Photoacoustic imaging method and device

A photoacoustic imaging method comprising:

• outputting light from a light source toward a part to be observed in a subject through a surface of the subject;
• obtaining photoacoustic wave detection signals by detecting photoacoustic waves emitted from the part to be observed exposed to the light;
• imaging the part to be observed based on the photoacoustic wave detection signals and displaying the part to be observed on an image display unit;
• outputting acoustic waves toward the part to be observed through the surface of the subject, and obtaining reflected acoustic wave detection signals by detecting reflected acoustic waves reflected from the subject;
• detecting a near-surface region of the subject based on the reflected acoustic wave detection signals;
• and
• attenuating information of the near-surface region when the part to be observed is displayed.

A photoacoustic imaging device comprising:

• a light source that emits light toward a part to be observed in a subject through a surface of the subject;
• a photoacoustic wave detection unit that obtains photoacoustic wave detection signals by detecting photoacoustic waves emitted from the part to be observed exposed to the light;
• an image display unit that images the part to be observed based on the photoacoustic wave detection signals and displays the part to be observed;
• a unit that detects a near-surface region of the subject based on a set of the photoacoustic wave detection signals with respect to a depth direction of the subject;
• and
• a correcting unit that attenuates information of the near-surface region when the part to be observed is displayed.

A photoacoustic imaging device comprising:

• a light source that emits light toward a part to be observed in a subject through a surface of the subject;
• a photoacoustic wave detection unit that obtains photoacoustic wave detection signals by detecting photoacoustic waves emitted from the part to be observed exposed to the light;
• an image display unit that images the part to be observed based on the photoacoustic wave detection signals and displays the part to be observed;
• a unit that outputs acoustic waves toward the part to be observed through the surface of the subject;
• a reflected acoustic wave detection unit that obtains reflected acoustic wave detection signals by detecting reflected acoustic waves reflected from the subject;
• a unit that detects a near-surface region of the subject based on the reflected acoustic wave detection signals;
• and
• a correcting unit that attenuates information of the near-surface region when the part to be observed is displayed.