JP2018011952A - Diagnosis support system, diagnosis support apparatus, and diagnosis support program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a workload on a medical doctor etc. in diagnosis.SOLUTION: A diagnosis support system includes: calculation means to calculate position information indicating a positional relation between a biological sensor and a predetermined region of a measurement target; and extraction means configured to extract, from biological information already diagnosed, biological information that is associated with position information similar to the position information calculated by the calculation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a diagnosis support system, a diagnosis support apparatus, and a diagnosis support program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are various types of biosensors used in a diagnosis support system. As an example, there is a magnetic sensor that measures a weak current flowing in a living body outside the living body. By using the magnetic sensor, the current flowing through the nerve in the subject's spine is measured as magnetic field data, and the current source is reconfigured. According to the diagnostic support system, the nerve activity in the spine is visualized. be able to.

  In addition, doctors should use the reconstructed data obtained by visualizing the nerve activity to diagnose the subject, such as the presence or absence of nerve transmission failure due to spinal injury and the location of transmission failure. Can do.

  Here, when a doctor or the like makes a diagnosis of a subject based on the reconstructed data, the reconstructed data of the past reconstructed data (for example, other diagnosed subjects diagnosed by a skilled doctor or the like) It is effective to compare with configuration data (hereinafter referred to as “reference data”).

  However, in general, the reconstruction data is easily affected by individuals (body size, skeleton shape, etc.), and the reconstruction data is different if the individual difference is large. For this reason, doctors or the like need to extract reference data taking into account individual differences (differences in body size, skeleton shape, etc.) between the subject and other subjects.

  On the other hand, it is not easy to extract such reference data from a large number of reference data, and the burden on doctors who perform diagnosis is high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the workload of a doctor or the like at the time of diagnosis.

The diagnosis support system according to each embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
Calculating means for calculating positional information indicating a positional relationship between the biosensor and a predetermined part to be measured;
Extraction means for extracting biological information associated with position information similar to the position information calculated by the calculation means from the diagnosed biological information.

  According to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the workload of a doctor or the like at the time of diagnosis.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of a diagnostic assistance system. It is a figure which shows the flow of the medical service using a diagnostic assistance system. It is a figure which shows the measuring method of the data used for the production | generation of X-ray image data with coordinates. It is a figure which shows the origin on a magnetic sensor array. It is a figure which shows the production | generation method of X-ray image data with coordinates. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an acquisition process of the X-ray image data with a coordinate. It is a figure which shows the measuring method of the magnetic field data used for the production | generation of reconstruction data. It is the figure which showed typically the electric current which flows through the nerve in a test subject's spine. It is a figure which shows the production | generation method of reconstruction data. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the acquisition process of reconstruction data. It is a figure which shows an example of the X-ray image data table with a coordinate, and a reconstruction data table. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a diagnostic assistance apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of a diagnostic assistance part. It is a figure which shows an example of the reference data table stored in the reference data storage part. It is a figure which shows an example of the diagnostic result data table stored in a diagnostic result data storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of spine position specification processing. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a magnetic sensor array and the predetermined site | part of a spine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a contrast display and a diagnostic result reception process. The similarity is a diagram showing the state specifying the reference ID associated with the maximum becomes (parameter S _d is minimum) C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of a screen transition. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of a screen transition. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the similarity determination part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reconstruction data display screen in the diagnosis assistance apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the reconstruction data display screen in the diagnosis assistance apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the designation method of the observation point in a diagnostic screen.

  First, an overview of the diagnosis support system in each embodiment will be described. In the diagnosis support system in each of the following embodiments, due to individual differences between the subject and other subjects (differences such as the size of the body and the shape of the skeleton), as an element that affects the reconstruction data, Paying attention to the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor array and the spine of the subject, processing corresponding to the element is performed.

  Specifically, in the diagnosis support system in each embodiment, first, imaging by X-ray is performed, and the spine of the subject is visualized so that a doctor or the like designates the position of a predetermined part of the spine of the subject. It can be so. Further, in the diagnosis support system in each embodiment, for each pixel of the X-ray image data including the spine of the subject, coordinates having the magnetic sensor array as the origin position are calculated, and X-ray image data with coordinates is generated. . When a doctor or the like designates the position of a predetermined part of the spine included in the X-ray image data with coordinates, the position of the designated part can be specified by the coordinates.

  That is, according to the diagnosis support system in each embodiment, the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor array and a predetermined part of the spine of the subject can be quantified.

  Furthermore, in the diagnosis support system in each embodiment, the reference data (the positional relationship is the highest) in which the coordinates closest to the coordinates of a predetermined part of the subject's spine are associated among the plurality of reference data stored in advance. Similar reference data) is extracted.

  That is, according to the diagnosis support system in each embodiment, it is possible to extract reference data with the least difference in influence caused by individual differences based on the quantified positional relationship.

  Thus, according to the diagnosis support system in each embodiment, it is configured to automatically extract the reference data taking into account individual differences between the subject and other subjects. The load can be reduced.

  Details of each embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the specification and drawings according to each embodiment, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[First Embodiment]
<1. Overall Configuration of Diagnosis Support System>
First, the overall configuration of the diagnosis support system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a diagnosis support system.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the diagnosis support system 100 includes X-ray imaging units 110 a and 110 b, an X-ray image data processing device 111, a magnetic sensor array 120, and a magnetic field data processing device 121. Further, the diagnosis support system 100 includes a server device 130 and a diagnosis support device 140.

  The X-ray imaging unit 110a and the X-ray imaging unit 110b irradiate the subject with X-rays from the front and side surfaces of the subject and detect the X-rays transmitted through the subject, respectively. Generate data. The X-ray imaging unit 110 a and the X-ray imaging unit 110 b transmit the generated X-ray image data to the X-ray image data processing device 111.

  The X-ray image data processing device 111 processes the X-ray image data received from the X-ray imaging unit 110a and the X-ray imaging unit 110b and the magnetic field distribution data received from the magnetic field data processing device 121, and the front of the subject. And X-ray image data with side coordinates (details will be described later). Further, the X-ray image data processing device 111 transmits the generated X-ray image data with coordinates (front and side surfaces) to the server device 130.

  The magnetic sensor array 120 is a biological sensor in which a plurality of magnetic sensors are arranged in an array, and in this embodiment, two types of magnetic field data are measured. First, the magnetic sensor array 120 in the present embodiment measures magnetic field data used to generate coordinated X-ray image data (front). Specifically, magnetic field data is measured with a marker coil attached to the subject. Secondly, the magnetic sensor array 120 in this embodiment measures the current flowing through the nerve in the spine of the subject as magnetic field data by applying a predetermined electrical stimulus to the subject.

  Magnetic field data measured by each of the plurality of magnetic sensors included in the magnetic sensor array 120 is input to the magnetic field data processing device 121.

  The magnetic field data processing device 121 generates magnetic field distribution data by processing the magnetic field data received from the magnetic sensor array 120 and transmits it to the X-ray image data processing device 111. Further, the magnetic field data processing device 121 processes the magnetic field data received from the magnetic sensor array 120 to calculate reconstruction data indicating the current flowing through each point in the subject's spine. The magnetic field data processing device 121 transmits the calculated reconstruction data to the server device 130.

  The server device 130 is an information processing device that manages various data. A management program is installed in the server device 130, and the server device 130 functions as the management unit 131 by executing the management program.

  The management unit 131 receives the coordinated X-ray image data (front and side surfaces) transmitted from the X-ray image data processing device 111 and the reconstruction data transmitted from the magnetic field data processing device 121, and as measurement data, Stored in the measurement data storage unit 132.

  Further, the management unit 131 reads out the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 132 in response to a request from the diagnosis support device 140 and transmits it to the diagnosis support device 140.

  Further, the management unit 131 reads reference data stored in advance in the reference data storage unit 133 in response to a request from the diagnosis support device 140 and transmits the reference data to the diagnosis support device 140. Note that, as described above, the reference data is data that is contrasted when a doctor or the like diagnoses a subject's neural activity based on the reconstructed data, and includes past reconstructed data (for example, skilled doctors). Etc., the reconstructed data that has been diagnosed for neural activity). The diagnosis of nerve activity here includes, for example, diagnosis of presence / absence of nerve transmission disorder, diagnosis of occurrence of transmission disorder, and the like.

  Further, the management unit 131 stores the diagnosis result data transmitted from the diagnosis support apparatus 140 in the diagnosis result data storage unit 134.

  The diagnosis support apparatus 140 is an information processing apparatus that supports a doctor or the like when the doctor or the like makes a diagnosis about a subject's nerve activity. A diagnosis support program is installed in the diagnosis support apparatus 140, and the diagnosis support apparatus 140 functions as the diagnosis support unit 141 when the diagnosis support program is executed.

The diagnosis support unit 141 acquires measurement data (X-ray image data with coordinates, reconstruction data) of the subject from the server device 130. Further, the diagnosis support unit 141 displays the acquired X-ray image data with coordinates, and accepts designation of a position of a predetermined part (for example, vertebra C ₂ , vertebra C _5, etc.) of the subject's spine.

  In addition, the diagnosis support unit 141 calculates the coordinates of the position of the designated part based on the acquired X-ray image data with coordinates. Further, the diagnosis support unit 141 extracts reference data associated with the coordinates closest to the calculated coordinates from the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 133.

  Furthermore, the diagnosis support unit 141 supports the diagnosis of the subject by a doctor or the like by displaying the acquired reconstruction data in comparison with the extracted reference data (displayed side by side). When the diagnosis support unit 141 receives a diagnosis result input by a doctor or the like, the diagnosis support unit 141 transmits the received diagnosis result data to the server device 130.

  As described above, in the diagnosis support system 100 according to the present embodiment, the reference data (reference data with the most similar positional relationship) associated with the coordinates closest to the coordinates of the position of the predetermined part of the subject's spine are used. Extract. This eliminates the need for doctors and the like to perform work of extracting reference data taking into account individual differences between the subject and other subjects from a large number of reference data. The workload can be reduced.

  In the description of the system configuration in FIG. 1, the diagnosis support system 100 includes the X-ray imaging units 110a and 110b and the magnetic sensor array 120. However, these measurement devices are not included in the diagnosis support system. May be. For example, the X-ray image data with coordinates may be generated using the X-ray image data stored in advance in the X-ray image data processing apparatus 111. Or you may comprise so that reconstruction data may be produced | generated using the magnetic field data previously stored in the magnetic field data processing apparatus 121. FIG. In this case, the range included in the dotted line 150 is the range of the diagnosis support system.

  Furthermore, the X-ray image data processing device 111 and the magnetic field data processing device 121 may not be included in the diagnosis support system. For example, the diagnosis support unit 141 may be configured to function using measurement data and reference data already stored in the server device 130. In this case, the range included in the dotted line 160 is the range of the diagnosis support system.

<2. Flow of medical services>
Next, the flow of the entire medical service using the diagnosis support system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of medical work using the diagnosis support system.

  In step S <b> 201, a doctor or the like uses the diagnosis support system 100 to measure data for quantifying the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor array 120 and a predetermined part of the subject's spine. Specifically, a doctor or the like uses the diagnosis support system 100 to measure X-ray image data and magnetic field data used to generate coordinated X-ray image data.

  In step S202, a doctor or the like uses the diagnosis support system 100 to measure data for diagnosing neural activity. Specifically, a doctor or the like applies electrical stimulation to the subject, and measures a current flowing through a nerve in the subject's spine as magnetic field data using the magnetic sensor array 120.

  In step S <b> 203, a doctor or the like uses the diagnosis support system 100 to specify the position of a predetermined part of the subject's spine. Specifically, a doctor or the like designates a predetermined part of the spine on the X-ray image data with coordinates, and the diagnosis support system 100 calculates the coordinates of the designated part by calculating the coordinates of the designated part. Identify the location of the site.

  In step S <b> 204, the doctor or the like makes a diagnosis about the nerve activity of the subject. Specifically, the diagnosis support system 100 extracts reference data associated with coordinates closest to a position of a predetermined part of the subject's spine, and displays the reference data in comparison with the reconstruction data. Then, a doctor or the like diagnoses the subject's neural activity based on the reconstructed data and the reference data displayed in comparison.

  Hereinafter, the function, operation | movement, etc. of the diagnostic assistance system 100 in connection with each process (step S201-204) are demonstrated in detail.

<3. Functions, operations, etc. of diagnosis support system relating to step S201 (positional relationship quantification)>
First, functions, operations, and the like of the diagnosis support system 100 related to step S201 (positional relationship quantification) will be described.

<3.1 Measurement Method of Data Used to Generate X-ray Image Data with Coordinates>
A method for measuring data (X-ray image data, magnetic field data) used for quantification of the positional relationship (generation of X-ray image data with coordinates) will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method of measuring data used for generating coordinated X-ray image data. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, xyz coordinates are defined as follows.
-Let the axis | shaft which goes to the head direction from the chest of the subject 300 to be measured be a y-axis.
The axis from the back of the subject 300 to be measured to the chest is the z axis.
The axis from the right arm to the left arm of the subject 300 to be measured is the x axis.

  FIG. 3A shows a state in which the subject 300 is imaged from the front using the X-ray imaging unit 110a in the diagnosis support system 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, the X-ray imaging unit 110a includes an X-ray source 110a_1 and an X-ray detector 110a_2, and irradiates the subject 300 with X-rays from the front of the subject 300. And X-ray image data 310 is output.

  In the present embodiment, the marker coil 301 is attached to the subject 300 during imaging by the X-ray imaging unit 110a. Thereby, a marker coil is reflected in the X-ray image data 310 (see reference numeral 311).

  FIG. 3B-1 shows a state in which the magnetic field generated by the marker coil 301 attached to the subject 300 is measured using the magnetic sensor array 120 in the diagnosis support system 100. As shown in FIG. 3B-1, the magnetic sensor array 120 is disposed in the dewar 320. The dewar 320 is filled with liquid helium, and cooling is performed to operate the magnetic sensor array 120 at an extremely low temperature.

  Each magnetic sensor constituting the magnetic sensor array 120 outputs magnetic field data in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions as voltage signals. In the present embodiment, a voltage signal in each direction output by each magnetic sensor measuring the magnetic field generated by the marker coil 301 is referred to as magnetic field data 321.

  FIG. 3 (b-2) shows a state in which the subject 300 is imaged from the side using the X-ray imaging unit 110 b in the diagnosis support system 100. As shown in FIG. 3 (b-2), the X-ray imaging unit 110b has an X-ray source 110b_1 and an X-ray detector 110b_2, and is examined by irradiating X-rays from the side surface of the subject 300. The person 300 is imaged and X-ray image data 330 is output.

  In the present embodiment, imaging by the X-ray imaging unit 110b is performed in a state where the subject 300 is lying on the back for measurement by the magnetic sensor array 120. For this reason, the magnetic sensor array 120 is reflected in the X-ray image data 330 (see reference numeral 331).

<3.2 Origin of X-ray image data with coordinates>
Next, the origin position used when calculating the coordinates of each pixel of the X-ray image data 310 and 330 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the origin on the magnetic sensor array.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic sensor array 120 includes a plurality of magnetic sensors (such as the magnetic sensor 401) arranged in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

  Under this arrangement, in the present embodiment, the origin on the magnetic sensor array 120 is set to the chest direction end and the right direction end (see point 410). Thereby, the positional relationship with the magnetic sensor array 120 can be quantified as an x coordinate, ay coordinate, and a z coordinate with the point 410 as the origin.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the magnetic sensor array 120 is shown in which five magnetic sensors are arranged in the y-axis direction and seven magnetic sensors are arranged in the x-axis direction. The number of is not limited to this.

<3.3 Coordinate X-ray image data generation method>
Next, a method for generating coordinated X-ray image data will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method for generating coordinated X-ray image data.

  Among these, Fig.5 (a) has shown the production | generation method of the X-ray image data (front) with a coordinate. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the magnetic field data 321 is received from the magnetic sensor array 120, the magnetic field data processing device 121 generates magnetic field distribution data 501. Further, the magnetic field data processing device 121 detects a position where the strength of the magnetic field reaches a peak in the magnetic field distribution data 501. Here, the position where the intensity of the magnetic field peaks in the magnetic field distribution data 501 corresponds to the position of the marker coil 301.

The magnetic field data processing apparatus 121 calculates the distance from the point 410 to the position where the magnetic field strength reaches a peak based on the strength of the magnetic field, and the coordinates of the peak position. Thereby, the xy coordinates of each marker coil 301 can be calculated. In the example of FIG. 5A, the xy coordinates of each of the marker coils 301 are (x _m1 , y _m1 ), (x _m2 , y _m2 ), (x _m3 , y _m3 ), (x _m4 , y _m4). ) Is calculated.

  The magnetic field data processing device 121 transmits magnetic field distribution data 501 including the calculated xy coordinates of each marker coil 301 to the X-ray image data processing device 111.

  The X-ray image data processing device 111 detects each marker coil (reference numeral 311) shown in the X-ray image data 310 transmitted from the X-ray imaging unit 110a. Further, the X-ray image data processing apparatus 111 applies the xy coordinates of each of the marker coils 301 transmitted from the magnetic field data processing apparatus 121 to the positions of the marker coils (reference numeral 311) detected from the X-ray image data 310.

  As a result, the X-ray image data processing apparatus 111 calculates the coordinates of each pixel of the X-ray image data 310 and generates X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 510. That is, the coordinated X-ray image data (front) 510 generated by the X-ray image data processing device 111 is xy with the position of the point 410 of the magnetic sensor array 120 as the origin at each pixel of the X-ray image data 310. It is nothing but data with coordinates. In FIG. 5 (a), the grid lines indicating the xy coordinates on the coordinated X-ray image data (front) 510 are merely shown for convenience of explanation, and the doctor or the like has the X-rays with coordinates. When displaying the image data (front) 510, the grid lines are not displayed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5B shows a method of generating coordinated X-ray image data (side surface). As shown in FIG. 5B, when X-ray image data 330 is received from the X-ray imaging unit 110b, the X-ray image data processing device 111 detects the magnetic sensor array 120 reflected in the X-ray image data 330. . Further, the X-ray image data processing device 111 calculates the yz coordinates of each pixel of the X-ray image data 330 based on the origin position on the magnetic sensor array 120 detected from the X-ray image data 330, and the X-ray with coordinates. Image data (side surface) 520 is generated. That is, the coordinated X-ray image data (side surface) 520 generated by the X-ray image data processing device 111 is yz with the position of the point 410 of the magnetic sensor array 120 as the origin at each pixel of the X-ray image data 330. It is nothing but data with coordinates. In FIG. 5B, the grid lines indicating the yz coordinates on the coordinated X-ray image data (side surface) 520 are merely shown for convenience of explanation. When the image data (side surface) 520 is displayed, the grid lines are not displayed.

<3.4 Flow of X-ray image data acquisition processing with coordinates>
Next, a flow of processing for acquiring coordinated X-ray image data by the diagnosis support system 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for acquiring coordinated X-ray image data.

  In step S <b> 601, the doctor or the like inputs information about the subject 300 (subject information) to the X-ray image data processing device 111. The subject information input by the doctor or the like includes the subject ID, name, age, sex, height, weight, and the like.

  In step S <b> 602, a doctor or the like attaches the marker coil 301 to the subject 300.

  In step S603, the doctor or the like uses the X-ray imaging unit 110a to perform X-ray imaging from the front of the subject 300.

  In step S <b> 604, the X-ray imaging unit 110 a generates X-ray image data 310 and transmits it to the X-ray image data processing device 111. Thereby, the X-ray image data processing device 111 acquires the X-ray image data 310.

  In step S605, the doctor or the like uses the X-ray imaging unit 110b to perform X-ray imaging from the side surface of the subject 300.

  In step S <b> 606, the X-ray imaging unit 110 b generates X-ray image data 330 and transmits it to the X-ray image data processing device 111. As a result, the X-ray image data processing apparatus 111 acquires the X-ray image data 330.

  In step S <b> 607, the X-ray image data processing apparatus 111 generates coordinate-added X-ray image data (side surface) 520 based on the acquired X-ray image data 330.

  In step S <b> 608, the doctor or the like uses the magnetic sensor array 120 to measure the magnetic field of the marker coil 301 attached to the subject 300.

  In step S <b> 609, the magnetic sensor array 120 transmits the magnetic field data 321 to the magnetic field data processing device 121. In addition, the magnetic field data processing device 121 that has received the magnetic field data 321 generates the magnetic field distribution data 501, calculates the coordinates of each of the marker coils 301, and transmits them to the X-ray image data processing device 111 included in the magnetic field distribution data 501. To do.

  In step S610, the X-ray image data processing device 111, based on the X-ray image data 310 received from the X-ray imaging unit 110a and the magnetic field distribution data 501 received from the magnetic field data processing device 121, has an X-ray image with coordinates. Data (front) 510 is generated.

  In step S611, the X-ray image data processing device 111 associates the generated X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 510 and the X-ray image data with coordinates (side) 520 with the subject information, and performs measurement data. Store in the storage unit 132.

<4. Functions and operations of diagnosis support system related to step S202 (nerve activity measurement)>
Next, functions, operations, and the like of the diagnosis support system 100 related to step S202 (nerve activity measurement) will be described.

<4.1 Measuring method of magnetic field data used for generation of reconstruction data>
First, a method for measuring magnetic field data used for generating reconstruction data will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of measuring magnetic field data used for generating reconstruction data.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface of the dewar 320 has an arc shape, and comes into contact with the vicinity of the spine of the subject 300 lying on his back from below. In this state, an electrode is attached to a predetermined part (for example, the left arm) of the subject 300, and electrical stimulation is applied to the subject 300, whereby the magnetic sensor array 120 causes nerves in the spine of the subject 300 to be detected. The flowing current can be measured as a magnetic field.

  Each magnetic sensor constituting the magnetic sensor array 120 measures magnetic fields in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions for a predetermined time. In the present embodiment, the voltage signal in each direction obtained by measuring each magnetic sensor for a predetermined time is referred to as magnetic field data 711.

<4.2 Reconstruction data generation method>
Next, a current flowing through a nerve in the spine of the subject 300 will be described, and a generation method for generating reconstruction data using magnetic field data obtained by measuring the current as a magnetic field will be described.

(1) Current flowing through nerve in subject's spine FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing current flowing through the nerve in the subject's spine. In FIG. 8, a thick solid line arrow 800 indicates a direction in which the nerve activity moves. As shown in FIG. 8, when electrical stimulation is applied to a predetermined part of the subject 300, the nerve 810 in the spine of the subject 300 has a y-axis direction (the head direction of the subject 300). Nervous activity moves.

  Curves 801 to 804 conceptually show the current circuit in the living body of the subject 300. As shown in FIG. 8, in the living body of the subject 300, the current flows through the nerve 810 and then returns around the outer cell.

  That is, the current flowing in the current circuit in the living body of the subject 300 includes a current flowing into the nerve 810 in the directions of arrows 811 and 812 (referred to as “volume current”) and a direction in the nerve 810 in the directions of arrows 813 and 814. Current (referred to as “intracellular current”).

  Among these, the current flowing in the nerve 810 is a pair of the intracellular current flowing in the direction of the arrow 813 and the intracellular current flowing in the direction of the arrow 814. In this state, the inside of the nerve 810 as a whole in the y-axis direction ( (Direction of arrow 800).

  Therefore, when the intracellular current transmitted in the direction of the arrow 800 is observed at the observation point 820, the intracellular current flowing in the direction of the arrow 814 first passes, and then the intracellular current flowing in the direction of the arrow 813 passes. As a result, at the observation point 820, an upward current is observed first, and then a downward current is observed.

  The magnetic sensor array 120 measures a magnetic field generated by the flow of the volume current and the intracellular current and outputs it as a voltage signal. Further, the magnetic field data processing device 121 reconfigures a current source (the volume current and the intracellular current) based on the voltage signal output from the magnetic sensor array 120, and at a predetermined observation point in the nerve 810. The time change of the current value is calculated.

(2) Reconstruction Data Generation Method FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a reconstruction data generation method. Among these, FIG. 9A shows an example of a voltage signal output by each magnetic sensor included in the magnetic sensor array 120.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, each magnetic sensor included in the magnetic sensor array 120 measures the magnetic field in the x-axis direction, the magnetic field in the y-axis direction, and the magnetic field in the z-axis direction, and outputs them as voltage signals. For this reason, three voltage signals are output from each magnetic sensor. Further, the entire magnetic sensor array 120 outputs voltage signals as the magnetic field data 711 by the number of magnetic sensors × 3.

For example, if the number of magnetic sensors is 35 (vertical 5 × horizontal 7), at least 105 voltage signals are output as magnetic field data 711 from the magnetic sensor array 120. Each voltage signal includes a voltage signal measured from the time when electrical stimulation is applied to the subject 300 (for example, from time 0) to time t _n .

FIG. 9B shows a state in which the magnetic field data processing device 121 reconfigures the current source using the magnetic field data 711 output from the magnetic sensor array 120. Reconstruction data 911 to 913 in FIG. 9B is obtained by reconstructing each current source at times t ₁ , t ₂ , and t ₃ , and the white portion has a large absolute value of the current value. The black portion indicates that the absolute value of the current value is small. Hereinafter, the reconstruction data shown in FIG. 9B is referred to as three-dimensional reconstruction data.

  In the three-dimensional reconstruction data 911 to 913, the x mark 921 indicates the position of the peak value of the intracellular current, and the x mark 922 indicates the position of the peak value of the volume current. As the time advances, the positions of the x marks 921 and 922 move in the y-axis direction.

The three-dimensional reconstruction data 911 at time t _1, the magnetic field data 711 at time t ₁ is calculated based on the (x-axis output from the magnetic sensors, y-axis, the voltage signal of the z-axis). Similarly, the three-dimensional reconstruction data 912 at time t _2, the magnetic field data 711 at time t ₂ is calculated based on the (x-axis output from the magnetic sensors, y-axis, the voltage signal of the z-axis). Furthermore, three-dimensional reconstruction data 913 at time t _3, the magnetic field data 711 at time t ₃ is calculated based on the (x-axis output from the magnetic sensors, y-axis, the voltage signal of the z-axis).

FIG. 9C shows a state in which the magnetic field data processing device 121 has calculated reconstruction data indicating temporal changes in current values at predetermined observation points based on the three-dimensional reconstruction data. Among these, the reconstruction data 941 is a current value from time 0 to time t _n at the observation point 931 (for example, vertebra C _{3 of} the spine) based on the three-dimensional reconstruction data 911, 912, 913,. It is the reconstructed data obtained by calculating the time change. Similarly, the reconstruction data 942 is based on the three-dimensional reconstruction data 911, 912, 913,..., The current value from time 0 to time t _n at the observation point 932 (for example, the vertebra C _{4 of} the spine). It is the reconstructed data obtained by calculating the time change. Further, the reconstruction data 943 is based on the three-dimensional reconstruction data 911, 912, 913,..., The current value from time 0 to time t _n at the observation point 933 (for example, the vertebra C _{5 of} the spine). This is reconstructed data obtained by calculating the time change. Hereinafter, the reconstruction data 941 to 943 illustrated in FIG. 9C is referred to as two-dimensional reconstruction data.

<4.3 Flow of reconstruction data acquisition processing>
Next, the flow of the reconstruction data acquisition process by the diagnosis support system 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reconstruction data acquisition process.

  In step S <b> 1001, the doctor or the like inputs information about the subject 300 (subject information) to the magnetic field data processing device 121.

  In step S <b> 1002, a doctor or the like starts measuring magnetic field data using the magnetic sensor array 120.

  In step S <b> 1003, a doctor or the like attaches an electrode to a predetermined part of the subject 300 (for example, the left arm of the subject 300), and applies electrical stimulation to the subject 300.

  In step S1004, the magnetic field data processing apparatus 121 acquires the acquired magnetic field data 711.

  In step S1005, the magnetic field data processing device 121 removes artifacts included in the magnetic field data 711.

  In step S1006, the magnetic field data processing device 121 generates three-dimensional reconstruction data based on the magnetic field data 711 from which artifacts have been removed.

In step S1007, the magnetic field data processing device 121 generates two-dimensional reconstruction data at a predetermined observation point using the three-dimensional reconstruction data. In the present embodiment, the magnetic field data processing device 121 generates two-dimensional reconstruction data 941 to 943 at a plurality of observation points 931 to 933 (vertebral vertebrae C ₃ , C ₄ , and C ₅ ). .

In step S1008, the magnetic field data processing apparatus 121 stores the generated two-dimensional reconstruction data 941 to 943 in the measurement data storage unit 132 in association with the subject information. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, “reconstruction data” refers to the two-dimensional reconstruction data 941 to 943 at the observation points 931 to 933 (vertebral vertebrae C ₃ , C ₄ , and C ₅ ). Shall.

<4.4 Explanation of Measurement Data Stored in Measurement Data Storage Unit>
Next, the measurement data (X-ray image data with coordinates, reconstruction data) stored in the measurement data storage unit 132 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an X-ray image data table with coordinates and a reconstruction data table.

  Among these, FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of an X-ray image data table with coordinates for storing X-ray image data with coordinates. As shown in FIG. 11A, the coordinated X-ray image data table 1110 includes, as information items, “subject information”, “X-ray image data with coordinates (front)”, and “X-ray image with coordinates”. Data (side) ".

  “Subject information” further includes “ID”, “name”, “age”, “gender”, “height”, and “weight”.

  In “ID”, an identifier for specifying the subject 300 is stored. The name of the subject 300 is stored in “Name”. In “age”, the age of the subject 300 is stored. The “sex” stores the sex of the subject 300. “Height” stores the height of the subject 300. In “weight”, the weight of the subject 300 is stored.

  Note that these pieces of information stored in the “subject information” are input by a doctor or the like in the process of acquiring coordinated X-ray image data (see step S601 in FIG. 6).

  “X-ray image data with coordinates (front)” stores X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 510 among the X-ray image data with coordinates generated by the X-ray image data processing device 111.

  In the “X-ray image data with coordinates (side surface)”, the X-ray image data with coordinates (side surface) 520 among the X-ray image data with coordinates generated by the X-ray image data processing device 111 is stored.

  On the other hand, FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of a reconstruction data table that stores reconstruction data. As shown in FIG. 11B, the reconstruction data table 1120 includes “subject information” and “reconstruction data” as information items.

  “Subject information” further includes “ID”, “name”, “age”, “gender”, “height”, and “weight”. The subject information shown in FIG. 11B is information input by a doctor or the like in the reconstruction data acquisition process (see step S1001 in FIG. 10), and is stored in the coordinated X-ray image data table 1110. Is the same as the subject information to be obtained.

  In the “reconstruction data”, two-dimensional reconstruction data 941 to 943 calculated by the magnetic field data processing device 121 are stored.

<5. Functions, operations, etc. of diagnosis support system related to step S203 (spine position identification) and step S204 (contrast, diagnosis)>
Next, functions, operations, and the like of the diagnosis support system 100 related to step S203 (spine position identification) and step S204 (comparison and diagnosis) will be described.

<5.1 Hardware Configuration of Diagnosis Support Device>
First, a hardware configuration of the diagnosis support apparatus 140 related to step S203 (spine position identification) and step S204 (contrast and diagnosis) will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the diagnosis support apparatus 140.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the diagnosis support apparatus 140 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1203. The CPU 1201, the ROM 1202, and the RAM 1203 form a so-called computer. Furthermore, the diagnosis support apparatus 140 includes an auxiliary storage unit 1204, a display unit 1205, an input unit 1206, and a communication unit 1207. Each part of the diagnosis support apparatus 140 is connected to each other via a bus 1208.

  The CPU 1201 is a device that executes various programs (for example, a diagnosis support program) stored in the auxiliary storage unit 1204.

  The ROM 1202 is a nonvolatile main storage device. The ROM 1202 stores various programs and data necessary for the CPU 1201 to execute various programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 1204. Specifically, a boot program such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) is stored.

  The RAM 1203 is a volatile main storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The RAM 1203 functions as a work area that is expanded when various programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 1204 are executed by the CPU 1201.

  The auxiliary storage unit 1204 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs executed by the CPU 1201.

The display unit 1205 is a display device that displays various screens. The input unit 1206 is an input device for inputting various information (positions of vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ , diagnosis results, etc.) to the diagnosis support apparatus 140. The communication unit 1207 is a communication device for communicating with the server device 130.

  The hardware configuration of the diagnosis support apparatus 140 has been described above. The X-ray image data processing apparatus 111, the magnetic field data processing apparatus 121, and the server apparatus 130 described above are also configured by hardware similar to the hardware illustrated in FIG. It shall be.

<5.2 Functional configuration of diagnosis support device>
Next, the functional configuration of the diagnosis support apparatus 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the diagnosis support apparatus.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the diagnosis support unit 141 of the diagnosis support apparatus 140 includes a subject specifying unit 1301, a reconstruction data reading unit 1302, an image data reading unit 1303, and a spine position specifying unit 1304. Further, the diagnosis support unit 141 includes a similarity determination unit 1305, a coordinate reading unit 1306, a reference data extraction unit 1307, a display control unit 1308, and a diagnosis result input unit 1309.

  The subject specifying unit 1301 receives a subject ID input by a doctor or the like via the diagnosis screen displayed on the display unit 1205. The subject specifying unit 1301 notifies the received subject ID to the reconstruction data reading unit 1302 and the image data reading unit 1303.

  The reconstruction data reading unit 1302 searches the reconstruction data table 1120 of the measurement data storage unit 132 based on the subject ID notified from the subject identification unit 1301, and corresponding subject information and reconstruction Read data. The reconstruction data reading unit 1302 notifies the display control unit 1308 of the read subject information and reconstruction data.

  The image data reading unit 1303 searches the coordinated X-ray image data table 1110 of the measurement data storage unit 132 based on the subject ID notified from the subject specifying unit 1301. Then, corresponding subject information, X-ray image data with coordinates (front), and X-ray image data with coordinates (side) are read.

  The image data reading unit 1303 notifies the spine position specifying unit 1304 of the read subject information, X-ray image data with coordinates (front), and X-ray image data with coordinates (side).

The spine position specifying unit 1304 displays a diagnostic screen notified from the image data reading unit 1303 including the subject information, the X-ray image data with coordinates (front), and the X-ray image data with coordinates (side), as a display unit 1205. To display. Also, the spine position specifying unit 1304 has a predetermined part (vertebrae C ₂ , C _{2 of} the spine) designated by a doctor or the like on the displayed X-ray image data with coordinates (front) and X-ray image data with coordinates (side). ₅ ) Accept the position.

In addition, the spine position specifying unit 1304 functions as a calculation unit, and receives the predetermined position received based on the position (the position on the X-ray image data with coordinates) of the received predetermined part (vertebrae C ₂ and C _{5 of the} spine). site location coordinates _{(C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinate) is calculated. Thereby, the position of the received predetermined site (C ₂ , C _{5 of the} spine) can be specified with respect to the magnetic sensor array 120.

Spinal position specifying unit 1304 further notifies the calculated _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates to the similarity determination unit 1305.

The similarity determination unit 1305 receives the notice of the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates from spinal position specifying unit 1304, with respect to the coordinate reading unit 1306 performs the read request. Also, the similarity determination unit 1305 receives the reference ID, C ₂ coordinate, and C ₅ coordinate stored in the reference data storage unit 133 in association with the reference data from the coordinate reading unit 1306 in response to the read request. .

Here, reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 133 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference data table stored in the reference data storage unit. As shown in FIG. 14, the reference data table 1400 includes items of information, including the "reference ID", "C ₂ coordinate", "C ₅ coordinates", "Diagnosis (failure site)", "reference data".

“Reference ID” stores an identifier for identifying reference data diagnosed in the past. In “C ₂ coordinates” and “C ₅ coordinates”, C ₂ coordinates and C ₅ coordinates calculated in the past diagnosis are stored. Also in prior diagnosis, the same processing as the above-described spine locating process is performed, it is assumed that the C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates are calculated. “Diagnosis (failure site)” stores past diagnosis results. The “reference data” stores reconstruction data (reconstruction data of other subjects at the observation points 931 to 933 (vertebral vertebrae C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ )) used in the past diagnosis. The

Returning to the description of FIG. The similarity determination unit 1305, further, also functions as a determination unit, and C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates associated with the reference data, the C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates notified from the vertebral position specifying unit 1304 Determine similarity.

The similarity determination unit 1305 maximizes the similarity between the C ₂ coordinate and the C ₅ coordinate notified from the spine position specifying unit 1304 among the C ₂ coordinate and the C ₅ coordinate associated with the reference data. determining C ₂ coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates.

Further, the similarity determination unit 1305 notifies the reference data extraction unit 1307 of the reference ID received from the coordinate reading unit 1306 together with the C ₂ coordinate and the C ₅ coordinate determined to have the maximum similarity.

Coordinate reading unit 1306, upon receiving a read request from the similarity determination unit 1305 refers to the reference data storage unit 133, the reference ID stored in association with the reference data, it reads out the _{C 2} coordinate, _{C 5} coordinates. Coordinate reading unit 1306 reads reference ID, and notifies _{C 2} coordinate, the _{C 5} coordinates to the similarity determination unit 1305.

  The reference data extraction unit 1307 is an example of an extraction unit. Upon receiving a reference ID notification from the similarity determination unit 1305, the reference data extraction unit 1307 searches the reference data storage unit 133 based on the reference ID and extracts corresponding reference data. To do. The reference data extraction unit 1307 notifies the display control unit 1308 of the extracted reference data. At this time, the reference data extraction unit 1307 also reads “diagnosis (failure site)” associated with the extracted reference data and notifies the display control unit 1308 of it.

  The display control unit 1308 is an example of a display unit, and generates a display screen used when a doctor or the like diagnoses the nerve activity of the subject 300 and displays the display screen on the display unit 1205. Specifically, the display control unit 1308 displays a reconstruction data display screen including a graph for comparing and displaying the reconstruction data notified from the reconstruction data reading unit 1302 and the reference data notified from the reference data extraction unit 1307. Is generated. The reconstructed data display screen generated by the display control unit 1308 further includes diagnosis information for inputting subject information, observation point images that clearly indicate observation points, information about faulty parts of reference data, and diagnosis results. It is assumed that input fields are included.

  The diagnosis result input unit 1309 accepts a diagnosis result input by a doctor or the like in response to the display of the reconstruction data display screen by the display control unit 1308. The diagnostic result input unit 1309 displays a diagnostic screen including the input diagnostic result on the display unit 1205, transmits diagnostic result data to the server device 130, and stores the diagnostic result data in the diagnostic result data storage unit 134.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagnosis result data table stored in the diagnosis result data storage unit. As shown in FIG. 15, the diagnosis result data table 1500 storing diagnosis result data includes “subject ID”, “diagnosis (failure site)”, “diagnostic”, and “diagnosis date” as information items. Including.

  In “Subject ID”, an identifier for identifying the subject 300 is stored. The diagnosis result received by the diagnosis result input unit 1309 is stored in the “diagnosis (failed part)”. The “diagnostic” stores an identifier for identifying a doctor or the like who has input a diagnosis result. The “date and time of diagnosis” stores the date and time when the diagnosis result is input.

<5.3 Explanation of spine position specifying process by diagnosis support device>
Next, the flow of the spine position specifying process by the diagnosis support apparatus 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the spine position specifying process. In the diagnosis support apparatus 140, when the diagnosis support unit 141 is activated and the subject specifying unit 1301 receives the subject ID input by a doctor or the like, the spine position specifying process shown in FIG. 16 is started.

  In step S1601, the image data reading unit 1303 acquires the subject ID accepted by the subject specifying unit 1301.

  In step S1602, the image data reading unit 1303 searches the coordinated X-ray image data table 1110 of the measurement data storage unit 132 based on the acquired subject ID. The image data reading unit 1303 reads the corresponding X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 510 and displays it on the display unit 1205.

In step S1603, the spine position specifying unit 1304 displays the coordinated X-ray image data (front) 510 on the display unit 1205, and the doctor or the like determines a predetermined part (vertebrae C ₂ and C _{5 of the} spine). This is accepted when the position of is specified.

  In step S1604, the image data reading unit 1303 searches the coordinated X-ray image data table 1110 of the measurement data storage unit 132 based on the acquired subject ID. Then, the image data reading unit 1303 reads the corresponding X-ray image data with coordinates (side surface) 520 and displays it on the display unit 1205.

In step S <b> 1605, the spine position specifying unit 1304 displays a coordinate-added X-ray image data (side surface) 520 on the display unit 1205, and a doctor or the like determines a predetermined site (vertebrae C ₂ , C _{5 of the} spine). This is accepted when the position of is specified.

In step S1606, the spinal position specifying unit 1304, coordinates with X-ray image data (front side) accepted in step S1603 and step S1605 based on the position on, to calculate the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates.

In step S1607, the spinal position specifying unit 1304 notifies the calculated position information _{(C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates) in the similarity judging unit 1305.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the magnetic sensor array and a predetermined portion of the spine designated by a doctor or the like.

The coordinate with the X-ray image data (the front) on 510, the vertebrae _{C 2} and _{C 5} position is designated spine by a doctor or the like with respect to the point 410 of the magnetic sensor array 120, the position shown in FIG. 17 (a) Have a relationship.

In addition, in the X-ray image data (side surface) 520 with coordinates, the positions of the vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ of the spine designated by a doctor or the like are shown in FIG. 17B with respect to the point 410 of the magnetic sensor array 120. It has a positional relationship.

In the diagnosis support apparatus 140, by executing the spinal position specifying process shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17 (a), the position of the vertebrae _{C 2} and _{C 5} of the spine in the positional relationship shown in (b), _{C 2} coordinates ( x ₂ , y ₂ , z ₂ ) and C ₅ coordinates (x ₅ , y ₅ , z ₅ ).

<5.4 Flow of Comparison Display and Diagnosis Result Acceptance Processing by Diagnosis Support Device>
Next, the flow of comparison display and diagnosis result reception processing by the diagnosis support apparatus 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of comparison display and diagnosis result reception processing. If the position from the spine position specifying section 1304 information _{(C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates) is notified, the flow chart shown in FIG. 18 is started.

  In step S1801, the similarity determination unit 1305 makes a read request to the coordinate reading unit 1306.

In step S1802, the coordinate reading unit 1306, from the reference data table 1400 of the reference data storage unit 133, the reference ID, _{C 2} coordinates, reading a _{C 5} coordinates. The coordinate reading unit 1306, all references ID stored in the reference data table 1400, reads the _{C 2} coordinate, _{C 5} coordinates.

In step S1803, the similarity determination unit 1305 from among the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates read in step S1802, it extracts the first _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates. Further, the similarity determination unit 1305, the extracted first and C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates, by using the C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates obtained from the vertebral position specifying unit 1304, a parameter for determining the degree of similarity Is calculated.

Here, the extracted C ₂ coordinates are (x _2d , y _2d , z _2d ), the C ₅ coordinates are (x _5d , y _5d , z _5d ), and the C ₂ coordinates acquired from the spine position specifying unit 1304 are used. Is (x ₂ , y ₂ , z ₂ ), and the C ₅ coordinate is (x ₅ , y ₅ , z ₅ ). In this case, the similarity determination unit 1305 calculates a parameter S _d for determining the similarity according to the following equation.
^{_{S d = (x 2 -x 2d}} ) 2 + (y 2 -y 2d) 2 + (z 2 -z 2d) 2 + (x 5 -x 5d) 2 + (y 5 -y 5d) 2 + (z ₅ −z _5d ) ² (Formula 1)
As shown in Equation 1, the parameter S _d is a parameter calculated based on the difference in coordinates. The smaller the parameter S _{d, the} higher the similarity is determined. The larger the parameter S _d is, the smaller the similarity is. Determined.

In step S1804, the similarity determination unit 1305 determines whether or not to calculate the parameter _{S d} to determine the similarity of all of the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates read in step S1802. In step S1804, if it is determined that there is _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates not calculated parameter _{S d} to determine the degree of similarity (in the case of No in step S1804 is), the flow returns to step S1803.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated parameter _{S d} to determine the similarity of all of the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates read in step S1802, the process proceeds to step S1805.

In step S1805, the similarity determination unit 1305 extracts the minimum parameter _{S d} from the calculated parameter _{S d,} specifying the reference ID associated with _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates the similarity is maximum To do.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing a state specifying the reference ID associated with C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ coordinates the similarity is maximum (parameter S _d is a minimum). As shown in FIG. 19, the C ₂ and C ₅ coordinates stored in the reference data table 1400 are sequentially input to Equation 1 so that the parameters S ₁ , S ₂ , S for determining the similarity are determined. ₃ are calculated. The similarity determination unit 1305 extracts the smallest parameter from the calculated parameters S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ ,... And associates them with the C ₂ and C ₅ coordinates that maximize the similarity. Identify the reference ID.

In the example of FIG. 19, the parameter S ₂ when C ₂ coordinate = (80, 110, 68) and C ₅ coordinate = (79, 37, 69) is extracted as the minimum parameter, and the C ₂ coordinate and C ₅ are extracted. A state is shown in which the reference ID = "P002" associated with the coordinates is specified.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In step S1806, the reference data extraction unit 1307 refers to the reference data table 1400 of the reference data storage unit 133 based on the reference ID extracted in step S1805, and reads the corresponding reference data and the faulty part.

  Further, the display control unit 1308 acquires the reconstruction data from the reconstruction data reading unit 1302, and displays the reconstruction data display for comparing and displaying the acquired reconstruction data and the reference data notified from the reference data extraction unit 1307. Generate a screen. At this time, the display control unit 1308 includes the reconstructed data including the subject information, the observation point image clearly indicating the observation point, the information about the faulty part of the reference data, the diagnosis result input field for inputting the diagnosis result, and the like. Generate a display screen. Further, the display control unit 1308 displays the generated reconstruction data display screen on the display unit 1205.

  In step S1807, the diagnosis result input unit 1309 receives a diagnosis result input by a doctor or the like in accordance with the display of the reconstruction data display screen.

  In step S 1808, the diagnosis result input unit 1309 displays the received diagnosis result on the diagnosis screen and transmits the diagnosis result data to the diagnosis result data storage unit 134 of the server device 130. As a result, diagnosis result data is stored in the diagnosis result data table 1500 of the diagnosis result data storage unit 134.

<5.5 Screen Transition in Diagnosis Support Device>
Next, screen transition when the diagnosis support unit 141 of the diagnosis support apparatus 140 executes the spine position specifying process and the comparison display and diagnosis result receiving process will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 20 and 21 are first and second diagrams showing an example of screen transition.

  In the diagnosis support apparatus 140, when a doctor or the like inputs an ID (eg, “AAA”) as a diagnosis person and starts up the diagnosis support part 141, the subject specifying part 1301 displays the diagnosis screen shown in FIG. 2010 is displayed on the display unit 1205. As shown in FIG. 20A, the diagnosis screen 2010 includes a subject ID input column 2011 for inputting a subject ID.

  When the subject ID is input by a doctor or the like and the “OK” button 2012 is pressed, the spine position specifying unit 1304 displays a diagnostic screen 2020 shown in FIG. 20B on the display unit 1205. The diagnosis screen 2020 includes subject information 2021 corresponding to the subject ID (in the example of FIG. 20B, only the subject ID is used as subject information for the sake of simplicity of explanation). Shows the display). The diagnostic screen 2020 includes X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 2022 corresponding to the subject ID.

A doctor or the like uses the pointer 2023 on the X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 2022 displayed on the diagnosis screen 2020 to designate the position of a predetermined portion of the spine (vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ ). When a doctor or the like designates the positions of the vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ and then presses the “decision” button 2024, the spine position specifying unit 1304 displays a diagnosis screen 2030 shown in FIG. 20C on the display unit 1205. . The diagnosis screen 2030 includes subject information 2031 corresponding to the subject ID. The diagnosis screen 2030 includes X-ray image data (side surface) 2032 with coordinates corresponding to the subject ID.

A doctor or the like uses the pointer 2033 on the coordinated X-ray image data (side surface) 2032 displayed on the diagnosis screen 2030 to designate the position of a predetermined portion of the spine (vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ ). When the doctor or the like designates the positions of the vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ and then presses the “OK” button 2034, the display control unit 1308 displays the reconstruction data display screen 2110 shown in FIG. 21A on the display unit 1205. indicate.

As shown in FIG. 21A, the reconstruction data display screen 2110 includes subject information 2111 corresponding to the subject ID. The reconstruction data display screen 2110 includes an observation point image 2112 that clearly indicates the observation point. In addition, the reconfiguration data display screen 2110 includes information 2118 about the faulty part of the reference data. Furthermore, the reconstruction data display screen 2110 includes graphs 2113 to 2115 corresponding to the observation points (vertebrae C _{3 to} C ₅ ).

In the graph 2113, reconstruction data 2113a at the observation point (vertebra C ₃ ) and reference data 2113b are displayed side by side so as to be comparable. In the graph 2114, reconstruction data 2114a at the observation point (vertebra C ₄ ) and reference data 2114b are displayed side by side so as to be comparable. In the graph 2115, the reconstruction data 2115a at the observation point (vertebra C ₅ ) and the reference data 2115b are displayed side by side so as to be comparable.

In addition, the example of Fig.21 (a) has shown a mode that the reference data 2113b-2115b of a healthy person were displayed. Thus, the physician or the like can be reconstructed data 2113a in vertebrae C ₃ of the subject 300, to easily grasp that clearly different from healthy subjects of the reference data 2113b.

  Furthermore, the reconstruction data display screen 2110 includes a diagnosis result input field 2116 for inputting a result of diagnosis performed by a doctor or the like based on the graphs 2113 to 2115.

  When a doctor or the like inputs a diagnosis result in the diagnosis result input field 2116 on the reconstruction data display screen 2110 and presses the “Register” button 2117, the diagnosis result input unit 1309 displays the diagnosis screen 2120 shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display unit 1205. The diagnosis screen 2120 includes registered diagnosis result data 2121.

  When a doctor or the like presses the “confirm” button 2122 on the diagnosis screen 2120, the diagnosis result data 2121 is transmitted to the server device 130 and stored in the diagnosis result data storage unit 134, and then the diagnosis screen 2010 of FIG. Return to.

<6. Summary>
As is clear from the above description, the diagnosis support system 100 in the present embodiment is
-It has an X-ray imaging unit and visualizes a predetermined part of the subject's spine.
-By generating X-ray image data with coordinates based on the captured X-ray image data, the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor array and a predetermined part of the subject's spine is quantified on the X-ray image data To do.
Based on the quantified positional relationship, reference data (reference data having a similar positional relationship) that has the least difference in influence due to individual differences is searched for and extracted from the diagnosed reference data.

  Thereby, in the diagnosis support system 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically extract reference data in consideration of individual differences between the subject and other subjects. As a result, it is possible to reduce the workload of a doctor or the like during diagnosis.

In addition, the diagnosis support system 100 according to this embodiment includes:
-Reference data with similar positional relationship is displayed in contrast with the reconstructed data of the subject, and information on the faulty part of the reference data is clearly indicated.

  Thereby, in the diagnosis support system 100 in the present embodiment, doctors and the like determine whether or not the reconstruction data of the subject is similar to the reference data. It can be diagnosed as having the same fault site as the fault site of the reference data. Alternatively, when the reference data is that of a healthy person, it can be diagnosed that the subject is a healthy person. Further, if they are not similar, it can be diagnosed that the subject has a disordered part different from the disordered part of the reference data or is a healthy person. As a result, convenience when a doctor or the like makes a diagnosis is improved.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the coordinate reading unit 1306 reads all the reference IDs, C ₂ coordinates, and C ₅ coordinates stored in the reference data table 1400 of the reference data storage unit 133. However, the coordinate reading unit 1306, "Diagnosis (failure site)" reference ID to a predetermined diagnosis result is stored may be configured to read the C ₂ coordinate, C ₅ coordinates. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the first difference.

<1. Functions of similarity determination unit>
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the function of the similarity determination unit of the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the coordinate reading unit 1306 reads, for example, the reference ID, the C ₂ coordinate, and the C ₅ coordinate in which “healthy” is stored in “diagnosis (failure site)”. Then, the similarity determination unit 1305, the read _{C 2} coordinate, _{C 5} coordinate reference ID which similarity is associated with the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates it is determined that the maximum from among the (= "P002") Identify.

In addition, the coordinate reading unit 1306 reads, for example, the reference ID, the C ₂ coordinate, and the C ₅ coordinate in which “C ₃ ” is stored in “diagnosis (failure site)”. Then, the similarity determination unit 1305, the read _{C 2} coordinate, _{C 5} coordinate reference ID which similarity is associated with the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates it is determined that the maximum from among the (= "P003") Identify.

Furthermore, the coordinate reading unit 1306 reads, for example, the reference ID, the C ₂ coordinate, and the C ₅ coordinate in which “C ₄ ” is stored in “diagnosis (failure site)”. Then, the similarity determination unit 1305, the read _{C 2} coordinate, _{C 5} coordinate reference ID which similarity is associated with the _{C 2} coordinate and _{C 5} coordinates it is determined that the maximum from among the (= "P006") Identify.

As described above, in this embodiment, reference data having a similar positional relationship is extracted from reference data in which a predetermined diagnosis result is stored in “diagnosis (failure site)”. Thus, the physician, etc., reconfiguration data of the subject is out of past diagnosis result, healthy individuals, C ₃ disorder patients, the diagnosis while comparing whether close to one of the reference data C ₄ patients with impaired Can do.

<2. Reconstruction data display screen>
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reconstruction data display screen in the diagnosis support apparatus according to the second embodiment. Among these, FIG. 23A shows a state in which the reference data having the most similar positional relationship is extracted from normal subjects and displayed in comparison. The difference from the reconfiguration data display screen 2110 shown in FIG. 21A is that the reconfiguration data display screen 2310 shown in FIG. 23A includes a reference data selection field 2311. When a doctor or the like selects a healthy person in the reference data selection field 2311, a reconstructed data display screen 2310 including graphs 2313 to 2315 in which the reference data of the healthy person is displayed in comparison is displayed.

FIG. 23B shows a state in which reference data having the most similar positional relationship is extracted from C ₃ disorder patients and displayed in comparison. Doctor etc., the reference data selection field 2311, if you select the _{C 3} disorder patients, reconstructed data display screen 2320 that contains a chart 2323-2325 that reference data of _{C 3} failure patients is displayed contrast is displayed.

FIG. 23C shows a state in which the reference data having the most similar positional relationship is extracted from C ₄ disorder patients and displayed in comparison. Doctor etc., referred to in the data selection field 2311, if you select the _{C 4} disorder patients, reconstructed data display screen 2330 that contains a chart from 2333 to 2335 in which reference data _{C 4} failure patients is displayed contrast is displayed.

<3. Summary>
As apparent from the above description, the diagnosis support system 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to display reference data in which predetermined diagnosis results are stored in comparison.

Thus, in the diagnosis support system 100 of the present embodiment, the doctor or the like, the reconfiguration data of the subject is out of past diagnosis result, healthy individuals, C ₃ disorder patients, any reference data C ₄ patients with impaired It is possible to make a diagnosis while comparing whether they are close to each other.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the reconstruction data at _three observation points (vertebras C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ ) is displayed has been described, but the number of observation points is not limited to three. .

In the first and second embodiments, the case where the reconstruction data at a predetermined observation point is displayed has been described. However, a configuration may be adopted in which reconstruction data is generated at more observation points (for example, vertebrae C _{1 to} C ₅ ) than the observation points to be displayed, and a doctor or the like selects observation points at the time of diagnosis.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reconstruction data display screen in the diagnosis support apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the reconstruction data display screen 2410 shown in FIG. 24A, a spine selection field 2411 is arranged, and the display control unit 1308 includes a graph including the reconstruction data including the reconstruction data at the observation point selected by the doctor or the like. Display the configuration data display screen.

In the example of FIG. 24A, a doctor or the like selects vertebrae C ₂ , C ₄ , and C ₅ of the spine as observation points, and includes graphs 2413 to 2415 including the reconstruction data at the observation points. A configuration data display screen 2410 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 24B, doctors or the like select vertebrae C ₂ , C ₃ , and C ₄ of the spine as observation points, and graphs 2423 to 2425 in which reconstruction data at the observation points are displayed in comparison. The reconstructed data display screen 2420 including it is shown.

  Thus, according to the diagnosis support system 100 in the present embodiment, a doctor or the like can make a diagnosis based on the reconstruction data at the selected observation point.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the two-dimensional reconstruction data is stored in the measurement data storage unit 132. However, the configuration may be such that the three-dimensional reconstruction data is stored in the measurement data storage unit 132. In this case, the diagnosis support apparatus 140 can generate and display two-dimensional reconstruction data at the timing when the reconstruction data is displayed. Thereby, for example, even when a doctor or the like designates an arbitrary observation point at the timing of displaying the reconstruction data, the diagnosis support apparatus 140 displays the two-dimensional reconstruction data at the observation point designated by the doctor or the like. Can do.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an observation point designation method on the diagnosis screen. By displaying the diagnostic screen 2510 shown in FIG. 25 after the diagnostic screen 2030 shown in FIG. 20C, the doctors and the like can observe the X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 2511 using the pointer 2512. The position of the point can be specified arbitrarily.

  As described above, according to the diagnosis support system 100 in the present embodiment, a doctor or the like can make a diagnosis based on the reconstruction data at the observation point specified on the X-ray image data with coordinates (front) 2511. Become.

[Other Embodiments]
In the second embodiment, the reference data having the most similar positional relationship is extracted from the reference data in which the predetermined diagnosis result is stored, and is displayed in comparison. However, for example, reference data having the most similar positional relationship may be extracted from reference data in which ages within a predetermined range are stored, and displayed in comparison. Or you may comprise so that the reference data with the most similar positional relationship may be extracted from the reference data in which the same sex is stored, and displayed by comparison.

  That is, the reference data having the most similar positional relationship may be extracted from the reference data narrowed down according to other elements that affect the reconstructed data, and displayed in comparison.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the case has been described in which reference data to be displayed for comparison with reconstruction data generated from magnetic field data measured using a magnetic sensor array is searched. However, the present invention may be applied when searching for reference data to be displayed in contrast with biological information generated from biological data measured using another biological sensor (for example, an electroencephalograph). This is because the same effect can be obtained when the positional relationship with the biological sensor affects the biological information.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the X-ray imaging units 110a and 110b are arranged to visualize the spine of the subject. However, other measuring devices that can visualize the spine of the subject may be arranged instead of the X-ray imaging units 110a and 110b. Other measurement apparatuses that can visualize a subject's spine include, for example, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus and a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus. That is, in generating image data with coordinates, any imaging apparatus such as an X-ray imaging unit, an MRI apparatus, or a CT apparatus can be applied.

  In the case of an MRI apparatus or CT apparatus, three-dimensional image data is generated, so that a clearer image can be extracted when extracting a surface to be diagnosed. Further, when extracting a region corresponding to the spinal cord of the subject, the region can be extracted with higher accuracy. However, in the case of three-dimensional image data, the processing algorithm for extracting the image of the surface to be diagnosed and the processing algorithm for extracting the region corresponding to the spinal cord of the subject are two-dimensional X-ray images. Compared to data, it becomes more complicated.

In the first to fourth embodiments, a doctor or the like designates a predetermined part of the spine (for example, vertebrae C ₂ and C ₅ ), and the coordinates of the designated part (C ₂ coordinates and C ₅ coordinates). ) Is calculated by the spine position specifying unit 1304. However, the position of the predetermined part of the spine may be configured to be automatically detected by the spine position specifying unit 1304 based on the X-ray image data with coordinates (front) and the X-ray image data with coordinates (side). Good.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown here, such as a combination with other elements in the configuration described in the above embodiment. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

100: Diagnosis support systems 110a, 110b: X-ray imaging unit 111: X-ray image data processing device 120: Magnetic sensor array 121: Magnetic field data processing device 130: Server device 140: Diagnosis support device 141: Diagnosis support unit 310: X-ray Image data (front)
330: X-ray image data (side surface)
510: X-ray image data with coordinates (front)
520: X-ray image data with coordinates (side surface)
711: Magnetic field data 931 to 933: Observation point 1301: Subject specifying unit 1302: Reconstruction data reading unit 1303: Image data reading unit 1304: Spine position specifying unit 1305: Similarity determination unit 1306: Coordinate reading unit 1307: Reference Data extraction unit 1308: Display control unit 1309: Diagnosis result input unit 1400: Reference data table 2110: Reconstructed data display screens 2113 to 2115: Graph 2311: Reference data selection column 2411: Spine selection column

JP2013-123528A

Claims (14)

Calculating means for calculating positional information indicating a positional relationship between the biosensor and a predetermined part to be measured;
A diagnostic support system comprising: extraction means for extracting biological information associated with positional information similar to the positional information calculated by the calculating means from the biological information already diagnosed.   The diagnostic support according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying biometric information generated based on data measured by the biometric sensor and biometric information extracted by the extracting means side by side. system.   The diagnosis support system according to claim 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates, as the position information, coordinates indicating a position of a predetermined part of the measurement target when the position of the biosensor is the origin. .   The calculation means calculates the coordinates based on the position of the biosensor and the position of a predetermined part of the measurement target in image data obtained by imaging the measurement target. The diagnosis support system according to claim 3.   The calculation means calculates the coordinates based on a position of the biosensor and a position of a predetermined part of the measurement target in image data obtained by imaging the measurement target with X-rays. 5. The diagnosis support system according to claim 4, wherein   A determination unit for determining position information similar to the position information calculated by the calculation unit based on a difference between the coordinates calculated by the calculation unit and the coordinates associated with the diagnosed biological information; The diagnosis support system according to claim 3, wherein the diagnosis support system is provided.   The extraction means is biometric information in which position information similar to the position information calculated by the calculation means is associated with the biometric information associated with a predetermined diagnosis result among the diagnosed biometric information. The diagnosis support system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnosis support system is extracted.   The display means displays biometric information at a plurality of points to be measured, generated based on data measured by the biometric sensor, and biometric information at a plurality of corresponding points extracted by the extraction means. The diagnosis support system according to claim 2, wherein:   The diagnosis support system according to claim 5, further comprising a server device that stores the diagnosed biological information.   The diagnosis support system according to claim 9, further comprising an image data processing device that calculates coordinates of each pixel of the image data when the position of the biosensor is the origin.   The diagnosis support system according to claim 10, further comprising a data processing device that generates the biological information based on data measured by the biological sensor.   The diagnosis support system according to claim 11, further comprising an X-ray imaging unit that generates the image data and a magnetic sensor that measures the data. Calculating means for calculating positional information indicating a positional relationship between the biosensor and a predetermined part to be measured;
A diagnostic support apparatus comprising: extraction means for extracting biological information associated with position information similar to the position information calculated by the calculation means from the already-diagnosis biological information. On the computer,
A calculation step of calculating positional information indicating a positional relationship between the biological sensor and a predetermined part to be measured;
A diagnostic support program comprising: an extraction step of extracting biometric information associated with position information similar to the position information calculated in the calculation step from the already diagnosed biometric information.