JP2004261482A - Measuring and displaying system for backbone of human body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a measuring and displaying system for a human body backbone by which the curving condition of the backbone can precisely and simply be measured. <P>SOLUTION: The measuring and displaying system 1 for a human body backbone by which the curve of the backbone of a person to be measured can be measured consists of: a marker element 3 to be fitted to a hand of a palpating person; an imaging means 5 capable of imaging a marker element 3; a distance measuring means 7 capable of measuring a distance to the imaging means 5 and the marker element 3; an image processing means 9 which generates image data of the curve of the backbone of the person to be measured based on the image of the marker element imaged by the imaging means 5 and distance data from the distance measuring means 7 and displays it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a human body spine measurement display system that can measure the bending of a spine of a measurement subject.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it has been known that distortion and bending of a spine have various effects on a human body, such as internal diseases, stiff shoulders, and headaches. Therefore, in order to check whether the spine is bent, a chiropractic practitioner palpates the position of the spine of the human body and checks whether the spine is bent, or a moire pattern that is symmetrical on the surface of the human body The method uses moire topography, which is reflected in the image, or the method using thermography, which detects the temperature of the human body surface caused by poor blood flow and allows the user to visually observe the body distortion (bending of the spine) based on the temperature distribution. Had been.
[0003]
In the case of these conventional methods, the explanation about the state of the spine given to the person to be measured is given only verbally, so that it is impossible to know the specific bending state of the spine.
Also, in order to know the specific curvature of the spine from the content displayed on the moire topography or thermography image, it is necessary to have skill to grasp the display content, and it is not easy for amateur eyes to know the curvature of the spine. It was difficult.
[0004]
In order to solve such inconveniences, the present inventor has proposed a human body spine measurement display system that measures the degree of spine bending while palpating by hand using an XYZ linear mechanism (Japanese Patent Application 2001). No. 25555547).
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-25547, pp. 4-17, FIGS. 1-12.
[0005]
FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a human spine measurement display system proposed by the present inventors. FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram showing a human spine measurement display system proposed by the present inventors. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a tracing stylus used in the human body spine measurement display system.
In FIG. 5, the human body spine measurement display system 110 is roughly divided into a spine measurement device 130 and an image processing display device 150, and the data measured by the spine measurement device 102 is converted into the image processing display device. The image processing and display device 150 supplies the individual information of the person to be measured to the image processing and displaying device 150 so that the image processing and displaying device 150 can display the image.
[0006]
More specifically, the spine measuring device 130 includes a measurement bed 131, a measurement direction support arm 132 fixed on the measurement bed 131, and a parallel support arm 133 movable in a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction support arm 132. A vertical support arm 134 movable in the vertical direction with respect to the parallel support arm 133, a tracing stylus 135 fixed to the vertical support arm 134 and scanning the spine from the surface of the human body, and the measurement direction And a coordinate detection device 136 fixed to a part of the support arm 132.
[0007]
As shown in FIG. 6, the tracing stylus 135 has an inverted T-shape, and a practitioner sandwiches the spine of the patient (measurement target) from above the surface between the second and third fingers. It is to be scanned. The living body practitioner is familiar with the position of the patient's spine, and based on the sensation of the fingertip of the practitioner, the living body practitioner can directly display it in three dimensions.
The image processing and display device 150 includes an image processing device main body 151 that takes in data from the coordinate detecting device 136 of the spine measuring device 130 and performs various image processing and other processes, and a patient (measurement target). It comprises an input device 152 for inputting gender, height and other necessary information to the image processing device main body 151, and a display 153 for displaying an image processed by the image processing device main body 151. The image processing apparatus main body 151 has basic diagram data and a vertebra table, and realizes a synthesizing unit and an image data generating unit by executing a program.
According to the human spine measurement and display system 110 having such a configuration, the probe 135 is scanned from the surface on the spine of the measurement subject lying lying down by making the most of the skill of the practitioner who is familiar with living body surgery. By a simple method, it is possible to visually recognize how the spine bends in a pseudo three-dimensional image.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the human spine measurement display system 110 described above, since measurement in a certain pressed state by the practitioner is required, measurement cannot be performed unless the patient lies down on a special measurement bed 131, and measurement is not possible. There was also a disadvantage that there were restrictions.
Further, according to the human spine measurement and display system 110 described above, it is a mechanical device, which is liable to break down, and maintenance is indispensable to ensure the accuracy.
Furthermore, according to the human spine measurement display system 110 described above, since measurement cannot be performed unless the patient (measurement target) lies on the specially-shaped spine measurement device 130, the patient (measurement target) may feel uneasy. There was an inconvenience of giving it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a human spine measurement and display system which can solve the above-mentioned inconveniences and accurately and easily measure the degree of bending of the spine.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a human spine measurement and display system according to the invention according to claim 1 is a human spine measurement and display system capable of measuring a spine of a measurement subject, wherein the marker element is attached to the hand of a palpator, Imaging means capable of imaging a marker element; distance measuring means capable of measuring the distance between the imaging means and the marker element; measurement based on an image of the marker element captured by the imaging means and distance data from the distance measuring means. Image processing means for generating and displaying image data of bending the spine of the subject.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the human spine measurement and display system according to the first aspect, a tactile sensor is attached to the marker element, and the image processing unit is configured to perform processing based on data from the tactile sensor. There is provided a means for measuring the stiffness of the muscles near the spine to obtain image data.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the human spine measuring and displaying system according to the first aspect, the distance measuring means attaches a light emitting element for generating predetermined light or an ultrasonic wave generating element for generating ultrasonic waves to the marker element. Further, a light receiving element or an ultrasonic receiving element is attached to or near the image pickup means so that a distance to a marker element can be measured by the light or the ultrasonic wave.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the human backbone measurement and display system according to the first aspect, the distance measuring means can measure a distance to the marker element by focusing the marker element by an imaging means. It is characterized by the following.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment of the present invention]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a human spine measurement display system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0011]
In FIG. 1, the human spine measurement and display system 1 is roughly divided into a marker element 3 attached to the hand of a palpator, an imaging unit 5 capable of imaging the marker element 3, and up to the imaging unit 5 and the marker element 3. Distance measuring means 7 that can measure the distance of the subject, and three-dimensional image data of bending the spine of the measurement target based on the image data of the marker element imaged by the imaging means 5 and the distance data measured by the distance measuring means 7. And an image processing means 9 capable of generating and displaying.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, the marker element 3 includes a base 31 provided with a through hole for inserting a forefinger of a palpator and a through hole for inserting a middle finger, and a marker 32 provided on the base 31. ing.
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging means 5 includes a CCD camera 51, a receiver 52 for taking out imaging data from the CCD camera 51, and an AD converter 53 for converting the imaging data of the receiver 52 into digital imaging data. It is composed of
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, the distance measuring means 7 includes a CCD camera 51 and a receiver 52 for taking out image data from the CCD camera 51. The focus of the marker element captured by the CCD camera 51 by the receiver 52 is adjusted. The distance between the image pickup means 5 and the marker element 3 obtained by the receiver 52 is converted into digital distance data by the AD converter 53. To the image processing means 9.
[0014]
The image processing means 9 includes a computer main body 91 configured to execute various processes and configured by a personal computer, a display device 92 such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display for three-dimensionally displaying an image processed by the computer main body 91, and a patient ( An input device 93 such as a keyboard for inputting the gender, height, and other necessary information of the person to be measured into the computer main body 91 is provided.
[0015]
The computer main body 91 stores a central processing unit (CPU) for executing image recognition processing, image data generation processing, and other processing, an operating system, the image recognition program, the spine image generation program, and other necessary data. A main storage device, a hard disk device that stores an operating system, the image recognition program / spine image generation program, and other necessary data and databases, an input interface (I / F) to which the input device 93 is connected, It comprises a display I / F to which the display device 92 is connected, an output I / F, and a bus line connecting these. The CPU of the computer main body 91 processes the operating system and the image recognition program / spine image generation program developed and stored in the main storage device to display the bent state of the bone from the measured data of the spine three-dimensionally. Image data can be generated.
[0016]
The operation of the thus configured human spine measurement display system 1 will be described.
First, the imaging unit 5 and the image processing unit 9 of the human spine measurement and display system 1 are turned on to prepare for imaging. Then, the index finger and the middle finger of the palpator are inserted into the two through holes of the base 31 of the marker element 3, and the patient (measurement target) is seated on a chair or the like or laid down on a bed to prepare for measurement.
The palpator then moves along the spine from the head toward the lumbar spine with the index and middle fingers.
[0017]
At this time, the marker 32 of the marker element 3 is imaged by the CCD camera 51 of the imaging means 5 and input to the receiver 52. The receiver 52 obtains image data and obtains distance data between the marker 32 of the marker element 3 and the CCD camera 51 by focusing so that the marker 32 of the marker element 3 is accurately displayed.
The imaging data and the distance data obtained by the receiver 52 are digitized by the AD converter 53, converted into digital imaging data and digital distance data, and input to the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9.
[0018]
The computer body 91 of the image processing means 9 obtains data in the X-axis and Y-axis directions from digital imaging data measured by executing an image recognition program, and obtains data in the Z-axis direction from digital distance data. it can.
The computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9 stores X-axis-Y-axis data and Z-axis direction data obtained by the image recognition program in a predetermined storage area of the hard disk device.
[0019]
When all the measurements are completed, the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9 sets the data in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and the data in the Z-axis direction stored in a predetermined storage area of the hard disk device, based on the data. The image data of the spine may be generated by the method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-255747. Of course, the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9 may generate image data of the spine by image pattern recognition.
[0020]
According to such a human spine measurement display system 1, as a palpator, the position of an individual spine is grasped with the sense of the fingertip of the living body practitioner such as a living body practitioner. Since the three-dimensional display can be performed as it is, the three-dimensional display most suitable for the living body treatment can be performed.
In addition, there is an advantage that the device is not a mechanical device, does not break down, can always maintain accuracy, and is maintenance-free.
In addition, according to the above-described human spine measurement display system 1, there is an advantage that there is no restriction on the measurement because the imaging device only needs to image the marker element.
Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned human spine measurement display system 1, there is no need for a specially shaped spine measurement device or the like, and the patient (measurement subject) does not feel uneasy.
[0021]
That is, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that the degree of bending of the spine can be accurately and easily measured in a three-dimensional state.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the distance measuring means 7 adjusts the distance between the marker 32 and the CCD camera 51 by focusing the marker 32 of the marker element 3 on the CCD camera 51 of the imaging means 5. Was measured, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used.
[0022]
That is, a light emitting element for generating a predetermined light (for example, pulse light at a constant interval) is attached to the marker 32 of the marker element 3, and the light is received by the CCD camera 5 of the imaging means 5, and the light is emitted to or near the marker A light receiving element may be provided to measure the distance between the marker 32 and the CCD camera 51 of the imaging means 5 from predetermined light (for example, pulse light at a constant interval).
Further, an ultrasonic wave is generated by generating an ultrasonic wave on the marker 32 of the marker element 3, an ultrasonic wave receiving element is mounted on the CCD camera 51 of the imaging means 5 or in the vicinity thereof, and the ultrasonic wave is applied to the marker element 3. The distance between the marker 32 and the ultrasonic receiving element may be measured.
[0023]
[Second embodiment of the present invention]
2 and 3 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a human spine measurement display system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a marker element used in the human spine measurement display system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a state before the marker element is used. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a state where measurement is performed with a marker element.
[0024]
The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment of the present invention in that a tactile sensor 40 is provided on the marker element 3 and the tactile sensor 40 is driven by driving the tactile sensor 40. Is provided in the tactile sensor control unit 41 capable of inputting the above data to the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9, and the other configuration is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the marker element 3 includes a base 31 having a through hole for inserting a forefinger of a palpator and a through hole for inserting a middle finger, and a marker 32 provided on the base 31. And a tactile sensor 40 provided on the lower side of the base 31 in the figure and on the upper side of the base 31 in the figure.
[0025]
The tactile sensor 40 is connected to the tactile sensor drive detection device 41 via a cable 42, and the tactile sensor 40 is driven by the tactile sensor drive detection device 41 to drive tactile data from the tactile sensor 40 to drive the tactile sensor. The image is detected by the detection device 41 and input to the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9.
[0026]
The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A, the index finger and the middle finger of the palpator are inserted through the two through holes of the base 31 of the marker element 3, and (Measurement target) is prepared for measurement by sitting on a chair or lying down on a bed.
Then, the palpator moves the index finger and the middle finger along the spine from the head toward the lumbar vertebra as shown in FIG. 3 (B), and at that time, the haptic senses as shown in FIG. 3 (B). The sensor 40 is moved along the spine from the surface of the lumbar spine.
[0027]
Then, the tactile sensor drive detection device 41 gives the data from the tactile sensor 40 to the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9.
The computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9 executes a processing program from the tactile sensor to realize a tactile sensor data processing means, and performs a processing in the vicinity of the spine based on data from the tactile sensor 40 from the tactile sensor drive detection device 41. The stiffness of the muscle is measured and used as image data. The computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9 gives the image data to the display device 92 of the image processing means 9 to display an image of the stiffness of the muscles near the spine.
[0028]
[Modification of Second Embodiment of the Present Invention]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a modification of the human spine measurement display system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 shows that measurement can be performed while a patient (measurement target) is standing, and the configuration is completely the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the second embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0029]
In short, the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the measurement can be performed while the patient (measurement target) is standing. Needless to say, the marker element 3 is provided with a tactile sensor 40, and the tactile sensor 40 is driven by the tactile sensor drive detection device 41, and a detection signal from the tactile sensor 40 is transmitted to the image processing unit 9 by the tactile sensor 40. It can be supplied to the computer main body 91.
Further, image data from the CCD camera 51 of the image capturing means 5 is converted into digital image data by an AD converter 53 via a receiver 52 and can be supplied to a computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9. Further, data in the Z-axis direction can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0030]
As a result, the degree of bending of the spine can be converted into image data, displayed on the display device 92 of the image processing means 9, and presented to the patient (measurement target) as an image satisfactory to the patient (measurement target).
Further, in a modified example according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the computer main body 91 of the image processing means 9 measures the stiffness of the muscles near the spine based on the data from the tactile sensor 40 to obtain image data. Then, the image can be displayed on the display device 92 of the image processing means 9 and presented to the patient (measurement target) as an image satisfactory to the patient (measurement target).
As described above, according to the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to measure the degree of bending of the spine even while the patient (measurement subject) is standing.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the human spine measurement display system according to the present invention, the patient's spine is fully utilized by utilizing the experience of the practitioner who is skilled in living body surgery and can know the state of the spine of the patient at the fingertip. There is an excellent effect that three-dimensional display is possible, and there is an excellent effect that three-dimensional display of the bending of the spine while standing can be performed if the patient's body does not move. In addition, there is an advantage that the device is not a mechanical device, does not break down, can always maintain accuracy, and is maintenance-free.
Further, according to the human spine measurement and display system according to the present invention, there is an advantage that there is no restriction on the measurement because only the imaging device needs to image the marker element.
Furthermore, according to the human spine measurement display system according to the present invention, there is no need for a specially shaped spine measurement device or the like, and the patient (measurement target person) does not feel uneasy.
In addition, the human spine measurement display system according to the present invention has an advantage that the degree of spine bending can be accurately and easily measured in a three-dimensional state.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a human spine measurement and display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a human spine measurement display system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a marker element used in a human spine measurement display system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a modification of the human spine measurement display system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram showing a human spine measurement display system proposed by the present inventors.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a tracing stylus used in the human spine measurement and display system proposed by the present inventors.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Human body spine measurement display system 3 Marker element 5 Imaging means 7 Distance measuring means 9 Image processing means 31 Substrate 32 Marker 40 Tactile sensor 41 Tactile sensor drive detection device 51 CCD camera 52 Receiver 53 AD converter 91 Computer main body 92 Display device ( display)
93 Input device (keyboard)

Claims (4)

In a human body spine measurement display system that can measure the bending of the spine of the measurement subject,
A marker element to be attached to the palpator's hand,
Imaging means capable of imaging the marker element;
A distance measuring unit that can measure a distance to the imaging unit and the marker element,
A human body, comprising: image processing means capable of generating and displaying image data of bending the spine of the measurement target based on the image of the marker element captured by the imaging means and the distance data from the distance measurement means. Spine measurement display system. A tactile sensor is attached to the marker element, and the image processing unit includes a unit that measures stiffness of a muscle near a spine based on data from the tactile sensor to generate image data. The human spine measurement and display system according to claim 1, wherein: The distance measuring means, a light emitting element for generating predetermined light or an ultrasonic wave generating ultrasonic wave is attached to the marker element, and an ultrasonic wave generating element is attached. The human spine measurement display system according to claim 1, wherein the distance to the marker element can be measured by the light or the ultrasonic wave. 2. The human body spine measurement display system according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring means can measure a distance to the marker element by focusing on the marker element by an imaging means.

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