Biometric information display device, method, and program

Abstract

A biometric information display device (30) for displaying a measurement result obtained by measuring a biometric signal includes a maximum value calculation unit (63) configured to calculate a maximum value of the measurement result in a certain period of time for at least one of blocks into which a measurement region in which the biometric signal is measured is divided; a determination unit (64) configured to determine whether or not a measurement value in the at least one of the blocks is greater than or equal to a threshold value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a fractional value that is determined in advance; and a display control unit configured to display the measurement result in a manner indicating occurrence of an event in which the measurement value is greater than or equal to the threshold value in response to occurrence of the event.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a biometric information display device, a biometric information display method, and a display program. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in a biomagnetic measurement system configured to detect magnetism generated from living organisms using multiple magnetic sensors, PTL 1 proposes a method for dynamically displaying isomagnetic field maps, where points with equal magnetic field magnitudes are connected on a display device by specifying any given measurement time.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] [PTLl] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H11-104093 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Biomagnetism measurement systems can measure biomagnetism with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Therefore, they can simultaneously measure relatively large and relatively small magnetic fields appearing at multiple measurement sites close to each other. However, when the magnetic fields appearing at multiple measurement sites, or biometric signals such as current calculated from the magnetic fields, are displayed on the screen, the relatively small biometric signals are hidden within the relatively large biometric signals, leading to reduced visibility.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to improve the visibility of measurement results when displaying relatively small biometric signals.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, a biometric information display device according to one aspect of the present invention is a biometric information display device for displaying measurement results obtained by measuring biometric signals. The biometric information display device includes: a maximum value calculation unit configured to calculate a maximum value of the measurement results over a specific time period for at least one block of a measurement area in which biometric signals are measured; a determination unit configured to determine whether the measurement value in the at least one block is greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a predetermined fraction; and a display control unit configured to display the measurement results in a manner indicating the occurrence of an event in which the determination that the measurement value is greater than or equal to the threshold occurs.

[0011] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0012] It can improve the visibility of measurement results when displaying relatively small biometric signals. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a biometric information measuring device including a biometric information display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 The diagram is in Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of an example of a user interface screen displayed on a display device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a data processing device.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram. Figure 3 The flowchart for an example of step S50.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram. Figure 1 An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changes in the image displayed on a display device.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example (comparative example) of a change in the image displayed on the display device of another biometric information measuring device.

[0019] Figure 7 The diagram is in Figure 1 An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changes in the image displayed on another measurement section of the display device.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example (comparative example) of a change in the image of another measurement portion displayed on the display device of another biometric information measuring device.

[0021] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on a display device of a biometric information measuring apparatus, including a biometric information display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a display screen on a display device of a biometric information measuring apparatus, including a biometric information display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another example of a display screen on a display device of a biometric information measuring apparatus, including a biometric information display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a diagram. Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of a data processing device.

[0025] Figure 13 The diagram is in Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of another example of a user interface screen displayed on a display device. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, embodiments will be referenced to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and redundant explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0027] (First Embodiment)

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a biometric information measuring device including a biometric information display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 1 The biometric information measurement device 100 shown includes a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) unit 10, a signal acquisition unit 20, a data processing unit 30, an input device 80, and a display device 90. The data processing unit 30 is a computer such as a personal computer (PC) or a server, and is used as a biometric information display device.

[0029] The signal acquisition unit 20 includes a flux-locked loop (FLL) circuit 21, an analog signal processing unit 22, an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion unit 23, and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) 24. For example, the SQUID unit 10 and the signal acquisition unit 20 are installed in a shielded room that shields against magnetic interference; and the data processing device 30, the input device 80, and the display device 90 are installed outside the shielded room.

[0030] The data processing device 30 includes an input control unit 40, a display control unit 50, an operation control unit 60, and a storage unit 70. The operation control unit 60 includes a measurement control unit 61, a current reconstruction unit 62, a current waveform generation unit 63, and an emphasis display determination unit 64. For example, the functions of the input control unit 40, the display control unit 50, and the operation control unit 60 are implemented by combining a processor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)) provided in the data processing device 30 with hardware to execute a display program to perform a bio-information display method.

[0031] The biometric information measurement device 100 includes a magnetoencephalogram (MEG), a magnetocardiogram (MCG), a magnetic resonance imaging (MSG), etc. The biometric information measurement device 100 can be used to measure the magnetic field of the spinal cord, as well as the neural magnetic field or muscle magnetic field (i.e., the magnetic field generated in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, etc.).

[0032] SQUID unit 10 measures the magnetic field generated by the subject based on instructions from measurement control unit 61 and outputs the measured magnetic field as a voltage signal. For example, SQUID unit 10 includes multiple SQUID sensors arranged to face the measurement section of the magnetic field of the subject lying on the bed. FLL circuit 21 improves dynamic range by linearizing the nonlinear magnetic field-voltage characteristics measured by the multiple SQUID sensors.

[0033] For example, a SQUID sensor is a triaxial sensor with X, Y, and Z axes, capable of measuring magnetic field signals as a three-dimensional vector. Alternatively, a SQUID sensor can be a biaxial sensor with X and Y axes, capable of measuring magnetic field signals as a two-dimensional vector, or it can be a monoaxial sensor with only a Z axis. When using a monoaxial SQUID sensor with only a Z axis, the X-axis and Y-axis components (i.e., a two-dimensional vector) are calculated from the measured biomagnetic signal. Triaxial SQUID sensors offer higher directional resolution than monoaxial and biaxial SQUID sensors, thus improving the measurement accuracy of any given component in the X and Y directions for more detailed evaluation.

[0034] Analog signal processing unit 22 amplifies the magnetic field signal (i.e., voltage signal) as a linearized analog signal output from FLL circuit 21, and performs filtering processing on the amplified voltage signal, etc. AD conversion unit 23 converts the filtered magnetic field signal (i.e., voltage signal) into digital values ​​to generate magnetic field data. FPGA 24 also performs filtering processing, interleaving processing, etc., on the magnetic field data digitized by AD conversion unit 23, and transmits the processed magnetic field data to data processing device 30. Note that at least a portion of the processing performed by FPGA 24 can be performed by data processing device 30. The digitized magnetic field data is an example of a biometric characteristic signal obtained from a subject (living organism).

[0035] The biometric information measurement device 100 may include other magnetic sensors instead of the SQUID unit 10. The biometric information measurement device 100 may include a potential measurement unit for measuring the potential of an assessment target area of ​​a subject instead of the SQUID unit 10 and the signal acquisition unit 20. For example, the potential measurement unit continuously measures the potential via multiple electrodes attached to the assessment target area. For example, by having the data processing device 30 process the time variation of the measured potential signal, the current signal can be calculated as a two-dimensional vector.

[0036] In the data processing device 30, the input control unit 40 receives various information from the operator of the data processing device 30 via an input device 80, such as a mouse or keyboard. Hereinafter, the operator of the data processing device 30 may also be simply referred to as the operator. The operator may be an evaluator, such as a doctor, as explained later. The display control unit 50 performs control to display X-ray images, MR images, current waveforms superimposed on X-ray or MR images, etc., on a display device 90, such as a liquid crystal display. Furthermore, when reconstructing current data from measured magnetic field data, the display control unit 50 performs control to display an image display window for displaying images and a user interface screen that utilizes its input and displays various conditions. The input device 80 and the display device 90 may be included in the data processing device 30. Additionally, an output device, such as a printer, may be connected to the data processing device 30.

[0037] In the operation control unit 60, the measurement control unit 61 controls the operation of the SQUID unit 10 and the signal acquisition unit 20. For example, when the biometric information measuring device 100 is used as a magnetocardiograph, the measurement control unit 61 causes the SQUID unit 10 and the signal acquisition unit 20 to measure the magnetic field according to the measurement start command received from the input device 80 through the input control unit 40.

[0038] When the biometric information measuring device 100 is used as a magnetoencephalogram (MEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or magnetomyography (MGM), the measurement control unit 61 causes the SQUID unit 10 and the signal acquisition unit 20 to measure the magnetic field based on a synchronization signal from a stimulation device that provides electrical stimulation or the like to the subject. The measurement control unit 61 performs control based on the magnetic field measured by the SQUID unit 10 to receive biomagnetic data generated by the signal acquisition unit 20 and stores the received biomagnetic data in the storage unit 70. The stimulation provided to the subject by the stimulation device is not limited to electrical stimulation, and the stimulation device can provide stimulation through magnetism, sound, or light, or can apply physical stimulation such as vibration.

[0039] The current reconstruction unit 62 reconstructs the current components (orientation, intensity, etc.) based on the biomagnetic data stored in the storage unit 70, and stores the reconstructed current components in the storage unit 70. For example, the current components reconstructed from the biomagnetic data are three-dimensional vector data. For example, SQUID sensors are arranged at a distance of several centimeters from each other, while voxels serving as current calculation points are arranged at a distance of several millimeters from each other (e.g., equidistant). Since the voxels serving as current calculation points do not physically exist, they are virtually arranged in a program that reconstructs current from magnetic field data or in data used by such programs. In this case, the current reconstruction unit 62 reconstructs the current components in the direction indicated by the current calculation direction received by the input control unit 40 from the input device 80. The current calculation direction will be referenced later. Figure 2 This will be explained. Compared to the case where voxels are arranged at unequal distances, when voxels are arranged at equal distances, the current can be calculated from the magnetic field data using a simpler method.

[0040] The reconstruction of the current components by the current reconstruction unit 62 can be performed using a linear interpolation method, or using a method with a Unit Gain Recursive Null Steering (UGRENS) filter as studied by the inventors of this application. Compared to the linear interpolation method, the method using the UGRENS filter can perform calculations more accurately in a shorter time. Note that the method for reconstructing the current from the magnetic field is not limited to the spatial filter method.

[0041] The current waveform generation unit 63 acquires current data (i.e., the measured result) as a current waveform for each voxel based on the current components calculated by the current reconstruction unit 62 and stored in the storage unit 70, which changes over time. The current waveform generation unit 63 displays the acquired current waveform on the display device 90 via the display control unit 50 and calculates the latency based on the acquired current waveform, which is the time when the current value reaches its maximum level. Furthermore, the current waveform generation unit 63 calculates the maximum value of the current data for each voxel within a specific time period. The current waveform generation unit 63 is an example of a maximum value calculation unit.

[0042] The emphasis is on the display of the determination unit 64 based on the score value VT received from the input device 80 using the input control unit 40 (see later). Figure 2(Explanation) Determines whether to emphasize the current waveform for each voxel at each measurement time. When the emphasis determination unit 64 determines to emphasize the current waveform based on the determination result, the emphasis determination unit 64 uses the display control unit 50 to emphasize the current waveform on the display device 90. The current waveform can be emphasized by changing the display color of the current waveform, by displaying a graphic (emphasis mark) on the current waveform, or by displaying only a graphic. See later. Figure 2 Explain this emphasis.

[0043] The storage unit 70 is implemented using a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and includes areas for storing biomagnetic data 71, morphological data 72, and various setting values ​​73. The biomagnetic data 71 includes magnetic field data measured by the SQUID unit 10 and processed by the signal acquisition unit 20. The morphological data 72 includes X-ray image data captured by an X-ray image capture device (not shown), or magnetic resonance (MR) image data captured by a magnetic resonance imaging device, etc.

[0044] The morphological data 72 may include current waveform data generated for each voxel, emphasis marker data, etc. The current waveform data and emphasis marker data may be stored in separate areas of the storage unit 70 as overlapping data displayed on the morphological image in an overlapping manner. Hereinafter, the X-ray morphological image of the subject generated from X-ray image data will be referred to as an X-ray image, and the cross-sectional image of the subject generated from MR image data will be referred to as an MR image.

[0045] Setting value 73 is used to store various information displayed on the user interface screen of the display device 90. See later. Figure 2 An example of setting value 73 is explained below. Parameters of filters (e.g., high-pass and low-pass filters) provided in signal acquisition unit 20 can be stored as setting value 73 in storage unit 70.

[0046] Figure 2 The diagram is in Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of an example of a user interface screen displayed on a display device 90. For example, the current is reconstructed based on magnetic field data obtained by measuring the magnetic field generated by myocardial motion, and as... Figure 2 As shown, the reconstructed current waveform and emphasis markers are displayed in an overlay manner on the morphological image for the corresponding voxels.

[0047] In the following text, in the image display window WIN displayed on the user interface screen, the point corresponding to the voxel is referred to as a voxel point. The display control unit 50, operating based on instructions given by the operation control unit 60, controls the display device 90 to display, as shown in the image on the display screen of the display device 90. Figure 2 The user interface screen shown. In, as... Figure 2 In the example shown, a morphological image (MR image) of the magnetic field of the heart measured by a magnetocardiograph is displayed in the image display window WIN.

[0048] The user interface screen includes an image display window WIN, which can display morphological images, etc.; area coordinate input fields Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin; waveform display time input field tWAVE; peak detection time input field tPEAK; and fractional value input field VT. The user interface screen also includes a pitch input field PITCH and a current calculation direction input field DIR. In the following text, the setting values ​​73 set using the corresponding input fields Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, Xmin, tWAVE, tPEAK, VT, PITCH, and DIR will be explained with reference to the names of the respective input fields.

[0049] Furthermore, the user interface screen includes a slider (SLIDE) and a moving image output button (EXPM). When the operator slides the slider (SLIDE), the evaluation time of the current component displayed at the top of the image display window (WIN) changes. When the operator presses the moving image output button (EXPM), the image displayed according to the operation of the slider (SLIDE) is exported as moving image data. The evaluation time is the relative time of measurement compared to a reference time. The measurement time is the time taken to measure the magnetic field signal used to calculate the current component displayed on the morphological image in the image display window (WIN). For example, when measuring the magnetic field generated by myocardial motion, the reference time (0 ms) is the point in time when the heartbeat occurs. The evaluation time indicates the time range before the heartbeat occurs. In this case, the evaluation time is a negative value.

[0050] The entered region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin are used to set a rectangular region for calculating the current waveform in the image displayed in the WIN image display window. The rectangular region specified by the region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin is an example of the region used for calculating the current waveform. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different context.) Figure 2 In the example shown, the specified region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin are “Yl”, “-Y2”, “X1”, and “-X2”. The current waveform displayed in the image display window WIN is a biometric signal waveform derived from the muscle, which is obtained by reconstructing the current value from the magnetic field signal generated by the current flowing due to myocardial motion.

[0051] The waveform display time input field tWAVE is used to set the time range for displaying the current waveform. (In a similar context...) Figure 2In the example shown, the time range used to display the current waveform is set from "-200ms" to "-50ms". The point in time when the heartbeat occurs (reference time) is defined as 0ms, and the time range is negative because it indicates the length of time preceding the heartbeat.

[0052] The peak detection time input field tPEAK is used to set the time range for detecting latency (in this example, the time when the peak current occurs). The time range set by the peak detection time input field tPEAK is within the range of the waveform display time tWAVE. Figure 2 In the example shown, the peak detection time tPEAK is set to a range of "-135ms" to "-120ms". The peak detection time tPEAK is an example of a specific time period. By setting the peak detection time tPEAK, false latency is prevented from being detected due to noise waveforms or other factors outside the range of tPEAK.

[0053] The fractional value input field VT is used to set the fractional value VT, which determines whether the current value should be emphasized at each voxel. For example, the maximum value (peak) of the current (i.e., the measurement result) is defined as 100%, and the fractional value input field VT is expressed as a percentage of any given current value relative to 100%, such that the current value is emphasized when its magnitude is greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the peak current value by the percentage entered in the fractional value input field VT. Figure 2 In the example shown, the current value is highlighted when the current value during evaluation is greater than or equal to 99% of the peak current value.

[0054] In this embodiment, the fractional value VT used to determine whether to emphasize any given current value can be set for the current value at the reference latency of each voxel point. This allows evaluators, such as doctors, to easily determine the latency from the image displayed on the user interface screen, even in measurements with relatively small current values. By setting the fractional value VT, the current value is emphasized for a predetermined time period near the latency, thereby improving the visibility of the latency to evaluators such as doctors compared to emphasizing the current value only at the moment of the latency. Figure 2 In this system, a common value VT is set for all voxels, but a value VT can also be set for each voxel individually.

[0055] Furthermore, for each voxel, the current waveform and the graphic used for emphasis are displayed overlaid on the measurement target area of ​​the morphological image. This allows assessors (such as physicians) who evaluate a subject's function by viewing the user interface screen to easily identify the correlation between the current flowing through the assessment target area and the corresponding portion of the morphological image. Conversely, when the fractional value VT is represented as a current value, voxels with current amounts less than those at other voxel points are not highlighted, making it difficult for assessors (such as physicians) to visually determine the latency.

[0056] The Pitch input field is used to set the pitch of the voxel in which the reconstructed current is located. In, for example... Figure 2 In the example shown, the pitch is set to "10mm". Multiple blocks are set up with the pitch as associated with the corresponding voxels within the range defined by the region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin.

[0057] In the current calculation direction input field DIR, the operator sets the target component direction by angle, i.e., the direction in which the current (measured value) is calculated. For example, in the user interface screen, the right-hand direction is defined as "0 degrees", the down direction as "90 degrees", the left-hand direction as "180 degrees", and the up direction as "270 degrees". Figure 2 In the example shown, the current calculation direction DIR is set to "0 degrees (X direction)".

[0058] By calculating the current waveform according to the direction of the current calculation DIR (direction of muscle fibers or nerve fibers) of the target area being evaluated, clinically useful current waveforms derived from muscles or nerves can be obtained. For example, myocardium does not extend in a single direction but in multiple directions; therefore, it is preferable to allow the operator to set the current calculation direction DIR to any desired direction.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In traditional methods, the Directional Indicator (DIR) for current calculation is set for all voxels. However, the DIR can also be set individually for each voxel or for each voxel group, with each group containing a predetermined number of voxels. In this case, even when the muscle extends in various directions, the DIR can be set for each direction of muscle extension, thus obtaining a clinically useful current waveform. In contrast, the potential measured using a catheter via so-called catheter mapping is a scalar. Therefore, using catheter mapping, the current component calculated from the potential cannot be assigned to a direction.

[0060] Note that the operation control unit 60 can set the current calculation direction DIR (i.e., the target component direction) based on information received from the input control unit 40 regarding operations performed by the operator on the input device 80 using a mouse or the like. For example, an input mode for inputting the current calculation direction DIR can be prepared, and when the operator draws a straight line on the image display window WIN with the mouse, the operation control unit 60 can set the direction (angle) of the straight line drawn from the start point to the end point as the current calculation direction DIR.

[0061] In this embodiment, the current calculation direction DIR can be set to include the X direction (i.e., Figure 2 The horizontal direction) and the Y direction (i.e., Figure 2 The current calculation direction DIR can be set to any given direction (greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than 360 degrees) in a plane (vertical direction). Additionally, it is permissible to set the current calculation direction DIR to any spherical direction, which is a combination of not only the X and Y directions but also the Z direction. Furthermore, the current calculation direction DIR can be set for each voxel, or for each voxel group comprising a predetermined number of voxels.

[0062] The operation control unit 60 controls the display control unit 50 to display the entered setting values ​​Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, Xmin, tWAVE, tPEAK, VT, PITCH, and DIR on the user interface screen, and stores them as setting values ​​73 in the storage unit 70. The storage unit 70 can pre-store the default values ​​of setting values ​​Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, Xmin, tWAVE, tPEAK, VT, PITCH, and DIR. The current reconstruction unit 62, the current waveform generation unit 63, and the emphasis display determination unit 64 process the data using the default values ​​of setting values ​​73 that are not entered among the setting values ​​Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, Xmin, tWAVE, tPEAK, VT, PITCH, and DIR.

[0063] exist Figure 2 In the image display window WIN, the current waveform (time variation of current intensity) at the evaluation time "-131.60ms" and the emphasis indicator (black circle) are displayed overlaid on the morphological image in WIN. In other words, the image display window WIN shows the current waveform along the Y-axis at the evaluation time. At each voxel point, a black circle is displayed as emphasis when the current value on the Y-axis at the evaluation time "-131.60ms" is 99% or more of the peak current value during the latency period.

[0064] A black circle is an example of a graphic indicating that a measured value has been determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., the peak current value) by a predefined predetermined fraction. A block (voxel region) displaying a black circle is an example of a block with a positive determination, where the measured value has been determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., the peak current value) by a predefined predetermined fraction, and the determination result is reflected therein. A block (voxel region) without a black circle is an example of a block with a negative determination, where the measured value has been determined to be less than the threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., the peak current value) by a predefined predetermined fraction. The shape of the graphic displayed in the block corresponding to the voxel is not limited to a black circle, and the color of the graphic is not limited to black. Instead of displaying a black circle, the thickness of the current form can be increased for emphasis.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the magnified view of the voxel region shown at the top, each voxel point is located at the intersection of the X-axis, which represents time, and the Y-axis, which represents current intensity (amplitude). As mentioned above, the current value of the current waveform intersecting the Y-axis is the current value at the evaluation time "-131.60ms" displayed on the user interface screen. The scale of the current waveform displayed in the image display window WIN (defined by the maximum and minimum values ​​in the X and Y axes) is the same for all voxel points.

[0066] When the image displayed in the image display window WIN, including the current waveform, is changed by manipulating the SLIDE slider, the current waveform moves in the X-axis direction so that the current value at the evaluation time set by manipulating the SLIDE slider intersects the Y-axis. At each voxel point, a black circle is displayed when the current value intersecting the Y-axis in the current waveform is greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value at the latency (i.e., the peak current value) by the fractional value VT; no black circle is displayed when the current value is less than the fractional value VT.

[0067] When an image is displayed in color in the image display window WIN, the current waveform in the voxel corresponding to the black circle can be highlighted in red, etc., instead of being highlighted with a black circle. Furthermore, a circular marker whose size changes according to the magnitude of the peak current at the latency can be displayed. Specifically, Figure 13An example is illustrated where, with the maximum peak current value across all blocks represented in A, large circles are displayed in blocks with current values ​​greater than A×0.9, medium circles in blocks with current values ​​greater than A×0.7 but less than A×0.9, and small circles in blocks with current values ​​less than A×0.7. It should be understood that the size of the circles can vary in any way, and the size variation is not necessarily three levels. For example, the size of the circles could vary to two levels, or to four or more levels. Furthermore, the circles can be displayed in a color corresponding to the peak current value at the latency period. When the circles are displayed in corresponding colors, in addition to the image display window WIN, a color bar (such as...) indicating the correspondence between the current value and the color can also be displayed. Figure 6 The diagram shows an intensity bar indicating the intensity. There are no particular restrictions on the shape and color used in the method of displaying current values ​​in the image display window WIN, as long as voxels with current values ​​greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., peak current value) by a fractional value VT can be easily distinguished from voxels with current values ​​less than the threshold.

[0068] Figure 3 It is a diagram. Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates an example of the operation of the data processing device 30 shown. First, in step S10, the measurement control unit 61 measures the biomagnetism of the subject by controlling the SQUID unit 10 and the signal acquisition unit 20. For example, when the measurement control unit 61 measures the magnetic field of nerves such as the brain and spinal cord, or measures the magnetic field of muscles, the measurement control unit 61 causes the SQUID unit 10 to measure the biomagnetism of the subject while simultaneously providing electrical stimulation to the subject's peripheral nerves. Figure 1 As shown, electrical stimulation is delivered to the subject via a stimulation device connected to the signal acquisition unit 20.

[0069] The measurement control unit 61 can perform actions such as Figure 3 The biomagnetism shown in the process is measured beforehand. In this case, the data processing device 30 does not perform step S10; instead, the data processing device 30 performs the processing in step S20 and subsequent steps by using the biomagnetic data stored in the storage unit 70.

[0070] In step S20, the current reconstruction unit 62 reconstructs the current components based on the magnetic field data of all measurement points. The current reconstruction unit 62 stores the current information, including the intensity and coordinates of the current obtained from the reconstruction, as morphological data 72 in the storage unit 70. Note that when the storage unit 70 does not store setting values ​​73 such as VT, PITCH, DIR used in step S20 and subsequent steps, default values ​​are used.

[0071] Next, in step S30, a current waveform is generated for each voxel along the specified current calculation direction DIR. Using the current information stored in the storage unit 70, the current waveform generation unit 63 generates a current waveform that changes according to the elapsed measurement time. Then, the operation control unit 60 controls the display control unit 50 to display the current waveform corresponding to the evaluation time set by the slider SLIDE on a morphological image such as an X-ray image or MR image in an overlay manner in the image display window WIN. There are no particular limitations on the image overlaid with the current waveform, as long as the subject's evaluation target area is visible in the image.

[0072] Next, in step S40, when it is desired to emphasize the current waveform in the corresponding voxel based on the current value at the set evaluation time, the emphasis display determination unit 64 displays black circles or the like in the image displayed in the image display window WIN for emphasis.

[0073] Next, in step S50, the input control unit 40 receives various setting values ​​73 from the operator using the input device 80, and stores the received setting values ​​73 in the storage unit 70. (Refer to below...) Figure 4 Interpret the reception of various setting values ​​73. For example, when the operator has difficulty seeing how the current changes from the current waveform highlighted in step S40, step S50 is executed to change the current calculation direction DIR and the fractional value VT based on the operation performed by the operator.

[0074] Next, in step S60, when it is necessary to reconstruct the current based on the changed setting value 73, the operation control unit 60 proceeds to step S20, and when it is not necessary to reconstruct the current, the operation control unit 60 proceeds to step S70. For example, when a voxel without reconstructed current appears due to changes in the region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin, current reconstruction is required.

[0075] In step S70, when it is necessary to reconstruct the current waveform based on the changed setting value 73, the operation control unit 60 proceeds to step S30, and when it is not necessary to reconstruct the current waveform, the operation control unit 60 proceeds to step S40. For example, current reconstruction is required when at least one of the pitch (PITCH) and the current calculation direction (DIR) changes. The processing in steps S20 to S70 is repeated until biomagnetism is measured, until the operation to close the user interface screen is performed, or until the data processing device 30 is turned off. When the slider SLIDE is operated, the current distribution (emphasized voxels) corresponding to the evaluation time set by operating the slider SLIDE is again displayed in the image display window WIN.

[0076] Figure 4 It is a diagram. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example of step S50. The execution order of the processes in steps S501 to S512 (such as pairs of steps S501 and S502, pairs of steps S503 and S504, etc.) is not limited to... Figure 4 The order shown is such that the settings for each pair can be executed sequentially.

[0077] When the input control unit 40 receives the input of region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax and Xmin in step S501, in step S502 the input control unit 40 stores the received region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax and Xmin in the storage unit 70 to set the received region coordinates Ymax, Ymin, Xmax and Xmin to the set value 73.

[0078] When the input control unit 40 receives the pitch in step S503, it stores the received pitch in the storage unit 70 in step S504 to set the received pitch to the setting value 73. When the input control unit 40 receives the waveform display time tWAVE in step S505, it stores the received waveform display time tWAVE in the storage unit 70 in step S506 to set the received waveform display time tWAVE to the setting value 73.

[0079] When the input control unit 40 receives the peak detection time tPEAK in step S507, it stores the received peak detection time tPEAK in the storage unit 70 in step S508 to set the received peak detection time tPEAK to the set value 73. When the input control unit 40 receives the fraction value VT in step S509, it stores the received fraction value VT in the storage unit 70 in step S510 to set the received fraction value VT to the set value 73.

[0080] When the input control unit 40 receives the current calculation direction DIR in step S511, it stores the received current calculation direction DIR in the storage unit 70 in step S512 to set the received current calculation direction DIR as the setting value 73. When the input control unit 40 determines that all inputs of the setting value 73 have been completed, it terminates the processing in step S50. The completion of input can be determined based on the termination command received by the operator using the input device 80.

[0081] When reconstructing current from other magnetic field data to display current waveforms in an image display window (WIN), it can be used in applications such as... Figure 4 The setting value 73 is stored in the storage unit 70 during the processing of step S50 shown. In this case, during the processing of step S50, the determinations in steps S501, S503, S505, S507, S509, and S511 are set to "No", and subsequently, the determination in step S513 is set to "No". Therefore, the processing in step S50 can be substantially omitted, and the time spent setting the setting value 73 can be shortened. Furthermore, when using the same setting value 73, current data reconstructed from different magnetic field data can be easily compared. The series of setting values ​​73 set in step S50 can be stored in the storage unit 70 along with a group name, and the setting value 73 can be called and used by specifying the group name.

[0082] Figure 5 It is a diagram. Figure 1 An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changes in the image displayed on the display device 90. (Compared to...) Figure 2 Same, Figure 5 The images shown include morphological images (MR images) of the heart whose magnetic field is measured using a magnetocardiograph. The method used to display the current waveform and black circles is consistent with... Figure 3 The process shown is the same. Figure 5 Only the illustration shows Figure 2 The image is displayed in the Windows window, but the configuration of the user interface screen used to display the image is different. Figure 2 The configurations are the same.

[0083] When the operator manipulates the SLIDE slider, the image displayed in the WIN image display window follows... Figure 5 The order indicated by the middle arrow has changed. Figure 5 The solid white circle in the diagram indicates the location of the posterior wall of the left atrium and is the region from which relatively large magnetic field signals are measured from the left atrium. Figure 5 The white broken-line circles shown indicate the location of the junction between the pulmonary veins and the heart, and are areas where relatively small magnetic field signals are measured from the myocardium surrounding the pulmonary veins. The solid white circles and broken-line white circles are appended for illustrative purposes and are not actually shown in the image.

[0084] When current information, such as current reconstructed from magnetic field data, is displayed in an overlay manner on a morphological image using conventional techniques, the current information is shown in proportion to the signal with a large current intensity. In this case, current information about the myocardium connected to the pulmonary veins is difficult to identify because it is hidden within current information about the large current derived from the left atrium, making it difficult to assess the myocardium connected to the pulmonary veins.

[0085] For example, it has been reported that in the heart, myocardial signals connected to the pulmonary veins are a cause of atrial fibrillation. In this embodiment, the black circle is not displayed with reference to the magnitude of the current, but rather with reference to the peak value of the current in the corresponding voxel. Therefore, when the current amplitude is small, the black circle can be displayed near the point where the peak current is generated, and the conduction of small currents in the myocardium, etc., can be clearly confirmed.

[0086] By assigning a fractional value VT to each voxel, even when a large magnetic field signal from the left atrium and a small magnetic field signal from the myocardium derived from the pulmonary veins coexist, the current information about the myocardium derived from the pulmonary veins can be highlighted based on a reference that differs from the current information about the large current derived from the left atrium.

[0087] Therefore, as indicated by the white broken circle, the current flowing in the right pulmonary vein at "-132.4 ms" and the current flowing in the left pulmonary vein at "-120.4 ms" can be displayed without being hidden by the large current derived from the left atrium. In other words, compared to conventional methods, the signals transmitted to the pulmonary veins can be displayed in a visually understandable way.

[0088] For example, suppose there is a first voxel with a current peak value of "10" and a second voxel with a current peak value of "100", and suppose the fractional value VT is set to 90%. In this case, if the current value is greater than or equal to "9", then a black circle is displayed in the first voxel, and if the current value is greater than or equal to "90", then a black circle is displayed in the second voxel. Therefore, just like with large currents, even small currents with a peak value of about one-tenth can be highlighted with black circles, etc., in the image when evaluating the current near the peak value.

[0089] When an operator uses an input device 80, such as a mouse, to operate the slider SLIDE, the operation control unit 60 reads the shape image from the storage unit 70 based on the operation content received by the input control unit 40, and causes the display control unit 50 to display the shape image.

[0090] (Comparison Example)

[0091] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example (comparative example) of a change in the image displayed on the display device of another biometric information measuring device. Figure 6 In the image shown, the current components (direction and intensity) reconstructed from the measured magnetic field in the corresponding voxels are displayed in an overlay on a morphological image (MR image) of the heart whose magnetic field was measured by a magnetocardiograph. Figure 6 Morphological images and Figure 5 The morphological images shown are similar. In, for example... Figure 6In the example shown, the current values ​​at all voxel points are displayed as arrows, the length of which corresponds to the current intensity in proportion to the current. The contour lines are current intensity distribution lines, indicating locations where current intensities are equal. Although difficult to see, lighter-colored lines indicate higher currents, and darker-colored lines indicate lower currents. When the image is displayed in color in the image display window WIN, the current intensity distribution lines can be displayed in different colors corresponding to the current intensities.

[0092] like Figure 5 Same, Figure 6 The solid white circle in the image indicates the location of the posterior wall of the left atrium, and Figure 6 The white broken-line circle shown indicates the location of the connection between the pulmonary veins and the heart. For illustrative purposes, both solid white circles and broken-line white circles are included. To assess the current derived from the myocardium surrounding the pulmonary veins, it is important to be able to easily identify the current flowing in the connection between the pulmonary veins and the heart. However, as... Figure 6 As shown, when information about current intensity is displayed, the current from the left atrium is relatively large and obvious, while the current from the myocardium around the pulmonary veins is difficult to identify and assess.

[0093] Figure 7 The diagram is as follows Figure 1 An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a change in the image displayed on the display device 90 in another measurement section. In such a way... Figure 7 In the example shown, the biometric information measuring device 100 is used as a magnetic monitor to measure the biomagnetism in the cervical spinal cord (nerve) of a subject in response to electrical stimulation provided by a stimulation device, and displays changes in current reconstructed from magnetic field data on each voxel in an overlay manner on the subject's X-ray image. The current waveform displayed in the image display window WIN is a biometric signal waveform derived from the nerve, which is obtained by reconstructing the current value based on the magnetic field signal generated by the current flowing due to the nerve's action. The evaluation time (e.g., 7.0 ms) displayed on the upper side of the image display window WIN is the measurement time for the magnetic field signal used to calculate the current component, and indicates the length of time elapsed from the time point of electrical stimulation (reference time = 0 ms).

[0094] The method for displaying current waveforms and displaying black circles for emphasis is based on... Figure 3 The process shown is the same. Figure 7 Only the illustration shows Figure 2 The image is displayed in the Windows window, but the configuration of the user interface screen used to display the image is different. Figure 2 The configurations are the same. Figure 7The white broken circle shown indicates the location next to the direction of nerve extension in the cervical spinal cord as the target area for assessment, and indicates the location of the assessment current component (inward current in the depolarized portion) perpendicular to the direction of nerve extension in the cervical spinal cord. In the nerve, it is important to assess the inward current in the depolarized portion. The white broken circle is included for illustrative purposes and is not actually shown in the image.

[0095] exist Figure 7 In this study, the current component perpendicular to the extension of the cervical spinal cord nerves (the inward current of the depolarized portion) is evaluated. This is the target evaluation region; therefore, the current calculation direction DIR is set to "0" degrees (X direction, i.e., ...). Figure 5 (Horizontal direction). Therefore, only the inward current component of the depolarized portion can be shown as a black circle, and the conduction of the inward current in the depolarized portion can be easily and visually identified by evaluators such as doctors.

[0096] (Comparison Example)

[0097] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example (comparative example) of a change in the image of another measurement portion displayed on the display device of another biometric information measuring apparatus. Figure 8 The images shown are overlaid on morphological images (X-ray images) of the cervical spinal cord (nerves) whose magnetic field is measured by magnetocardiography, displaying the current components (direction and intensity) reconstructed from the measured magnetic field in the corresponding voxels. Figure 8 The morphological image in the image is similar to Figure 7 The morphological image shown. (Compared to...) Figure 6 Similarly, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the current values ​​at all voxel points are displayed as arrows, the length of which corresponds to the current intensity in the same proportion. Figure 6 Similarly, contour lines are current intensity distribution lines that indicate locations where current intensities are equal.

[0098] When the current is displayed as an arrow with a length equal to the current intensity, not only the current within the white broken circle representing the target area for assessment, but also the current component flowing outside the white broken circle parallel to the direction of the cervical spinal cord extension (intra-axonal current) and the current component flowing around the axon (volume current) are highlighted. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the current component perpendicular to the direction of the cervical spinal cord extension (inward current of the depolarized portion) solely by the direction and magnitude of the arrow.

[0099] In the first embodiment described above, for each voxel, a current value is determined to determine whether the peak value of the current waveform is greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., the peak current value) by a fractional value VT. To emphasize the blocks corresponding to voxels whose peak values ​​are greater than or equal to the threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., the peak current value) by the fractional value VT, a black circle or similar indicator indicating that the current value is close to the peak value is displayed. In this case, based on the fractional value VT, for affirmative determination blocks determined to be near the peak current, a black circle or similar indicator is displayed to emphasize the affirmative determination blocks, while for negative determination blocks other than affirmative determination blocks, no black circle is displayed. Therefore, the measurement results of relatively small biometric signals can be displayed in the image display window WIN without being hidden in the measurement results of relatively large biometric signals. Thus, the visibility of measurement results of relatively small biometric signals in the image display window WIN can be improved, and even if the biometric signal of the evaluation target is relatively small, evaluators such as doctors can easily evaluate the conduction of the biometric signal while viewing the user interface screen.

[0100] For each voxel, the current waveform and the graphic used for emphasis are displayed in an overlay on the morphological image of the target area being measured. Thus, evaluators such as doctors can easily identify the relative position of the current in the target area being evaluated to the corresponding part in the morphological image.

[0101] In the first embodiment, a magnetic field signal or a current signal is used as a vector quantity. Therefore, the current calculation direction DIR used to calculate the current waveform can be set according to the target evaluation region (the direction of muscle fiber or nerve extension). Because the current calculation direction DIR is set according to the direction of muscle fiber or nerve extension, a clinically useful current waveform derived from muscle or nerve can be obtained. For example, although the desired XY direction components of the current can be obtained with high accuracy using a triaxial SQUID sensor with high directional resolution, the X-axis and Y-axis components can be obtained from magnetic field data measured using a single-axis (Z-axis) SQUID sensor.

[0102] (Second Embodiment)

[0103] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen shown on a display device of a biometric information display apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Similar constituent elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted.

[0104] like Figure 9 The user interface screen shown is displayed as follows: Figure 1The biometric information measuring device 100 shown is displayed on the display device 90. The morphological images, current waveforms, etc., displayed in the image display window WIN on the user interface screen are generated by the data processing device 30, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Therefore, as Figure 1 The biometric information measuring device 100 shown differs from the second embodiment in some of the functions of the input control unit 40 and the operation control unit 60. Figure 9 The image display window in Windows is similar to Figure 2 The method displays morphological images (MR images) of the heart by measuring its magnetic field using a magnetocardiogram.

[0105] In this embodiment, multiple areas can be set in the image display window WIN, and the voxel pitch and current calculation direction DIR can be set for each area. Based on the pitch set for each area, the voxels are arranged at equal intervals.

[0106] In addition, a waveform display button (DISP) has been added to turn the display of the current waveform for each voxel on or off. Figure 9 In the settings, select "Waveform Display Enabled," and the black circle and current waveform will be displayed in the WIN image display window. The waveform display time tWAVE, peak detection time tPEAK, and fractional value VT are set for all areas. You can also set the fractional value VT for each of multiple areas, or for each voxel.

[0107] For example, by using the area name ( Figure 9 The region AREA is set by entering "A2" into the region coordinate input field AREA and specifying the region AREA (A2) in the image display window WIN. The region AREA can be specified by entering a rectangular box using an input device 80 such as a mouse, or by entering a closed curve of any shape (e.g., a polygon). Alternatively, it can be specified using... Figure 2 The area coordinate input fields Ymax, Ymin, Xmax, and Xmin shown are used to specify the area AREA. The range of the area AREA can be set outside the area of ​​the image displayed in the image display window WIN, as long as the area AREA is within the range from which the current value can be reconstructed from the magnetic field measurement data.

[0108] For example, you can select a previously set area AREA from the drop-down list displayed when you click on the area coordinate input field AREA, and the selected area AREA can be highlighted by the white box FLM (A2) in the image display window WIN. The pitch input field PITCH and the current calculation direction input field DIR are used to input the current calculation direction DIR (component direction) relative to the selected area AREA (=A2).

[0109] When multiple AREAs that have already been set overlap each other in the image display window WIN, AREAs set later become active in the overlapping areas. For example... Figure 9 In the example shown, after setting with Figure 2 Following a similar area AREA (=A1; Ymax=Yl, Ymin=-Y2, Xmax=Xl, Xmin=-X2), the area AREA (=A2) indicated by the white box FLM (A2) is set to overlap with area AREA (A1). The pitch of the area AREA indicated by the white box FLM (A2) is set to "5mm", and the current calculation direction DIR is set to "0 degrees". See reference... Figure 2 As explained, the current calculation direction DIR can be set together with the Z direction, and / or can be set for each voxel or each voxel group.

[0110] In this embodiment, a predetermined number of areas can be set, each area having any given size and located at any given position, and the voxel pitch and current calculation direction DIR can be set for each area. Therefore, for each assessment target area of ​​the subject, emphasis (such as a black circle) can be displayed based on the pitch and current calculation direction DIR of the assessment target area. Thus, even when the value of the current flowing through the assessment target area is small, assessors such as physicians can easily assess the conduction of biometric signals while viewing the user interface screen.

[0111] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a display screen shown on a display device of a biometric information measuring apparatus, including a biometric information display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Similar constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. For example... Figure 10 The example shown illustrates a user interface screen where a region AREA (=A1) is selected. For example, the pitch of the region AREA indicated by the white box FLM (A1) is set to 10 mm, and the current calculation direction DIR is set to 0 degrees.

[0112] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another example of a display screen shown on a display device of a biometric information measuring apparatus, including a biometric information display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Similar constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. For example... Figure 11 The example shown illustrates the user interface screen for selecting an area AREA (=A3). For instance, the pitch of the area AREA indicated by the white box FLM (A3) is set to 5mm, and the current calculation direction DIR is set to 0 degrees. Figure 11 In the image, select "Waveform Display Off" via the DISP button. Therefore, the current waveform corresponding to the voxel is not displayed in the white box FLM (A3). For example, by hiding the current waveform, the details of the morphological image can be displayed in an easy-to-view manner, and evaluators such as doctors can easily identify the relative position of the current in the target evaluation area to the corresponding part in the morphological image.

[0113] In the above description, according to the second embodiment, similar effects to those of the first embodiment explained above can be obtained. For example, the measurement results of relatively small biometric signals can be displayed in the image display window WIN without being hidden in the measurement results of relatively large biometric signals. Therefore, the visibility of the measurement results of relatively small biometric signals in the image display window WIN can be improved, and even when the biometric signal of the target being evaluated is relatively small, evaluators such as doctors can easily assess the conduction of biometric signals while viewing the user interface screen.

[0114] In the second embodiment, multiple areas can be set, and the voxel pitch and current calculation direction (DIR) can be independently set in each of the multiple areas. Therefore, emphasis (black circles, etc.) can be displayed based on the pitch of each assessment target area of ​​the subject. In this case, a magnetic field signal or a current signal is used as a vector quantity; therefore, the current calculation direction (DIR) can be set according to the assessment target area (the direction of muscle fiber or nerve extension), and the current waveform can be calculated. Thus, even when the current value flowing through the assessment target area is small, an assessor such as a physician can obtain a clinically useful current waveform derived from muscle or nerve, and can easily assess signal conduction while viewing the user interface screen.

[0115] Figure 12 It is a diagram. Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of the data processing device 30. The data processing device 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, and an external storage device 304. Furthermore, the data processing device 30 includes an input interface unit 305, an output interface unit 306, an input and output interface unit 307, and a communication interface unit 308. For example, the CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, external storage device 304, input interface unit 305, output interface unit 306, input and output interface unit 307, and communication interface unit 308 are interconnected via a bus.

[0116] The CPU 301 executes various programs, such as the OS and applications, to control the overall operation of the data processing device 30. The ROM 302 stores the basic programs, various parameters, etc., used by the CPU 301 to execute various programs. The RAM 303 stores the various programs executed by the CPU 301 and the data used by those programs. The external storage device 304 is an HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), etc., and stores various programs retrieved to the RAM 303. These programs may include a display program for displaying a current waveform reconstructed from magnetic field data on the display device 90.

[0117] Input interface unit 305 is connected to input device 80, such as a keyboard, mouse, and tablet computer, which receives input from an operator of the operating data processing device 30, etc. Output interface unit 306 is connected to output device 92 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The display device 90), such as a printer or a display screen for displaying various programs executed by the CPU 301.

[0118] The input and output interface unit 307 is connected to a recording medium 400, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. For example, the recording medium 400 stores various programs, such as the display program described above for displaying current waveforms on the display device 90. In this case, the program is transferred from the recording medium 400 to the RAM 303 via the input and output interface unit 307. The recording medium 400 can be a CD-ROM, a digital multifunction disc (DVD, registered trademark), etc. In this case, the input and output interface unit 307 includes an interface according to the connected recording medium 400. The communication interface unit 308 connects the data processing device 30 to a network, etc.

[0119] In the embodiments explained above, an example of displaying a waveform of a current reconstructed from the subject's biomagnetic data on a screen has been described. However, for example, a magnetic field signal estimated for each voxel using the subject's biomagnetic data can be displayed on the screen. In other words, the signal displayed on the screen does not have to be a current, as long as the signal can be represented as a vector. For example, for each voxel, the magnetic field signal determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold obtained by multiplying the maximum value (i.e., the peak current value) by a predefined fraction relative to the maximum value of the magnetic field signal is highlighted. When displaying the magnetic field signal, the measured magnetic field signal can be used as is, thus eliminating the need for complex signal processing to reconstruct the current signal. When using a magnetic field signal that can be expressed as a vector quantity in a manner similar to that of a current signal, only the component of the magnetic field signal in the direction set by the operator can be displayed in an overlapping manner on the morphological image. Additionally, the waveform of the magnetic field signal can be displayed selectively according to time sequence, etc. Therefore, based on changes in the magnetic field signal, the evaluator can verify the location of the signal source (current source) and the direction of signal flow.

[0120] Alternatively, the potentials of the subject's target assessment area can be measured at multiple locations, and a current signal can be calculated based on the difference between the measured potentials. This calculated current signal can then be displayed on a screen. In this case, for each voxel, the current signal judged to be greater than or equal to a predefined fractional value relative to the maximum value of the current signal is highlighted. Since the current is generated based on movement in vivo, when the current signals are displayed in an overlapping manner on a morphological image, the assessor can easily and visually determine the assessment regarding the location and extent of the signal. In this way, magnetic fields and currents are useful for physiological assessment because these components can be decomposed into desired directions.

[0121] Although the present invention has been explained above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the features of the above embodiments. These features may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention and may be appropriately determined according to the form of application.

[0122] List of reference numerals

[0123] 10SQUID unit

[0124] 20 Signal Acquisition Units

[0125] 21 FLL circuit

[0126] 22 Analog Signal Processing Unit

[0127] 23 AD conversion unit

[0128] 24FPGA

[0129] 30 Data processing device

[0130] 40 Input Control Unit

[0131] 50 Display Control Unit

[0132] 60 Operation Control Unit

[0133] 61 Measurement and Control Unit

[0134] 62 Current Reconfiguration Units

[0135] 63 Current Waveform Generation Unit

[0136] 64. Emphasis on displaying the decision unit

[0137] 70 storage units

[0138] 71 Biomagnetic Data

[0139] 72 Morphological Data

[0140] 73 Setting Value

[0141] 80 Input Device

[0142] 90 display devices

[0143] 100 Biometric Information Measurement Device 301 CPU

[0144] 302ROM

[0145] 303RAM

[0146] 304 External storage device

[0147] 305 Input Interface Unit

[0148] 306 Output Interface Unit

[0149] 307 Input and Output Interface Unit

[0150] 308 Communication Interface Unit

[0151] 400 Recording Media

[0152] AREA

[0153] DIR current calculation direction

[0154] DISP waveform display button

[0155] EXPM Move Image Output Button

[0156] FLM white square frame

[0157] PITCH interval

[0158] SLIDE slider

[0159] tPEAK peak detection time

[0160] tWAVE waveform display time

[0161] VT score

[0162] WXmax, Xmin, Ymax, Ymin area

[0163] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese priority applications No. 2019-213566 filed on November 26, 2019 and No. 2020-074272 filed on April 17, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A biometric information display device for displaying biomagnetic data obtained by measuring biometric signals, wherein, The biomagnetic data is three-dimensional vector data, including: The current reconstruction unit is configured to reconstruct the current component from the biomagnetic data. The current waveform generation unit is configured as follows: Based on the current components calculated by the current reconstruction unit, current data changing over time is acquired for each voxel as a current waveform, wherein the voxel is a calculation point of current that does not physically exist. For each block corresponding to a voxel, calculate the maximum value of the current data within a specific time period; A determination unit is configured to obtain a block threshold for each block by multiplying the maximum value for each block by a pre-determined fractional value, and is configured to determine for each block whether the current component value in the block is greater than or equal to the block threshold; and The display control unit is configured to display measurement results in response to the occurrence of an event that determines a current component value is greater than or equal to the block threshold; wherein The display control unit is adapted to display a morphological image of a living body for the measurement area, to set the blocks on the displayed morphological image, and to display the current waveform as the measurement result on the displayed morphological image for at least one of the blocks.

2. The biometric information display device according to claim 1, wherein the block comprises: A positive decision block, in which the measured value is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold; as well as A negation block, in which the measured value is determined to be less than a threshold. The affirmative decision block is displayed in a different manner than the negative decision block.

3. The biometric information display device according to claim 2, wherein a graphic indicating that the measured value is determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold is displayed together with the affirmative determination block.

4. The biometric information display device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein... The current waveform of the affirmative decision block is displayed in a different manner than the current waveform of the negative decision block.

5. The biometric information display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit provides a plurality of blocks in at least one region of a plurality of regions in the displayed morphological image, and The display control unit sets the size of at least one block among the plurality of blocks for at least one region among the plurality of regions.

6. The biometric information display device according to claim 1, wherein the biometric signal is a magnetic field signal as a vector quantity, a current signal as a vector quantity calculated from the measured magnetic field, or a current signal as a vector quantity calculated from the measured potential. The display control unit sets multiple blocks in at least one of multiple regions in the displayed shape image, and The display control unit sets the component direction of the measurement value of the vector quantity for at least one of the plurality of regions.

7. The biometric information display device according to claim 1, wherein the biometric signal is a magnetic field signal as a vector quantity, a current signal as a vector quantity calculated from the measured magnetic field, or a current signal as a vector quantity calculated from the measured potential.

8. The biometric information display device according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit sets the component direction of the measured value, and The maximum value is the maximum value of the measured value in the direction of the component.

9. The biometric information display device according to claim 8, wherein the measurement value in the component direction is obtained from the biometric signal measured by a sensor having one or more axes.

10. The biometric information display device according to claim 1, wherein the biometric signal is a signal obtained from skeletal muscle, myocardium, smooth muscle or nerve of a living organism.

11. A method for displaying biometric information, performed by a biometric information display device that displays biomagnetic data obtained by measuring biometric signals, wherein, The biomagnetic data is three-dimensional vector data, and the biometric information display method includes: Reconstruct the current component from the biomagnetic data; Based on the reconstructed current components, current data that changes over time is obtained for each voxel as a current waveform, where the voxel is a calculation point of current that does not physically exist. For each block corresponding to a voxel, calculate the maximum value of the current data within a specific time period; A block threshold is obtained for each block by multiplying the maximum value for each block by a pre-determined fractional value, and for each block, it is determined whether the current component value in that block is greater than or equal to the block threshold; and The measurement result is displayed in response to the occurrence of an event in which the current component value is determined to be greater than or equal to the block threshold, wherein, The measurement results are displayed as follows: Displays morphological images of a living organism within the measurement area; Set the block on the displayed morphological image; The current waveform is displayed as the measurement result on the displayed morphological image for at least one of the blocks.

12. A recording medium storing a display program executed by a biometric information display device that displays biomagnetic data obtained by measuring biometric signals, wherein, The biomagnetic data is three-dimensional vector data, and the display program causes the biometric information display device to perform operations, including: Reconstruct the current component from the biomagnetic data; Based on the reconstructed current components, current data that changes over time is obtained for each voxel as a current waveform, where the voxel is a calculation point of current that does not physically exist. For each block corresponding to a voxel, calculate the maximum value of the current data within a specific time period; A block threshold is obtained for each block by multiplying the maximum value for each block by a pre-determined fractional value, and for each block, it is determined whether the current component value in that block is greater than or equal to the block threshold; and The measurement result is displayed in response to the occurrence of an event in which the current component value is determined to be greater than or equal to the block threshold; wherein The measurement results are displayed as follows: Displays morphological images of a living organism within the measurement area; Set the block on the displayed morphological image; The current waveform is displayed as the measurement result on the displayed morphological image for at least one of the blocks.

Images