, green filter 114d) are provided on the front surface of the light unit 11. ing.

The exploded view of the colposcopy camera 10 is as shown in FIG. , the camera body 12 includes a lens unit 121 , a mounting portion 122 for the light unit 11 , and a frame body 123 , and the controller 13 includes a body portion 131 and a display portion 132 . Hereinafter, each will be described separately with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which is a cross-sectional view.

(light unit 11)
A cover body 112 of the light unit 11 has a front end opening 112a in the center thereof through which reflected light from a subject is incident, and a protective glass 111 is attached to the front end opening 112a. A plurality of (here, 12) light source ports 112b for emitting light from the light emitting source are annularly opened around the tip port 112a, and a protective glass 113 is attached to the tip of each light source port 112b ( See Figure 3).

In the colposcopy camera 10, various filters 114 are provided or not provided behind the protective glass 113 as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the filter 114 is not attached to the upper and lower two protective glasses 113 (in FIG. 2, the filterless 114a is virtually indicated by a dashed line), and these two filterless A polarizing filter 114b is attached to a total of four protective glasses 113 on both sides of the protective glass 113 of 114a. Green filters 114d are attached to the two protective glasses 113 on the left and right sides, and polarizing filters 114c are attached to a total of four protective glasses 113 on both sides of the protective glasses 113 of the two green filters 114d. there is

Various types of filter 114 can be employed, but FIG. 2 shows an example in which a plate-like filter 114 is attached to the back side of the protective glass 113 . Note that the filter 114 may be in the form of a film.

Behind the protective glass 113 of the light source port 112b, an LED cylinder 116 provided with a condensing lens 115 is inserted (see FIG. 3). The condenser lens 115 irradiates a spot of light from an LED 118, which will be described later. An LED substrate 117 mounted with an LED 118 as a light emitting source is arranged behind the LED tube 116, and the LED tube 116 and the LED 118 are in one-to-one correspondence. A cushion 119 is provided around the LED 118 to hold down the LED tube 116 and prevent light from leaking from the LED 118 .

Here, in the colposcopy camera 10 according to the first embodiment, the LEDs 118 are arranged as follows. 2 LEDs 118a corresponding to 2 no filters 114a, 4 LEDs 118b corresponding to 4 polarizing filters 114b, 4 LEDs 118c corresponding to 4 polarizing filters 114c, and 2 green filters. Two LEDs 118d corresponding to 114d are arranged. Here, the LEDs 118a, 118b, and 118d are white light emitting sources, and the LED 118c is a near-infrared light emitting source.

The combinations of the filters 114 and the LEDs 118 are organized as follows: LED 118a and non-filtered 114a make up a pair of two "white non-polarized lights", LED 118b and a polarizing filter 114b make up a pair of four "white light polarized lights", and LED 118c and a polarizing filter. A total of 6 pairs of 12 four types of light sources are provided: 2 pairs of 4 “polarized near-infrared light” by 114c and 2 pairs of “green non-polarized light” by LED 118d and green filter 114d. becomes.

In this specification, white light may be referred to as first visible light, green light as second visible light, and near-infrared light as invisible light. For example, “first visible unpolarized light”, “first visible polarized light”, “second visible unpolarized light”, “second visible polarized light”, “invisible polarized light”, “first "visible light emitting source", "second visible light emitting source", "invisible light emitting source", and "second visible light filter". Also, a combination of the LED 118, which is a light emitting source, and various filters 114 (including the case where the filter 114 is not provided) is sometimes called a light source. Furthermore, the second visible light may be blue light instead of green light, and the invisible light may be ultraviolet light instead of near-infrared light.

One of each of these four types of light sources may be provided in order to photograph the subject. 12 center axis). The relative positions of the four types of light sources are not limited to those shown in the figure. so that the "polarized light" is paired vertically or obliquely diagonally instead of left and right, or one of the two pairs of "polarized light of white light" or "polarized light of near-infrared light" is replaced with a diagonal line. You may arrange|position so that it may become a pair vertically or horizontally.

In addition, among the four types of light sources, "polarized white light" and "polarized near-infrared light" are twice as large as two pairs of "white non-polarized light" and "green non-polarized light". The reason why they are provided in a ratio of 2 to 4 is that the amount of polarized light is reduced by the polarizing filters 114b and 114c.

(Camera body 12)
The camera body 12 includes the lens unit 121, the mounting portion 122 of the light unit 11, and the frame body 123, as described above. to explain.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cover body 112 of the light unit 11, the mounting portion 122 and the frame body 123 of the light unit 11 of the camera body 12, and the body portion 131 of the controller 13 form the outline of the colposcopy camera 10. A lens unit 121 of the camera body 12 is arranged inside.

In the lens unit 121, an imaging element 127 such as a CMOS sensor mounted on a circuit wiring board is accommodated on the rear surface of a housing 126 behind the imaging lens system 124 (on the right side in the figure). A filter unit 125 having a filter mounting plate 125d and a plurality of filters 125a, 125b, and 125c is provided in front of the imaging device 127 (left side in the figure). Here, an infrared cut filter 125a (IRCF), a near-infrared light transmission filter 125b, and a near-infrared polarizing filter 125c are arranged in order from the front.

In the light unit 11, when the "polarized near-infrared light" in the light source is replaced with the "polarized ultraviolet light", the near-infrared light transmitting filter 125b and the near-infrared polarizing filter 125c are configured to transmit ultraviolet light. It is replaced with a transmission filter 125b and a polarizing filter 125c for ultraviolet light.

Here, in gynecological diagnosis such as cervical cancer, in addition to colposcopy imaging with visible light such as white light and green light, it is configured to be able to irradiate invisible light such as near infrared light and ultraviolet light. The reason why this is preferable is as follows. Colposcopy imaging with near-infrared light is suitable for imaging the deepest part (dermis) of the affected area, and the shorter the wavelength, the less light tends to reach the deeper part. In addition, melanin in pigmented lesions and hemoglobin in hemangioma can be pigments that cause changes in the color tone of the affected area. Oxyhemoglobin is suitable for visible light irradiation, while dopa melanin absorbs light at longer wavelengths. Ultraviolet light, which has a shorter wavelength than visible light, is more effective because it is less efficient.

(Controller 13)
The controller 13 has a shutter button provided on the main body 131, and also has a storage unit for storing the photographed image read by the imaging element 127 and a control unit for controlling each unit of the colposcopy camera 10. provided (although a storage unit and a control unit are not shown, they are called an image pickup unit including the image pickup device 127). A display unit 132 for displaying a photographed image is provided on the rear surface of the controller 13 . The screen of the display unit 132 may be a touch panel screen for executing various settings of the colposcopy camera 10 .

(angle of view)
FIG. 4 shows an example of the angle of view of the colposcopy camera 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the angle of view is set to 3.437° when the focal length is 400 mm and converted to a 35 mm plate, for example, assuming the uterine cervix as a subject. This is to observe the diseased part by setting as a telephoto lens, and the observation range of the subject in this case is 49.0 mm in height h and 33.75 mm in width w.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a colposcopy camera 10A (diagnosis support device) according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The colposcopy camera 10A is the same as the colposcopy camera 10 according to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the light source in the light unit 11 is different. The description will focus on points that differ from the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the colposcopy camera 10A. As shown in FIG. 5, in contrast to the colposcopy camera 10 of the first embodiment, the light unit 11 of the colposcopy camera 10A has two-to-four " The light source for "near-infrared polarized light" is omitted.

The combinations of the filters 114 and LEDs 118 in the colposcopy camera 10A are organized as follows: LED 118a and non-filter 114a for a pair of 2 "white non-polarized light"; LED 118b and a polarizing filter 114b for 2 for 4 "white polarized light" A total of 4 pairs of 8 light sources, ie, 4 pairs of 8 pairs of 3 kinds of light sources, ie, 2 pairs of “green non-polarized light” by the LED 118d and the green filter 114d are provided. Of the three types of light sources, the "polarized white light" is used in the same way as the colposcopy camera 10, in order to prevent a decrease in the amount of light compared to a pair of "non-polarized white light" and "non-polarized green light". 2 to 4, which is twice as many.

To provide a relatively inexpensive colposcopy camera 10A by reducing the number of light sources, which is used when observation with "near-infrared polarized light" is not required. can be done.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a colposcopy camera 10B (diagnosis support device) according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The colposcopy camera 10B is the same as the colposcopy camera 10 according to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the light source in the light unit 11 is different. The description will focus on points that differ from the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the colposcopy camera 10B. As shown in FIG. 6, in contrast to the colposcopy camera 10 of the first embodiment, the light unit 11 of the colposcopy camera 10B is not provided with a pair of light sources facing each other, but is grouped by type. is. Specifically, one LED 118a inside one unfiltered 114a, two LEDs 118b inside one polarizing filter 114b, two LEDs 118c inside one polarizing filter 114c, and one One LED 118d is arranged inside the green filter 114d.

The combination of the filter 114 and the LED 118 in the colposcopy camera 10B is arranged as follows: one "white light non-polarized light" by the LED 118a and no filter 114a; two "white light polarized lights" by the LED 118b and the polarizing filter 114b; A total of six four types of light sources are provided: two "polarized near-infrared light" by the filter 114c and one "non-polarized green light" by the LED 118d and the green filter 114d. Of the four types of light sources, the “polarized white light” and the “polarized near-infrared light” are combined into one of the “non-polarized white light” and the “non-polarized green light” as in the colposcopy camera 10. On the other hand, in order to prevent a decrease in the amount of light, two are provided.

The colposcopy camera 10B is used in cases where uniformity is not hindered even if a pair of light sources are not provided at opposing positions in irradiating the subject with emitted light. A relatively inexpensive colposcopy camera 10B can be provided by reducing the manufacturing man-hours and the number of related parts.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a colposcopy camera 10C (diagnosis support device) according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. The colposcopy camera 10C is the same as the colposcopy camera 10 according to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the light source in the light unit 11 is different. The description will focus on points that differ from the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the relationship between the light unit 11 (various filters 114a, 114b, 14c, 114d, LEDs 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d) and the camera body 12 (lens unit 121) in the fourth embodiment. is. FIG. 8 is a graph explaining the transmittance of a green filter. The arrangement of each element in FIG. 7 is schematically shown for convenience of explanation, and the positional relationship of each element as in the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, and 10B described above is shown as a specific mode. not represented.

As shown in FIG. 7, the colposcopy camera 10C uses the "green polarized light" instead of the "green non-polarized light" used in the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A and 10B. That is, the polarizing filter 114e is added to the combination of the LED 118d and the green filter 114d. In FIG. 7, the polarizing filter 114e is provided on the front side (left side in the drawing) of the green filter 114d, but it may be provided on the rear side (right side in the drawing) of the green filter 114d.

In the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, and 10B, in addition to observation and photography with normal white light, a "green non-polarized light" is provided as a light source so that an enhanced image of blood vessels can be obtained. A polarizing filter that has the effect of removing surface reflection (reflection) when the affected area is in a wet state is also set in the green wavelength region, and "green polarized light" is provided as a light source.

When the colposcopy camera 10C is applied to the colposcopy camera 10 of the first embodiment, the combination of the filter 114 and the LED 118 is a pair of two "white light non-polarized lights" by the LED 118a and the non-filter 114a, and two by the LED 118b and the polarizing filter 114b. A pair of 4 "white light polarized light", a pair of 4 "near infrared light polarized light" by LED 118c and polarizing filter 114c, and a pair of 4 "green light" by LED 118d, green filter 114d and polarizing filter 114e. A total of 7 pairs of 14 light sources of 4 types called "polarized light" are provided. Among the four types of light sources, "polarized white light", "polarized near-infrared light", and "polarized green light" prevent a decrease in the amount of light compared to a pair of "non-polarized white light". Therefore, it becomes two to four.

Further, when the colposcopy camera 10C is applied to the colposcopy camera 10A of the second embodiment, the combination of the filter 114 and the LED 118 is a pair of two "white light unpolarized light" by the LED 118a and the filterless 114a, the LED 118b and the polarizing filter 114b. 2 pairs of 4 "polarized white light" by LED 118d, green filter 114d and polarizing filter 114e, 2 pairs of 4 "green polarized light" by LED 118d, green filter 114d and polarizing filter 114e. It will happen. Among the three types of light sources, the "polarized white light" and the "polarized green light" are two pairs of two pairs of "non-polarized white light", and two pairs of four are used to prevent a decrease in the amount of light. Become.

Also, when the colposcopy camera 10C is applied to the colposcopy camera 10B of the third embodiment, the combination of the filter 114 and the LED 118 is one "white light unpolarized light" by the LED 118a and no filter 114a, and the LED 118b and the polarizing filter 114b. Two "polarized white lights", two "polarized near-infrared lights" by LED 118c and polarizing filter 114c, and two "polarized green lights" by LED 118d, green filter 114d and polarizing filter 114e, A total of seven light sources of four types are provided. Of the four types of light sources, the "polarized white light", the "polarized near-infrared light" and the "polarized green light" are used for one of the "non-polarized white light" in order to prevent a decrease in the amount of light. is doubled to two.

Here, the transmittance of the green filter 114d is, for example, line B shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, in addition to the line B related to the green filter 114d, a line A represents the transmittance of the infrared cut filter 125a (IRCF) of the filter unit 125, and a line C represents the transmittance of the infrared cut filter 125a (IRCF) of the filter unit 125. The transmittance when the polarizing filter 114c for outside or the polarizing filter 125c for near-infrared used in the filter unit 125 is used alone is represented by a line D, and the same polarizing filter 114c or polarizing filter 125c is used with two sheets. The transmittance when used orthogonally is shown, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8, the near-infrared polarizing filter 114c and polarizing filter 125c, whether they are single or two orthogonal, are on the long wavelength side (approximately around 850 nm or more in the figure). polarization performance is lost. On the other hand, the imaging element 127 such as a CMOS sensor has sensitivity up to approximately 1000 nm.

In the present embodiment, the green filter 114d having a high transmittance in the wavelength region overlapping the infrared cut filter 125a (IRCF) (approximately 500 nm to approximately 630 nm in FIG. It is used in the region (approximately around 850 nm or less in FIG. 8). As a result, the colposcopy camera 10C uses the green filter 114d capable of emitting green light with a wavelength of high transmittance while allowing the blood vessels in the diseased area to be observed to be seen with good contrast, and also uses the polarizing filter 114e. Even if a certain affected area is in a wet state, good observation is possible by removing surface reflection (reflection).

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a filter unit 125 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram extracting the filter unit 125 of FIG. 3 and explaining one aspect thereof. This filter unit 125 is applicable to any of the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C according to the first to fourth embodiments described above.

The filter unit 125 is configured such that a plurality of filters 125a, 125b, 125c can operate independently. That is, each filter 125a, 125b, 125c can move between a state of being positioned on the optical axis and a state of being retracted from the optical axis by rotating. This makes it possible to photograph the subject in different photographing conditions by appropriately combining necessary filters in accordance with the light source lit in the light unit 11 .

The filter unit 125 includes a plurality of filters 125a, 125b, 125c and a filter mounting plate 125d to which these are mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, the filter mounting plate 125d is provided on the rear side of the imaging lens system 124 of the lens unit 121 (that is, on the side of the imaging element 127), and is fixed to the lens unit 121 via a fixing portion 125e. be done. Filters and the like can be provided either before or after the imaging lens system 124, but here, the mounting efficiency (mounting space, It is provided behind the image pickup lens system 124 , that is, immediately before the image pickup device 127 in consideration of the arrangement of the operating mechanism.

As the plurality of filters, there are provided an infrared cut filter 125a, a near-infrared light transmission filter 125b, and a near-infrared polarizing filter 125c, which have different optical characteristics. Here, the case of three filters is shown, but the number of filters is not limited to these three, and other filters may be added as necessary, for example, five or six. do not have. Further, when the light unit 11 is provided with a light source for ultraviolet light, as described above, the near-infrared light transmission filter 125b and the near-infrared polarizing filter 125c are replaced by the ultraviolet light transmission filter 125b and the ultraviolet light-compatible polarizing filter 125c. may be the polarizing filter 125c.

Each of the plurality of filters 125a, 125b, and 125c includes a filter portion 125Af that covers the center (that is, the optical axis) of the filter mounting plate 125d, and a shaft portion 125As for mounting the filter portion 125Af on the outer peripheral portion 125Bo of the filter mounting plate 125d. The proximal end of the shaft portion 125As is pivotally supported by the outer peripheral portion 125Bo of the filter mounting plate 125d with a pin 125Bp. As a result, each of the plurality of filters 125a, 125b, 125c can rotate and move independently around the pin 125Bp between a state of being positioned on the optical axis and a state of being retracted from the optical axis. becomes possible.

Each of the plurality of filters 125a, 125b, 125c rotates independently as required. For rotational movement, a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor, gear mechanism, cam mechanism and/or electromagnetic mechanism may be employed to rotate the filter in conjunction with the shutter. The operations of the plurality of filters 125a, 125b, and 125c may be sliding operations (sliding door operations) and opening/closing operations (swing door operations) in addition to rotating operations. In order to save space in the depth direction and to secure structural simplicity, a rotating operation is preferable. Rotating operations of the plurality of filters 125a, 125b, and 125c can also be performed by setting continuous shooting.

An example of operating a filter corresponding to each light source provided in the light unit 11 is shown. FIG. 9 shows a case in which colposcopy imaging is performed using white light with non-polarized “white light non-polarized light”. In this case, the infrared cut filter 125a is rotated in the direction of arrow E to be positioned on the optical axis. At this time, the near-infrared light transmission filter 125b and the polarizing filter 125c are retracted from the optical axis.

In colposcopy imaging, when imaging is performed using polarized "white light polarized light" using white light, the infrared cut filter 125a is rotated in the direction of arrow E, and the polarizing filter 125c is also aligned with the optical axis. Rotate them upward and position them so that they overlap on the optical axis. At this time, the near-infrared light transmission filter 125b is retracted from the optical axis.

Furthermore, in colposcopy imaging, when imaging is performed using polarized "near-infrared light polarized light" using near-infrared light, the polarizing filter 125c and the near-infrared light transmission filter 125b are rotated to are placed on the optical axis. At this time, the infrared cut filter 125a is retracted from the optical axis.

The infrared cut filter 125a is positioned on the optical axis when photographing with white light (visible light) regardless of whether the light source of the light unit 11 is polarized or not. This is to cut the red coloration (infrared portion) that tends to occur in digital images. On the other hand, in photographing with near-infrared light (including light of wavelengths other than visible light such as ultraviolet light), the infrared cut filter 125a is also configured to be rotatable in order to retract from the optical axis.

(Effect of Embodiment)
The colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C are capable of colposcopy imaging with white light, which is the first visible light, and also with green light or blue light, which is the second visible light, when diagnosing an affected area. . Since the green color is a wavelength at which blood vessels in the diseased part to be observed can be seen with good contrast, and the green filter has a high transmittance, it is possible to effectively observe an object such as the uterine cervix.

The colposcopy cameras 10, 10B, and 10C perform colposcopy imaging with white light, which is the first visible light, and green or blue light, which is the second visible light. Colposcopy with ultraviolet light is possible. Imaging with near-infrared light is suitable for imaging the deepest part (dermis) of the affected area, and the shorter the wavelength, the less light tends to reach the deeper part. In addition, melanin in pigmented lesions and hemoglobin in hemangioma can be pigments that cause changes in the color tone of the affected area. Oxyhemoglobin is suitable for visible light irradiation, while dopa melanin absorbs light at longer wavelengths. Ultraviolet light, which has a shorter wavelength than visible light, is more effective because it is less efficient.

The colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C can be easily operated to convert the light source of the light unit 11 into "white light (first visible light) non-polarized light" and "white light (first visible light) polarized light". , “green light (second visible light) unpolarized light”, “green light (second visible light) polarized light” and/or “near-infrared light (invisible light) polarized light”.

When the attachment is exchanged and the image is divided into two shots as in the past, the angle of view inevitably shifts. Since it is possible to shoot purely polarized and non-polarized light at the same angle of view and at the same magnification without being affected by subtle differences between cameras, it is possible to shorten the diagnosis time and obtain images that are easy to compare. be able to.

In the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C, in the filter unit 125, a plurality of filters, that is, the infrared cut filter 125a, the near-infrared light transmission filter 125b, and the polarizing filter 125c, are rotated independently on the optical axis. , or retracted from the optical axis, during colposcopy imaging or other imaging, by selectively and arbitrarily combining the required filters, the subject can be photographed in these different set photographing conditions. can do. In addition, since the position on the optical axis and the retraction from the optical axis are performed by a rotating operation, it is possible to equalize the operation distance and operation time between each filter and the optical axis. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a diagnostic support apparatus with good mounting efficiency without increasing the size of the lens unit 121, especially the thickness in the depth direction.

(Regarding modification of the embodiment)
This embodiment is not limited to the aspects described above, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the above-described embodiments, the light unit 11 may be attached to the camera body 12 so as to be rotatable, or may be attached so as to be opened and closed. In short, the light unit 11 should be arranged so as to cover the front of the imaging lens system 124 of the lens unit 121 when photographing. In consideration of the uses of the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C, the imaging lens system 124 may be configured as a fixed focus lens instead of the zoom lens.

Further, in the above embodiments, various light sources are described as being LEDs, but other light sources may be employed. For example, high-brightness lights such as halogen lamps, semiconductor light-emitting elements, and light-emitting elements such as organic electroluminescence can be used.

In addition, although the light source for the “non-polarized green light” or the “polarized green light” has been described as being composed of the white light (first visible light) LED 118d and the green filter 114d, the LED 118d itself is a green light source. (Second visible light) LED 118dd (when blue light is used as the second visible light instead of green light, blue light LED 118dd) may be employed. Alternatively, light sources emitting light of different colors may be provided so that the light sources of different colors can emit light independently. Thus, different images can be obtained by irradiating light of different colors to obtain captured images, and by comparing different images or superimposing the images, examination and diagnosis of the affected area can be performed. can be made easy.

Further, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that it is possible to perform continuous shooting with one shutter operation. Continuous shooting may be performed after determination.

Further, the diagnosis support apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to a diagnosis support apparatus for colposcopy imaging like the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C described in the above embodiments. In addition to the Savicoscopy camera described at the beginning, the present invention can also be applied to a close-up camera, which is a diagnostic support device that photographs an object by contacting it, in general.

Further, in the colposcopy cameras 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C, the display unit 132 on the back surface of the controller 13 may be provided with a touch panel screen (not shown). However, the display unit 132 (including one that also serves as an operation reception unit) such as a touch panel screen (not shown) may be provided in an operation unit that is physically separated from the controller 13 . The controller 13 and the display unit 132 are bidirectionally communicable using existing communication technology, and the photographer can perform various settings of the camera body 12, shutter operation, etc. by operating the display unit 132. can.

The invention described in the scope of claims originally attached to the application form of this application is additionally described below. The claim numbers of the claims described in the supplementary notes are as in the claims originally attached to the request of this application.
[Claim 1]
A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that performs spot irradiation on the affected area using the first visible light and the second visible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, and first visible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
A diagnostic support apparatus, wherein the light source for the first visible polarized light is composed of a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively.
[Claim 2]
The first light source for visible non-polarized light, the second light source for visible non-polarized light, and the first light source for visible polarized light are arranged to surround the outer circumference of the lens of the lens unit. The light sources of the two are arranged in a pair of two at positions facing each other across the lens, and the light sources of the latter are arranged in a pair of four at positions facing each other across the lens. The diagnosis support device according to claim 1.
[Claim 3]
The light unit can emit invisible polarized light by further having a light source that performs spot irradiation using invisible light on the affected area, and the light source of the invisible polarized light is an invisible light emitting source and a polarizing filter. 2. The diagnostic support device according to claim 1, wherein:
[Claim 4]
The first light source for visible non-polarized light, the second light source for visible non-polarized light, the first light source for visible polarized light, and the light source for invisible polarized light are arranged around the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. 4. The diagnostic support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first two light sources are arranged so as to surround each other, and the latter two light sources are arranged as two adjacent light sources, respectively. .
[Claim 5]
The first light source for visible non-polarized light, the second light source for visible non-polarized light, the first light source for visible polarized light, and the light source for invisible polarized light are arranged around the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. The former two light sources are arranged to face each other with the lens interposed therebetween, and the latter two light sources are arranged to face each other with the lens interposed therebetween in two pairs of four. , are arranged respectively.
[Claim 6]
Diagnosis according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first visible light is white light and said second visible light is at least one of green light and blue light. support equipment.
[Claim 7]
6. The diagnostic support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said invisible light is at least one of near-infrared light and ultraviolet light.
[Claim 8]
8. The diagnostic support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second visible light emitting source is composed of a white light emitting source and a second visible light filter.
[Claim 9]
The light unit adds a polarizing filter to the second visible light emitting source, or adds a polarizing filter to the white light emitting source and the second visible light filter, and converts the second visible light unpolarized light source into the 8. The diagnosis support device according to claim 1, wherein said second visible polarized light can be emitted by using a light source for two visible polarized lights.
[Claim 10]
The first light source for unpolarized visible light, the light source for second polarized visible light, and the light source for first polarized visible light are arranged to surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit, and the former light source are arranged in a pair of two at positions facing each other with the lens interposed therebetween, and each light source of the latter two is arranged in a two-to-four arrangement at positions opposite to each other with the lens interposed therebetween. The diagnosis support device according to claim 9.
[Claim 11]
The first visible unpolarized light source, the second visible polarized light source, the first visible polarized light source, and the invisible polarized light source surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. 10. The diagnostic support apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the former light source is one and the latter three light sources are two adjacent light sources, respectively.
[Claim 12]
The first visible unpolarized light source, the second visible polarized light source, the first visible polarized light source, and the invisible polarized light source surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. The former light sources are arranged in a pair of two at positions facing each other with the lens interposed therebetween, and each of the latter three light sources are arranged in a pair of four at positions opposite to each other with the lens interposed therebetween. 10. The diagnostic support device according to claim 9, wherein
[Claim 13]
13. The diagnosis support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an imaging unit for imaging the affected area, thereby forming a colposcopy camera or a savicoscopy camera.
[Claim 14]
14. The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a filter unit including a plurality of filters movable between a state of being positioned on the optical axis and a state of being retracted from the optical axis. The diagnostic support device according to the item.

10... Colposcopy camera (first embodiment, diagnostic support device)
11... light unit,
111 Protective glass 112 Cover body 113 Protective glass 114 Various filters (114a Filterless, 114b Polarizing filter, 114c Polarizing filter, 114d Green <second visible light> filter, 114e Polarizing filter)
115... Collecting lens 116... LED tube 117... LED substrate 118... Various LEDs (118a... white light <first visible light> LED, 118b... white light LED, 118c... near infrared light <invisible light> LED, 118d... white light LED, 118dd... green light <second visible light> LED)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 119... Cushion 12... Camera main body 121... Lens unit 122... Light unit mounting part 123... Frame body 124... Imaging lens system 125... Filter unit 126... Housing 127... Imaging element 13... Controller 131... Main body part 132... Display part 10A... Colposcopy camera (Second embodiment. Diagnosis support device)
10B... Colposcopy camera (third embodiment; diagnostic support device)
10C... Colposcopy camera (Fourth embodiment. Diagnosis support device)

Claims (13)

A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that performs spot irradiation on the affected area using the first visible light and the second visible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, and first visible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
The light source of the first visible polarized light is composed of a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively,
The first light source for visible non-polarized light, the second light source for visible non-polarized light, and the first light source for visible polarized light are arranged to surround the outer circumference of the lens of the lens unit. The light sources of the two are arranged in a pair of two at positions facing each other across the lens, and the light sources of the latter are arranged in a pair of four at positions facing each other across the lens.
A diagnostic support device characterized by: The light unit can emit invisible polarized light by further having a light source that performs spot irradiation using invisible light on the affected area, and the light source of the invisible polarized light is an invisible light emitting source and a polarizing filter. 2. The diagnostic support device according to claim 1, wherein: A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that performs spot irradiation on the affected area using the first visible light and the second visible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, and first visible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
The light source of the first visible polarized light is composed of a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively,
The light unit can emit invisible polarized light by further having a light source that performs spot irradiation using invisible light on the affected area, and the light source of the invisible polarized light is an invisible light emitting source and a polarizing filter. configured,
The first light source for visible non-polarized light, the second light source for visible non-polarized light, the first light source for visible polarized light, and the light source for invisible polarized light are arranged around the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. arranged to surround, each light source of the former two is one, and each light source of the latter two is adjacent two, respectively;
A diagnostic support device characterized by: A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that performs spot irradiation on the affected area using the first visible light and the second visible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, and first visible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
The light source of the first visible polarized light is composed of a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively,
The light unit can emit invisible polarized light by further having a light source that performs spot irradiation using invisible light on the affected area, and the light source of the invisible polarized light is an invisible light emitting source and a polarizing filter. configured,
The first light source for visible non-polarized light, the second light source for visible non-polarized light, the first light source for visible polarized light, and the light source for invisible polarized light are arranged around the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. The former two light sources are arranged to face each other with the lens interposed therebetween, and the latter two light sources are arranged to face each other with the lens interposed therebetween in two pairs of four. , which are respectively located in
A diagnostic support device characterized by: Diagnosis according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first visible light is white light and said second visible light is at least one of green light and blue light. support equipment. 5. The diagnostic support apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said invisible light is at least one of near-infrared light and ultraviolet light. 7. The diagnostic support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second visible light emitting source is composed of a white light emitting source and a second visible light filter. The light unit adds a polarizing filter to the second visible light emitting source, or adds a polarizing filter to the white light emitting source and the second visible light filter, and converts the second visible light unpolarized light source into the 8. The diagnosis support device according to claim 1, wherein said second visible polarized light can be emitted by using a light source for two visible polarized lights. A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that performs spot irradiation on the affected area using the first visible light and the second visible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, and first visible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
The light source of the first visible polarized light is composed of a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively,
The light unit adds a polarizing filter to the second visible light emitting source, or adds a polarizing filter to the white light emitting source and the second visible light filter, and converts the second visible light unpolarized light source into the 2 By using a light source of visible polarized light, the second visible polarized light can be emitted,
The first light source for unpolarized visible light, the light source for second polarized visible light, and the light source for first polarized visible light are arranged to surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit, and the former light source are arranged in a pair of two at positions facing each other across the lens, and each of the latter two light sources are arranged in a pair of four at positions facing each other across the lens.
A diagnostic support device characterized by: A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that irradiates the affected area with a spot using the first visible light, the second visible light, and the invisible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, first visible polarized light, and invisible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
The light source of the first visible polarized light is a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter,
The light source of the invisible polarized light is composed of an invisible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively,
The light unit adds a polarizing filter to the second visible light emitting source, or adds a polarizing filter to the white light emitting source and the second visible light filter, and converts the second visible light unpolarized light source into the 2 By using a light source of visible polarized light, the second visible polarized light can be emitted,
The first light source for visible unpolarized light, the second light source for visible polarized light, the first light source for visible polarized light, and the light source for invisible polarized light surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. The former light source is one, and each of the latter three light sources are adjacent to each other.
A diagnostic support device characterized by: A diagnostic support device for assisting diagnosis of gynecological diseases,
a light unit that irradiates the affected area with a spot using the first visible light, the second visible light, and the invisible light;
and a lens unit that visualizes reflected light from the affected area,
The light unit is capable of emitting first visible unpolarized light, second visible unpolarized light, first visible polarized light, and invisible polarized light,
The light source of the first visible light unpolarized light is a first visible light emitting source,
The light source of the second visible light unpolarized light is a second visible light emission source,
The light source of the first visible polarized light is a first visible light emitting source and a polarizing filter,
The light source of the invisible polarized light is composed of an invisible light emitting source and a polarizing filter, respectively,
The light unit adds a polarizing filter to the second visible light emitting source, or adds a polarizing filter to the white light emitting source and the second visible light filter, and converts the second visible light unpolarized light source into the 2 By using a light source of visible polarized light, the second visible polarized light can be emitted,
The first light source for visible unpolarized light, the second light source for visible polarized light, the first light source for visible polarized light, and the light source for invisible polarized light surround the outer periphery of the lens of the lens unit. The former light sources are arranged in a pair of two at positions facing each other across the lens, and each of the latter three light sources are arranged in a pair of four at positions opposite to each other across the lens. A diagnostic support device characterized by: 12. The diagnosis support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an imaging unit for imaging the affected area, thereby constituting a colposcopy camera or a savicoscopy camera. 13. The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a filter unit including a plurality of filters movable between a state of being positioned on the optical axis and a state of being retracted from the optical axis. The diagnostic support device according to the item.

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