JP2007190081A - Lung sound collecting device and lung sound collecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly indicate the timing of inspiration and expiration in collecting the lung sound. <P>SOLUTION: In collecting the lung sound of a subject, images m1 and m2 in prescribed shapes are displayed, and the expansion and contraction of the displayed images are repeated. The lung sound data inputted while the images are expanded are treated as data on the inspiration sound, and the lung sound data inputted while the images are contracted are treated as data on the exhalation sound. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lung sound collection device and a lung sound collection method suitable for application to collecting lung sounds of a patient in a medical institution, for example.

  Conventionally, when a doctor diagnoses lung sounds in a medical institution, a doctor stethoscope is placed on the chest of the patient, the doctor listens directly to the lung sounds, and the doctor himself determines whether the heard lung sounds are normal. . Such a conventional method of directly listening and judging depends largely on the experience of the doctor, and there is a problem that the diagnosis results vary depending on the skill of the doctor who makes the diagnosis. On the other hand, various proposals have been made in the past for taking lung sounds as data into an apparatus and analyzing them automatically for diagnosis.

Patent Document 1 discloses one example of a technique for capturing and analyzing heart sounds, lung sounds, and the like as data.
JP 2005-296634 A

  By the way, in order to collect and analyze the lung sound using the lung sound collecting device, it is necessary to accurately capture the lung sound itself. That is, the patient must exhale a certain amount of breath (exhalation) or inhale a great deal (inspiration) to accurately capture the tendency of the patient's exhalation sound and inspiration sound. When a doctor listens directly to a breathing sound using a stethoscope, the doctor can verbally instruct the patient to increase inspiration and expiration, but conventionally, when capturing with a capture device Was not considered to give such instructions. In particular, it has been difficult to give accurate instructions to infants and the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to satisfactorily indicate the timing of expiration and inspiration when performing lung sound collection.

  The present invention displays an image of a predetermined shape when collecting the lung sound of a measurement subject, repeatedly executes the expansion and contraction of the shape of the displayed image, and inputs during the expansion of the image. The processed lung sound data is handled as inspiratory sound data, and the lung sound data input during image contraction is handled as expiratory sound data.

  According to the present invention, the data of the expiration sound and the data of the inspiration sound are distinguished from each other in association with the expansion and contraction of the shape of the displayed image. It becomes possible to instruct the timing of inspiration and the timing of expiration. By appropriately setting the period and size of expansion and contraction, it is possible to give a precise and good instruction to instruct the subject to inhale or inhale relatively large.

  In this case, a period in which the shape of the image is stopped is provided at a timing at which the image changes from being expanded to being contracted and a timing at which the image is changed from being contracted to being expanded, and within the period in which the shape of the image is stopped, By providing a boundary between expiratory sound data and inspiratory sound data, expiratory sound data and inspiratory sound data can be easily separated from the captured data.

  Moreover, the position where the image expands to the maximum is displayed during the expansion of the shape of the image, and the position where the image contracts to the minimum is displayed during the contraction. It is possible to give a clear indication to the person being measured.

  In addition, the number of times indicating how many times the current display is expanded and contracted, and the number of times indicating the final number of times that the image is expanded and contracted are displayed. Thus, it is possible to know how many times you have breathed and how many times you should breathe, and to give a more easily understood instruction to the person being measured.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lung sound collection state in this example. In this example, the lung sound of the subject a (patient) is collected by the lung sound collecting device 20 by the operation of the doctor b. The stethoscope 10 possessed by the doctor b is provided with a microphone 11, and a sound (lung sound) picked up by the microphone 11 is input to the lung sound collecting device 20. The stethoscope 10 has a microphone 11 attached in the vicinity of the distal end portion of a stethoscope of a general configuration in which the doctor b listens to lung sounds. Even when the lung sounds are being collected by the lung sound collecting device 20, normal diagnosis is performed. It is also possible for the doctor b to listen to the lung sound in the same way.

  The lung sound collection device 20 is composed of, for example, a computer device and peripheral devices thereof, and displays an image for instructing breathing on a display 21 connected to the computer device. Software (program) for functioning as a lung sound collecting device is installed in the computer device. The software is for executing operation processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 to be described later, and reference data for diagnosing lung sounds is also prepared in advance by the software. For the operation, for example, a keyboard 22 connected to a computer device is used. With this configuration, the person to be measured a looks at the image displayed on the display 21 and breathes based on the display image. In the example of FIG. 1, since there is one display 21, the doctor b also looks at the display 21.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in which two displays are provided, one display 21 is used for doctors, and the other display 23 is used for patients. In this case, the same image may be displayed on the two displays 21 and 23, but the image for breathing instruction described in this example may be displayed only on the display 23 for the patient.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the lung sound collection apparatus 20 of the present example. The output signal of the microphone 11 attached to the stethoscope 10 is supplied to the characteristic adjustment unit 24, and signal adjustment (correction) processing according to the type and individual characteristics of the stethoscope 10 is performed. As the signal adjustment processing, for example, correction of frequency characteristics is performed. The lung sound signal processed by the characteristic adjusting unit 24 is supplied to an analog / digital converter 25, and is sampled into digital data by sampling at a constant period. As the sampling period, for example, a period of 0.1 milliseconds is used.

  The digital data converted by the analog / digital converter 25 is supplied to the fast Fourier transformer 26, and the time axis is converted to the frequency axis by fast Fourier transform (FFT) calculation. As processing for conversion to the frequency axis, for example, data at 50 Hz intervals in a range from 50 Hz to 5000 Hz, and data indicating how much signal components at each frequency position exist within a certain time. The Fourier-transformed data is supplied to the data processing unit 27 for data analysis processing. The analyzed data is stored in the memory 28. The memory 28 also stores lung sound data which is a reference necessary for diagnosis of lung sounds.

  Data analysis processing in the data processing unit 27 is executed under the control of the control unit 30. Operation information of the keyboard 22 that performs operations such as start and stop of lung sound acquisition is also supplied to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 controls each unit based on the operation information.

  The lung sound collection device 20 of this example includes a display control unit 29 and supplies display data created by the display control unit 29 to a display 21 connected (or built in) to the lung sound collection device 20. Thus, an image or the like can be displayed. The display on the display 21 by the display control unit 29 is also executed under the control of the control unit 30. Even when two displays 21 and 23 are provided as shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 29 performs display control of the two displays.

  Here, in the case of this example, when the lung sound collection device 20 collects lung sounds, the control unit 30 controls the display 21 (and 23) to display a moving image instructing expiration and inspiration. In conjunction with the image display, the lung sound data captured by the microphone 11 is distinguished into inspiration sound data and expiration sound data. The moving image display instructing expiration and inspiration is an image having a shape that repeatedly contracts and expands. Specifically, for example, a balloon-shaped image is displayed, and the balloon is inflated during a period for instructing inspiration, and the balloon is deflated during a period for instructing exhalation. Details of the image display example will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a display process of the display 21 (and 23) and lung sound data capturing process under the control of the control unit 30 in the lung sound collecting apparatus 20 of the present example. The processing state will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is a capturing start operation by a keyboard operation or the like (step S11). If it is determined that there is a start operation, the lung sound data output from the microphone 11 is started to be captured, and the processing in the data processing unit 27 is started (step S12). Then, an image of a balloon-shaped graphic is displayed on the display 21 and the expansion of the displayed balloon graphic is started (step S13).

  When the balloon figure as the display image starts to expand, the balloon figure continues to expand for a predetermined time t1 from the start of the expansion (step S14). The time t1 is, for example, about 2 seconds, and is a time that allows sufficient intake. When the time t1 has elapsed, the expansion of the display graphic is stopped (step S15), and the display graphic is displayed with the display size as it is for a predetermined time t2 (step S16). As the waiting time t2, for example, a relatively short time of about 1 second is a time sufficient to distinguish between the inhalation period and the expiration period.

  When the waiting time t2 elapses, the displayed balloon figure starts to contract (step S17), and the balloon figure continues to contract for a predetermined time t1 from the start of the contraction (step S18). The time t1 is the same time as the time t1 at the time of expansion, and is a time during which expiration can be performed sufficiently. When the time t1 elapses, the contraction of the display figure is stopped (step S19).

  Here, it is determined whether or not there is an operation for ending the current collection of lung sounds (step S20). If the collection is not completed, the display figure is displayed with the display size as it is for a predetermined time t2. The display is made as it is, and it is made to stand by (step S21). The standby time t2 is also the same as the standby time in step S16, which is sufficient to distinguish the expiration period and the inspiration period. Then, it returns to step S13 and starts expansion of a display figure. If it is determined in step S20 that the capturing has been completed, the lung sound capturing here is terminated and the display of the balloon image is terminated (step S22).

  In this way, the balloon graphic image is repeatedly expanded and contracted, and then from the start of the graphic expansion in step S13 to the timing when it is detected from the data that the sound is almost silent during the standby in step S16. The control unit 30 controls the data processing unit 27 so that the data captured during the period is determined as intake sound data and processed as intake sound data (step S1). Then, the period from the time when it is detected that the input data is substantially silent during the standby in step S16 to the time when it is detected that the input data is substantially silent during the standby in step S21 is taken in. The control unit 30 controls the data processing unit 27 so that the data (or the data until the capturing is finished in step S22) is determined as the data of the expiratory sound and is processed as the data of the expiratory sound (step S2). . The intake sound data is compared with intake sound reference data prepared in advance in the memory 28 or the like to determine whether there is an abnormality. Similarly, the data set as the exhalation sound is compared with the reference data of the exhalation sound prepared in advance in the memory 28 or the like to determine whether there is an abnormality.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the display graphic is inflated and deflated, and a predetermined time t2 is waited for. However, the input lung sound data is almost silent after the expansion and deflation are stopped. If detected, the standby may be stopped at that time to start contraction or expansion.

  The flowchart in FIG. 5 shows an example of processing in this case. The same steps as those in the flowchart in FIG. 4 are given the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted. In the example of FIG. 5, after stopping the expansion of the display figure in step S15, it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the input data is almost silent (step S31). The process proceeds to step S17 for starting contraction. If no silent state is detected in step S31, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t2 determined in advance from the stop of expansion has elapsed (step S32). If not, the process returns to the determination in step S31. When the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to the process of starting contraction in step S17.

  Similarly, when the contraction of the display figure is stopped in step S19 and it is determined in step S20 that the capturing is not completed, it is determined whether or not it is detected that the input data is almost silent (step S33). If a silent state is detected, the process proceeds to the process of starting expansion in step S13. If no silence is detected in step S33, it is determined whether a predetermined time t2 has elapsed since the contraction stop (step S34). If not, the process returns to the determination in step S33. If the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to the process of starting expansion in step S13.

  In the case of the flowchart of FIG. 5 as well, the data captured during the period from the start of the expansion of the graphic in step S13 to the timing at which the almost silent state is detected in step S31 is determined as the data of the intake sound, The control unit 30 controls the data processing unit 27 so as to process the data as intake sound data (step S1). Then, the data captured in the period from the timing at which the input data is detected to be substantially silent in step S31 to the timing at which it is detected that the sound is almost silent in step S33 (or the capture at step S22). The control unit 30 controls the data processing unit 27 so as to determine that the data until the end) is the data of the expiratory sound and process it as the data of the expiratory sound (step S2). However, if the silent state is not detected in step S32 or S34 and the time t2 has elapsed, the intake of the inspiratory sound or the expiratory sound during that period is regarded as an error.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example on the display 21. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the image m1 of the deflated balloon is displayed. As shown by a broken line in the figure, the balloon m gradually expands and is displayed in an enlarged manner. During this expansion, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 6 (a), the position at the time of maximum expansion may be displayed so that an indication of how much it expands can be obtained. During this expansion, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, guidance characters such as “intake of intake sound” and “normally ingest” may be displayed at the same time. Also, the current number of breaths and the final number of breaths that have been taken in may be displayed simultaneously as shown.

  FIG. 6B shows a state where an image m2 of an inflated balloon is displayed. As shown by a broken line in the drawing, the image is gradually contracted to be displayed in a small size. During the contraction, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 6B, the position when the contraction is minimized may be displayed so that an indication of how much the contraction can be made. During this contraction, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, guidance characters such as “capturing exhalation sound” and “capture normal” may be displayed simultaneously. In addition, the display of the current number of breaths (the current number of times that the image has been expanded and contracted) and the display of the final number of breaths that have been completed (the final number of times that the image has been expanded and contracted) are simultaneously performed as shown in the figure. It is also possible to display (or display only one of them). You may display several more times. However, some guide characters such as “normal import” are displayed only on the doctor display 21 when two displays 21 and 23 are provided as shown in FIG. The display 23 may display an image of a balloon figure, only the number of breaths and the last number.

  The display in which such a display graphic repeats expansion and contraction is performed as long as the collection by the lung sound collection device 20 continues. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the display image is a state where the image m1 of the most contracted balloon is displayed, and after the display of the image m3 in the middle of the expansion, the balloon that has completely expanded is displayed. After that, the image m2 of the most contracted balloon is displayed after the display of the image m3 in the middle of the contraction. Regarding the state in which the image m1 of the most contracted balloon graphic is displayed and the state in which the image m1 of the most contracted balloon graphic is displayed, a period in which the respective display states are kept to some extent and are captured as inspiration sounds And a period of time taken as a breathing sound are set.

  As described above, according to the lung sound collecting apparatus of this example, the patient is instructed of the timing of inspiration and expiration by repeating the expansion and contraction display of the balloon graphic, so that the display form is very easy for the patient to understand. Yes, for example, it is possible to give instructions accurately to an infant who cannot read characters. In addition, the captured lung sound data is distinguished into expiratory sound data and inspiratory sound data in conjunction with the instructed timing of inspiration and expiration, so that the distinction can be made reliably. Therefore, the collected lung sound data can be compared with the reference data stored in advance in the apparatus reliably and satisfactorily, and it can be reliably determined whether or not the collected lung sound is abnormal. In addition, in order to distinguish between inspiration and expiration, the display size is temporarily stopped between the expansion display and the contraction display, so that the time between expiration and inspiration is reliably ensured, There is an effect that the separation between the inspiratory sound and the expiratory sound becomes clearer.

  In the embodiment described so far, the balloon graphic is used as the graphic image to be displayed. However, other graphic images may be repeatedly displayed in contraction and expansion. The display color may be changed between the contraction and the expansion.

  In the description so far, the sound captured at the time of expansion display is used as inspiration sound data, and the sound captured at the time of contraction display is used as expiration sound data. However, the sound may be set in reverse. In addition, even if it is set so that the sound captured at the time of expansion display is the data of inspiration sound and the sound captured at the time of contraction display is used as data of the expiration sound, the reference data of the expiration sound prepared in advance on the device side In contrast, if it is determined that there is a high possibility of breathing by comparing the reference data for the inspiration sound and the acquired lung sound data, the data may be acquired as the reverse data.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lung sound capturing device is configured using a computer device has been described. However, the lung sound capturing device may be configured as a dedicated lung sound capturing device. Further, software (programs) necessary for using a computer device may be distributed via the Internet or the like in addition to being stored in various storage media such as a disk.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the lung sound collection state by one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example (example of two displays) of the lung sound collection state by one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration example by one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a display and taking-in process by one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a display of the modification of one embodiment of this invention, and an acquisition process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display by one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display change by one embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Stethoscope, 11 ... Microphone, 20 ... Lung sound collection device, 21 ... Display, 22 ... Keyboard, 23 ... Display, 24 ... Characteristic adjustment part, 25 ... Analog-digital converter, 26 ... Fast Fourier transform, 27 Data processing unit, 28 Memory, 29 Display control unit, 30 Control unit, a examinee, b Doctor, m1, m2, m3 Display image

Claims (6)

In the lung sound collection device that collects the lung sound of the subject,
Lung sound processing means for processing captured lung sound data;
Display means for displaying an image of a predetermined shape;
Control means for controlling the display on the display means and the data processing on the lung sound processing means in conjunction with each other,
The control means repeats expansion and contraction of the shape of the image displayed on the display means, and the lung sound data captured during the expansion of the image is used as inspiration sound data by the lung sound processing means. A lung sound collecting apparatus, wherein the lung sound data captured during the contraction of the image is processed as expiratory sound data by the lung sound processing means. The lung sound collecting device according to claim 1,
There is a period in which the shape of the image temporarily stops at the timing when the image changes from being inflated to being deflated and the timing at which the image is changing from being inflated to being inflated. A lung sound collecting device characterized in that a boundary between inspiratory sound data and expiratory sound data is provided. The lung sound collection device according to claim 2,
The lung sound collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a timing at which the shape of the image is substantially silent is set as a boundary between the inspiratory sound data and the expiratory sound data. The lung sound collecting device according to claim 1,
Lung sound collection, wherein the position where the image expands to the maximum is displayed during expansion of the shape of the image, and the position at which the image contracts to the minimum is displayed on the display means during contraction apparatus. The lung sound collecting device according to claim 1,
On the display means, the number of times indicating how many times the current display is expanded and contracted, and the number of times indicating the final number of times the image is expanded and contracted, or the number of both times A lung sound collecting device characterized by displaying. In the lung sound collection method for collecting the lung sounds of the subject,
Display an image of a predetermined shape, and repeatedly execute expansion and contraction of the shape of the displayed image,
Treating lung sound data input during inflation of the image as inspiratory sound data,
A lung sound collection method characterized in that lung sound data input during image contraction is handled as expiratory sound data.

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