Biological observation system

Abstract

It may be useful to acquire biological information regarding the state of internal tissues or organs of the test organism in combination with images corresponding to the organism's field of vision. [Solution] The biological observation system 1 is for acquiring biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside the body of a test organism 90 that has a field of vision. The biological observation system 1 comprises one or more observation probes 10, part of which are embedded inside the body of the test organism 90; a field of view camera 30 for capturing images corresponding to the field of vision of the test organism; and a storage device 100 for accumulating information obtained by the observation probes 10 and the imaging results of the field of view camera 30. The biological observation system 1 makes it possible to acquire both biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside the body of the test organism and images corresponding to the field of vision of the test organism.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] This invention relates to a biological observation system used when acquiring biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside the body of a test subject organism.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, devices and methods for observing the state of organisms have been proposed.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1 below, in order to perform long-term biological observation and behavior grasping of small animals in a waking state, the small animals are placed on a base fixed to a microscope platform or an anti-vibration stage, and synchronous drug administration stimulation and recording of electrophysiological signals are performed, so that the physiological state and behavioral changes of the small animals can be observed in detail.

[0004] In addition, Patent Document 2 below discloses the structure of a camera head that houses an imaging element and a light source inside, emits light from the tip, and images the light incident from the observation object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, when acquiring biological information of a test subject organism, it may be useful in the interpretation and analysis of observation results to grasp information regarding what actions the organism is performing. For example, in the case of an organism with vision, if information regarding what is in the field of vision of the organism can be acquired together with the biological information to be acquired, more effective consideration according to the purpose of the observation becomes possible.

[0007] This invention was made to solve such problems and aims to provide a biological observation system that can acquire biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside the organism being studied, along with images corresponding to the organism's field of vision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first biological observation system of this invention is a biological observation system for acquiring biological information relating to the state of tissues or organs inside the body of a test organism having a field of vision, and comprises one or more observation probes that are partially embedded inside the body of the test organism, a field of view camera for capturing images corresponding to the field of vision of the test organism, and a storage device for accumulating information obtained by the observation probes and the imaging results of the field of view camera.

[0009] This configuration allows for the acquisition of biological information regarding the state of internal tissues or organs of the test organism, along with images corresponding to the organism's field of vision, thereby improving the accuracy of interpretation of observation results and the usefulness of the data.

[0010] Furthermore, the biological observation system of this second invention, in contrast to the first invention, is a biological observation system in which the observation probe has a detection unit that detects light emitted from tissues or organs inside a living organism via an optical element provided at its tip.

[0011] This configuration makes it possible to acquire biological information corresponding to light emitted from tissues or organs inside a living organism.

[0012] Furthermore, the biological observation system of this third invention is a biological observation system in which, compared to the second invention, the observation probe is configured to emit light from a light source through an optical element to tissues or organs inside a living organism.

[0013] This configuration makes it possible to reliably acquire biological information corresponding to light emitted from tissues or organs inside a living organism.

[0014] Furthermore, the biological observation system of this fourth invention, compared to the first invention, is a biological observation system in which at least one observation probe is attached to the head of the organism under test, and a mounting structure is provided to attach a field camera to a part of the housing of the observation probe attached to the head.

[0015] With this configuration, a simple biological observation system can integrate imaging results from a field-of-view camera with biological information.

[0016] Furthermore, the biological observation system of this fifth invention is a biological observation system that, compared to the fourth invention, has a mounting structure that includes a direction adjustment structure for changing the orientation of the field camera.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to easily obtain appropriate imaging results from a field-of-view camera.

[0018] Furthermore, the biological observation system of this sixth invention is a biological observation system in which, compared to the first invention, the field camera is a component separate from the observation probe and is attached to a mounting device that is attached to the head of the organism being tested.

[0019] This configuration ensures reliable acquisition of imaging results from a field-of-view camera that correspond to the field of view of the organism being tested.

[0020] Furthermore, the biological observation system of the seventh invention, compared to the sixth invention, has a mounting device comprising a camera holder that holds a field-of-view camera and a band connected to the camera holder, and is attached to the head such that the band wraps around the upper jaw so that the camera holder is fixed on the upper jaw of the organism under test.

[0021] This configuration allows the field camera to be reliably attached to the organism being tested.

[0022] In addition, in the biological observation system of the eighth invention, with respect to the seventh invention, the test subject organism is an organism classified as a rodent, and the attachment is attached to the head such that the band part passes through the dental space between the incisors and molars of the test subject organism. It is a biological observation system.

[0023] With such a configuration, the vision camera can be reliably attached to the test subject organism.

[0024] In addition, the biological observation system of the ninth invention is a biological observation system that includes a holding structure for holding an accumulation device on a test subject organism, with respect to the first invention.

[0025] With such a configuration, the biological observation system can be held on the test subject organism, and the degree of freedom in the observation method can be improved.

[0026] In addition, the biological observation system of the tenth invention is a biological observation system that, with respect to the first invention, has a storage unit in which information obtained by an observation probe and an imaging result of a vision camera are stored, a communication unit that communicates with an external device by wireless communication, and an information transmission unit that transmits the information stored in the storage unit to the external device by the communication unit.

[0027] With such a configuration, it is possible to easily obtain the information acquired by the biological observation system in an external device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the biological observation system of the present invention, it is possible to obtain both biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside the living body of the test subject organism and an image corresponding to the visual field of the test subject organism.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the biological observation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 2] A diagram for explaining an example of use of the biological observation system [Figure 3] Block diagram of the biological observation system. [Figure 4] Figure showing the observation probe. [Figure 5] A perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the field camera in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the same-field camera. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates an example of the use of the biological observation system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of how to mount a field camera using the mounting hardware of the biological observation system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The embodiments of the biological observation system and the like will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components denoted by the same reference numerals in the embodiments are generally configured in the same way, and therefore, further explanation may be omitted.

[0031] In the following explanation, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular observation probe may be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction along the arc centered on the central axis of the observation probe along its longitudinal direction may be referred to as the circumferential direction. Also, in the following, the direction toward the tip in the longitudinal direction may be referred to as "front," and the opposite direction as "rear." For example, while a certain direction may be indicated to describe the shape and positional relationship of each part, the indication of direction is merely for the convenience of explanation and does not limit the orientation or posture when using each device of the present invention. Furthermore, expressions indicating direction, or states such as horizontal, vertical, orthogonal, only indicate that they can be understood in a general sense, and should not necessarily be interpreted strictly as such.

[0032] The biological observation system is used to acquire information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as biological information) regarding the state of tissues or organs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as target parts) inside the body of a test organism that has a visual field.

[0033] The term "test organism" refers to animals such as mammals and other vertebrates, and can also be called "test animal." However, the term "test organism" is not limited to these; it can also include invertebrates such as insects and other bugs.

[0034] Biological information includes, for example, images showing the state of the target area detected by an observation probe, as well as other information and numerical values. It also includes information about the state of the target area obtained based on this information (e.g., judgment results).

[0035] Here, an image can be a still image or a moving image (video). A moving image can be considered to contain multiple still images. Furthermore, the format of the data recorded or output as an image is irrelevant.

[0036] Furthermore, the expression "outputting information" or "outputting information to a device" includes expressions such as displaying it on a screen, printing it on a medium using a printer, transmitting information to another device via a network, and passing it on to subsequent processing in information processing performed by a computer, etc.

[0037] (Embodiment 1)

[0038] The outline of Embodiment 1 is as follows. In this embodiment, the system is configured to store information obtained by the observation probe and the imaging results from the field-of-view camera, which captures images corresponding to the field of view of the organism under test.

[0039] The observation probe may have, for example, a detection unit that detects light emitted from tissues or organs inside a living organism via an optical element provided at its tip, and may also be configured to emit light from a light source to the tissues or organs inside the living organism via the optical element.

[0040] The observation probe is attached to the head, and a field camera can be attached to a part of its housing using a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism may have a direction adjustment structure to change the orientation of the field camera. The data storage device may be designed to be carried on the back of the test organism or otherwise held by it. The data storage device is configured to communicate with an external device via wireless communication, and the information stored in the storage unit may be transmitted to the external device.

[0041] The following describes an example of a biological observation system configured in this way.

[0042] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a biological observation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0043] In this embodiment, the biological observation system 1 comprises an observation probe 10, a field-of-view camera 30, and a data storage device 100. Details of each component will be described later, but the general outline is as follows.

[0044] In this embodiment, the observation probe 10 is configured to emit light and capture images of the area to be observed. The observation probe 10 may also be called a camera head. The field of view camera 30 is configured to capture images within a predetermined field of view. The number of observation probes 10 may be, for example, one, two, or three, but may be more. The number of field of view cameras 30 may be, for example, one, but may be two or more.

[0045] The data storage device 100 is connected to each observation probe 10 and each field of view camera 30 so as to be able to receive the signals output from each. In this embodiment, the data storage device 100 is also configured to supply power to each of the observation probes 10 and each of the field of view cameras 30. That is, the data storage device 100 and each observation probe 10 are connected, for example, by a cable capable of transmitting power and signals. Similarly, the data storage device 100 and the field of view camera 30 are connected, for example, by a cable capable of transmitting power and signals. The observation probes 10 and field of view cameras 30 and the data storage device 100 may be connected to each other via separate interfaces, for example, but they may also be connected by other methods such as daisy-chaining. The cables are configured to be flexible, but are not limited to this.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates an example of how the biological observation system 1 can be used.

[0047] Figure 2 shows an example of how the biological observation system 1 can be used to acquire images of the tissue state of a test organism 90. Here, the test organism 90 is, for example, a rodent, specifically a mouse. In this example, the biological observation system 1 is used to observe the activity of a specific area of ​​the mouse's brain. For example, the tip of the observation probe 10 is inserted near the area of ​​the brain to be observed, and light for observation is emitted to the area of ​​observation, or the area of ​​observation is photographed to obtain imaging results.

[0048] For this purpose, a small observation probe 10 is used in this embodiment. For example, the observation probe 10 is made to be thin, with a diameter of about 1 to 2 millimeters, lightweight, and the part that is inserted into the living body is made to use a thin optical element (for example, a GRIN lens (refractive index distributed lens)). By using such a small observation probe 10, observation can be performed on the test organism 90 in a minimally invasive manner.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage device 100 is small and relatively lightweight. For example, the storage device 100 is formed in the shape of a small, thin box. The storage device 100 can also be held by the test organism 90 by a holding structure 60 attached to the storage device 100. The holding structure 60 is, for example, a belt that can be attached by wrapping around the torso of the test organism 90. By attaching the storage device 100 to the torso of the test organism 90 with the holding structure 60, the storage device 100 can be positioned on the back and held by the test organism 90 as if it were being carried on its back.

[0050] Furthermore, the storage device 100 may be configured as two or more units in its hardware configuration so that it can be distributed and positioned on both sides of the torso of the test organism 90. This allows the load applied to the test organism 90 when it is held to be distributed. In this case, the distributed units may be connected via flexible signal lines such as flexible cables, and the device as a whole may be configured to operate consistently as a single storage device 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the holding structure 60 may be a belt-shaped structure that has pockets capable of accommodating the storage device 100 and each of its constituent units, and engaged parts into which an engaging part provided on the storage device 100 can engage. For example, such a holding structure 60 may be a structure in which a saddle-shaped bag is attached to the belt. Alternatively, a holding suit worn by the test organism 90 may be used as the holding structure 60. In this case, for example, the storage device 100 may be held by the holding structure by having a pocket for accommodating the storage device 100 provided on a part of the holding suit. Alternatively, the storage device 100 may be held by the holding structure 60 by having an engaged part into which an engaging part provided on the storage device 100 can engage.

[0052] By using this biological observation system 1, observations can be performed and images captured by the observation probes 10 can be obtained while the tips of the three observation probes 10 are embedded in the organism, and the accumulation device 100, which is connected to the observation probes 10 via cables, is held by the test organism 90. Continuous observation can be performed in a minimally invasive manner to the test organism 90 without significantly interfering with its normal activities. Therefore, it becomes possible to conduct experiments under conditions and observation methods that were difficult with conventional large camera heads.

[0053] In this embodiment, the field of view camera 30 is attached to the head of the test organism 90. Specifically, for example, it is attached to one observation probe 10 via a mounting structure 50 so that it can capture a field of view corresponding to the field of view of the test organism 90. The field of view camera 30 can transmit the captured results to the storage device 100. With the field of view camera 30 provided in this way, it is possible to acquire both the biological information of the test organism 90 acquired using the observation probe 10 and the image corresponding to the field of view of the test organism 90 acquired using the field of view camera 30.

[0054] In this embodiment, the biological observation system 1 can be used together with the external device 80. The system consisting of the biological observation system 1 and the external device 80 is referred to here as the overall system 1000. The overall system 1000 may further include a terminal device 600 used by users who perform observations or experiments using the biological observation system 1.

[0055] Information obtained from each observation probe 10 and field camera 30 is stored in the storage device 100. The information stored in the storage device 100 is transmitted from the storage device 100 to the external device 80 or retrieved by other means, making it available for acquisition by the external device 80. In other words, the biological observation system 1 is configured to record the information obtained from each observation probe 10 and field camera 30 as images or output it to a device located inside or outside the system. As a result, the user can access the external device 80, for example using a terminal device 600, or use the external device 80 to utilize the information obtained from each observation probe 10 and field camera 30, and the information based on that information.

[0056] The external device 80 is, for example, a so-called server device, but it may also be a general personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. If the storage device 100 is configured to enable wireless communication, it is desirable that the external device 80 be configured to send and receive information by wireless communication with the storage device 100. The storage device 100 may, for example, have a removable media configured to be detachable as an information storage unit, and may allow the external device 80, etc. to acquire information via the removable media. The means of communication between the external device 80 and the terminal device 600 is not limited. It may also be considered that the terminal device 600 is used instead of the external device 80.

[0057] Next, the specific configuration of the biological observation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0058] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the biological observation system 1.

[0059] The storage device 100 is a device equipped with, for example, a computer, and is configured to drive the observation probe 10 and the field camera 30 to acquire biological information such as imaging results and to capture images. In this embodiment, the storage device 100 is configured to record imaging results and output imaging results to an external device 80, etc., and display them on a display of the external device 80 or terminal device 600, etc.

[0060] In this embodiment, the storage device 100 includes, for example, a storage unit 110, a receiving unit 130, a processing unit 140, a probe drive unit 150, a communication unit 160, and a power supply 170.

[0061] The power supply 170 drives each part of the storage device 100 by supplying power to it. The power supply 170 is the power source for the power supplied to the field camera 30 and the observation probe 10. The power supply 170 is, for example, a battery, but is not limited to that. The field camera 30 and the observation probe 10 may also have their own batteries or be configured to receive power from other power sources.

[0062] The storage unit 110 is preferably made of a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be made of a volatile recording medium. The storage unit 110 stores the information acquired by the storage device 100. The process by which the information is stored is not limited to a specific process. For example, the information may be stored via a recording medium, transmitted via a communication line, or input via an input device. The information stored in the storage unit 110 may be temporary.

[0063] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the storage unit 110 stores information obtained by the observation probe 10 and imaging results from the field of view camera 30.

[0064] The storage unit 110 may also use a removable recording medium. In this case, the recording medium can be removed from the storage device 100, and the information stored in the storage unit 110 can be read by an external device 80 or the like.

[0065] The reception unit 130 receives imaging results from the observation probe 10 and information received by the communication unit 160 as information input to the storage device 100. The received information is temporarily or permanently stored in the storage unit 110 or used in processing by other units.

[0066] The reception unit 130 may also be capable of receiving information entered via an input means. The input means can be anything, such as a numeric keypad, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen. In this case, the reception unit 130 can be implemented by a device driver for the input means such as a numeric keypad or keyboard, or by control software for the menu screen.

[0067] The processing unit 140 includes a storage processing unit 141 and an information transmission unit 145. The processing unit 140 acquires images captured by the observation probe 10 and the field of view camera 30, and transmits them to an external device 80.

[0068] In this embodiment, the storage processing unit 141 acquires the imaging results obtained by the detection unit 14 of the observation probe 10 and transmitted to the storage device 100 via a cable as images. The storage processing unit 141 stores the acquired images in the storage unit 110. The storage processing unit 141 also acquires images captured by the field of view camera 30 and stores them in the storage unit 110.

[0069] The information transmission unit 145 controls the transmission of information such as the imaging results of the observation probe 10 and the imaging results of the field camera 30, which are stored in the storage unit 110, to an external device 80 or the like via the communication unit 160. The transmission timing is not specified. When the biological observation system 1 and the external device 80 are constantly connected for communication, the information may be transmitted at a predetermined transmission timing, or the imaging results acquired and stored in the storage device 100 may be transmitted to the external device 80 immediately. In addition, when the connection between the biological observation system 1 and the external device 80 is established, the information that has been stored in the storage unit 110 up to that point may be transmitted to the external device 80 all at once.

[0070] The probe drive unit 150 is configured to supply power to the detection unit 14 and light source 15 of the observation probe 10, to drive each part, and to control the operation of each part. The probe drive unit 150 is also configured to supply power to the field camera 30 to drive it, and to control the operation of the field camera 30.

[0071] The processing unit 140 and the probe drive unit 150 are configured to operate by, for example, a computer executing a predetermined control program, but are not limited to this.

[0072] The communication unit 160 connects the storage device 100 to an external device so that it can communicate with it. The communication unit 160 is implemented by, for example, wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by means for receiving broadcasts or broadcasting means. In this embodiment, the communication unit 160 is configured to communicate wirelessly with, for example, an external device 80, and to transmit images, which are the imaging results of the observation probe 1 and the field of view camera 30, to the external device 80. That is, the storage device 100 is configured to output a combination of biological information obtained using the observation probe 10 and images captured using the field of view camera 30.

[0073] The processing unit 140 may be configured to perform predetermined information processing on the information stored by the storage processing unit 141 to acquire information and store the acquired information in the storage unit 110. For example, it can acquire biological information based on information obtained by the observation probe 10, or acquire information based on imaging results from the field camera 30. In this case, the information transmission unit 145 may be configured to output the biological information obtained as a result of the information processing performed by such a processing unit 140 to the external device 80. For example, by automatically performing information processing in accordance with the purpose of observation, and thereby accumulating the obtained biological information or transmitting it to the external device 80, the user can perform observations efficiently.

[0074] In this embodiment, the storage device 100 is configured to store the information obtained by the observation probe 10 and the information obtained by the field of view camera 30 in a time-synchronized manner. Storing in a time-synchronized manner can also be described as storing the information in such a way that the temporal correspondence between the two sets of information can be identified.

[0075] For example, in this embodiment, the storage processing unit 141 acquires time synchronization information that can specify the time or timing, and stores the information obtained by the observation probe 10 and the imaging results of the field camera 30 in a manner that can be temporally synchronized using the time synchronization information. The time synchronization information is, for example, information specified based on a timer provided in the processing unit 140, but is not limited to this, and may be information included in at least one of the information obtained by the observation probe 10 and the imaging results of the field camera 30.

[0076] The storage processing unit 141 identifies the time synchronization information at the time when information was acquired from the observation probe 10 as the timing at which that information was obtained, associates it with the information, and stores it in the storage unit 110. Similarly, the storage processing unit 141 identifies the time synchronization information at the time when imaging results were acquired from the field-of-view camera 30 as the timing at which that information was obtained, associates it with the information, and stores it in the storage unit 110. This allows the storage unit 110 to identify information at a specific timing from among both sets of stored information.

[0077] Furthermore, information in which the acquisition times (an example of time synchronization information) of the field camera 30 and the observation probe 10 have been specified in advance may be stored in the storage device 100. Even in this case, the storage processing unit 141 can be said to store the information obtained by the observation probe 10 and the imaging results of the field camera 30 in a manner that allows them to be temporally synchronized using the time synchronization information.

[0078] The field of view camera 30 is a camera for capturing images corresponding to the field of view of the organism being tested. Any known configuration can be used as the field of view camera 30. For example, the field of view camera 30 can capture images within its field of view using power supplied from the storage device 100 and transmit them to the storage device 100 via a cable.

[0079] In this embodiment, the observation probe 10 has an internal structure that is generally similar to that of the camera head described in, for example, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 7488619). That is, the observation probe 10 has a detection unit 14 which is a camera module and a light source 15.

[0080] Figure 4 shows the observation probe 10.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the observation probe 10 has an overall elongated shape. In the figure, the left is the front and the right is the back.

[0082] The observation probe 10 comprises, for example, a housing 11, an optical element 13, a detection unit 14, a light source 15, and a light guide unit 60.

[0083] The housing 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape. It can also be said that the housing 11 is formed in a tubular shape. The material of the housing 11 is not specified. It can be any material such as metal, ceramic, or resin. All parts of the observation probe 10, except for the optical element 13, are housed inside the housing 11. It can also be said that these parts are located inside the housing 11.

[0084] The optical element 13 is positioned on the tip end 12 side of the observation probe 10. In this embodiment, the optical element 13 is, for example, a refractive index distribution lens and has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. The optical element 13 is attached to the front end of the housing 11 that houses the other parts of the observation probe 10, and is configured to emit light emitted from the front end or near the housing 11 from the tip end 12, or to cause light incident from the tip end 12 to be incident from the front end of the housing 11.

[0085] The type and shape of the optical element 13 are not limited to those described above. An optical module composed of prisms, reflectors, or other types of lenses may be used as the optical element 13.

[0086] The detection unit 14 is a module in which an image sensor and an optical system such as a lens are packaged together. For example, a known structure can be used for the detection unit 14. The detection unit 14 has a structure in which a light receiving unit, an optical system including a lens, and an image sensor are arranged in a row at the tip side in the longitudinal direction of the observation probe 10. Although not shown in the figure, wiring connected to the image sensor is connected to the rear end of the detection unit, i.e., the rear end of the image sensor, and is bundled into a cable and connected to the storage device 100, etc.

[0087] The light source 15 is a light source that illuminates the imaging area of ​​the target site when imaging is performed using the observation probe 10. The light source 15 is, for example, an LED chip, but is not limited to this. The light source 15 may also use other types of light sources, such as a laser diode. For example, an electric wire (not shown) is connected to the light source 15 via a cable, and power is supplied from the storage device 100 or the like to light it up. In this embodiment, multiple light sources 15 configured to emit light of different wavelengths are provided, but is not limited to this. The light sources 15 are positioned in the longitudinal direction at a distance from the tip 12 than the detection unit 14, thereby allowing the observation probe 10 to be made thinner.

[0088] The light guide unit 60 is positioned radially outward from the outer surface of the detection unit 14. The light guide unit 60 guides the light emitted from each of the light sources 15 to the vicinity of the rear end of the optical element 13 so that it illuminates the imaging area.

[0089] In this embodiment, the light guide unit 60 has an optical fiber. Alternatively, an optical waveguide made of a different element, such as resin or glass, may be used. In this embodiment, the light guide unit 60 has an optical fiber corresponding to each light source 15. For each light source 15, two or more elements, such as optical fibers, may be provided to guide the light so that it is emitted from different positions in the radial or circumferential direction.

[0090] The observation probe 10 can be used with a portion of it embedded inside the living body of the test organism 90. For example, the observation probe 10 can be used with an optical element 13 located at its tip 12 embedded inside the living body. The observation probe 10 is configured to emit light from a light source 15 to a target area inside the living body via the optical element 13. Furthermore, the light emitted from the target area (which may be reflected light) can be detected by the detection unit 14 via the optical element 13.

[0091] Next, we will describe how to attach the field camera 30 to the observation probe 10 using the mounting structure 50.

[0092] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the field-of-view camera 30 in this embodiment. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the same field-of-view camera 30.

[0093] In this embodiment, the field of view camera 30 is fixed to the housing 11 of one field of view camera 10 using a mounting structure 50. Since the field of view camera 30 is fixed to the mounting structure 50 which is fixed to the head of the test organism 90, the posture of the field of view camera 30 changes according to the posture of the head of the test organism 90. Therefore, imaging results corresponding to the field of view of the test organism 90 can be obtained.

[0094] Here, we assume that the field of view camera 30 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape and capable of imaging through a lens provided at its tip, but the form of the field of view camera 30 is not limited to this.

[0095] As shown in the figure, the mounting structure 50 has a probe mounting section 51 and a camera mounting section 52. A plate-shaped connecting member 53 is attached to the probe mounting section 51, and the camera mounting section 52 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 53 by a screw 56.

[0096] The probe mounting portion 51 can be positioned in such a way as shown in the figure that the vertical direction is the longitudinal direction of the observation probe 10, surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the housing 11 of the observation probe 10, and has a portion with a slit extending in the vertical direction. The housing 11 is positioned in this portion, and the housing 11 can be tightened by narrowing the width of the slit using a screw 57. In other words, the probe mounting portion 51 is a slit collar-shaped member that can be fixed to the observation probe 11 using a screw 57.

[0097] The camera mounting section 52 is configured to hold a cylindrical field-of-view camera 30 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the observation probe 11, which is fixed to the probe mounting section 51, for example. The camera mounting section 52 has a recess in which the field-of-view camera 30 can be placed, and the width of the recess is narrowed by a screw 56 that is positioned so that its axial direction is different from the longitudinal direction of the observation probe 10, thereby allowing the field-of-view camera 30 to be fixed in the recess.

[0098] Here, the camera mounting section 52 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 53 around a screw 56. By rotating the camera mounting section 52 relative to the connecting member 53, the orientation of the field-of-view camera 30 can be changed. In other words, the mounting structure 50 includes a direction adjustment structure 55 that changes the orientation of the field-of-view camera 30 relative to the observation probe 10. This allows the orientation of the field-of-view camera 30 to be adjusted so that it is in an appropriate orientation to obtain imaging results corresponding to the field of view, depending on the position and orientation in which the observation probe 10 is fixed to the organism 90 under test.

[0099] In this embodiment, the probe mounting portion 51 can be fixed to the observation probe 11 in any orientation in the circumferential direction of the observation probe 10. That is, the orientation of the field camera 30 can be changed in three directions: the circumferential direction with respect to the observation probe 10, the circumferential direction with respect to the mounting axis of the camera mounting portion 52 to the connecting member 53, and the circumferential direction of the field camera 30. Including this point, it may be considered that the mounting structure 50 is equipped with a directional adjustment structure 55 that can change the orientation of the field camera 30 in three directions.

[0100] Furthermore, the connecting member 53 may be rotatable relative to the probe mounting portion 51. Also, the rotation axis of the camera mounting portion 52 may be provided separately from the screw 56. Moreover, the camera mounting portion 52 is not limited to being configured to be rotatable around its axis; the orientation of the field-of-view camera 30 may be changed by configuring the camera mounting portion 52 to be fixed to the connecting member 53 in multiple positions.

[0101] The mounting structure 50 is made of metal, for example, but is not limited to that. It may be made of resin. The mounting structure 50 may be integrally molded, or it may be made by combining many more parts. The method of fixing the observation probe 10 and the field camera 30 is not limited to the clamping method described above. For example, the mounting structure 50 may be fixed to the observation probe 10 using screws and nuts, or the mounting structure 50 may be held in a state where it is clamped to the observation probe 10 by a spring or the like. Alternatively, the housing 11 of the observation probe 10 and the mounting structure 50 configured to hold the field camera 30 may have an engagement structure that allows them to engage with each other, thereby fixing the mounting structure 50 to the observation probe 10.

[0102] As described above, this embodiment allows for the acquisition of both biological information of the target area of ​​the test organism 90 and video footage corresponding to the test organism's field of vision. By using the biological observation system 1, it is possible to integrally acquire biological information and video footage corresponding to the field of vision of the test organism 90, enabling highly accurate observation. For example, this can improve the quality and efficiency of research in fields such as animal behavior, neuroscience, and pharmacology.

[0103] The field-of-view camera 30 can be easily attached to the observation probe 10 using the mounting structure 50. Therefore, preparation for observation can be easily carried out.

[0104] The mounting structure 50 allows the orientation of the field-of-view camera 30 to be adjusted, enabling the securing of an optimal field of view in accordance with the head movements and posture of the subject organism 90, thereby obtaining highly accurate observation results. Furthermore, since it is possible to record biological information and images corresponding to the field of view in a time-dependent manner, a biological observation system 1 can be provided that is useful for observing the behavior and changes in target parts of the subject organism 90 with high accuracy and efficiency.

[0105] In this embodiment, the data storage device 100 can manage and analyze data in cooperation with the external device 80, and observation results can be monitored in real time. This allows researchers to quickly obtain feedback and optimize the progress and settings of the experiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the miniaturization and weight reduction of the field-of-view camera 30 and observation probe 10 minimize the burden on the test organism 90, enabling long-term observation and experimentation, and facilitating detailed behavioral analysis and long-term tracking of biological responses, which were previously difficult. In addition, the modularization of the biological observation system 1 allows for easy replacement and adjustment of each component according to the purpose, thus accommodating a wide range of experimental needs.

[0107] (Embodiment 2)

[0108] The outline of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1 described above. In Embodiment 2, an observation probe 10 and a storage device 10 having the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 are used. In this embodiment, the method of mounting the field of view camera 30 differs from that of Embodiment 1.

[0109] In other words, in this embodiment, the field-of-view camera 30 is attached to a mounting device that is a separate component from the observation probe 10 and is attached to the head 91.

[0110] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the use of the biological observation system 201 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 8 shows an example of how the field of view camera 30 is mounted using the mounting fixture 250 of the biological observation system 201.

[0111] Figure 8 shows a lateral view of the tip of the upper jaw portion 92 of the head 91 of the test organism 90.

[0112] In this embodiment, the test organism 90 is an organism classified as a rodent. More specifically, it is a mouse used as an experimental animal, but it may also be a rat or the like. Furthermore, it is not limited to these, and may also be an organism such as a hamster, guinea pig, degu, or chinchilla. The upper jaw 92 has incisors 93 at the tip, with a gap 97 between them, and molars 95 at the back.

[0113] In this embodiment, the biological observation system 201 comprises an observation probe 10, a field-of-view camera 30, and a storage device 100 with a holding structure 60. In the biological observation system 201, the field-of-view camera 30 is attached to the head 91 of the test organism 90 by a mounting device 250 that is fixed to the head 91. The mounting device 250 is positioned away from the observation probe 10. In other words, the mounting device 250 is used.

[0114] The mounting device 250 includes a camera holder 252 that rests on the upper side of the upper jaw 92 of the test organism 90, and a band-shaped band 251 connected to the camera holder 252. The band 251 may be thread-like. A field camera 30 is positioned inside the camera holder 252. The camera holder 252 is positioned on the upper part of the nose of the test organism 90, with the field camera 30 positioned between the eyes. The mounting device 250 is then fixed to the head 90 with the band 251 wrapped around the upper jaw 92 so that the camera holder 252 is fixed in the aforementioned position on the upper jaw 92.

[0115] Here, as shown in the figure, the band portion 251 is positioned to wrap around the maxillary portion 92, passing through the gap 97 between the incisors 93 and the molars 95. This allows the field camera 30 to be fixed to the head 91 of the test organism 90 in a way that minimizes interference with the organism's activity and prevents it from falling off. The mounting device 250 can be attached by wrapping the band portion 251 around it.

[0116] Thus, in Embodiment 2 as well, the field-of-view camera 30 is fixed to the head 91, and imaging results corresponding to the field of view of the subject organism 90 can be accumulated together with biological information. Therefore, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 described above can be obtained.

[0117] In Embodiment 2, the mounting position of the mounting fixture 250 is not limited to the upper jaw. For example, it may be attached to the lower jaw of the head 91. It may also be attached to a position on the head 91 closer to the crown. Furthermore, instead of a band-shaped portion, the mounting fixture 250 may be attached to a part of the head 91 using an engaging portion or the like formed according to the shape of the head 91.

[0118] (others)

[0119] In the above embodiment, each component of the storage device may be configured with dedicated hardware, or, for components that can be implemented by software, they may be implemented by executing a program. For example, each component can be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing the storage unit or recording medium. Furthermore, the program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or by being executed by reading a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium (e.g., an optical disk, magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory). This program may also be used as a program that constitutes a program product.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exchange of information between each component may, for example, be performed by outputting information from one component and receiving information from the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically different, or by moving from the processing phase corresponding to one component to the processing phase corresponding to the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically the same.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information received, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, as well as information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used by each component in processing, may be temporarily or for a long period of time stored in a recording medium (not shown), even if not explicitly stated in the above description. The storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). The reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, which are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0123] Embodiments may be constructed by appropriately combining the components of the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, each component of the embodiments and modifications described above may be appropriately replaced or combined with components of other modifications, etc. Furthermore, some components or functions of the embodiments and modifications described above may be omitted.

[0124] The storage device may have a display of its own and be configured to display the captured images. The storage device may be, for example, a personal computer itself.

[0125] Observation probes are not limited to those configured to acquire images. For example, they may have sensors for acquiring signals that are biological information.

[0126] The light source does not necessarily have to be housed within the observation probe. For example, the light source may be provided in a storage device or the like, and the light guided to the observation probe via an optical fiber or the like may be emitted from the observation probe. Furthermore, the observation probe does not necessarily have to be configured to emit light to the target area.

[0127] Furthermore, the field-of-view camera may, for example, have a power supply and a wireless transmission unit, and be capable of transmitting captured information to a storage device via wireless communication or the like. Alternatively, the field-of-view camera may be configured to store images being observed internally, independently of the storage device. That is, by ensuring that the imaging results stored in the field-of-view camera are stored in the storage device at an appropriate time after observation is complete, the information obtained from the observation probe and the imaging results from the field-of-view camera can be stored together in the storage device. [Industrial applicability]

[0128] As described above, the biological observation system according to the present invention has the effect of being able to acquire biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside the body of the test organism and images corresponding to the field of vision of the test organism, and is useful as a biological observation system, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Biological observation system 10 Observation probes 11 cabinets 12 Tip 13 Optical elements 14 Detection unit 15 light source 30 Field of View Cameras 50 Mounting structure 55 direction adjustment structure 60 Retention structure 80 External equipment 90 Test organisms 91 Head 93 Incisors 95 molars 97 Tooth gap 100 Storage device 110 Storage Unit 140 Processing Unit 141 Storage Processing Unit 145 Information Transmission Section 160 Communications Department 250 Mounting hardware 251 Band 252 Camera holder

Claims

1. A biological observation system for acquiring biological information regarding the state of tissues or organs inside a test organism that has a field of vision, One or more observation probes, partially embedded inside the living body of the subject organism, A field-of-view camera for capturing images corresponding to the field of vision of the subject organism, A biological observation system comprising a storage device for storing information obtained by the observation probe and imaging results from the field camera.

2. The biological observation system according to claim 1, wherein the observation probe has a detection unit that detects light emitted from tissue or organs inside a living organism via an optical element provided at its tip.

3. The biological observation system according to claim 2, wherein the observation probe is configured to emit light from a light source through the optical element to tissue or organs inside the living organism.

4. At least one of the observation probes is attached to the head of the organism being tested, The biological observation system according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting structure for attaching the field camera to a part of the housing of the observation probe that is attached to the head.

5. The biological observation system according to claim 4, wherein the mounting structure has a direction adjustment structure for changing the orientation of the field camera.

6. The biological observation system according to claim 1, wherein the field camera is a component separate from the observation probe and is attached to a mounting device that is attached to the head of the organism being studied.

7. The aforementioned mounting fixture is A camera holder that holds the aforementioned field camera, It has a band connected to the camera holding part, The biological observation system according to claim 6, wherein the band is attached to the head such that it wraps around the upper jaw so that the camera holder is fixed on the upper jaw of the organism being studied.

8. The organisms being tested are classified as rodents. The biological observation system according to claim 7, wherein the attachment is attached to the head such that the band portion passes through the gap between the incisors and molars of the organism being studied.

9. The biological observation system according to claim 1, further comprising a holding structure for holding the storage device in the organism under test.

10. The storage device is A storage unit where information obtained by the observation probe and the imaging results of the field camera are stored, A communication unit that communicates with external devices via wireless communication, The biological observation system according to claim 1, further comprising: an information transmission unit that transmits information stored in the storage unit to the external device via the communication unit.

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