Probe Unit

Abstract

To provide a probe unit having low load and facilitating attachment / detachment.SOLUTION: A probe unit 4 comprises: a body part 5 with flexibility; a first probe 6 attached to the body part 5 and including a first surface 61s (a first face) from which a light emission part 2p (a first light emission part) for applying light L toward a subject H is exposed; a second probe 7 attached to the body part 5 to face the first probe 6 and including a second surface 71s (a second face) from which a light incident part 3p (a first light incident part) for detecting the light L propagating the inside of the subject H; a first light shielding member 8 having a light shielding property, including an elastic member and attached to the first surface 61s so as to enclose an output axis A1 of the light emission part 2p; and a second light shielding member 9 having a light shielding property, including an elastic member and attached to the second surface 71s so as to enclose an output axis A2 of the light incident part 3p.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a probe unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a near-infrared sensor that can be used to measure tissue oxygen saturation in a patient's blood or tissue. The sensor includes a sensor pad including a circuit board on which a light source that generates near-infrared light and a photodetector that detects the near-infrared light generated from the light source and transmitted through a part of the patient's body are arranged. The sensor pad further includes a bottom layer provided on the circuit board. An adhesive is provided on the bottom layer for adhering the sensor pad to the patient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 022649 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When measuring tissue oxygen saturation using the sensor described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to directly adhere the sensor pad to the patient using an adhesive provided on the bottom layer. However, if the patient whose tissue oxygen saturation is to be measured is, for example, a premature baby, their skin may be immature or may not have formed. In this case, directly adhering the sensor pad to the patient with an adhesive places a heavy burden on the patient and is difficult to attach and remove.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a probe unit that is easy to attach and detach and that imposes a low load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The probe unit according to the present invention is a probe unit used to measure hemoglobin dynamics inside a subject, and comprises: a flexible main body; a first probe attached to the main body and having a first surface on which a first light emitting portion for irradiating light toward the subject is exposed; a second probe attached to the main body opposite the first probe and having a second surface on which a first light incident portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject is exposed; a first light-shielding member that has light-shielding properties and includes an elastic material and is attached to the first surface so as to surround the emission axis of the first light emitting portion; and a second light-shielding member that has light-shielding properties and includes an elastic material and is attached to the second surface so as to surround the incidence axis of the first light incident portion.

[0007] In this probe unit, the first probe and the second probe are attached to a flexible main body so that the first probe has an exposed first light output portion for irradiating light toward the subject, and the second probe has an exposed first light input portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject, facing each other. Therefore, when measuring hemoglobin dynamics inside the subject, the main body is bent to increase the distance between the first and second probes, and the subject is sandwiched between the first and second probes. By releasing the bending of the main body, the probe unit can be easily attached to the subject (easy to attach and detach). Furthermore, in this probe unit, a first light-shielding member is arranged on a first surface of the first probe so as to surround the light output axis of the first light output portion, and a second light-shielding member is arranged on a second surface of the second probe so as to surround the light input axis of the first light input portion. Therefore, when the probe unit is attached to a subject, the first and second light-shielding members, each containing an elastic material, come into contact with the subject, thereby preventing at least the first and second probes from coming into contact with the subject. As a result, the load on the subject is reduced compared to when only the first and second probes come into contact with the subject. Note that, for example, if the second probe does not come into contact with the subject, external light not to be detected may enter the first light-incident portion through a space formed between the first light-incident portion and the subject. In contrast, with this probe unit, when the probe unit is attached to a subject, a light-shielding space is formed around the first light-emitting portion by the first light-shielding member and the subject, and a light-shielding space is also formed around the first light-incident portion by the second light-shielding member and the subject. Therefore, the incidence of light not to be detected is prevented.

[0008] In the probe unit according to the present invention, the first probe and the second probe may each be rotatable relative to the main body. In this case, the angles of the first probe and the second probe can be adjusted according to the shape or size of the subject. This makes it possible to appropriately set the angle of incidence of light from the first probe to the subject and the angle of incidence of light from the subject to the second probe.

[0009] In the probe unit according to the present invention, the first surface of the first probe may further expose a second light incident portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject, the second surface of the second probe may further expose a second light output portion for irradiating light toward the subject, the first light-shielding member may be attached to the first surface so as to surround the output axis of the first light output portion and the input axis of the second light input portion, and the second light-shielding member may be attached to the second surface so as to surround the input axis of the first light input portion and the output axis of the second light output portion. In this case, two-channel measurement is possible using the first probe and the second probe.

[0010] In the probe unit according to the present invention, the first light-shielding member may include a first portion interposed between the first light-emitting portion and the second light-incident portion, and the second light-shielding member may include a second portion interposed between the first light-incident portion and the second light-emitting portion. In this case, light emitted from the first light-emitting portion can be prevented from being reflected by the surface of the subject and directly entering the second light-incident portion. Furthermore, light emitted from the second light-emitting portion can be prevented from being reflected by the surface of the subject and entering the first light-incident portion. Therefore, the incidence of light that is not the target of detection is suppressed.

[0011] The probe unit according to the present invention includes a shape memory member, and the main body includes a first support portion that supports the first probe, a second support portion that supports the second probe, and a connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion, and the shape memory member may be provided in the connecting portion. In this case, the first probe can be supported by the first support portion, and the second probe can be supported by the second support portion. Furthermore, the shape of the connecting portion can be maintained by the shape memory member.

[0012] In the probe unit according to the present invention, the main body may include a plurality of layer members stacked on top of each other and a fixing member for detachably fixing the plurality of layer members to each other. In this case, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the main body can be increased by combining the plurality of detachably fixed layer members.

[0013] In the probe unit according to the present invention, the first probe and the second probe may include optical fibers, and the main body may include a fiber holding portion through which the optical fibers are inserted and which holds the optical fibers. In this case, the optical fibers can be held by the fiber holding portion. This makes it possible to prevent the optical fibers from shifting.

[0014] In the probe unit according to the present invention, the main body may be made of rubber sponge, in which case the elastic force of the main body can reduce the burden on the subject. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a probe unit that is low in load and easy to attach and detach. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a biometric device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the probe device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic plan view of the first probe shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic plan view of the second probe shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Va-Va in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Vb-Vb in FIG. [Figure 6] 6(a) is a plan view showing the first probe shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view showing the first probe shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the first light-shielding member shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the probe apparatus according to the first embodiment is attached to a subject. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a probe device to which a probe unit according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 11] 11(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing a probe apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a first probe according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a probe device according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the probe apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the probe unit will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. [First embodiment]

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a biomeasurement device according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the biomeasurement device 100 includes a bio-optical property measuring device 1A and a probe device 1B. Such a biomeasurement device 100 non-invasively measures substances in a living body using near-infrared spectroscopy, and is configured such that, with the probe device 1B attached to a subject H, light is irradiated from the probe device 1B toward a measurement site (e.g., a deep brain) of the subject H, and the light emitted from the subject H is detected by the probe device 1B, thereby obtaining measurement results of the optical properties (e.g., absorption properties) of the measurement site of the subject H by the bio-optical property measuring device 1A.

[0019] As an example, the biometric device 100 is a device for measuring the blood flow of a subject H, and irradiates the subject H with test light of two or more wavelengths in the near-infrared range (for example, wavelengths of 700 nm to 1200 nm) that is highly permeable to living organisms, and detects the light that has passed through the subject H, thereby measuring the hemoglobin dynamics (for example, oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, tissue oxygen saturation) in the subject H from the attenuation and temporal diffusion of the light. The subject H may be any living organism, and as an example, may be a human child (premature baby).

[0020] The bio-optical property measuring device 1A measures the optical properties of a living body, i.e., the light absorption properties of biological tissue, based on, for example, the time-resolved measurement method, the phase difference measurement method, or the CW method. This bio-optical property measuring device 1A includes a light source unit C1, a light detection unit C2, a bio-optical property measuring unit C3, a calculation processing unit C4, and a control unit C5.

[0021] The light source C1 generates different light depending on the measurement method. For example, it generates pulsed light in the case of time-resolved measurement, light modulated into a sine wave in the case of phase difference measurement, and continuous light in the case of CW measurement, and may also be performed at multiple wavelengths. Examples of the light source C1 include various light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, and various pulse diodes. The light output from the light source C1 is input to an irradiation unit 2 (described below) connected to the light source C1 and irradiated onto the subject H.

[0022] The light detection section C2 is connected to the detection unit 3 (described later) and is used to detect light output from the detection unit 3. This light detection section C2 is connected to the bio-optical property measurement section C3 and outputs a light detection signal indicating the light intensity of the detected light to the bio-optical property measurement section C3. The light detection section C2 can be various devices such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a photodiode, an avalanche photodiode, a PIN photodiode, or an MPPC (Multi-Pixel Photon Counter).

[0023] Furthermore, it is desirable that the light detection unit C2 has spectral sensitivity characteristics that can adequately detect the wavelength of light irradiated from the light source unit C1. In particular, when the scattered light that has passed through the deep part of the brain of the subject or the fluorescence emitted from within the brain is weak, it is desirable to use a light detection unit with high sensitivity or high gain.

[0024] The biological optical property measurement unit C3 determines the light absorption property of biological tissue from changes in the intensity or waveform of the probe light in the subject. The determined light absorption property data is sent to the calculation processing unit C4. The calculation processing unit C4 calculates the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration C in the brain of the subject by solving the simultaneous equations of the following formula (1) established for each wavelength of the light source unit C1. Hb and deoxyhemoglobin concentration C HbO2 In the following formula (1), μ a is the absorption coefficient, ε is the extinction coefficient, and C is the concentration. μ a,λ =ε Hb02 , λ C Hbо2 +ε Hb,λ C Hb …(1)

[0025] Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit C4 derives tissue oxygen saturation SO2 from the determined oxygenated hemoglobin concentration and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration. Meanwhile, the control unit C5 controls the light source unit C1, the light detection unit C2, the bio-optical property measurement unit C3, and the arithmetic processing unit C4.

[0026] In preterm infants, intracranial hemorrhage is a significant issue in acute management. In preterm infants, bleeding occurs mostly from the upper infra-germinal layer, which is surrounded by immature tissue. Preterm infants have immature cerebral vascular autoregulation, and blood pressure fluctuations affect cerebral blood perfusion, making them prone to intraventricular hemorrhage. Therefore, since intraventricular hemorrhage also changes hemoglobin dynamics, frequent measurement of the hemoglobin dynamics of subject H using a biometric device is desirable. Therefore, it is desirable to make it easier to attach and detach the probe device.

[0027] On the other hand, the skin of a premature baby is functionally and structurally immature, with only two to three layers formed at less than 30 weeks of gestation, and not yet formed at less than 24 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, in managing a premature baby, it is necessary to minimize the time that the probe device is in contact with the subject H in order to minimize fluctuations in respiratory and circulatory dynamics. In other words, it is also desirable to reduce the burden on the subject H caused by attaching the probe device to the subject H. In response to this, the biometric device 100 according to this embodiment has a unique configuration to solve at least these problems. Next, the details of each part of the probe device 1B will be described.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the probe device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the probe device 1B includes a probe unit 4 having an irradiation unit 2 and a detection unit 3. The irradiation unit 2 is for irradiating light toward the subject H. An input end of the irradiation unit 2 is connected to a light source section C1, and an output end of the irradiation unit 2 is held by the probe unit 4. When the probe device 1B is attached to the subject H, the irradiation unit 2 can irradiate light supplied from the light source section C1 from the output end toward the subject H.

[0029] The detection unit 3 is for detecting light that has propagated inside the subject H. The output end of the detection unit 3 is connected to the light detection section C2, and the input end of the detection unit 3 is held by the probe unit 4. When the probe device 1B is attached to the subject H, the detection unit 3 can detect the light that has propagated inside the subject H from the input end and output the detected light to the light detection section C2.

[0030] As described above, the probe unit 4 has an irradiation unit 2 and a detection unit 3 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as an "irradiation-detection unit"). As shown in FIG. 1, the probe unit 4 is arranged so as to sandwich the subject H. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe unit 4 has a main body 5, a first probe 6 having the irradiation unit 2, a second probe 7 having the detection unit 3, a first light-shielding member 8, a second light-shielding member 9, and a shape-memory member 10.

[0031] The main body 5 is a part that forms the base of the probe unit 4. In this embodiment, the main body 5 is generally U-shaped overall. The main body 5 is made of, for example, rubber sponge and is flexible. The main body 5 has a first support portion 51, a second support portion 52, and a connecting portion 53.

[0032] The main body 5 may be made of various materials, such as natural rubber (NR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber (Si), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The main body 5 may also be made of open-cell sponge, fluororubber sponge, polyurethane rubber sponge, or the like. The main body 5 may also be made of polyurethane foam or polyethylene-EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam. When the main body 5 is formed using a 3D printer, a so-called rubber-like resin may be used as the main body 5 material. Thus, the material for the main body 5 may be selected from materials that can be used in 3D printers.

[0033] The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 are arranged to extend substantially parallel to each other in one direction. The first support portion 51 has one end portion 51a and the other end portion 51b in its longitudinal direction. The second support portion 52 has one end portion 52a and the other end portion 52b in its longitudinal direction.

[0034] The connecting portion 53 connects the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. More specifically, the connecting portion 53 extends elongately in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52, and connects the other end 51b of the first support portion 51 to the other end 52b of the second support portion 52. As a result, the first support portion 51, the second support portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 are integrated, and the main body portion 5 is formed into a U-shape as a whole. The first support portion 51, the second support portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 are curved as a whole to form a single arc (to fit along the head, which is one of the measurement sites of the subject H).

[0035] The first probe 6 is attached to one end 51a of the first support part 51. In other words, the first support part 51 supports the first probe 6 by having the first probe 6 attached to one end 51a. The second probe 7 is attached to one end 52a of the second support part 52. In other words, the second support part 52 supports the second probe 7 by having the second probe 7 attached to one end 52a.

[0036] One end 51a of the first support part 51 faces one end 52a of the second support part 52 along the longitudinal direction of the connecting part 53. Therefore, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 are arranged to face each other. Furthermore, a fastener F used to attach the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 is inserted into each of the one end 51a of the first support part 51 and the one end 52a of the second support part 52. The fastener F is, for example, a resin screw.

[0037] The shape memory member 10 is provided in the connecting portion 53. As an example, the shape memory member 10 has a long rectangular shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 53. The shape memory member 10 is a member for maintaining the shape of the connecting portion 53 (i.e., the main body portion 5). The shape memory member 10 is made of, for example, a shape memory resin. The shape memory member 10 is embedded in the connecting portion 53. In this embodiment, the elastic modulus of the shape memory member 10 is greater than the elastic modulus of the main body portion 5.

[0038] More specifically, the main body 5 includes a plurality of (here, two) layer members 5a and 5b stacked on top of each other, and the shape memory member 10 is embedded in the connecting portion 53 by being sandwiched between the layer members 5a and 5b. The layer members 5a and 5b have substantially the same shape. When viewed from the stacking direction of the layer members 5a and 5b, the outer shapes of the layer members 5a and 5b define the outer shape of the main body 5 (match the outer shape of the main body 5).

[0039] The main body 5 also includes fixing members 54, 55 for detachably fixing the layer members 5a, 5b to each other. The fixing members 54, 55 are, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners. When the fixing members 54, 55 are hook-and-loop fasteners, the fixing members 54, 55 can configure the layer members 5a, 5b to be detachable from each other and can improve the bending strength of the main body 5. The layer members 5a, 5b are bonded to each other by the fixing members 54, 55 arranged between the layer members 5a, 5b. The fixing member 54 is arranged at the other end 51b of the first support 51, and the fixing member 55 is arranged at the other end 52b of the second support 52.

[0040] Therefore, the fixing member 54 and the fixing member 55 are spaced apart with the connecting portion 53 and the shape memory member 10 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the shape memory member 10 is spaced apart from each of the fixing members 54 and 55. As a result, a gap G (fiber holding portion) is formed between the fixing member 54 and the shape memory member 10, and between the fixing member 55 and the shape memory member 10, respectively.

[0041] The optical fiber 21 of the irradiation unit 2 is inserted into the gap G formed between the fixing member 54 and the shape-memory member 10. When the optical fiber 21 is inserted into the gap G, the layer members 5a and 5b are fixed to each other, and the optical fiber 21 is sandwiched between the layer members 5a and 5b, the fixing member 54, and the shape-memory member 10, thereby being held in the main body 5. The optical fiber 31 of the detection unit 3 is inserted into the gap G formed between the fixing member 55 and the shape-memory member 10. The optical fiber 31 may be the same as the optical fiber 21, or may be different. When the optical fiber 31 is inserted into the gap G, the layer members 5a and 5b are fixed to each other, and the optical fiber 31 is sandwiched between the layer members 5a and 5b, the fixing member 55, and the shape-memory member 10, thereby being held. In this way, the main body 5 has the gap G as a fiber holding portion for holding the optical fiber 21 of the irradiation unit 2 and the optical fiber 31 of the detection unit 3.

[0042] The first probe 6 is attached to and supported by one end 51a of the first support part 51. The first probe 6 is provided rotatably with respect to the main body part 5 (first support part 51). Here, the first probe 6 is attached to the main body part 5 (first support part 51) by inserting a fastener F through the first support part 51 as well. This makes the first probe 6 rotatable with respect to the main body part 5 with the fastener F as the rotation axis.

[0043] The second probe 7 is attached to and supported by one end 52a of the second support part 52 so as to face the first probe 6. The second probe 7 is provided rotatably with respect to the main body part 5 (second support part 52). The second probe 7 is attached to the main body part 5 (second support part 52) ​​by inserting a fastener F through the second support part 52 together with the second probe 7. This makes the second probe 7 rotatable with respect to the main body part 5 with the fastener F as the rotation axis.

[0044] The first light-shielding member 8 is a buffer member interposed between the subject H and the first probe 6 when the probe apparatus 1B is attached to the subject H. The first light-shielding member 8 is detachably attached to the first probe 6 by an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. The second light-shielding member 9 is a buffer member interposed between the subject H and the second probe 7 when the probe apparatus 1B is attached to the subject H. The second light-shielding member 9 is detachably attached to the second probe 7 by an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. Details of the first light-shielding member 8 and the second light-shielding member 9 will be described later.

[0045] As described above, the fasteners F for attaching the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 to the main body 5 may be resin screws, for example, and may be configured without including metal. At the same time, other parts of the probe device 1B (for example, the irradiation / detection unit itself and each part of the probe unit 4) may also be configured without including metal as constituent materials. In this case, the probe device 1B can be used for simultaneous measurement with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

[0046] Next, the first probe 6, the second probe 7, the first light-shielding member 8, the second light-shielding member 9, and the surrounding structure will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. First, the configuration on the first probe 6 side will be described.

[0047] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic plan view of the first probe shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic plan view of the second probe shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Va-Va in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Vb-Vb in FIG. 4. FIG. 6(a) is a plan view showing the first probe shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view showing the first probe shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the first light-shielding member shown in FIG. 2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the irradiation unit 2 is omitted from the configuration of the first probe.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 5(a), the irradiation unit 2 includes an optical fiber 21 and a fitting portion 22 provided on the optical fiber 21. A portion of the optical fiber 21 on the output end side of the irradiation unit 2 is exposed from the coating, and the fitting portion 22 is provided to cover the portion of the optical fiber 21 exposed from the coating. The fitting portion 22 is made of resin, for example. The fitting portion 22 has an end face 22s. The optical fiber 21 is inserted into the fitting portion 22 from a side different from the end face 22s of the fitting portion 22 and reaches the end face 22s. The end face 21s of the optical fiber 21 is exposed at the end face 22s of the fitting portion 22. Here, the end face 21s of the optical fiber 21 is flush with the end face 22s of the fitting portion 22. Light from the light source C1 is emitted from the end face 21s of the optical fiber 21. Therefore, the end surface 21s of the optical fiber 21 constitutes a light emitting portion 2p (first light emitting portion) of the irradiation unit 2. The optical fiber 21 emits light along an emission axis A1 of the light emitting portion 2p.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first probe 6 has a holding portion 61 and an attachment portion 62. The holding portion 61 is a portion for holding the irradiation unit 2. The attachment portion 62 is a portion for attaching the first probe 6 to the main body portion 5. The first probe 6 is attached to the main body portion 5 by disposing the attachment portion 62 between the layer members 5a and 5b of the main body portion 5 and inserting a fastener F into the attachment portion 62 together with the main body portion 5 (first support portion 51). The holding portion 61 has a first surface 61s (first face) facing the side opposite to the portion of the main body portion 5 to which the first probe 6 is attached (first support portion 51) when the first probe 6 is attached to the main body portion 5 via the attachment portion 62.

[0050] The holding portion 61 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from a first direction intersecting with the first surface 61s. That is, the first surface 61s is circular here. The holding portion 61 has a recess 63 and a groove 64 that open to the first surface 61s. Here, the recess 63 is provided approximately at the center of the first surface 61s, and the groove 64 extends from the recess 63 to the outer edge of the holding portion 61. The shape of the recess 63 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the fitting portion 22 of the irradiation unit 2. The holding portion 61 holds the irradiation unit 2 by fitting the fitting portion 22 into the recess 63. At this time, the end face 21s of the optical fiber 21 is exposed to the first surface 61s. As an example, the first surface 61s and the end face 21s are flush with each other.

[0051] In this way, the first probe 6 is attached to the main body 5 and has a first surface 61s facing the opposite side to the main body 5, and the light emitting portion 2p (end surface 21s of the optical fiber 21) of the irradiation unit 2 for irradiating light toward the subject H is exposed on the first surface 61s. Note that the optical fiber 21 of the irradiation unit 2 is arranged in the groove portion 64.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 7, the first light-shielding member 8 has an outer shape that conforms to the outer shape of the first surface 61s of the holder 61. For example, the first light-shielding member 8 has an annular shape. The first light-shielding member 8 has an inner circumferential surface 8a and an outer circumferential surface 8b. The first light-shielding member 8 includes an elastic material that has light-shielding properties. Here, the first light-shielding member 8 is formed from an elastic material that has light-shielding properties. Examples of materials for the first light-shielding member 8 include natural rubber (NR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber (Si), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and the first light-shielding member 8 may be formed into a sponge-like shape. The first light-shielding member 8 may be made of the same material as the main body 5. The thickness of the first light-shielding member 8 is generally constant in the circumferential direction.

[0053] The first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s of the holder 61 of the first probe 6 so as to surround the light-emitting portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 when viewed from a first direction intersecting the first surface 61s. That is, the first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s so as to surround the emission axis A1 of the light-emitting portion 2p. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s so that, when viewed from the first direction, the outer peripheral surface 8b is located on the outer edge of the first surface 61s and the light-emitting portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 is located inside the inner peripheral surface 8a. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first light-shielding member 8 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first surface 61s. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the first light-shielding member 8 is larger than the outer diameter of the recess 63.

[0054] Next, the configuration of the second probe 7 will be described. The second probe 7 has a similar configuration to the first probe 6 described above, and will be described in the same manner as the first probe 6. As shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B, the detection unit 3 includes an optical fiber 31 and a fitting portion 32 provided on the optical fiber 31. The optical fiber 31 is exposed from its coating at a portion on the output end side of the detection unit 3, and the fitting portion 32 is provided to cover the portion of the optical fiber 31 exposed from the coating. The fitting portion 32 is made of resin, for example. The fitting portion 32 has an end face 32s. The optical fiber 31 is inserted into the fitting portion 32 from a side different from the end face 32s of the fitting portion 32 and reaches the end face 32s. The end face 31s of the optical fiber 31 is exposed at the end face 32s of the fitting portion 32. Here, the end face 31s of the optical fiber 31 is flush with the end face 32s of the fitting portion 32. Light from the specimen H is incident on an end surface 31s of the optical fiber 31. Therefore, the end surface 31s of the optical fiber 31 constitutes a light incident portion 3p (first light incident portion) of the detection unit 3. Light is incident on the optical fiber 31 along an incident axis A2 of the light incident portion 3p.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the second probe 7 has a holding portion 71 and an attachment portion 72. The holding portion 71 is a portion for holding the detection unit 3. The attachment portion 72 is a portion for attaching the second probe 7 to the main body portion 5. The second probe 7 is attached to the main body portion 5 by disposing the attachment portion 72 between the layer members 5a and 5b of the main body portion 5 and inserting a fastener F into the attachment portion 72 together with the main body portion 5 (second support portion 52). The holding portion 71 has a second surface 71s (second face) facing the side opposite the portion of the main body portion 5 to which the second probe 7 is attached (second support portion 52) when the second probe 7 is attached to the main body portion 5 via the attachment portion 72.

[0056] The holding portion 71 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from a second direction intersecting with the second surface 71s. That is, the second surface 71s is circular here. The holding portion 71 has a recess 73 and a groove 74 that open to the second surface 71s. Here, the recess 73 is provided approximately at the center of the second surface 71s, and the groove 74 extends from the recess 73 to the outer edge of the holding portion 71. The shape of the recess 73 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the fitting portion 32 of the detection unit 3. The holding portion 71 holds the detection unit 3 by fitting the fitting portion 32 into this recess 73. At this time, the end face 31s of the optical fiber 31 is exposed at the second surface 71s. As an example, the second surface 71s and the end face 31s are flush with each other.

[0057] In this way, the second probe 7 is attached to the main body 5 so as to face the first probe 6, and has a second surface 71s facing the opposite side of the main body 5, and a light incident portion 3p (end face 31s of the optical fiber 31) of the detection unit 3 for detecting light propagated inside the specimen H is exposed on the second surface 71s. The optical fiber 31 of the detection unit 3 is disposed in the groove portion 74.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 7, the second light-shielding member 9 has an outer shape that conforms to the outer shape of the second surface 71s of the holder 71. For example, the second light-shielding member 9 has an annular shape. The second light-shielding member 9 has an inner circumferential surface 9a and an outer circumferential surface 9b. The second light-shielding member 9 includes an elastic material that has light-shielding properties. Here, the second light-shielding member 9 is formed from an elastic material that has light-shielding properties. Examples of materials for the second light-shielding member 9 include natural rubber (NR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber (Si), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and the second light-shielding member 9 may be formed into a sponge-like shape. The second light-shielding member 9 may be made of the same material as the main body 5. The thickness of the second light-shielding member 9 is generally constant in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s of the holder 71 of the second probe 7 so as to surround the light incident portion 3p of the detection unit 3 when viewed from a second direction intersecting the second surface 71s. That is, the second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s so as to surround the incident axis A2 of the light incident portion 3p. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, when viewed from the first direction, the second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s so that its outer peripheral surface 9b is located at the outer edge of the second surface 71s and the light incident portion 3p of the detection unit 3 is located inside its inner peripheral surface 9a. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the second light-shielding member 9 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second surface 71s. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second light-shielding member 9 is larger than the outer diameter of the recess 73.

[0060] Next, a biometric measurement method using the biometric measurement device 100 configured as above will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the probe device according to the first embodiment is attached to a subject. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Fig. 8. Fig. 9 shows only the configuration on the side of the first probe 6.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , in this method, first, the probe device 1B is attached to the measurement site (here, the head) of the subject H. As an example, the probe device 1B is attached so that the light emission portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the light incidence portion 3p of the detection unit 3 are located at the left and right temples of the subject H. At this time, the main body 5 is bent to increase the distance between the first probe 6 and the second probe 7, and the subject H is positioned between the first probe 6 and the second probe 7. In this state, the bending of the main body 5 is released to decrease the distance between the first probe 6 and the second probe 7. As a result, the probe device 1B is attached to the subject H by utilizing the elastic force of the main body 5. A first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s of the first probe 6, and a second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s of the second probe 7. Therefore, when the probe device 1B is attached to the subject H, at least the first light-shielding member 8 and the second light-shielding member 9 come into contact with the subject H.

[0062] That is, a first light-shielding member 8 is interposed between the first probe 6 and the subject H, and a second light-shielding member 9 is interposed between the second probe 7 and the subject H. Here, on the first probe 6 side, the first light-shielding member 8 is in contact with the surface Hs of the subject H, and the first surface 61s of the first probe 6 and the light exit portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 are spaced apart from the surface Hs of the subject H. On the second probe 7 side, the second light-shielding member 9 is in contact with the surface Hs of the subject H, and the second surface 71s of the second probe 7 and the light entrance portion 3p of the detection unit 3 are spaced apart from the surface Hs of the subject H. As an example, the distance Ds between the light exit portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the surface Hs of the subject H (and the distance between the light entrance portion 3p of the detection unit 3 and the surface Hs of the subject H) is about 1 mm.

[0063] As described above, here, the probe device 1B is in contact with the subject H only at the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9. Such a contact state can be controlled by, for example, adjusting the thickness of the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9. That is, by making the thicknesses of the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9 relatively thick, only the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9 can be brought into contact with the subject H, while by making the thicknesses of the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9 relatively thin, it is also possible to bring the light emission portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the light incidence portion 3p of the detection unit 3 into contact with the subject H in addition to the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9.

[0064] The size of the probe unit 4 can be selected so that the force with which the probe apparatus 1B clamps the subject H when the probe apparatus 1B is attached to the subject H is appropriately set. That is, as an example, when the size of the measurement site of the subject H is 4.5 cm to 5.5 cm, a probe unit 4 having an SD distance, which is the distance between the light emitting portion 2p and the light incident portion 3p in a natural state, of about 4 cm is selected; when the size of the measurement site of the subject H is 5.5 cm to 6.5 cm, a probe unit 4 having an SD distance of about 5 cm is selected; and when the size of the measurement site of the subject H is 6.5 cm to 7.5 cm, a probe unit 4 having an SD distance of about 6 cm is selected, and the probe apparatus 1B can be attached to the subject H while widening the SD distance by about 1 cm. The natural state refers to a state in which the subject H is not clamped and no external force is applied to the probe apparatus 1B.

[0065] In the probe device 1B, by realizing the above-described contact state, a light-shielded space S shielded from external light is formed between the first probe 6 and the subject H by the first probe 6, the first light-shielding member 8, and the subject H. Similarly, a light-shielded space S shielded from external light is formed between the second probe 7 and the subject H by the second probe 7, the second light-shielding member 9, and the subject H. As described above, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 are rotatable with respect to the main body 5. Therefore, when the probe device 1B is attached to the subject H, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 rotate, and the postures of the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 are adjusted to match the shape (shape of the head) of the subject H.

[0066] Next, with the probe device 1B attached to the subject H as described above, light L is provided from the light source unit C1 to the irradiation unit 2 under the control of the control unit C5 of the bio-optical characteristic measuring device 1A. This light L is emitted from the light emitting unit 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the first probe 6 and is irradiated towards the subject H. Here, the biomeasurement device 100 performs a time-resolved measurement method to measure the hemoglobin dynamics of the subject H. Therefore, here, a plurality of (for example, three) pulsed lights of light L having different wavelengths are sequentially irradiated. The wavelengths of the light L are, for example, 760 nm, 800 nm, and 830 nm.

[0067] Then, the light L propagated inside the subject H is detected by the detection unit 3 of the second probe 7 and output to the light detection section C2 of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A. Thereafter, based on the detection results (such as the attenuation and temporal diffusion of the light L), the bio-optical property measurement section C3 and the calculation processing section C4 of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A derive the oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, tissue oxygen saturation, and the like within the skull of the subject H. As described above, in this embodiment, the biomeasurement device 100 performs so-called transmission-type measurement. In this transmission-type measurement, light propagated deep inside the subject H is detected, and therefore the dynamics of hemoglobin deep inside the subject H can be measured.

[0068] As described above, in the probe unit 4, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 are attached to the flexible main body 5 so that the first probe 6, which has an exposed light output portion 2p for irradiating light L toward the subject H, faces the second probe 7, which has an exposed light input portion 3p for detecting light L propagated inside the subject H. Therefore, when measuring hemoglobin dynamics inside the subject H, if the main body 5 is bent to increase the distance between the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 and the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 sandwich the subject H, the probe unit 4 (and the irradiation / detection unit) can be easily attached to the subject H (easy to attach and detach) by releasing the bending of the main body 5.

[0069] Furthermore, in the probe unit 4, a first light-shielding member 8 is arranged on the first surface 61s of the first probe 6 so as to surround the emission axis A1 of the light emitting portion 2p, and a second light-shielding member 9 is arranged on the second surface 71s of the second probe 7 so as to surround the incidence axis A2 of the light incident portion 3p. Therefore, when the probe unit 4 is attached to the subject H, the first light-shielding member 8 and the second light-shielding member 9, which include an elastic material, come into contact with the subject H, thereby preventing at least the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 from coming into contact with the subject H. As a result, the load on the subject H is reduced compared to when only the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 come into contact with the subject H. Note that, for example, if the second probe 7 does not come into contact with the subject H, there is a risk that external light not to be detected may enter the light incident portion 3p through a space generated between the light incident portion 3p of the detection unit 3 and the subject H. In contrast, in this probe unit 4, when the probe unit 4 is attached to the subject H, a light-shielded space S is formed around the light output portion 2p by the first light-shielding member 8 and the subject H, and a light-shielded space S is formed around the light input portion 3p by the second light-shielding member 9 and the subject H. Therefore, the incidence of light that is not the detection target is suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the probe unit 4, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 are each provided rotatably with respect to the main body 5. Therefore, the angles of the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 can be adjusted according to the shape or size of the subject H. This makes it possible to appropriately set the angle of incidence of light from the first probe 6 to the subject H and the angle of incidence of light from the subject H to the second probe 7.

[0071] Furthermore, the probe unit 4 includes a shape memory member 10, and the main body 5 includes a first support part 51 that supports the first probe 6, a second support part 52 that supports the second probe 7, and a connecting part 53 that connects the first support part 51 and the second support part 52, and the shape memory member 10 is provided on the connecting part 53. Therefore, the first probe 6 can be supported by the first support part 51, and the second probe 7 can be supported by the second support part 52. Furthermore, the shape of the connecting part 53 can be maintained by the shape memory member 10.

[0072] Furthermore, in the probe unit 4, the main body 5 includes a plurality of layer members 5a, 5b stacked on top of each other, and fixing members 54, 55 for detachably fixing the plurality of layer members 5a, 5b to each other. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the main body 5 can be increased by combining a plurality of detachably fixed layer members 5a, 5b.

[0073] In the probe unit 4, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 include the optical fibers 21, 31, and the main body 5 includes a gap G through which the optical fibers 21, 31 are inserted and which holds the optical fibers 21, 31. Therefore, the optical fibers 21, 31 can be held by the gap G. This makes it possible to suppress positional deviation of the optical fibers 21, 31.

[0074] Furthermore, in the probe unit 4, the main body 5 is made of rubber sponge. Therefore, the elastic force of the main body 5 can reduce the burden on the subject H.

[0075] The probe unit 4 may be configured so as not to contain metal as a constituent material. In this case, when the probe device 1B is attached to the subject H, it is possible to prevent metal members from coming into contact with the subject H. Furthermore, with such a configuration, it becomes possible to perform MRI measurement while the probe device 1B is attached. [Second embodiment]

[0076] Next, a biometric measurement device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The biometric measurement device 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the biometric measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a probe device 1D instead of the probe device 1B. In the probe device 1D, the probe unit 4 includes two pairs of irradiation and detection units. More specifically, in the probe unit 4 according to the second embodiment, the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 each include an irradiation unit 2 and a detection unit 3, respectively.

[0077] That is, here, the first probe 6 has another detection unit 3 for detecting light L that has propagated inside the subject H. A light incident portion 3p (second light incident portion) of the other detection unit 3 is exposed to the first surface 61s. Furthermore, the second probe 7 has another irradiation unit 2 for irradiating light L toward the subject H. A light output portion 2p (second light output portion) of the other irradiation unit 2 is exposed to the second surface 71s. The aspects of each irradiation and detection unit are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0078] Furthermore, the first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s so as to surround the light exit portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the light entrance portion 3p of the detection unit 3 when viewed from a first direction intersecting with the first surface 61s, and the second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s so as to surround the light entrance portion 3p of the detection unit 3 and the light exit portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 when viewed from a second direction intersecting with the second surface 71s. In other words, the first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s so as to surround the exit axis A1 of the light exit portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the entrance axis A2 of the light entrance portion 3p of the detection unit 3, and the second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s so as to surround the entrance axis A2 of the light entrance portion 3p of the detection unit 3 and the exit axis A1 of the light exit portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2. That is, in the probe device 1D, one first light-shielding member 8 and one second light-shielding member 9 are configured to surround the light incident / emitting portion of the irradiation / detection unit.

[0079] The first light-shielding member 8 includes a portion (first portion) 8p interposed between the light output portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the light input portion 3p of the detection unit 3 when viewed from the first direction, and the second light-shielding member 9 includes a portion (second portion) 9p interposed between the light output portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 and the light input portion 3p of the detection unit 3 when viewed from the second direction. The portion 8p is provided bridging between opposing regions of the inner circumferential surface 8a so as to pass between the light output portion 2p and the light input portion 3p. The portion 9p is provided bridging between opposing regions of the inner circumferential surface 9a so as to pass between the light output portion 2p and the light input portion 3p.

[0080] As a result, when the probe device 1D is attached to the subject H, light-shielded spaces S1 and S2 that are independent of each other and are separated by the portion 8p or the portion 9p around the light emitting portion 2p and the light incident portion 3p, respectively.

[0081] Next, a biometric measurement method using the biometric measurement device 100 according to the second embodiment configured as above will be described. In this method, the probe device 1D is attached to the subject H. The attachment method is the same as that of the probe device 1B according to the first embodiment.

[0082] Next, with the probe device 1D attached to the subject H as described above, under the control of the control unit C5 of the bio-optical characteristic measuring device 1A, light L1 is provided from the light source unit C1 to the irradiation unit 2 of the first probe 6, and light L2 is provided from the light source unit C1 to the irradiation unit 2 of the second probe 7. This light L1 is emitted from the light emitting unit 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the first probe 6 and irradiated toward the subject H. Here, the biomeasurement device 100 performs a time-resolved measurement method to measure the hemoglobin dynamics of the subject H. Therefore, here, a plurality of (e.g., three) pulsed lights L1 having different wavelengths are sequentially irradiated. The wavelengths of the light L1 are, for example, 760 nm, 800 nm, and 830 nm.

[0083] Similarly, light L2 is emitted from the light emitting portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the second probe 7 and irradiated toward the subject H. Here, a plurality of pulsed lights L2 (the same number as the light L1, e.g., three) having different wavelengths are sequentially irradiated. The wavelengths of the light L2 are, for example, the same as those of the light L1, e.g., 760 nm, 800 nm, and 830 nm. The irradiation of the light L1 and the irradiation of the light L2 are performed with a time lag from each other.

[0084] Then, the light L1 propagated inside the subject H is detected by the detection unit 3 of the second probe 7 and output to the light detection section C2 of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A. Also, the light L2 propagated inside the subject H is detected by the detection unit 3 of the first probe 6 and output to the light detection section C2. Thereafter, based on the detection results (attenuation and temporal diffusion of the lights L1 and L2, etc.), the bio-optical property measurement section C3 and the calculation processing section C4 of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A derive the oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, tissue oxygen saturation, etc. within the skull of the subject H. In this way, here, first, two-channel transmission measurement is performed.

[0085] In the probe device 1D, the positions of the irradiation and detection units in the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 can be set so that the two lines, namely, the line connecting the light emission section 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the first probe 6 and the light entrance section 3p of the detection unit 3 of the second probe 7 and the line connecting the light entrance section 3p of the detection unit 3 of the first probe 6 and the light emission section 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the second probe 7, do not intersect with each other (for example, so that they are parallel) (first arrangement, see (a) of Figure 11).

[0086] Alternatively, in the probe device 1D, the positions of the irradiation and detection units in the first probe 6 and the second probe 7 may be set so that the two straight lines intersect with each other (second arrangement, see FIG. 11(b)). When the first arrangement is adopted, hemoglobin dynamics can be measured over a wider range inside the subject H. When the second arrangement is adopted, hemoglobin dynamics can be measured over a more localized range inside the subject H.

[0087] Next, reflection measurement is performed in the biomeasurement device 100 according to the second embodiment. That is, under the control of the control unit C5 of the biooptical characteristic measuring device 1A, light L1 is provided from the light source unit C1 to the irradiation unit 2 of the first probe 6, and light L2 is provided from the light source unit C1 to the irradiation unit 2 of the second probe 7. This light L1 is emitted from the light emitting unit 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the first probe 6 and irradiated toward the subject H. Similarly, light L2 is emitted from the light emitting unit 2p of the irradiation unit 2 of the second probe 7 and irradiated toward the subject H.

[0088] Light L1 propagated through the interior of the subject H is detected by the detection unit 3 of the first probe 6 and output to the light detection section C2 of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A. Light L2 propagated through the interior of the subject H is detected by the detection unit 3 of the second probe 7 and output to the light detection section C2. Thereafter, based on the detection results (attenuation and temporal diffusion of the lights L1 and L2, etc.), the bio-optical property measurement section C3 and the calculation processing section C4 of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A derive oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, tissue oxygen saturation, etc. within the skull of the subject H. In this way, two-channel reflection measurement is performed here.

[0089] In this reflection-type measurement, light that has propagated through a shallow portion of the subject H is detected, and therefore it is possible to measure the hemoglobin dynamics in the shallow portion of the subject H. Therefore, by considering (excluding) the detection results obtained by the reflection-type measurement from the detection results obtained by the transmission-type measurement, it is possible to more accurately measure the hemoglobin dynamics in the deep portion of the subject H.

[0090] As described above, the probe unit 4 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the probe unit 4 according to the second embodiment, the first surface 61s of the first probe 6 further exposes the light incident portion 3p for detecting light propagated inside the subject H, the second surface 71s of the second probe 7 further exposes the light exit portion 2p for irradiating light toward the subject H, the first light-shielding member 8 is attached to the first surface 61s so as to surround the exit axis A1 of the light exit portion 2p and the incident axis A2 of the light incident portion 3p, and the second light-shielding member 9 is attached to the second surface 71s so as to surround the incident axis A2 of the light incident portion 3p and the exit axis A1 of the light exit portion 2p. Therefore, two-channel measurement is possible using the first probe 6 and the second probe 7.

[0091] Furthermore, in the probe unit 4, the first light-shielding member 8 includes a portion 8p interposed between the light output portion 2p and the light input portion 3p, and the second light-shielding member 9 includes a portion 9p interposed between the light input portion 3p and the light output portion 2p. This prevents the light output from the light output portion 2p from being reflected by the surface Hs of the subject H and directly entering the light input portion 3p. It also prevents the light output from the light output portion 2p from being reflected by the surface Hs of the subject H and directly entering the light input portion 3p. This prevents the incidence of light that is not the target of detection.

[0092] The above embodiment has been described as one aspect of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the above-described probe unit 4 and can be modified as desired.

[0093] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a first probe according to a modified example, and Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12. In the example shown in Fig. 13, some components are omitted. For example, in the above embodiment, the light emitting portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 is configured by the end face 21s of the optical fiber 21, and the end face 21s is exposed to the first surface 61s of the first probe 6. However, as shown in Fig. 12, the light emitting portion 2p of the irradiation unit 2 may be configured by the end face of another optical member (here, the end face 81a of the prism 81) coupled to the optical fiber 21, and the end face may be exposed to the first surface 61s of the first probe 6.

[0094] In this case, the prism 81 is fitted into the recess 63 of the holder 61 via a case 82. As shown in FIG. 13 , the optical fiber 21 is coupled to the prism 81 by being connected (contacted) to a side surface of the prism 81 that is different from the end surface 81a. More specifically, the prism 81 has a reflecting surface 81b provided on the side opposite the end surface 81a and a side surface 81c connecting the end surface 81a and the reflecting surface 81b. The optical fiber 21 abuts against the side surface 81c inside the first probe 6. As a result, light emitted from the optical fiber 21 enters the prism 81 from the side surface 81c of the prism 81, is reflected by the reflecting surface 81b, and is guided to the end surface 81a. The second probe 7 may have a configuration similar to that of the first probe 6.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9 have a constant thickness along the circumferential direction. However, as shown in FIG. 14 , the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9 may have a thickness that varies along the circumferential direction. More specifically, the first light shielding member 8 may have a relatively thick portion 83 and a relatively thin portion 84, and the second light shielding member 9 may have a relatively thick portion 93 and a relatively thin portion 94. In this case, the angle of incidence of light onto the subject H and the angle of incidence of light from the subject H can be adjusted while the first light shielding member 8 and the second light shielding member 9 are suitably brought into close contact with the subject H according to the outer shape of the subject H.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the main body 5 includes two overlapping layer members 5a, 5b. However, as shown in FIG. 15 , the main body 5 may include two overlapping layer members 5a, 5b. In this modification, a pair of mounting portions 62, 62 is provided at positions corresponding to the light emitting portion 2p and the light incident portion 3p, respectively. One mounting portion 62 is disposed between one pair of the two pairs of layer members 5a, 5b, and the other mounting portion 62 is disposed between the other pair of layer members 5a, 5b. In this modification, a fastener F is inserted through the pair of mounting portions 62, 62 and through each of the two pairs of layer members 5a, 5b. This attaches the first probe 6 to the main body 5. The second probe 7 may have a similar configuration to that of the first probe 6.

[0097] In the probe unit 4 according to this modification, the main body 5 is attached to two attachment portions 62. In other words, the first probe 6 is attached to the main body 5 at multiple locations. This makes it possible to distribute the elastic force applied from the main body 5 to the subject H when the probe unit 4 is attached to the subject H. As a result, for example, uneven distribution of the amount of deformation (e.g., warping) of the main body 5 due to the elastic force is suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, the configuration of the irradiation / detection unit is not limited to the one that transmits and receives light to and from the bio-optical characteristic measurement device 1A using optical fibers as described above. For example, the irradiation unit 2 may be provided with a light-emitting element corresponding to the light source section C1 and configured to transmit and receive electrical signals to and from the bio-optical characteristic measurement device 1A. In this case, the light-emitting section 2p of the irradiation unit 2 may be configured by the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element (or the end face of an optical member coupled to the light-emitting surface).

[0099] Alternatively, the detection unit 3 may be provided with a light-receiving element corresponding to the light detection section C2 and configured to transmit and receive electrical signals to and from the bio-optical characteristic measurement apparatus 1A. In this case, the light incident section 3p of the detection unit 3 may be configured by the light incident surface of the light-receiving element (or the end face of an optical member coupled to the light incident surface). In these cases, communication lines for transmitting and receiving electrical signals, power lines for supplying power to the light-emitting element, light-receiving element, etc. may be arranged in the groove 64 of the holding section 61 of the first probe 6 or the groove 74 of the holding section 71 of the second probe 7.

[0100] In these cases, the light source C1 and the light detection unit C2 can be omitted from the bio-optical property measurement device 1A. Furthermore, the irradiation unit 2 and the detection unit 3 may be provided with a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from the bio-optical property measurement device 1A. In addition, a battery and other elements of the bio-optical property measurement device 1A may be provided in the irradiation unit 2 and the detection unit 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 2p...light output portion (first light output portion, second light output portion), 3p...light input portion (first light input portion, second light input portion), 4...probe unit, 5...main body portion, 5a, 5b...layer member, 6...first probe, 7...second probe, 8...first light-shielding member, 8p...portion (first portion), 9...second light-shielding member, 9p...portion (second portion), 10...shape memory member, 21, 31...optical fiber, 51...first support portion, 52...second support portion, 53...connecting portion, 54, 55...fixing member, 61s...first surface (first face), 71s...second surface (second face), A1...output axis, A2...input axis, G...gap (fiber holding portion), H...object, L, L1, L2...light.

Claims

1. A probe unit used to measure hemoglobin dynamics inside a subject, comprising: a flexible main body; a first probe attached to the main body and having a first surface from which a first light emitting portion for irradiating light toward the subject is exposed; a second probe attached to the main body so as to face the first probe, and having a second surface to which a first light incident portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject is exposed; a first light-blocking member that has a light-blocking property and includes an elastic material, and is attached to the first surface so as to surround an emission axis of the first light-emitting portion; a second light-shielding member that has light-shielding properties and includes an elastic material, and is attached to the second surface so as to surround the incident axis of the first light incident portion; Equipped with the first light-shielding member is provided on the first surface such that the first light-shielding member is in contact with the surface of the object, and the first surface and the first light-emitting portion are spaced apart from the surface of the object; the second light-shielding member is provided on the second surface such that the second light-shielding member is in contact with the surface of the subject, and the second surface and the first light incident portion are spaced apart from the surface of the subject; the first surface of the first probe further exposes a second light incident portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject; the second surface of the second probe further exposes a second light emitting portion for irradiating light toward the subject; the first light-blocking member is attached to the first surface so as to surround an emission axis of the first light emitting portion and an incidence axis of the second light incident portion, the second light-blocking member is attached to the second surface so as to surround an incident axis of the first light incident portion and an exit axis of the second light exit portion, the first light-blocking member includes a first portion interposed between the first light-emitting portion and the second light-incident portion of the first probe, the second light-blocking member includes a second portion interposed between the first light input portion and the second light output portion of the second probe; Probe unit.

2. Each of the first probe and the second probe is provided rotatably with respect to the main body. The probe unit according to claim 1 .

3. A shape memory member is provided, the main body includes a first support portion that supports the first probe, a second support portion that supports the second probe, and a connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The shape memory member is provided at the connecting portion. The probe unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The main body portion is a plurality of layer members stacked on top of one another; a fixing member for removably fixing the plurality of layer members to each other, The probe unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first probe and the second probe include optical fibers; the main body portion includes a fiber holding portion through which the optical fiber is inserted and which holds the optical fiber; The probe unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The main body is made of rubber sponge. The probe unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A probe unit used to measure hemoglobin dynamics inside a subject, comprising: a flexible main body; a first probe attached to the main body and having a first surface from which a first light emitting portion for irradiating light toward the subject is exposed; a second probe attached to the main body so as to face the first probe, and having a second surface to which a first light incident portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject is exposed; a first light-blocking member that has a light-blocking property and includes an elastic material, and is attached to the first surface so as to surround an emission axis of the first light-emitting portion; a second light-shielding member that has light-shielding properties and includes an elastic material, and is attached to the second surface so as to surround the incident axis of the first light incident portion; Equipped with the first surface of the first probe further exposes a second light incident portion for detecting light propagated inside the subject; the second surface of the second probe further exposes a second light emitting portion for irradiating light toward the subject; the first light-blocking member is attached to the first surface so as to surround an emission axis of the first light emitting portion and an incidence axis of the second light incident portion, the second light-blocking member is attached to the second surface so as to surround an incident axis of the first light incident portion and an exit axis of the second light exit portion, the first light-blocking member includes a first portion interposed between the first light-emitting portion and the second light-incident portion of the first probe, the second light-blocking member includes a second portion interposed between the first light input portion and the second light output portion of the second probe; Probe unit.

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