Positioning irradiation device, irradiation system using the same, and positioning irradiation method

Abstract

To improve reproducibility of positioning in a positioning irradiation device for irradiating a person's head with light.SOLUTION: A positioning irradiation device for irradiating a person's head with light comprises: a first marking light source for emitting a plurality of first light beams having high directivity that are projected at predetermined interval; and a second marking light source for emitting a second light beam into the plurality of first light beams, the second light beam having a color differing from those of the first light beams.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a positioning irradiation device, an irradiation system using the same, and a positioning irradiation method, and more particularly to a positioning irradiation device for irradiating a human head. [Background technology]

[0002] As one of the hair treatments for thinning hair, hair loss, etc., hair regeneration treatment is performed in which hair growth drugs, growth factors, and other medications are injected directly under the scalp to promote hair growth and regrowth. Hair regeneration treatment is generally performed continuously for a specified period of time (for example, several times a month for about three months).

[0003] In a laser targeting device used in a surgical procedure, a configuration is known in which an X-ray beam and a laser beam are coaxially aligned and a hole is drilled with the X-ray beam along the laser beam path (see, for example, Patent Document 1).A method and an apparatus for identifying a position in an object to be examined are known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-52378 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-248098 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When injecting drugs directly under the scalp, precise positioning of the injection site is required. Furthermore, since the treatment is performed repeatedly, it is necessary to position the injection site with good reproducibility.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to improve the reproducibility of positioning in a positioning irradiation device that irradiates the human head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a positioning irradiation device for irradiating a human head includes: On the irradiated surface At predetermined intervals As multiple spots The marking light source includes a first marking light source that emits a plurality of highly directional first lights to be projected, and a second marking light source that emits a second light of a different color from the first lights among the plurality of first lights. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In a positioning irradiation device for irradiating the human head, the reproducibility of positioning is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic configuration of a positioning irradiation device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of a human head by the positioning irradiation device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a front view of a positioning irradiation device according to an example configuration. [Figure 3B] 10 is a configuration example of an optical axis adjustment mechanism as seen from the back of the positioning irradiation device. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first marking light source used in the positioning illumination device. FIG. [Figure 5] 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 3A. [Figure 6] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB′ of FIG. 3A. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a positioning irradiation method using the positioning irradiation device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a positioning irradiation method for second and subsequent irradiations. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the alignment irradiation state according to the method of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a positioning irradiation system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The specific configuration of the positioning and irradiation system according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic configuration of the positioning irradiation device 1. The positioning irradiation device 1 irradiates a human head to improve the reproducibility of the drug injection position. For example, the positioning irradiation device 1 generates marks for the injection position when drugs are injected at regular intervals along the human head. By injecting drugs according to the positioning marks generated by the positioning irradiation device 1, the accuracy and reproducibility of the injection position can be improved and the treatment time can be shortened. In addition, when treatment is performed repeatedly, it becomes easier to manage the injection position and maintain positioning accuracy.

[0012] The positioning irradiation device 1 includes a first marking light source 10 that emits multiple highly directivity first lights projected at a predetermined interval, and a second marking light source 20 that emits, among the multiple first lights, a second light of a different color from the first lights. In the example of FIG. 1, the first marking light source 10 includes multiple light sources 110-1 to 110-n (hereinafter collectively referred to as "light source 110") arranged at a predetermined interval, but is not limited to this example. For example, the first marking light source 10 may be configured by combining a single highly directivity light source, or a number of highly directivity light sources less than the number of emitted first lights, with an appropriate optical system. The positioning irradiation device 1 may emit multiple highly directivity first lights by dispersing or reflecting output light from at least one highly directivity light source using an optical system.

[0013] When using multiple light sources 110, each emitting a first light, as shown in FIG. 1, it is desirable to make the optical axis of each light source 110 independently adjustable. As will be described later, the optical axis of each light source 110 may be adjustable from the rear side opposite the emission surface. By making the optical axes of the light sources 110 individually adjustable, it is possible to fine-tune the spot position on the irradiation surface, i.e., the surface of the human head. When a combination of a single highly directional light source and an optical system is used as the first marking light source 10, the optical axis of the first light may be controlled by controlling the optical system.

[0014] When a plurality of light sources 110 are used for the first marking light source 10, each light source may be a solid-state light source such as a laser diode, a light-emitting diode (LED: Light Emitting Diode), etc. When a light-emitting diode is used, it is desirable to collimate the light into parallel light using one or more lenses to ensure directivity.

[0015] When a combination of a highly directional light source and an optical system is used as the first marking light source 10, an optical modulator array having a plurality of minute optical modulation elements arranged two-dimensionally may be used. The optical modulator array can be realized by a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) device such as a digital micromirror device (DMD).

[0016] When projecting light onto a curved surface such as a human head, even if the light sources 110 are arranged at equal intervals in the positioning irradiation device 1, the spot positions on the irradiation surface are not necessarily at equal intervals. Because the shape of a human head varies from person to person, it is preferable to be able to adjust the spot positions depending on the person to be irradiated. By making the optical axis of each light source 110 adjustable from the back side of the positioning irradiation device 1, the optical axis can be adjusted as desired depending on the situation while observing the spot positions on the head.

[0017] When a combination of a highly directional light source and a MEMS device is used as the first marking light source 10, an imaging device that captures an image of the head during irradiation may be further combined. Spot positions may be extracted from the captured image of the head, and a control device such as a microprocessor may adjust the angles of the mirrors of the MEMS device so that the spot positions are spaced approximately equally.

[0018] The second marking light source 20 emits linear light. The linear light may be, for example, a cross-shaped light, and may be used to position the center of the projection area. The second marking light source 20 emits light of a different color from the first marking light source 10, thereby projecting a linear second light that is distinguishable from the spot of the first light onto the irradiation surface. The spot position of the light output from each light source 110 may be adjusted using this linear second light as a guide.

[0019] The first marking light source 10 and the second marking light source 20 are attached to, for example, a substrate 31 supported by a base 32, but are not limited to this example. If the optical axis of each light source 110 can be adjusted from the back side of the positioning irradiation device 1, the first marking light source 10 and the second marking light source 20 may be attached to a box-shaped base. When a combination of a highly directional light source and an MEMS device is used as the first marking light source 10 and is controlled by a microprocessor, the entire optical system including the substrate 31 and the microprocessor may be housed in a housing.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the irradiation state of a human head 50 by the positioning irradiation device 1. A plurality of spots 15 formed by the highly directional first light are projected at approximately equal intervals along the surface of the head 50. The intervals between the spots 15 on the irradiation surface are, for example, 5 mm to 50 mm. The spots 15 serve as markers for drug injection. By forming the spots 15 at regular intervals on the irradiation surface, the density of injection positions is made uniform. Since the injection positions can be easily grasped, accurate injection and a reduction in treatment time are achieved.

[0021] A cross-marked light 25 is projected along the center of the head 50. As an example, if the spot 15 is red light, the cross-marked light 25 is green light. The light 25 is formed by a first linear light 251 and a second linear light 252 that is perpendicular to the light 251. As will be described later, the first linear light 251 is projected along the midline of the head 50. The midline is a line that runs from the bridge of the nose to the center of the back of the head, and divides the head 50 into approximately equal left and right halves.

[0022] The second linear light 252 is located on or near the line connecting both ears. The center of the irradiation area can be identified by the cross point of the first linear light 251 and the second linear light 252. The center of the irradiation area may be set, for example, at the location where symptoms such as hair thinning are most advanced. By projecting the cross mark light 25 and multiple spots 15, the treatment area and each injection position can be easily identified.

[0023] 3A is a front view of a positioning irradiation device 1A according to one configuration example. The positioning irradiation device 1A has a first marking light source 10A and a second marking light source 20A arranged on a substrate 31. The first marking light source 10A includes a plurality of laser light sources 111-1 to 111-n (hereinafter collectively referred to as "laser light sources 111" as appropriate) arranged at predetermined intervals. In the configuration example of FIG. 3A, the arrangement intervals of the laser light sources 111 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are slightly different, but the laser light sources 111 are arranged so that, for example, when the first light is irradiated from diagonally above a human head, spots 15 formed on the irradiation surface are approximately equally spaced.

[0024] The pitch of the laser light sources 111 in the X direction and the pitch in the Y direction are determined by the area of the substrate 31, the number of laser light sources 111, etc. The area of the entire irradiation surface of the positioning irradiation device 1A (the area of the substrate 31 in the example of FIG. 3) may be large enough to correspond to a human head. For example, the vertical length (Y direction) is 240 mm or less, and the horizontal length (X direction) is 200 mm or less. The substrate 31 does not necessarily have to be rectangular, and may be square, circular, or elliptical.

[0025] The pitch of the laser light sources 111 in the X direction is, for example, 10 mm to 20 mm, and the pitch in the Y direction is 20 mm to 25 mm. The beam diameter of the light output from the laser light sources 111 is about 1 to 5 mm. By using a highly directional laser light source 111, the diameter of the spot 15 formed in the irradiation area is almost constant, independent of the irradiation distance.

[0026] The laser light source 111 has an optical axis adjustment mechanism 12 that adjusts the optical axis of the laser light source 111. The optical axis adjustment mechanism 12 includes a mechanism that finely adjusts the position of the spot 15 on the irradiation surface, as well as a mechanism that suppresses optical axis deviation due to vibration or impact.

[0027] 3B shows an example of the configuration of the optical axis adjustment mechanism 12 as seen from the back of the positioning irradiation device 1A. In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the optical axis adjustment mechanism 12 includes adjustment pins 121 to 124 that secure the laser light source 111 to the substrate 31 from the back side, and optical axis deviation suppression pins 125 and 126. The angle of the optical axis can be adjusted by adjusting the insertion depth of the adjustment pins 121 to 124. The optical axis deviation suppression pins 125 and 126 are, for example, screws with rounded tips, and the curved surface of the tip dissipates vibration, thereby suppressing optical axis deviation due to vibration or impact.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the laser light source 111. The laser light source 111 has a solid-state laser 11 and wiring 14 connected to the solid-state laser 11. The solid-state laser 11 and wiring 14 may be entirely covered with an insulating coating film. The laser light source 111 is fixed to the substrate 31 by adjustment pins 121, 122, 123, and 124, optical axis deviation suppression pins 125 and 126, and an O-ring 13. The emission end surface 113 of the laser light source 111 is located within an opening 311 formed in the substrate 31. The diameter φ1 of the opening 311 is slightly larger than the diameter of the emitted beam. If the diameter of the emitted beam is 2 mm, the diameter φ1 of the opening 311 is approximately 2.5 mm.

[0029] As described above, by adjusting the insertion depth of each of the adjustment pins 121 to 124 from the rear side of the substrate 31, the angle of the emission end surface 113 of the laser light source 111 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the optical axis. The round-tipped optical axis deviation suppression pins 125 and 126 and the O-ring 13 function as an optical axis deviation suppression means that absorbs vibrations and shocks and suppresses optical axis deviation caused by vibrations and shocks. The adjustment pins 121 to 124, the optical axis deviation suppression pins 125 and 126, and the O-ring 13 may form the optical axis adjustment mechanism 12. Instead of or in addition to the O-ring 13, a spring, an elastic spacer, or the like may be used as the optical axis deviation suppression means.

[0030] 3A, the second marking light source 20A is arranged in the array of the laser light sources 111. The emission end side of the second marking light source 20A is fixed to the substrate 31 by a plate 23. The second marking light source 20A and the plate 23 are provided at positions that do not interfere with the array of the multiple laser light sources 111.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 3A, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Fig. 3A. As shown in Fig. 5, the second marking light source 20A has a second laser light source 21 and an optical element 22 provided on the output side of the second laser light source 21. The optical element 22 converts the light emitted from the second laser light source 21 into a cross-shaped light 25 as shown in Fig. 2. More specifically, the optical element 22 converts the light emitted from the second laser light source 21 into a first linear light 251 and a second linear light 252 that is orthogonal to the first linear light 251.

[0032] The light output from the second laser light source 21 is a directional beam similar to the laser light used in the first marking light source 10A, and the beam diameter is approximately the same as that of the laser light source 111. When the light emitted from the second laser light source 21 passes through the optical element 22, the light is scattered in two directions perpendicular to each other, and a cross-shaped beam is projected onto the irradiation surface. Using the cross-shaped projected light as a reference line or mark for adjusting the spot position makes it easy to determine the angle of the optical axis of the laser light source 111, i.e., to position the spot 15 on the irradiation surface.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the positioning irradiation method. A case where the positioning irradiation device 1A is used will be described. The second marking light source 20A is turned on, and the vertical line of the cross laser projection light, i.e., the cross mark light 25, is aligned with the midline (S101). As described with reference to FIG. 2, the midline is a line that divides the head 50 into approximately equal left and right halves. At this time, the angle of the head 50 of the person to be irradiated may be adjusted, or the position of the entire positioning irradiation device 1A may be adjusted, so that the intersection of the cross marks is located approximately in the center of the irradiation target area.

[0034] The first marking light source 10A is turned on, and the optical axes of the laser light sources 111 are adjusted so that the positions of the spots 15 of each laser light source 111 are arranged as desired on the irradiation surface (i.e., the surface of the head) (S102). At this time, the second marking light source 20A remains on, and a cross mark of light 25 is projected onto the irradiation surface. Using the light 25 as a reference line or mark makes it easy to determine the position of each spot 15.

[0035] The first marking light source 10A and the second marking light source 20A may be turned on simultaneously. Because the color of the light emitted by the laser light source 111 and the color of the cross laser projection light are different, even when they are emitted simultaneously, the vertical line of the cross laser projection light can be aligned with the median line. Because the optical axis of the laser light source 111 can be adjusted from the back side of the positioning irradiation device 1A, once the position of the cross laser projection light is determined, the operator can adjust the optical axis of the laser light source 111 while observing the position of the spot 15 relative to the cross mark light 25.

[0036] The distance d from the cross point of the cross laser projection light to the nasal saddle point is measured and recorded (S103). The nasal saddle point is the most depressed point of the nasal root on the midline. The distance d can be used for subsequent alignments.

[0037] Thereafter, a medicine or the like may be injected along the projection spots of the laser light sources 111 of the first marking light source 10A. Step S103 may be performed after the medicine is injected. The injection position is determined with high accuracy by the method of FIG.

[0038] 8 is a flowchart of the positioning irradiation method for the second and subsequent irradiations. The recorded distance d is measured along the midline from the nasal saddle of the irradiation subject, and a simple mark is placed at the point of distance d (S201). The second marking light source 20A is turned on, and the vertical line of the cross laser projection light is aligned with the midline (S202). With the vertical line aligned with the midline, the cross point of the cross laser projection light is aligned with the simple mark (S203).

[0039] The first marking light source 10A is turned on, and the optical axis of the laser light source 111 is finely adjusted as necessary (S204). Thereafter, a medicine or the like may be injected along the projection spot of the laser light source 111.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positioning irradiation state using the method of FIG. 8. The position at a distance d along the midline from the nasal saddle of the subject is the cross point of the cross mark from the previous irradiation. A simple mark 27 is placed at this position. With the vertical line of the light 25 of the cross mark, i.e., the first linear light 251, aligned with the midline, the cross point of the light 25 of the cross mark is aligned with the simple mark 27. This makes it easy to reproduce the previous irradiation position.

[0041] 10 is a schematic diagram of a positioning irradiation system 100 according to an embodiment. The positioning irradiation system 100 includes a positioning irradiation device 1 (or 1A), an imaging device 2, an information processing device 3, a memory 5, and a display device 6. The memory 5 may be built into the information processing device 3, or an external memory may be used. The display device 6 may be provided in the information processing device 3, or may be an external monitor display.

[0042] The imaging device 2 has an imaging element array such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) sensor, and captures an image of the irradiation space including the head 50 of the irradiation target. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 2 captures an image of the cross mark light 25 and the positions of each spot 15, which are fixed. The captured image is stored in memory 5.

[0043] The information processing device 3 may have an image processing function. The information processing device 3 performs image processing such as binarization, filtering, and edge detection on the image stored in the memory 5 to extract the spot 15 of the laser light source 111 and the light 25 of the cross mark. The information processing device 3 may measure the distance d between the cross point of the light 25 of the cross mark and the nasal saddle point on the image data in pixel units, and record the measurement result in the memory 5.

[0044] The memory 5 may store the distance d between the cross point of the cross laser projection light and the nasal saddle point for each irradiation target. In the second or subsequent irradiation, the imaging device 2 may capture an image of the irradiation space including the head of the irradiation target, and the information processing device 3 may identify the position of the distance d from the nasal saddle point on the image while displaying the captured image on the display device 6. A simple mark 27 may be generated at the position identified on the image data.

[0045] The operator of the positioning irradiation device 1 or 1A may align the cross point of the light 25 of the cross mark emitted from the second marking light source 20 or 20A with the generated simple mark while viewing the image on the display device 6. Also, while viewing the image on the display device 6, the operator may fine-tune the optical axis of the laser light source 111 of the first marking light source 10A so that the spot position at the time of the previous irradiation is reproduced.

[0046] The configuration and method of the positioning irradiation device have been described above based on specific examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the positioning irradiation device 1A, instead of the configurations shown in Figures 3A to 6, a first marking light source 10 may be used that combines a single highly directional light source or a number of highly directional light sources and optical devices that is fewer than the number of emitted first light beams. Light emitted from at least one highly directional light source may be projected to multiple positions using a MEMS device or the like. By using the positioning irradiation device 1 or 1A of the embodiment, spots 15 can be generated at predetermined intervals even on a curved surface such as a human head. This enables management of irradiation positions and uniform position density. Furthermore, generating visible spots 15 shortens treatment times such as drug injections. When performing repeated treatments, the previous treatment position can be easily identified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1. 1A Positioning irradiation device 2. Imaging device 3. Information processing equipment 5. Memory 6 Display device 10, 10A First marking light source 110 Light source 111 Laser light source 113 Output end face 12 Optical axis adjustment mechanism 121~124 Adjustment pin 125, 126 Optical axis misalignment prevention pin 13 O-ring 15 Spots 20, 20A Second Marking Light Source 21 Second laser light source 22 Optical Elements 25 Crossmark Light (Second Light) 251 First Line of Light 252 Second Line of Light 27 Simple Mark 31 PCB 50 heads 100 Positioning irradiation system

Claims

1. A positioning illumination device for illuminating a human head, comprising: a first marking light source that emits a plurality of highly directional first lights that are projected as a plurality of spots at predetermined intervals onto an illumination surface; and a second marking light source that emits a second light of a different color from the first lights among the plurality of first lights.

2. 2. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the first marking light source includes a plurality of laser light sources, and further comprises an optical axis adjusting mechanism that adjusts the optical axes of the plurality of laser light sources independently of one another.

3. 3. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 2, wherein the optical axis adjustment mechanism includes a mechanism for suppressing deviation of the optical axes of the plurality of laser light sources due to vibration or impact.

4. 4. The positioning and irradiation device according to claim 2, wherein the optical axis adjustment mechanism enables alignment of the optical axes from the side opposite to the emission surfaces of the plurality of laser light sources.

5. 5. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the second marking light source emits a first linear light and a second linear light that is orthogonal to the first linear light.

6. 6. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 5, wherein the second marking light source has a second laser light source and an optical element that converts output light of the second laser light source into the first linear light and the second linear light.

7. 7. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the first light and the second light can be emitted simultaneously.

8. A positioning irradiation device described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the positions of the multiple spots can be positioned by referring to the projection pattern of the second light projected onto the irradiation surface.

9. 9. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 8, wherein the intervals between the plurality of spots on the irradiation surface are not less than 5 mm and not more than 50 mm.

10. 10. The positioning irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the outer shape of the positioning irradiation device is rectangular, square, polygonal, circular, or elliptical.

11. 11. A positioning illumination system comprising: the positioning illumination device according to claim 1; an imaging device that images an illumination space including a first projection pattern of the first light and a second projection pattern of the second light projected onto the human head; a memory that stores images acquired by the imaging device; and an information processing device that extracts the first projection pattern and the second projection pattern of the illumination surface from the images acquired by the imaging device.

12. The positioning irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is used to irradiate the human head. A positioning irradiation method that irradiates the second light, aligns a projection pattern of the second light with the midline of the head, and adjusts the spot position of the first light on the irradiation surface by referring to the projection pattern of the second light.

Images