JP3706021B2 - Tremor measuring instrument - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tremor measuring instrument that measures tremors that are minute vibrations invisible to the eyes due to mechanical vibrations of body parts such as arms and fingers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Tremor refers to minute vibrations that are invisible to the eyes due to mechanical vibrations of body parts such as arms and fingers.
[0003]
Conventionally, tremor has been measured in order to observe and evaluate the site of failure, the level of failure, the level of fatigue, the level of stress, etc. of a subject.
[0004]
And a tremor measuring instrument for measuring this tremor is disclosed (for example, JP-A-8-191801, JP-A-9-94245, JP-A-9-154822, JP-A-9-206290). Publication).
[0005]
The tremor measuring instrument disclosed in these publications has a pendulum arm eaves portion provided with a vibration sensor at the tip, and in the measurement of tremor, the subject puts four fingers excluding the palm and index finger on the platform. The index finger is extended upward in the state of being in contact with the index finger, and the peak is placed on the index finger extended upward, and the tremor is measured by detecting that the index finger vibrates vertically when maintaining this state. It is.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional tremor measuring instrument, since the position where the index finger is extended upward is not clearly determined, it is difficult to ensure that the index finger is again in the same position when trying to measure again after a while. Because of this, there was a problem that the reproducibility of data could not be maintained.
[0007]
In addition, since the pendulum arm operates by its own weight, it can only measure tremor components corresponding to the vertical movement of gravity and cannot be used for multilateral research and analysis of tremor. There was a problem.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tremor measuring instrument that solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, maintains reproducibility of measurement data, and enables multilateral research analysis on tremor. .
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the tremor measuring instrument according to the present invention is configured such that a base serving as a base for installation and a body part for measuring tremor are brought into contact with each other with a predetermined range of pressing force. A weight sensor attached to the base for detecting an applied weight as an electrical signal, an A / D converter for amplifying an analog signal output from the weight sensor and converting it to a digital signal, By referring to the digital signal output from the A / D converter, the appropriateness degree of the contact state capable of determining whether or not the part is in contact with the weight sensor with the pressing force within the predetermined range is calculated. Computation means and output means capable of outputting the degree of appropriateness computed by the computation means.
[0010]
Here, the digital signal output from the A / D converter is referred to, and evaluation means capable of processing information related to tremor is further provided.
[0011]
In addition, the output unit includes a display unit that visually displays the degree of appropriateness.
[0012]
Further, the output means has a buzzer capable of transmitting the degree of appropriateness by voice.
[0013]
Further, the base has a fixing means that enables fixing to an installation location.
[0014]
In the above-mentioned invention, since the body part for measuring tremor is brought into contact with the weight sensor with a predetermined range of pressing force, the part can take a stable posture with respect to the weight sensor. Since the weight applied to this base is detected by the weight sensor on the basis of the base serving as a base for installation, compared to the case where the weight is detected by the movable acceleration sensor, The reproducibility of measurement conditions can be improved. In addition, it is possible to measure tremor components in various directions, not limited to the vertical movement of gravity.
[0015]
In addition, since the calculation means calculates the appropriateness of the contact state in which it can be determined whether or not the portion is in contact with the weight sensor with a predetermined range of pressing force, the reproducibility of the measurement conditions can be improved. .
[0016]
Moreover, since the output means has a display unit that visually displays the degree of appropriateness, the degree of appropriateness can be visually confirmed.
[0017]
Moreover, since the output means has a buzzer capable of transmitting the degree of appropriateness by voice, the degree of appropriateness can be confirmed by voice.
[0018]
Further, the base is because it has a fixing means enabling fixation to installation location, it is possible to set a weight sensor in various postures.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a tremor measuring instrument according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an internal mechanical configuration of a tremor measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the tremor measuring instrument includes a base 1 that is a base for installation, a weight sensor 3 that is fixed to the base 1, and a measurement plate 5 that is fixed to the top of the weight sensor 3. It has.
[0022]
The weight sensor 3 is generally called a load cell, and includes a detection unit 3a that detects a load as an electrical signal, a movable unit 3b that is displaced in accordance with the load, and a fixed unit 3c that is not displaced even when the load is applied. The fixed portion 3c is fixed to the base 1 with screws or the like, and the measurement plate 5 is fixed to the movable portion 3a with screws or the like.
[0023]
A strain gauge 7 is bonded to the four thin portions of the detection unit 3b, and a bridge circuit is assembled by the four strain gauges 7. Further, the base 1 has a fixing side in which holes for fixing with an installation surface and screws or the like are formed as fixing means.
[0024]
Here, the measurement plate 5 may be provided as necessary according to the measurement part of the body. For example, when measuring tremor of the index finger as will be described later, the contact area is small and measurement is required. It is good also as a form except the board 5. FIG. In addition, when measuring the tremor of the arm or leg, a device having a large area of the measurement plate 5 may be used in order to contact the hand or the foot.
[0025]
Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transmits a load between the measurement board 5 and the weight sensor 3 with a lever mechanism.
[0026]
The detection method using the weight sensor 3 is not limited to the strain gauge type (electric resistance wire type), but other detection methods such as a capacitance type, a string vibration type, an electromagnetic type, a differential transformer type, a photoelectric type, and the like. It may be based on a method.
[0027]
Next, the electrical configuration of the tremor measuring instrument will be described with reference to FIG. In the tremor measuring instrument, when the power is turned on by the switch 11, an electrical signal output from the detection unit 3 b of the weight sensor 3 is supplied to the electronic circuit unit 13 through a lead wire. The electronic circuit unit 13 includes an A / D converter 14, a microcomputer 15 having a calculation unit 16 and an evaluation unit 17, an output unit 18 having a display unit 18a, a sound generation unit (buzzer 18b), and the like. Yes. The A / D converter 14 amplifies a fine analog signal output from the detection unit 3 b of the weight sensor 3, converts it into a digital signal by double integration or the like, and supplies it to the microcomputer 15.
[0028]
The computing means 16 of the microcomputer 15 obtains a weight value and an appropriateness degree of a contact state to be described later based on the digital signal from the A / D converter 14 and also outputs the digital signal from the A / D converter 14 to a predetermined value. The power spectrum is obtained by sampling over a predetermined measurement time in a cycle and performing frequency analysis such as Fourier transform. Here, the appropriateness of the contact state means that, for example, when the index finger 22 is in contact with the measurement plate 5, the contact pressing force of the index finger 22 on the measurement plate 5 is within a predetermined range as shown in FIG. 3. Say whether or not. As a result, even when tremor measurement is repeated, the measurement conditions can be kept constant, and measurement with good reproducibility can be ensured.
[0029]
The evaluation means 17 calculates a tremor by a method as disclosed in the prior art, identifies the part of the subject's failure based on the power spectrum obtained by the calculation means 16, and evaluates the degree of the failure. . Research has also been conducted on obtaining information on the degree of fatigue, the degree of stress, and the like from the power spectrum obtained by the computing means 16, and these can also be evaluated.
[0030]
The display unit 18a of the output unit 18 is a data obtained by the calculation unit 16 and the evaluation unit 17 of the microcomputer 15, that is, data such as a weight value, the appropriateness of the contact state, the power spectrum, and the evaluation result based on tremor. Is displayed. The buzzer 18b indicates the appropriateness of the contact state by the difference in the output sound interval.
[0031]
Next, the usage method and operation | movement of a tremor measuring device are demonstrated.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a use state in which a tremor measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a horizontal plane. 4 and 5 are display examples showing displays during measurement by the tremor measuring instrument according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a display example showing a display of a result measured by a tremor measuring instrument which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a use state in which a tremor measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a vertical surface. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another use state in which a tremor measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a horizontal plane.
[0032]
First, after turning on the power of the tremor measuring instrument, the test subject places the hand portion 23 excluding the index finger 22 on the installation surface 21 so that the base portion of the index finger 22 is at a fixed position, as shown in FIG. The fingertip 22a of the index finger 22 is brought into contact with the measurement plate 5 of the tremor measuring instrument, and the contact state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) so that the pressing force is within a predetermined range (for example, 30 g). At this time, the test subject performs the visual recognition of the weight value display 25 and the level display 26 indicating the degree of contact as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.
[0033]
When the load is applied, force is transmitted from the measuring plate 5 to the movable part 3a of the weight sensor 3, the thin part of the detection part 3b of the weight sensor 3 bends, and the balance balance of the bridge circuit of the strain gauge 7 bonded thereto is balanced. An analog signal corresponding to the breakage and weight is output to the A / D converter 14 of the electronic circuit.
[0034]
An analog signal corresponding to the minute vibration of the index finger 22 when the contact state is maintained for a predetermined time so as to be a predetermined load (pressing force) is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 14 and supplied to the microcomputer 15. The
[0035]
In the computing means 16 of the microcomputer 15, the digital signal from the A / D converter 14 is digitized as a weight value, and the appropriateness degree of the contact state is obtained from this weight value. For example, when the weight value is within a predetermined range (for example, 25 to 35 g), it is determined that the contact state is appropriate, and the weight value is less than the predetermined range. When it is small, it is determined that the contact state is weak, and when the weight value is larger than a predetermined range, it is determined that the contact state is strong.
[0036]
Further, the digital signal from the A / D converter 14 is sampled over a predetermined measurement time at a predetermined cycle, and a power spectrum is obtained by frequency analysis such as Fourier transform.
[0037]
The evaluation means 17 identifies the part of the subject's disorder based on the peak frequency obtained from the power spectrum 28 (see FIG. 6), and evaluates the degree of the disorder, the degree of fatigue, the degree of stress, and the like.
[0038]
Data output from the computing means 16 and the evaluation means 17 of the microcomputer 15 is displayed on the display unit 18a as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, for example.
[0039]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the calculation means 17 of the microcomputer 15 during measurement displays a numerical value and a weighted value and the appropriateness of the contact state at this time. Thereby, the subject can ensure that the contact state of the fingertip of the index finger is always at the same position from the state where the hand part excluding the index finger is held on the installation surface so that the base part of the index finger is at a fixed position. it can.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 6, after the digital signal from the A / D converter 14 is sampled at a predetermined cycle in the calculation means 16 of the microcomputer 15 for a predetermined measurement time, a frequency analysis such as Fourier transform is performed on the display unit 18 a. And the evaluation result 29 such as the degree of stress of the subject evaluated by the evaluation means 17 are displayed.
[0041]
Further, the data on the degree of appropriateness output from the calculation means 16 of the microcomputer 15 is also indicated by a buzzer 18b which is an output means by voice. For example, when the contact state is appropriate, it sounds at intervals of 0.5 seconds, when the contact state is small, it sounds at intervals gradually than 0.5 seconds, and when the contact state is large. This is indicated by sounding at intervals that are gradually narrower than 0.5 seconds.
[0042]
In addition, although the example which installed the tremor measuring device in the horizontal surface was shown in FIG. 3, according to the objective, as shown in FIG. 7, the hole of the fixed piece 31 which has in the base 1 of a tremor measuring device is shown. You may make it fix to a vertical surface with a screw etc. using it. In this case, the hand part excluding the index finger 22 may be placed on the installation surface 21 so that the base part of the index finger 22 is at a fixed position, and the index finger 22 may be brought into contact with the measurement plate 5 of the tremor measuring instrument. Good. As described above, since the tremor measuring instrument can be set in various directions with respect to the direction of gravity, only the component of tremor corresponding to the movement in the vertical direction in which gravity works can be measured as in the past. The problem that did not exist can be solved, and it can be used for multilateral research and analysis of tremor.
[0043]
Further, not only the measurement of the index finger tremor as described above, but also the tremor of another body part can be measured. For example, keeping the posture of the body part excluding the arm so that the base part of the arm is at a fixed position, the arm tremor can be reduced by abutting the palm against the measuring plate 5 as shown in FIG. It is also possible to measure. It is also possible to measure leg tremor by maintaining the posture of the body part excluding the leg so that the base of the leg is in a fixed position, and contacting the sole with the measuring plate 5 while extending the leg. It is.
[0044]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the weight sensor 3 set at the stationary position is weighted within a predetermined range (for example, the index finger) of the body part that measures tremor via the measurement plate 5. Therefore, the part can take a stable posture with respect to the weight sensor 3, and the base 1 as a base for installation is used as a reference with respect to the base 1. Since the weight sensor 3 detects the applied weight, the reproducibility of the measurement conditions can be improved as compared with the case where the weight is detected by an acceleration sensor mounted so as to be movable as in the prior art. In addition, it is possible to measure tremor components in various directions, not limited to the vertical movement of gravity.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to provide a tremor measuring instrument that maintains the reproducibility of measurement data and enables multilateral research analysis on tremor.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a weight sensor and its peripheral portion in a tremor measuring instrument according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electric circuit unit of a tremor measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state example in which the tremor measuring instrument according to the present invention is installed and used on a horizontal plane.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing a display being measured by a tremor measuring instrument.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a display showing a display during measurement by a tremor measuring instrument.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement result.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state example in which the tremor measuring instrument according to the present invention is installed and used on a vertical surface.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which arm tremor is measured by bringing a palm into contact with a measurement plate;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base 3 Weight sensor 3a Movable part 3b Detection part 3c Fixed part 5 Measuring board 13 Electronic circuit part 14 A / D converter 16 Calculation means 17 Evaluation means 18 Output means 18a Display part 18b Buzzer

Claims (5)

A base that serves as a foundation for installation;
A weight sensor attached to the base for detecting a weight applied to the base as an electrical signal by contacting a body part for measuring tremor with a predetermined range of pressing force;
An A / D converter that amplifies an analog signal output from the weight sensor and converts it into a digital signal;
With reference to the digital signal output from the A / D converter, the appropriateness degree of the contact state capable of determining whether or not the part is in contact with the weight sensor with the pressing force within the predetermined range is calculated. Computing means;
Output means capable of outputting the degree of appropriateness calculated by the calculation means;
A tremor measuring instrument comprising:   The tremor measuring instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an evaluation unit that refers to a digital signal output from the A / D converter and can process information relating to tremor.   The tremor measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein the output unit includes a display unit that visually displays the degree of appropriateness.   The tremor measuring instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output means includes a buzzer capable of transmitting the degree of appropriateness by voice. Tremor meter of claim 1 to 4 wherein the base is characterized by having a fixing means enabling fixation to installation location.

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