JP6999897B2 - Biometric information measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a biological information measuring device.

The biometric information measuring device that measures the weak biomagnetism generated from the heart, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, etc. of the subject has a function to detect the magnetism generated by the weak current accompanying the excitement of the cells constituting these organs. It is an important technique for diagnosing heart diseases and neurological diseases.

Therefore, a morphological image by an X-ray irradiation device (for example, an X-ray irradiation device using a film as described in Patent Document 1) may be superimposed at a place different from the biological information measurement device.

However, since the subject moves between the diagnostic imaging device (X-ray irradiation device, etc.) and the biological information measuring device, there is a problem that the measurement results cannot be accurately matched. For example, when the subject moves between the X-ray irradiation device and the biometric information measuring device, the subject's trunk (spine) bends or warps in the anterior-posterior or lateral direction, and the joints of the subject's limbs bend. It is extremely difficult to accurately match the position information of the subject by the diagnostic imaging apparatus with the position of the subject at the time of the examination by the biometric information measuring apparatus because it stretches and stretches.

On the other hand, in order to detect the image diagnosis result and the biometric information measurement result with good accuracy, a highly sensitive magnetic sensor may be required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a biometric information measuring device capable of detecting diagnostic imaging results and biometric information measurement results with good accuracy and easily.

This biometric information measuring device has a biomagnetic detector that has a temperature control mechanism and can detect the biomagnetism of the subject, a flat panel detector that can acquire the irradiated radiation as digital image data, and the biomagnetism. The flat panel detector is provided with a control unit capable of controlling not to supply power to the flat panel detector while the magnetic detection unit detects biomagnetism, and the flat panel detector is of the subject. It is a requirement that it be arranged between the measurement area and the biomagnetic detection unit.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a biometric information measuring device capable of easily detecting an image diagnosis result and a biometric information measurement result with good accuracy.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the biological information measuring apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the main part structure of the biological information measuring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the main part structure of the biological information measuring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the main part structure of the biological information measuring apparatus which concerns on 3rd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the biometric information measuring apparatus which concerns on another Example. It is a figure which shows the measurement result which superposed the biological information measurement result and the X-ray image.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be carried out with appropriate modifications within the scope of the object of the present invention. ..

The present inventors have X-ray even when a so-called digital panel device for X-ray detection, which can acquire the irradiated radiation as digital image data, is located between the magnetic sensor for biomagnetic measurement and the subject. We have found that it is possible to detect lines, and have completed the present invention. A specific example will be described below.
<Biological information measuring device>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a biological information measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the bioinformation measuring device 1 has a biomagnetic detection unit 2 that has a temperature control mechanism and can detect the biomagnetism of a subject, and radiation that can acquire the irradiated radiation as digital image data. A detection unit 3 is provided, and the radiation detection unit 3 is arranged between the measurement region T of the subject S and the biomagnetic detection unit 2. Further, the biological information measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a radiation irradiating unit 4 that irradiates the subject S with radiation.

According to the biometric information measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment, the biomagnetic detection result obtained from the biomagnetic detection unit 2 and the morphological image which is the digital image data obtained from the radiation detection unit 3 can be obtained by one measurement. It is possible to superimpose these accurately.

Hereinafter, the biomagnetic detection unit 2, the radiation detection unit 3, and the radiation irradiation unit 4 will be described.
[Biomagnetic detector]
The biomagnetic detection unit 2 is composed of a plurality of magnetic sensors 21 for detecting biomagnetism and a heat insulating container 22 accommodating the plurality of magnetic sensors 21, and is provided in the sleeper 5.
(Magnetic sensor)
The magnetic sensor 21 detects the biomagnetism generated from the subject. Specifically, examples of the magnetic sensor 21 include a superconducting quantum interference element (SQUID: Superconducting Quantum Interference Device), an atomic magnetic sensor, and the like. These SQUID sensors and atomic magnetic sensors have a detection sensitivity sufficient to detect even extremely weak biomagnetism of about ^10-18 T.

A plurality of magnetic sensors 21 are usually arranged in an array in the heat insulating container 22. By having a plurality of magnetic sensors 21, a large amount of biomagnetic information can be obtained, and more detailed biomagnetic information can be obtained. The number and arrangement method of the magnetic sensors 21 are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set according to the measurement region T of the subject S.

The detection signal detected by the magnetic sensor 21 is sent to a calculation unit (not shown). The calculation unit generates biomagnetic information from the signal detected by the magnetic sensor 21, converts it into image information, and displays and outputs it to the display device.
(Temperature control mechanism)
The temperature control mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the magnetic sensor 21 to a predetermined temperature suitable for operating the magnetic sensor 21, and may be a conventionally known cooling device or heating device. For example, when the magnetic sensor 21 is a SQUID sensor, it is necessary to operate the magnetic sensor 21 near absolute zero in order for the magnetic sensor 21 to realize a superconducting state. In this embodiment, the heat insulating container 22 fulfills a part of the function of the temperature control mechanism.
(Insulated container)
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat insulating container 22 is composed of an inner tank 221 and an outer tank 222, accommodates a plurality of magnetic sensors 21 in the inner tank 221 and is located between the inner tank 221 and the outer tank 222. The space is evacuated, and a refrigerant such as liquid helium is supplied into the inner tank 221. As a result, the biomagnetic detection unit 2 is controlled to a temperature suitable for operating the magnetic sensor 21.

The shape of the heat insulating container 22 is not particularly limited, but the surface facing the subject S (hereinafter referred to as the tip surface 22a) may have a shape along the body surface of the measurement region T of the subject S. Preferably, it may be flat or arcuate. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the biomagnetic detection unit 2 functions as a spinometer, the shape of the tip surface 22a is preferably arcuate.

The heat insulating container is not limited to the one including the heat insulating container 22 using the vacuum heat insulating container shown in FIG. 1, and may be a heat insulating container 22 made of a foaming material or the like. These heat insulating containers are preferably made of a non-magnetic material. Since the heat insulating container 22 is made of a non-magnetic material, even if the heat insulating container 22 vibrates, it is possible to suppress the influence of the fluctuation of the environmental magnetism on the magnetic sensor 21. Examples of the non-magnetic material include plastic materials such as acrylic resin and non-ferrous metals such as copper and brass.

(bed)
The shape of the sleeper 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the biomagnetic detection unit 2, but for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the head sleeper on which the head of the subject S is positioned is positioned. It is configured to include 5a and a sleeper 5b for the body. The biomagnetic detection unit 2 is arranged between the head bed 5a and the body bed 5b, and is provided so as to face the measurement region T of the subject S.

Although FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the biomagnetic detection unit 2 is fixed to the sleeper 5, it may be movably configured with respect to the sleeper 5. Since the biomagnetic detection unit 2 is movable with respect to the bed 5, the biomagnetic detection unit 2 can move to a desired measurement area T and can be brought into close contact with the body surface of the measurement area T.

Further, although FIG. 1 shows a mode in which the subject S is measured in a lying position on the bed 5, the subject S may be measured in a sitting position.
[Radiation detection unit]
The radiation detection unit 3 is arranged between the measurement area T of the subject S and the biomagnetic detection unit 2, and acquires the irradiated radiation R as a morphological image which is digital image data.

The signal detected by the radiation detection unit 3 is sent to a calculation unit (not shown). The calculation unit generates a morphological image from the signal detected by the radiation detection unit 3, converts it into image information, and displays and outputs it to the display device.

By the way, since the magnetism emitted by the subject S is weak, if a magnetic radiation detection unit is placed between the biomagnetic detection unit 2 and the subject S, the detection result by the biomagnetic detection unit 2 will be large. Affect. Therefore, the radiation detection unit 3 is composed of components that do not significantly affect the detection accuracy of the biomagnetic detection unit 2.

For example, a flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as FPD) can be used for the radiation detection unit 3.

The FPD has a so-called direct conversion method in which an electric charge is generated by a detection element according to the dose of the irradiated radiation and converted into an electric signal, and the irradiated radiation is converted into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light by a scintillator or the like. After conversion, there is a so-called indirect method in which an electric charge is generated by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode according to the energy of the converted and irradiated electromagnetic wave and converted into an electric signal.

Generally, in an FPD, various parts that perform these steps are built in a housing such as a cassette. However, as described above, since it is not preferable that the radiation detection unit 3 is magnetic, the FPD used in the radiation detection unit 3 is a magnetic material that can be arranged outside among these various parts. Various parts such as a circuit board, a control board, and a battery having a plurality of parts are removed from the radiation detection unit 3 and arranged outside. Further, conventionally, parts such as cassettes made of metal or the like are made of non-magnetic materials or are not used.

As described above, it is preferable that the radiation detection unit 3 does not significantly affect the detection accuracy of the biomagnetic detection unit 2 by disassembling the components of the FPD or changing the material of the components. Further, since it is preferable that the subject S and the biomagnetic detection unit 2 are as close as possible to each other, a component that can be arranged outside is removed from the radiation detection unit 3 and its thickness (direction orthogonal to the subject S) is set. It should be as thin as possible. For example, the thickness of the FPD is preferably about 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

Further, from the viewpoint of reducing the influence of the radiation detection unit 3 on the detection accuracy of the biomagnetism detection unit 2, the bioinformation measurement device 1 is used while the biomagnetism detection unit 2 is detecting the biomagnetism (biomagnetism detection unit 2). (While power is being supplied to 2), it is preferable that the radiation detection unit 3 is provided with a control unit 6 that can be controlled so as not to supply power. This is because when power is supplied to the radiation detection unit 3, an electric charge is generated in the radiation detection unit 3 to generate magnetism, and the biomagnetism detection unit 2 detects this magnetism.

Therefore, by controlling the power supply to the radiation detection unit 3 by the control unit 6, it is possible to minimize the influence of the radiation detection unit 3. When obtaining the detection result by the radiation detection unit 3, it is not necessary to supply power to the biomagnetic detection unit 2, but it is preferable not to supply power from the viewpoint of power saving. ..

Further, it is preferable that the radiation detection unit 3 is held by the biomagnetic detection unit 2. That is, it is preferable that the relative positions of the biomagnetic detection unit 2 and the radiation detection unit 3 are fixed. Since the relative positions of the biomagnetic detection unit 2 and the radiation detection unit 3 are fixed, the biomagnetic detection result obtained from the biomagnetic detection unit 2 and the biomagnetic detection result can be obtained without providing a position specifying means for specifying each other's position information. The morphological image obtained from the radiation detection unit 3 can be accurately superimposed.

The shape of the radiation detection unit 3 may be any size corresponding to the desired measurement region T of the subject S, and is preferably a shape along the tip surface 22a of the biomagnetic detection unit 2, and the tip surface 22a is a circle. When it is formed in an arc shape, it is preferably formed in an arc shape as well. Further, the radiation detection unit 3 may have flexibility so as to have a shape along the tip surface 22a of the biomagnetic detection unit 2.

Specifically, the installation position of the radiation detection unit 3 includes the following three aspects (examples). In addition, in order to fix the radiation detection unit 3 to the biomagnetic detection unit 2 during measurement and to make it removable, a rail, a groove, or a dent for holding the radiation detection unit 3 at a desired position of the heat insulating container 22. A holding portion such as may be provided. By providing such a guide, it is possible to accurately align the position even when the guide is attached / detached during measurement.
(First Example)
In the biological information measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, the radiation detection unit 3 is provided on the outside of the heat insulating container 22. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the biological information measuring device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the biometric information measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, the radiation detection unit 3 is installed so as to be outside the heat insulating container 22, that is, along the outer wall surface (tip surface 22a) of the outer tank 222. ing. Since the radiation detection unit 3 installed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip surface 22a of the heat insulating container 22 is easy to attach and detach, maintenance is easy. If only the detection result of the biomagnetic detection unit 2 is required, the radiation detection unit 3 may be removed from the biomagnetic detection unit 2. The radiation detection unit 3 may be integrated with the heat insulating container 22 by an attachment.
(Second Example)
In the biological information measuring device 1'according to the second embodiment, the radiation detection unit 3 is provided inside the heat insulating container 22. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the biological information measuring device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the biometric information measuring device 1'according to the second embodiment, the radiation detection unit 3 is located inside the heat insulating container 22, that is, along the inner wall surface of the outer tank 222 facing the tip surface 22a. It is installed in. Since the radiation detection unit 3 is installed on the inner wall surface of the outer tank 222 of the heat insulating container 22, the distance between the subject S and the magnetic sensor 21 is smaller than that of the first embodiment, and the biomagnetic detection unit 2 ( The magnetic sensor 21) can increase the detection intensity of biomagnetism.
(Third Example)
In the biological information measuring device 1 ″ according to the third embodiment, the radiation detection unit 3 is provided in the member of the heat insulating container 22. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the biological information measuring device according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the biometric information measuring device 1'' according to the third embodiment, the radiation detection unit 3 is in the member of the heat insulating container 22, that is, in the wall member of the outer tank 222 facing the tip surface 22a. It is installed in. Since the radiation detection unit 3 is installed in the wall member of the outer tank 222 of the heat insulating container 22, the distance between the subject S and the magnetic sensor 21 is smaller than that of the first embodiment, and the biomagnetic detection unit 2 (Magnetic sensor 21) can increase the detection intensity of biomagnetism.
[Irradiation section]
As the irradiation unit 4, a conventionally known one can be used as long as it can irradiate a living body with radiation that can be radiated. In the present invention, "radiation" is not limited to generally used X-rays, but includes α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, etc., which are beams produced by particles (including photons) emitted by radioactive decay. In addition, it is a comprehensive concept that includes beams having energies equal to or higher than these, such as particle beams and cosmic rays. Considering the high versatility, it is preferable to use X-rays as radiation.
[Measurement procedure]
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in an examination in which X-ray photography and biomagnetic measurement of the spinal cord or heart of a subject (human) are performed simultaneously, the subject (human) S is in the supine position (on his back) on the bed 5. And wait at the specified position. The inspector emits radiation from the radiation irradiation unit 4 toward the subject S by an operation unit (not shown), and obtains an X-ray image which is a detection result from the radiation detection unit 3. After that, the power is supplied to the biomagnetic detection unit 2 while the power is not supplied to the radiation detection unit 3 by the control unit 6, and the spinal cord-induced magnetic field or the like which is the detection result from the biomagnetic detection unit 2 is obtained. obtain.

Alternatively, the inspector supplies power to the biomagnetic detection unit 2 while the control unit 6 does not supply power to the radiation detection unit 3, and the inspector performs the detection result from the biomagnetic detection unit 2. After obtaining the evoked magnetic field, radiation may be emitted from the radiation irradiation unit 4 toward the subject S to obtain an X-ray image which is the detection result from the radiation detection unit 3.

The biological information measuring device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a biological information measuring device according to another embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in an examination in which an X-ray image of the chest of a subject (human) and a biomagnetic measurement are performed at the same time, the subject (human) S is placed in a prone position on the bed 5. Therefore, it is advisable to wait at a predetermined position. Further, when measuring the chest of the subject S in this way, as shown in FIG. 5, the shape of the tip surface 23a of the heat insulating container 23 is made flat, and the shape of the radiation detecting part 31 is also made flat. As a result, the body surface of the subject S and the tip surface 23a and / or the radiation detection unit 31 may be brought into close contact with each other.

The measurement area T of the biological information measuring device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the spinal cord, chest, or the like, and may be other parts or organs such as the brain. In the heat insulating container according to the present embodiment, the shape of the tip surface may be appropriately formed so that the tip surface facing the subject S can be brought into close contact with the body surface of the measurement region T according to the measurement region T.

Depending on the shape of the tip surface of the heat insulating container, the shape of the radiation detection unit is preferably a shape that follows the shape of the tip surface of the heat insulating container. For example, as described above, by forming the radiation detection unit with a flexible material, it is possible to bend the radiation detection unit along the shape of the tip surface of the heat insulating container. Needless to say, the magnetic sensor housed inside the heat insulating container is also arranged at an optimum position according to the shape of the heat insulating container.

Hereinafter, FIG. 6 shows the results of measuring the human spinal cord by the biometric information measuring device 1 described above. As can be seen from FIG. 6, it is possible to obtain biometric information by superimposing the X-ray image of the spinal cord and the spinal cord evoked magnetic field diagram with good accuracy by one measurement.

1 Biometric information measurement device 2 Biomagnetic detection unit 21 Magnetic sensor 22 Insulation container 22a Tip surface 221 Inner tank 222 Outer tank 3 Radiation detection unit 4 Radiation irradiation unit 5 Sleeper 5a Head sleeper 5b Body sleeper 6 Control unit S Specimen R Radiation T Measurement area

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-172175

Claims (7)

A biomagnetic detector that has a temperature control mechanism and can detect the biomagnetism of the subject,
A flat panel detector that can acquire the irradiated radiation as digital image data ,
The flat panel detector is provided with a control unit that can be controlled so as not to supply power while the biomagnetism detection unit detects biomagnetism .
The flat panel detector is a biometric information measuring device arranged between the measurement area of the subject and the biomagnetic detection unit. The biomagnetic detection unit includes a plurality of magnetic sensors and has a plurality of magnetic sensors.
The biometric information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of magnetic sensors are covered with a heat insulating container. The biometric information measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the flat panel detector is provided on the outside of the heat insulating container. The biometric information measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the flat panel detector is provided inside the heat insulating container. The biometric information measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the flat panel detector is provided in a member of the heat insulating container. The biometric information measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the surface of the heat insulating container facing the subject is formed in an arc shape or a flat surface. The biometric information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with radiation.

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