JP7036309B2 - Mobility evaluation system - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Published by exhibition, most recently: January 19, 2017, 29th Bioengineering Lecture Meeting of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (2 others) Published by publication, January 18, 2017 Proceedings of the 29th Bioengineering Lecture on Japan

The present invention relates to a mobility evaluation system, and more particularly to a mobility evaluation system that quantifies the mobility of the ossicles.

Conventionally, in otologic surgery, in the diagnosis and treatment of middle ear diseases, there has been a method in which an operator pushes and moves the ossicles with a probe to confirm the mobility of the ossicles.

Specifically, the middle ear is an organ that converts the sound incident on the ear canal into vibration of the eardrum and efficiently transmits the mechanical vibration to the inner ear cochlea by the ossicle chain. The chain consists of the cochlea, ossicles, and ossicles, which are easily vibrated in the eardrum by ligaments and muscle tendons. When these ligaments and muscle tendons become stuck due to aging or lesions, conductive hearing loss occurs, resulting in middle ear disease.

Therefore, in order to restore hearing, it is necessary to directly remove the fixation by surgery and restore the mobility of the ossicles to a normal state. Was performed by the surgeon pushing and moving with a probe.
However, in such a method, there is no clear standard and it depends largely on the experience of the operator.

Patent Document 1 describes an optical force detection element for a microsurgical instrument for evaluating the mobility of the ossicle chain in tympanoplasty as a method for quantitatively evaluating the mobility of the ossicle, and is an optical fiber. A method of detecting and monitoring a three-dimensional contact force between the tip of a microsurgical instrument or tool using measurement techniques and a tissue or organ to be examined or treated, in the z-direction axis of the structure. It discloses an optical force detecting element having a sensitivity 5 to 20 times higher than in the xy direction perpendicular to the axis.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-160756

However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to detect and process three-dimensional contact force in order to display the evaluation result of the mobility of the ossicles on the display provided in the information processing apparatus, so that the processing load is increased. Is high, and there is a problem in terms of efficiency. In addition, since the optical fiber fixed to the structure is used, for example, in consideration of hygiene, or when a defect occurs in the optical fiber, when it is necessary to replace the measuring device, the cost aspect and There was a problem with exchangeability, and the usability was not always sufficient. Further, in order to ensure the quality of the optical fiber, since the optical fiber is vulnerable to breakage and contamination, it has to be handled with caution, and its usability is not always sufficient.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use mobility evaluation system for quantitatively evaluating the mobility of the ossicles.

The mobility evaluation system according to the present invention is a mobility evaluation system that evaluates the mobility of the ossicles, and includes a vibration device that contacts the ossicles and gives vibration, an actuator that vibrates the vibration device, and a vibration device. FFT based on the measurement probe including the force sensor that measures the reaction force applied to the actuator when the vibration device is brought into contact with the ossicles and outputs the voltage based on the measurement result, and the voltage output from the measurement probe. It includes an analysis unit that performs analysis to obtain a predetermined frequency component value, an evaluation unit that evaluates the mobility of the ossicles based on the predetermined frequency component value, and an output unit that outputs the evaluation result.

Further, in the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, the vibration exciter is an elongated rod-shaped probe, and the probe is detachably supported by a fixed fulcrum and a force sensor at two points, near the center of gravity and at the end thereof. The actuator applies a constant amplitude vibration around a fulcrum near the center of gravity of the probe, the force sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor and a charge amplifier, and the piezoelectric sensor applies the force applied to the probe by the probe by the probe. When added, a charge signal is generated, the charge amplifier converts the generated charge signal into a voltage and outputs it, and the analysis unit includes an AD converter, and the AD converter converts the voltage into voltage information of a digital signal. Then, the voltage information may be analyzed by FFT.

Further, in the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, the probe may have a recess formed near the center of gravity, and the fulcrum may be provided with a spherically formed magnet for fitting and supporting the recess.

Further, in the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, the measurement probe may include an elastic body that elastically contacts the probe.

Further, in the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, the actuator vibrates the probe at 5 Hz or higher, and the predetermined frequency component value may be the value of the frequency component of 5 Hz or higher of each waveform in the voltage information.

Further, the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention is installed near the cochlear window or the cochlear window, and has an electrode for detecting the cochlear microphone potential when the ossicles are vibrated by the vibration exciter, and the detected cochlear microphone potential. The output unit may display the measured cochlear microphone potential.

The mobility evaluation method according to the present invention is a mobility evaluation method for evaluating the mobility of the ossicles, in which vibration is applied to the ossicles by bringing the tip of a probe vibrated by an actuator into contact with the ossicles. The vibration step and the reaction force applied to the actuator when the tip of the probe is brought into contact with the ossicles are measured, and the voltage measurement step that outputs the voltage based on the measurement result and the voltage output from the measurement probe are used. , FFT analysis is performed to obtain a predetermined frequency component value, an evaluation step to evaluate the mobility of the ossicles based on the predetermined frequency component value, and an output step to output the evaluation result.

The mobility evaluation system according to the present invention is a mobility evaluation system that evaluates the mobility of the ossicles, and includes a vibration device that contacts the ossicles and gives vibration, an actuator that vibrates the vibration device, and a vibration device. FFT based on the measurement probe including the force sensor that measures the reaction force applied to the actuator when the vibration device is brought into contact with the ossicles and outputs the voltage based on the measurement result, and the voltage output from the measurement probe. Mobility evaluation including an analysis unit that performs analysis to obtain a predetermined frequency component value, an evaluation unit that evaluates the mobility of the ossicles based on the predetermined frequency component value, and an output unit that outputs an evaluation result. It is a system. With these configurations, it is possible to obtain a predetermined frequency component value when quantitatively evaluating the mobility of the ossicles, so it is possible to provide a mobility evaluation system that can reduce the influence of camera shake when used as a handpiece. , Usability can be improved.

The mobility evaluation system according to the present invention can improve usability in quantifying the mobility of the ossicles.

It is a system diagram which shows the structure of the mobility evaluation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the mobility evaluation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the concept of the internal structure of the measurement probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the measurement probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is a top view of the measurement probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (B) It is a side view of the measurement probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the measurement probe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the mobility evaluation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the force sensor which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the probe and the fulcrum metal fitting which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

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

(Configuration of mobility evaluation system 700)
FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobility evaluation system 700.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobility evaluation system 700 includes a measurement probe 100, an information processing device 300, a display device 400 (400a, 400b), an amplifier 500, and an electrode 600. Although two display devices 400a and 400b are shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity, one display device 400 may be used, or two or more display devices 400 may be present. In the following, when there is no particular need for distinction, the display devices are collectively referred to as a display device 400. Further, in the mobility evaluation system 700, the display device 400 and the voice output unit 340 of the information processing device 300 described later output the evaluation result of the mobility of the ossicles and the measurement result of the cochlear microphone potential (display, voice output, etc.). It is collectively referred to as an output unit. The output unit outputs the evaluation result of the evaluation unit.

The measuring probe 100 measures the vibration device that contacts the ossicles and gives vibration, the actuator that vibrates the vibration device, and the reaction force applied to the actuator when the vibration device is brought into contact with the ossicles. It is configured to include a force sensor that outputs a voltage based on the measurement result.

As an example, the measuring probe 100 has an elongated rod-shaped probe as an exciter, and the probe is supported by a fixed fulcrum and a force sensor at two points, near the center of gravity and at the end, and is an actuator. Gives a constant amplitude vibration around a fulcrum near the center of gravity of the probe, the force sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor and a charge amplifier, and the piezoelectric sensor applies the force exerted by the actuator to the probe to the probe. A charge signal may be generated by being applied by a needle, and the charge amplifier may convert the generated charge signal into a voltage and output the signal.

Specifically, the information processing device 300 is connected to, for example, a measurement probe 100, a display device 400, an amplifier 500, etc. by wire or wirelessly, and receives information processing requests from these peripheral devices and peripheral devices to perform information processing. Do. Any computer device such as a server that provides the result of the process may be used, or a hardware device dedicated to the measurement probe 100 may be used.

The display device 400 may be any device as long as it is a display device connected to the information processing device 300 and displaying the display information output from the information processing device 300 on the screen. The display device 400 displays, for example, the evaluation result of the mobility of the ossicles evaluated by the information processing device 300. As an example, the display device 400 may display the cochlear microphone potential measured by the electrode 600 and the amplifier 500.

The amplifier 500 may be an amplifier device such as a differential amplifier that amplifies a weak signal such as a cochlear microphone potential measured by the electrode 600.

The electrode 600 may be a silver electrode that can be installed near the cochlear window or the cochlear window and can measure the cochlear microphone potential (CM).

As shown in FIG. 1, in the mobility evaluation system 700, as an example, the reaction force applied to the measurement probe 100 when the tip of the measurement probe 100 is vibrated and brought into contact with the ossicle 800 to be measured is information as a voltage. It is transmitted to the processing device 300, and the information processing device 300 evaluates the mobility of the ossicles based on the transmitted voltage. The mobility evaluation system 700 may display the evaluation result on the display device 400b using a graph or the like as shown in FIG. 1, or may notify the evaluation result by voice by the voice output function of the information processing device 300. .. By visualizing the evaluation result of the ossicle mobility in this way, the surgeon can confirm the quantitative evaluation of the ossicle mobility before and during the operation, and decide the surgical procedure. It can be done efficiently. According to such a configuration, the mobility of the ossicles is displayed on the screen together with numerical values by a graph or the like, and the operator is notified by voice as necessary, so that the mobility of the ossicles, that is, the ossicles can be easily performed even during the operation. It is possible to diagnose the sticking state of.

As shown in FIG. 1, as an example, the mobility evaluation system 700 is installed near the cochlear window or the cochlear window, and has an electrode for detecting the cochlear microphone potential when the ossicles are vibrated by a vibration exciter. An amplifier that amplifies and measures the detected cochlear microphone potential may be provided, and the output unit may display the measured cochlear microphone potential.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the mobility evaluation system 700 has an electrode 600 installed in the cochlear window 801 and the measurement probe 100 is inserted in place of the eardrum, the ossicles 800, or the ossicles. The cochlear microphone potential generated when the vibration is applied by contacting the artificial ossicle or the like may be measured. Further, at this time, the vibration applied to the ossicles when measuring the cochlear microphone potential may be vibrated at an audible frequency of about 125 to 2000 Hz. The mobility evaluation system 700 may draw and display the measured cochlear microphone potential on a graph or the like.

By measuring and displaying the cochlear microphone potential in this way, the sound transmission characteristics of the middle ear can be evaluated. In addition, by visualizing the cochlear microphone potential in this way, for example, the sound transmission characteristic of the middle ear is evaluated once during the operation, and the sound transmission characteristic of the middle ear is evaluated again before and after the treatment, so that the cochlear microphone potential is evaluated. It is possible to confirm that the amplitude of the cochlea has become sufficiently large, evaluate that there is no problem with the sound transmission characteristics of the middle ear, and terminate the operation, and reduce the risk of reoperation.

(Configuration of Information Processing Device 300)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 300. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 300 includes a communication unit 310, an I / O unit 320, a control unit 330, a voice output unit 340, a storage unit 350, and the like.

The communication unit 310 has a function of executing communication (transmission / reception of various messages, etc.) with peripheral devices and other information processing devices under the control of the control unit 330 via the network. Specifically, for example, the communication unit 310 transmits a message transmitted from each unit to another device, receives a message from the other device, and receives the message according to the control of the control unit 330 via the network. Communicate the message to other departments. The communication may be wired or wireless, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication can be executed. Further, the communication may be subjected to an encryption process in order to ensure security. The "message" as used herein includes text, images (photographs, illustrations), audio, moving images, etc. and information incidental thereto (text, images, audio, information relating to dates, positions, etc. incidental to the moving images).

The I / O unit 320 has a function of wirelessly or wiredly connecting to another device, another device or medium under the control of the control unit 330. Specifically, the I / O unit 320 includes WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), power connector, I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), or the like. Refers to a connection device.

The control unit 330 is a processor having a function of controlling each unit. The control unit 330 includes an analysis unit (not shown) and an evaluation unit (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 330 may receive, for example, an instruction output from a program or the like stored in the storage unit 350, and control to operate each unit based on the instruction. Further, the control unit 330 may generate display information to be displayed on the display device 400 based on, for example, the evaluation result of the mobility of the ossicles and the measurement result of the cochlear microphone potential.

The analysis unit performs FFT analysis based on the voltage output from the measurement probe 100 to obtain a predetermined frequency component value. The "FFT analysis" here means an analysis by a fast Fourier transform, and can be obtained by analyzing the component values for each frequency. Specifically, the analysis unit may include, for example, an AD converter, convert the voltage output from the measurement probe 100 into voltage information of a digital signal by the AD converter, and perform FFT analysis of the voltage information. As the AD converter, an AD conversion circuit built in the information processing apparatus 300 may be used, or an external AD converter may be used.

In the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, the measurement probe 100 is assumed to be used as a handpiece that the operator holds and measures by hand during the operation, and at that time, it is necessary to consider the influence of camera shake. .. In order to reduce the influence of camera shake on the voltage output from the measurement probe 100, as an example, the predetermined frequency component value may be set to 5 Hz or higher. Further, more preferably, the vibration frequency of the vibration given to the ossicles by the measurement probe 100 may be set to 20 Hz, which is the lower limit of the audible range, in consideration of the audible range. At this time, the analysis unit may obtain the component value of the voltage information equal to the vibration frequency (input frequency to the actuator 116) of the vibration given to the probe 103 by the actuator 116 as the predetermined frequency component value. Specifically, for example, when the vibration frequency of the actuator is set to 20 Hz in the analysis unit, the value of the frequency component of 20 Hz of each waveform in the voltage information may be obtained as the predetermined frequency component value. As a result, raising the frequency to the audible range may cause cochlear disorders, but the effect of camera shake can be reduced without raising the frequency to the audible range. In other words, since the influence of camera shake can be excluded from the voltage output by the measurement probe 100 by the FFT analysis by the analysis unit, it is possible to measure while the operator holds the measurement probe 100 by hand, and it is easy to measure during the operation. can.

Here, regarding the FFT analysis of the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, the result when the mobility of the stapes 122 and the calibrator imitating the ligament 121 supporting the stapes 122 is measured by the measurement probe 100 as shown in FIG. Will be described using. As a result of measuring the calibrator with the measuring probe 100, when the mobility of the calibrator decreases (the spring constant becomes large), the 20 Hz component as a result of the FFT analysis increases. The increased amount quantifies the mobility of the ossicles. Although the frequency component seen below 5 Hz is due to camera shake, it is clearly distinguishable from the 20 Hz component. Therefore, even in hand-held measurement using the measurement probe 100, the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention is affected by camera shake. It is possible to evaluate the mobility of the ossicles with almost no impact.

The evaluation unit evaluates the mobility (compliance) of the ossicles based on a predetermined frequency component value. Specifically, for example, the evaluation unit fixes the ossicles based on a 20 Hz component value equal to the vibration frequency (equal to the input frequency to the actuator 116) of vibration such as rotational vibration given to the ossicles by the measurement probe 100. Evaluate the degree. For example, the evaluation unit evaluates that the compliance of the 20 Hz component value is normal if it is within the reciprocal (compliance) of the spring constant of the system consisting of the ossicles and ligaments of the normal ear, and if it is out of the range, it is evaluated as normal. It may be evaluated as abnormal (the ossicles are stuck). This makes it possible to quantitatively show that the ossicles are less likely to vibrate.

As an example, in the mobility (compliance) C of the ossicles, the displacement given by the actuator 116 to the ossicles is D [unit: m], and the reaction force when the actuator 116 gives the displacement to the ossicles is P [units]. : N] and can be obtained by the following equation (1).

The audio output unit 340 has a function of outputting audio according to the control of the control unit 330. The voice output unit 340 notifies the evaluation result. The audio output unit 340 may be a speaker built in the information processing device 300, or may be an external audio output device.

The storage unit 350 has a function of storing various programs, data, and parameters required for the information processing apparatus 300 to operate under the control of the control unit 330. Storage unit 350, specifically, for example, a main storage device composed of ROM and RAM, an auxiliary storage device composed of non-volatile memory and the like, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory. It is composed of various recording media. For example, the storage unit 350 may store the voltage output from the measurement probe 100 as voltage information of a digital signal converted into a digital signal via an AD converter (not shown) under the control of the control unit 330.

(Configuration of measurement probe 100)
(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the configuration of the measurement probe 100 will be described in detail.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the concept of the internal structure of the measurement probe 100 according to the first embodiment. The first embodiment is an embodiment that constitutes the principle of the measurement probe 100 according to the present invention.

The measuring probe measures the reaction force of the ossicles. As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement probe 100 includes, for example, a probe 103 and an attachment 120. Further, the attachment 120 includes, for example, an actuator 116, a piezoelectric sensor 117, a strain gauge 118, and a magnet for fixing a probe 119. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the probe 103 is attached to the attachment 120. In FIG. 3, for the sake of explanation, the stapes 122 and the ligament 121 constituting the ossicles are modeled and described.

Specifically, the probe 103 may use an otologic probe. In this way, by using the probe actually used in ear surgery or the like, the operator can measure the ossicle reaction force without discomfort. Specifically, the actuator 116 may use a piezoelectric actuator with a displacement expanding mechanism for driving the probe. Specifically, as the piezoelectric sensor 117, a piezoelectric sensor (piezo-type piezoelectric ceramics) or the like may be used.

The probe 103 is detachably supported by a fixed fulcrum and a piezoelectric sensor 117 at two points, near the center of gravity and at the end, respectively, and a probe fixing magnet 119 is used for the supporting portion. By attaching the probe 103 to the attachment 120 in this way, the probe 103 can be easily attached and detached. For example, only the probe 103 can be replaced or sterilized, thus improving hygiene. Can be made to.

Specifically, for example, the measuring probe 100 applies a side portion of the tip of the probe 103 to the ossicles and applies vibration such as rotational vibration having a constant amplitude around a fulcrum near the center of gravity to the probe 103 by an actuator 116 to perform piezoelectricity. The sensor 117 measures the force applied by the actuator 116 (that is, the reaction force from the probe 103) and outputs the voltage. With such a configuration, the movement of the probe 103 by the actuator 116 is similar to the movement performed by the operator during normal measurement, so that the ossicle reaction force can be measured without discomfort.

More specifically, the measuring probe 100 vibrates the probe 103 at 20 Hz by, for example, the actuator 116, and when the tip of the probe is brought into contact with the stapes 122 constituting the ossicle to be measured, the actuator 116. The reaction force applied to the stapes is measured by the piezoelectric sensor 117, and the voltage is output. Here, since the displacement given to the ossicles of the output voltage should be as small as possible from the viewpoint of cochlear protection, the displacement given by the actuator 116 of the measurement probe 100 is set to 40 μm or less, and the actual operation is performed. It is made to the same level as the procedure, amplified using a charge amplifier or the like (not shown), and a voltage proportional to the measured reaction force is output. The displacement of the actuator 116 is measured by the strain gauge 118.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, an embodiment (embodiment 2) of the configuration of the measurement probe 100 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement probe 100.
As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment is, as an example, an upper cover 101, a lower cover B102, a probe 103, a locking knob 104, a cord bush 105, a lower cover A106, and a leaf spring 107. (107a, 107b), tapping screw 108 (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 108e, 108f, 108g, 108h), fulcrum metal fitting 109, E-ring 110, actuator 116, charge amplifier 112, cord 113, 123, for actuator. It includes a holder 114, standard screws 115 (115a, 115b, 115c), a piezoelectric sensor 117, and a fulcrum metal fitting fixing pin 111. In the configuration of the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment, the attachment includes the fulcrum fitting 109, the actuator 116, and the piezoelectric sensor 117.

The probe 103 is formed in the shape of an elongated rod. Specifically, the probe 103 may use an ear probe or the like, and is supported by these parts by being mounted on the fulcrum metal fitting 109 as a fixed fulcrum and the piezoelectric sensor 117 attached to the actuator 116. And attached. As a result, the probe 103, which is an otologic probe normally used during surgery, is placed on the fulcrum fitting 109 and the piezoelectric sensor 117 attached to the actuator 116 (that is, the probe 103 is attached to the attachment). It can be easily attached, can measure quantitative ossicular reaction force, and can provide an easy-to-use measuring probe. Further, since the tip of the probe 103 directly touches the ossicles, the probe 103 can be easily replaced and the hygiene can be improved by such a simple attachment.

Further, the probe 103 may have a recess (concave portion) formed near the center of gravity. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the probe 103 may be provided with a spherical or circular concave digging portion in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the probe 103 in order to support it with the fulcrum metal fitting 109 or the like. Further, conversely, a convex protrusion portion may be provided. With such a configuration, it can be installed comfortably on a support member (fulcrum metal fitting 109, etc.), and it is possible to prevent blurring in the rotation direction. In addition, when the probe 103 is removed from the measuring probe 100 and used, it also serves as a sign for positioning the operator's handle, and when the operator holds the probe 103 by hand, it is visually confirmed. Since the position near the center of gravity of the probe 103 can be easily specified without the need for it, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use probe.

Regarding the attachment of the fulcrum bracket 109 and the probe 103, as an example, the fulcrum of the fulcrum bracket 109 forms a mountain shape in the longitudinal direction of the measurement probe 100, and a recess (for example, the probe) is formed in the lateral direction of the probe 103. When the length of 103 is 160 mm and the distance from the fulcrum metal fitting 109 to the measurement point of the piezoelectric sensor 117 (the point where the probe 103 is mounted on the piezoelectric sensor 117 attached to the actuator 116 and is measured) is 55 mm, the width is 1 A rectangular groove having a depth of 0.1 mm and a depth of 0.6 mm is provided, while the fulcrum metal fitting 109 has a convex portion (for example, a width of 1.0 m and a height of 0. It may be attached by providing a 6 mm rectangular protrusion, etc.) and fitting the uneven portion. Further, when the probe 103 is placed on the fulcrum fitting 109 and the probe 103 is horizontal with respect to the longitudinal direction, clearances (for example, for example) are provided on both sides between the concave portion of the probe 103 and the convex portion of the fulcrum fitting 109. The probe 103 may be arranged on the fulcrum fitting 109 so as to have a gap of 0.05 mm on one side). With such a configuration, rotational vibration is applied to the probe 103 by the actuator 116, and when the probe 103 is tilted (for example, the fulcrum metal fitting 109 is tilted at 1 ° with respect to the fulcrum (rotation center) supporting the probe 103). When the probe 103 is tilted, the probe 103 interferes with the fulcrum fitting 109, and the interference allows the tip of the probe 103 to move accurately up and down along the lateral direction (for example, the tilt 1). When tilted at °, it can move tan 1 ° × 105 mm = about 1.8 mm), and the probe 103 can be easily removed and attached.

Further, another example of mounting the fulcrum metal fitting 109 and the probe 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a part of a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX'of FIG. 6A of the fulcrum fitting 109 and the probe 103 for explaining an example of how to attach the fulcrum fitting 109 and the probe 103. As shown in FIG. 10, the fulcrum fitting 109 may include a magnet portion 136 formed in a spherical shape and a base portion 135 into which and supports the magnet portion 136. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the probe 103 may be partially provided with an SR-shaped digging process so as to fit the magnet portion 136. For example, the magnet portion 136 may be formed by covering the magnet portion 136 with a thin plate-shaped aluminum from above. With such a configuration, the probe 103 is supported by a point support by a spherical magnet 136, so that when the probe 103 is subjected to rotational vibration by the actuator 116, blurring does not occur in the translational motion direction. It can move flexibly in the direction of rotation, and can easily remove the probe 103 from the measuring probe 100 and attach it to the measuring probe 100. Further, with such a configuration, the probe 103 can be fixed to the fulcrum fitting 109 by the magnetic force of the magnet 136, so that the probe 103 can be prevented from falling off from the measuring probe 100.

The measuring probe 100 may include an elastic body that elastically contacts the probe 103. The elastic body may be any one as long as it is in contact with the probe 103 and imparts an elastic resistance force, and for example, a leaf spring or the like can be considered. In this example, as an example, a leaf spring 107 will be described as an example. The leaf spring 107 may elastically contact the probe 103 to provide elastic resistance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the leaf springs 107a and 107b are screwed to the upper cover 101 by tapping screws 108a and 108b, and when the upper cover 101 is set on the lower cover B102, the probe is searched. It may be attached so as to be in contact with 103. With such a configuration, the inertial term of the probe 103 can be canceled, and the ossicle reaction force can be measured with high accuracy. Further, with such a configuration, the leaf spring 107 can be replaced, so that a convenient measurement probe can be provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fulcrum fitting 109 may be attached as a fixing fulcrum of the probe 103 by being pinned to the lower cover A106 by the fulcrum fitting fixing pin 111.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the fulcrum metal fitting 109 may include a magnet 136 formed in a spherical shape and a base 135 that is fitted and supported in a recess near the center of gravity of the magnet 136.

The piezoelectric sensor 117 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the probe 103 and the actuator 116, and measures the reaction force applied to the actuator 116 by the probe 103 that vibrates in rotation. The measured reaction force is transmitted to the charge amplifier 112, and the charge amplifier 112 converts the reaction force into a voltage and outputs it. Specifically, the piezoelectric sensor 117 generates a charge signal when the force applied to the probe 103 by the actuator 116 is applied by the probe 103. At this time, the charge amplifier 112 converts the generated charge signal into a voltage and outputs it. Specifically, as the piezoelectric sensor 117, a piezoelectric sensor (piezo-type piezoelectric ceramics), a laminated piezoelectric sensor, or the like may be used.

Further, as an example, the piezoelectric sensor 117 may support the probe 103 not by point support but by a surface or a line. An example in which the piezoelectric sensor 117 supports the probe 103 in contact with a wire will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the piezoelectric sensor 117. As shown in FIG. 9, the piezoelectric sensor 117 may be configured to include a lateral shake prevention mechanism unit 131, a magnet unit 132, a sensor main body unit 133, and a sensor holding unit 134.

The lateral shake prevention mechanism portion 131 is a member for preventing lateral shake of the probe 103. The lateral shake prevention mechanism portion 131 is, for example, a substantially disk-shaped member, and a probe receiver having a concave shape with increased heights on both sides is formed at the upper portion thereof (in other words, on the central side). The semi-cylindrical protrusions may be formed on both sides to prevent left-right blurring with a height higher than that of the center side). With such a configuration, the magnetic force of the magnet portion 132 supports the magnet portion 132 in a removable and restraining force, and the inclined surfaces of the protrusions formed on both sides automatically align the core of the probe 103 with respect to the magnet portion 132. The probe 103 can be aligned to prevent lateral movement of the probe 103. Further, since the sensor is supported by the line contact due to such a configuration, the response of the sensor can be improved as compared with the point contact, and the force applied from the probe 103 can be measured with high accuracy. The material of the lateral shake prevention mechanism portion 131 may be any material as long as it is lightweight and has a certain rigidity, and for example, stainless steel or the like can be considered.

The magnet portion 132 is a member that supports the probe 103 on the concave probe receiver of the lateral shake prevention mechanism portion 131 that can be removed by magnetic force and has a binding force. The material of the magnet portion 132 may be any material as long as the probe 103 is removable and has a binding force by a magnetic force, and for example, a neodymium magnet or the like may be used.

The sensor body 133 is the sensor body of the piezoelectric sensor 117. The sensor main body 133 has a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric effect, and converts the force applied by the probe 103 into a charge signal and outputs the signal.

The sensor holding portion 134 is a member that holds (bonds) the sensor main body portion 133. Further, the sensor holding portion 134 may be provided with one or more round grooves (four round grooves in the example of FIG. 9) to hold the signal line (cord) from the sensor main body portion 133.

Further, as an example, the piezoelectric sensor 117 may be configured by sandwiching a non-conductive member between the lateral shake prevention mechanism portion 131 and the magnet portion 132 and the sensor main body portion 133. With such a configuration, an insulating region can be provided between the sensor main body portion 133 of the force sensor 117 and the probe 103 via the lateral shake prevention mechanism portion 131, and the periphery of the ossicles 800 is electrically very sensitive. Therefore, it is possible to make contact with the ossicles more safely by using the probe 103 of the measurement probe 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the actuator 116 is housed in the actuator holder 114 and attached by being screwed to the actuator holder 114 by a standard screw 115. Specifically, for the actuator 116, for example, a piezoelectric actuator with a displacement expanding mechanism or the like may be used.

The charge amplifier 112 is attached to the actuator holder 114 by being screwed to the tapping screw 108c, and the actuator holder 114 is attached to the lower cover A106 by being screwed to the lower cover A106 by the tapping screws 108d, 108e, 108f.

Cords 113 and 123 are connected to the charge amplifier 112, and the cords 113 and 123 are connected to an external device (information processing device 300 or the like) through the cord bush 105. The cord bush 105 may be attached to the lower cover A106 by using a fixing means such as a hexagon nut fixing rib. With such a configuration, the cord bush 105 can be easily attached. Further, the charge amplifier 112 may be configured separately as (1) an OP amplifier unit for analog calculation and amplification and (2) a power supply unit for supplying power to the actuator, and accordingly, the codes 113 and 123 may be configured. Separates (1) a line (signal line) for connecting to the OP amplifier section to output an analog signal and (2) a line (power supply line) connecting to the power supply section to supply power to the actuator 116. May be formed. With such a configuration, the OP amplifier section needs to be provided in the vicinity of the force sensor 117 because it picks up noise, but the other portion (power supply section) is provided outside the measurement probe 100. Therefore, when the measurement probe 100 is made into a handpiece, it can be made more compact. Further, with such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the influence of inductive noise on the output signal by separating the signal line and the power supply line.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment has the upper cover 101 and the lower cover B102 attached, the lower cover B102 and the lower cover A106 attached, and locked with the respective parts attached as described above. The knob 104 is attached and used by the E-ring fastening by the E-ring 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper cover 101 has a hinge mechanism in which a part in the lateral direction and a part of the lower cover B102 are folded, and the upper cover 101 is partially attached to the lower cover B102. It may be possible to rotate in the state and open / close the upper cover 101 with respect to the lower cover B 102. With such a configuration, the leaf springs 107a and 107b screwed by the tapping screws 108a and 108b can be replaced, and a convenient measurement probe can be provided. As an example of a hinge mechanism when a part of the upper cover 101 is attached to a part of the lower cover B102, a hinge mechanism is formed, and a mountain-shaped convex portion is provided on a part of the rotating upper cover 101, while the corresponding portion. A valley-shaped recess may be provided in a part of the lower cover B102 corresponding to a part thereof, and may be formed so as to fix the rotation of the upper cover 101 in a state where the uneven portion is fitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring probe 100 has an elongated rod-shaped probe 103, and the probe 103 is supported by a fixed fulcrum and a force sensor at two points, near the center of gravity and at the end thereof, and is an actuator. The 116 applies vibration such as rotational vibration having a constant amplitude around a fulcrum near the center of gravity of the probe 103, the force sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor 117 and a charge amplifier 112, and the piezoelectric sensor 117 is provided by an actuator to the probe 103. A charge signal may be generated by applying a force to the probe 103, and the charge amplifier 112 may convert the generated charge signal into a voltage and output the signal. With such a configuration, it is possible to quantitatively measure the reaction force of the ossicles, and it is possible to quantify the degree of improvement in mobility before and after the treatment of the ossicle-fixed ear, and the postoperative results are improved. And the risk of reoperation can be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement probe 100.
FIG. 5 shows a state in which the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment is used with each component attached as described above. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment obliquely from the cord bush 105 side, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment of the probe 103. It is a perspective view seen obliquely from the tip side. As shown in FIG. 5, the measurement probe 100 according to the second embodiment has the lower cover B102 and the lower cover so that the operator can easily grasp and hold the lower cover B102 and the lower cover A106 of the measurement probe 100. The A106 has a shape that conforms to the shape of a human hand. With such a configuration, the measurement probe 100 can be made into a handpiece, and an easy-to-use measurement probe 100 can be provided.

Note that FIG. 5 shows a state in which the locking knob 104 is attached to both sides of the lower cover B102 for the sake of explanation, but the locking knob 104 is provided on either the left or right side so that the locking knob 104 can be locked only on one side. You may. Further, when the locking knob 104 is provided on only one side, an opening / closing knob for opening and closing the upper cover 101 up and down with one touch with respect to the lower cover B may be provided on the other side.

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement probe 100.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the lower cover B102 has a shape that conforms to the shape of a human hand so that the operator can easily grasp and hold the lower cover B102 of the measurement probe 100. is doing. With such a configuration, the measurement probe 100 can be made into a handpiece, and an easy-to-use measurement probe 100 can be provided. Further, the measurement probe 100 is assumed to be used as a handpiece, and as an example thereof, the dimensions (unit: mm) of each part are shown in FIG. 6A, but the dimensions are not limited to those. , Any size may be used as long as it is easy to hold by a human hand as a handpiece.

FIG. 6B is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement probe 100.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the lower cover B102 and the lower cover A106 are made of a human hand so that the operator can easily grasp and hold the lower cover B102 and the lower cover A106 of the measurement probe 100. It has a shape that matches the shape of the grip. With such a configuration, the measurement probe 100 can be made into a handpiece, and an easy-to-use measurement probe 100 can be provided. Further, the measurement probe 100 is assumed to be used as a handpiece, and as an example thereof, the dimensions (unit: mm) of each part are shown in FIG. 6 (b), but the dimensions are not limited to those. , Any size may be used as long as it is easy to hold by a human hand as a handpiece.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement probe 100. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX'of FIG. 6 (a).
As shown in FIG. 7, the probe 103 is in contact with the leaf springs 107a and 107b from above (meaning the upward direction with respect to the ground plane when the operator uses the measurement probe 100). Further, the probe 103 is supported and attached by two points, a fulcrum fitting 109 and a piezoelectric sensor 117, which are located near the center of gravity of the probe 103 so as to be supported at two points, the vicinity of the center of gravity and the end. .. The piezoelectric sensor 117 generates a charge signal by applying a force applied to the probe 103 by the actuator 116 by a force applied by moving the end of the probe 103 up and down. With such a configuration, the actuator 116 can apply vibration such as rotational vibration having a constant amplitude around a fulcrum near the center of gravity of the probe 103 to the probe 103.

(Processing executed by the mobility evaluation system 700)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the mobility evaluation system 700.

The mobility evaluation system 700 rotates and vibrates the vibration exciter (step S10). More specifically, the mobility evaluation system 700 gives vibration to the ossicles by bringing the tip of the probe 103 rotationally vibrated by the actuator 116 into contact with the ossicles (step S10).

The mobility evaluation system 700 measures the reaction force applied to the actuator 116 when the tip of the probe 103 is brought into contact with the ossicles when evaluating the mobility (in the case of “evaluating the mobility” in step S11). (Step S12). The mobility evaluation system 700 outputs a voltage based on the measurement result (step S13). The mobility evaluation system 700 analyzes the frequency of the voltage information (step S14). More specifically, the mobility evaluation system 700 performs FFT analysis based on the voltage output from the measurement probe to obtain a predetermined frequency component value (step S14). The mobility evaluation system 700 evaluates the mobility of the ossicles based on a predetermined frequency component value (step S15).

The mobility evaluation system 700 measures the cochlear microphone potential when measuring the potential (in the case of “measuring the potential” in step S11) (step S16).

The mobility evaluation system 700 outputs these measurement and evaluation results (step S17).

(others)
Regarding the mobility evaluation system according to the present invention, an embodiment for evaluating the mobility of the ossicles is taken up, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used when evaluating the hardening state of a part of a living body in a fine space. can. For example, it can also be used when the gastric wall is vibrated by an endoscope to detect the presence or absence of cancer in the surrounding area.

100 Measuring probe 300 Information processing device 400 Display device 500 Amplifier 600 Electrode 700 Mobility evaluation system

Claims (6)

It is a mobility evaluation system that evaluates the mobility of the ossicles.
A vibration device that contacts the ossicles and gives vibration,
An actuator that vibrates the vibration device and
A force sensor that measures the reaction force applied to the actuator when the vibration device is brought into contact with the ossicles and outputs a voltage based on the measurement result.
With measuring probes including
An analysis unit that performs FFT analysis based on the voltage output from the measurement probe to obtain a predetermined frequency component value, and
An evaluation unit that evaluates the mobility of the ossicles based on the predetermined frequency component value, and
An output unit that outputs the evaluation result and
Equipped with
The vibration exciter is an elongated rod-shaped probe, and the probe is detachably supported by a fixed fulcrum and the force sensor at two points, near the center of gravity and at the end thereof.
The force sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor provided with a lateral shake prevention mechanism.
The lateral shake prevention mechanism portion forms a semi-cylindrical protrusion portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the probe at the center of the upper part of the magnet portion with which the end portion of the probe contacts, and also forms the semi-cylindrical protrusion portion. On both sides of the protrusion portion, a protrusion portion for preventing left-right blurring having a height higher than that of the semi-cylindrical protrusion portion is formed to form a probe receiver for supporting the end portion of the probe, and the magnet portion of the magnet portion. A mobility evaluation system characterized in that the end of the probe is supported by a magnetic force . The actuator applies vibration having a constant amplitude around a fulcrum near the center of gravity of the probe.
The force sensor includes the piezoelectric sensor and a charge amplifier, the piezoelectric sensor generates a charge signal by applying a force applied to the probe by the actuator by the probe, and the charge amplifier generates a charge signal. The generated charge signal is converted into a voltage and output.
The analysis unit includes an AD converter, converts the voltage into voltage information of a digital signal by the AD converter, and performs FFT analysis of the voltage information.
The mobility evaluation system according to claim 1. The probe has a recess formed near the center of gravity.
The fulcrum is provided with a spherically formed magnet for fitting and supporting the recess.
2. The mobility evaluation system according to claim 2. The measurement probe is
The mobility evaluation system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an elastic body that elastically contacts the probe. The actuator vibrates the probe at 5 Hz or higher.
The predetermined frequency component value shall be the value of the frequency component of 5 Hz or higher of each waveform in the voltage information.
The mobility evaluation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The mobility evaluation system is
An electrode installed near the cochlear window or near the cochlear window to detect the cochlear microphone potential when the ossicles are vibrated by the vibration device.
An amplifier that amplifies and measures the detected cochlear microphone potential,
Equipped with
The output unit displays the measured cochlear microphone potential.
The mobility evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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