Remote palpation support system, information processing device, and remote palpation support method

Abstract

To increase the credibility of palpation data.SOLUTION: A remote palpation support system according to an embodiment comprises an information processing apparatus for a patient and an information processing apparatus for a doctor. The information processing apparatus for a patient has a data generation unit that generates palpation data indicating the pressure applied to a medical examination target part of a patient, and a transmission unit that transmits the palpation data. The information processing apparatus for a doctor has a receiving unit that receives the palpation data, and a data processing unit that specifies a palpation method based on a result of processing on the palpation data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a system for supporting remote palpation, an information processing device, and a method for supporting remote palpation. [Background technology]

[0002] The demand for online medical examinations is growing due to the increase in the elderly population and the need to prevent the spread of new viruses. In online medical examinations, remote palpation may be necessary, for example, to detect illnesses such as tumors. In remote palpation, palpation data showing the pressure applied to the part of the patient being examined is sent to the doctor. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the palpation data.

[0003] However, palpation data is not data obtained by a doctor directly touching a patient. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the palpation data was obtained using the palpation method desired by the doctor. This raises concerns about the reliability of the data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-100879 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to increase the credibility of palpation data. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A remote palpation support system according to an embodiment includes a patient information processing device and a doctor information processing device. The patient information processing device has a data creation unit that creates palpation data indicating pressure applied to a patient's examination target area, and a transmission unit that transmits the palpation data. The doctor information processing device has a reception unit that receives the palpation data, and a data processing unit that identifies a palpation method based on a result of processing the palpation data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote palpation support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the remote palpation support system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of an alignment step. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image for designating a region to be examined; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an alignment database stored in a memory circuit. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of a data acquisition step. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a palpation method. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a palpation method. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram showing an example of palpation data. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure of transmission data. [Figure 11] This is a distribution diagram plotting palpation data. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a palpation method specifying step. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a display image of deep palpation. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a display image of a palpation result specified by a doctor. [Figure 15]13 is another example of a display image of a palpation result specified by a doctor. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote palpation support system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing an example of recorded data. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram in which converted data in which pressure pain sounds are recorded is highlighted. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote palpation support system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote palpation support system according to the first embodiment. The remote palpation support system 1 according to this embodiment has a patient information processing device 10 and a doctor information processing device 20. The patient information processing device 10 and the doctor information processing device 20 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 100. The patient information processing device 10 is installed, for example, in a patient's home or a care facility. Meanwhile, the doctor information processing device 20 is installed in a hospital, a clinic, or the like. The configuration of each device will be described below.

[0010] First, a description will be given of the configuration of the patient information processing device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the patient information processing device 10 has a receiving circuit 11, a transmitting circuit 12, an input circuit 13, a display circuit 14, and a control circuit 15.

[0011] The receiving circuitry 11 receives various data from the doctor information processing device 20 via the communication network 100. The transmitting circuitry 12 transmits various data created by the control circuit 15 to the doctor information processing device 20 via the communication network 100.

[0012] The input circuitry 13 receives various commands from a patient or a caregiver. A keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like can be used as the input circuitry 13. The input circuitry 13 sends output signals corresponding to the received various commands to the control circuitry 15.

[0013] The display circuitry 14 displays various images related to palpation of the patient's examination target area. For example, the display circuitry 14 displays images showing the examination target area and the palpation method of the palpation instructed by the doctor's operation from the doctor's information processing device 20.

[0014] The display circuit 14 has a display interface circuit and a display device. The display interface circuit converts data (display information) representing a display image into a video signal. The display signal is supplied to the display device. The display device displays the video signal representing a display target. Any one or more of various displays can be used as appropriate for the display device. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electro Luminescence Display), an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, or a plasma display can be used as appropriate for the display device.

[0015] The control circuit 15 has, as hardware resources, processors such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Micro Processing Unit (MPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), etc., and memories such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), etc. The control circuit 15 executes a data creation function 151 based on a program stored in the ROM.

[0016] The data creation function 151 creates palpation data and position data based on the measurement results of the tactile sensor 30. The tactile sensor 30 is worn by a person palpating, such as a patient or a caregiver. When the person palpates the area to be examined, pressure is generated. The tactile sensor 30 measures the pressure generated by palpation. The tactile sensor 30 is provided with a piezoelectric element that can sense low-frequency (200 Hz or less) pressure vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal. The data creation function 151 creates palpation data based on this electrical signal.

[0017] The tactile sensor 30 is also provided with a transmitter. The transmitter transmits an identification signal including a sensor ID that identifies the tactile sensor 30. This identification signal is received by the receiving circuit 11. The strength and receiving direction of the identification signal differ depending on the position of the tactile sensor 30, in other words, the position of the part to be examined. Therefore, the data creation function 151 creates examination position data indicating the position of the part to be examined based on the receiving strength and receiving direction of the identification signal.

[0018] The display control function 152 controls the display operation of the display circuit 14. In addition, the display control function 152 creates image data to be displayed on the display circuit 14. Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the doctor information processing device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the doctor information processing device 20 has a receiving circuit 21, a transmitting circuit 22, an input circuit 23, a display circuit 24, a memory circuit 25, and a control circuit 26.

[0019] The receiving circuitry 21 receives various data such as palpation data from the patient information processing device 10 via the communication network 100. The transmitting circuitry 22 transmits various data such as instructions from the doctor regarding palpation to the patient information processing device 10 via the communication network 100.

[0020] The input circuitry 23 receives various commands from a doctor. As with the input circuitry 13, the input circuitry 23 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The input circuitry 23 sends output signals corresponding to the received various commands to the control circuitry 26.

[0021] The display circuit 24 is an example of a display unit that displays various images related to palpation. For example, the display circuit 24 displays data related to palpation transmitted from the patient information processing device 10 as an image. The display circuit 24, like the display circuit 14, has a display interface circuit and a display device. The display interface circuit converts data (display information) representing a display image into a video signal. The display signal is supplied to the display device. The display device displays the video signal representing the display object. Any one or more of various displays can be used as appropriate for the display device. For example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, or a plasma display can be used as appropriate for the display device.

[0022] The memory circuitry 25 stores data necessary for alignment between the patient and doctor, data transmitted from the patient information processing device 10, image data to be displayed on the display circuitry 24, and the like.

[0023] Similar to control circuit 15, control circuit 26 has a processor and a memory as hardware resources. Control circuit 26 executes a data processing function 261, a display control function 262, and a palpation instruction function 263 based on programs stored in the memory.

[0024] The data processing function 261 processes data stored in the memory circuitry 25. The details of data processing by the data processing function 261 will be described later. The display control function 262 controls the display operation of the display circuitry 24. The display control function 262 also creates image data to be displayed on the display circuitry 24. The palpation instruction function 263 causes various instructions regarding palpation, such as the area to be examined and the palpation method, to be displayed on the display circuitry 24, and transmits them to the patient information processing device 10.

[0025] Hereinafter, the operation of the above-mentioned remote palpation support system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the remote palpation support system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, first, the remote palpation support system 1 aligns the examination target area of ​​palpation between the patient's position coordinate system (x, y, z) and the doctor's position coordinate system (a, b, c) (step S1). Next, the remote palpation support system 1 acquires palpation data of the examination target area based on the measurement results of the tactile sensor 30 (step S2). Finally, the remote palpation support system 1 identifies a palpation method based on the palpation data (step S3). Each step will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 3 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the positioning step (step S1). In the positioning step, first, in the doctor information processing device 20, the palpation instruction function 263 of the control circuit 26 instructs the display control function 262 to display the examination target area (step S11). The display control function 262 causes the display circuit 24 to display the examination target area designated by the palpation instruction function 263.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image for designating a region to be examined. As shown in Fig. 4, an image for designating the top of the head as the region to be examined P is displayed on the display circuit 24 of the doctor's information processing device 20. In this case, the doctor touches the top of his / her head with his / her hand. At this time, a transmitter (not shown) is attached to the doctor's hand, and a signal transmitted from the transmitter is received by the receiving circuit 21 and input to the data processing function 261 of the control circuit 26.

[0029] The receiving strength and receiving direction of the signal differ according to the position of the transmitter. Therefore, the data processing function 261 creates observation position data indicating the position of the part touched by the doctor based on the receiving strength and receiving direction of the signal (step S12). In the observation position data, the position of the part touched by the doctor is specified in the doctor's position coordinate system (a, b, c).

[0030] Next, the transmission circuitry 22 transmits an instruction of the examination target area to the patient information processing device 10 via the communication network 100 based on the control of the palpation instruction function 263 (step S13). In the patient information processing device 10, this instruction is received by the reception circuitry 11 and input to the control circuitry 15.

[0031] In the control circuit 15, the display control function 152 causes the display circuit 14 to display an image showing the examination target area instructed by the palpation instruction function 263, as in Fig. 4. When video communication is possible between the patient information processing device 10 and the doctor information processing device 20, the transmission circuit 22 may transmit video data showing the examination target area orally instructed by the doctor to the patient information processing device 10.

[0032] When an image showing the area to be examined is displayed on the display circuit 14, the examiner (patient or caregiver) touches the area to be examined with the tactile sensor 30 worn on his / her hand. At this time, the tactile sensor 30 transmits an identification signal. The identification signal is received by the receiving circuit 11 and input to the control circuit 15. The data creation function 151 of the control circuit 15 creates examination position data indicating the position of the area to be examined based on the reception strength and reception direction of the identification signal (step S14). In the examination position data, the position of the area to be examined touched by the examiner is specified in the patient's position coordinate system (x, y, z).

[0033] Next, the transmission circuitry 12 transmits the examination position data to the doctor information processing device 20 via the communication network 100 (step S15). In the doctor information processing device 20, the examination position data is received by the reception circuitry 21 and stored in the memory circuitry 25 (step S16). Thereafter, the operations of steps S11 to S16 are repeated until the examination position data and observation position data of all examination target sites are acquired.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the alignment database stored in the memory circuitry 25. The alignment database shown in FIG. 5 shows the position of each examination target site by both examination position data specified in the patient's position coordinate system (x, y, z) and observation position data specified in the doctor's position coordinate system (a, b, c), and the two position data are associated with each other. In each position coordinate system, the position of the top of the head is set as the reference position. According to this alignment database, the positions of the examination target sites can be identified on the doctor's side and the patient's side. It is not necessary to obtain examination position data and observation position data for all examination target sites. For example, examination position data and observation position data for the top of the head and the toes may be obtained, and the positions of the remaining examination target sites may be calculated using the ratio of each position data.

[0035] Next, the data acquisition step (step S2) will be described.

[0036] 6 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the data acquisition step. In the data acquisition step, first, in the patient information processing device 10, the data creation function 151 of the control circuit 15 creates palpation data and examination position data (step S21). Here, step S21 will be described in detail.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a palpation method. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a palpation method. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, palpation is performed in a state where a plurality of tactile sensors 30 are attached to the hand of the palpator. The tactile sensors 30 are attached, for example, to the five fingers and palm of the palpator. The palpator palpates the examination target area using the palpation method instructed by the doctor in the data acquisition step or the above-mentioned positioning step. For example, when the examination target area is the abdomen, there are two types of palpation methods: superficial palpation and deep palpation.

[0038] Superficial palpation is a method of palpation in which the abdominal wall is lightly touched so that the palm of the hand can feel the abdominal wall rising due to breathing, as shown in Figure 7. On the other hand, deep palpation is a method of palpation in which one finger or hand is dedicated to feeling, while the other hand is used to press on the abdomen from above, as shown in Figure 8.

[0039] When the examiner performs superficial or deep palpation, the identification signal of each tactile sensor 30 and the pressure measured by each tactile sensor 30 are received by the receiving circuit 11 and input to the data creation function 151. The data creation function 151 creates palpation data based on this pressure.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a waveform diagram showing an example of palpation data. In Fig. 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents pressure measured by the tactile sensor 30. The palpation data indicates the pressure applied to the part of the patient to be examined.

[0041] The data creation function 151 also creates examination position data based on the reception strength and reception direction of the identification signal. This ends step S21. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the transmission circuit 12 simultaneously transmits the palpation data and examination position data created by the data creation function 151 to the doctor information processing device 20 (step S22).

[0042] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of transmitted data. As shown in Fig. 10, the palpation data and examination position data are transmitted simultaneously with the sensor ID of each tactile sensor 30 as a header. The sensor ID is included in the identification signal transmitted from each tactile sensor 30. The palpation data and examination position data of each tactile sensor 30 can be identified by the sensor ID.

[0043] The palpation data and examination position data transmitted from the patient information processing device 10 are received by the receiving circuit 21 of the doctor information processing device 20 (step S23) and stored in the memory circuit 25 (step S24). The memory circuit 25 stores the sensor ID, the examination position data, and the palpation data as time-series data associated with the measurement time.

[0044] Next, the data processing function 261 of the control circuit 26 generates converted data by frequency-converting the palpation data (step S25). In step S25, the data processing function 261 generates the converted data by Fourier transforming the palpation data. The converted data is represented by frequency (Hz) and power spectral density (nm 2 / Hz). The converted data is stored in the memory circuit 25 in association with the palpation data.

[0045] Thereafter, the operations of steps S21 to S25 are repeated until a sufficient amount of palpation data is acquired. Whether the number of pieces of palpation data is appropriate or not is determined by the data processing function 261. Here, a method of determining whether the number of pieces of palpation data is appropriate or not will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a distribution diagram in which palpation data is plotted. In the distribution diagram shown in FIG. 11, the palpation data is plotted on surface coordinates centered on the examination target area. The surface coordinates may use the patient's position coordinate system (x, y, z) or the doctor's position coordinate system (a, b, c). When the doctor's position coordinate system (a, b, c) is used, the examination position data is converted using the registration database shown in FIG. 5.

[0047] The data processing function 261 creates a distribution diagram as shown in Fig. 11, and calculates the density of the palpation data based on the created distribution diagram. If the calculated density exceeds a reference value, the data processing function 261 determines that the number of palpation data is appropriate. In this way, when the acquisition of the palpation data is completed, the data processing function 261 specifies the palpation method.

[0048] The palpation method specifying step (step S3) will be described below.

[0049] 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the palpation method identification step. In the palpation method identification step, first, the data processing function 261 compares the palpation data (in other words, pressure data) measured at the same time by each tactile sensor 30 stored in the memory circuit 25 with a threshold value (step S31). The data processing function 261 counts the number of high pressure data, which is palpation data exceeding the threshold value.

[0050] Next, the data processing function 261 judges whether the number of the high-pressure data is greater than a predetermined number (step S32). In the deep palpation shown in Fig. 8, high-pressure data tends to be generated because the palpation method involves pressing the examination target area with two overlapping hands. On the other hand, in the superficial palpation shown in Fig. 7, high-pressure data tends not to be generated because the palpation method involves lightly touching the examination target area with one hand.

[0051] Therefore, when the number of high-pressure data is greater than a predetermined number, the data processing function 261 identifies the palpation method as deep palpation (step S33). On the other hand, when the number of high-pressure data is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the data processing function 261 identifies the palpation method as superficial palpation (step S34).

[0052] Next, the display control function 262 displays the palpation method specified by the data processing function 261 (step S35).

[0053] FIG. 13 is an example of a display image of deep palpation. In FIG. 13, the attachment locations of the tactile sensors 30 determined as high-pressure data, specifically, the tactile sensors 30 attached to the index finger and middle finger, are highlighted relative to the other tactile sensors 30. As shown in FIG. 13, by displaying the measurement results of each tactile sensor 30 in association with the attachment location, the doctor can confirm whether the palpation that meets his / her requirements is being performed on the patient side. The palpation method may be specified using converted data obtained by frequency-converting the palpation data. In this case, for example, the data processing function 261 specifies the palpation method based on the result of comparing the power spectrum densities of each tactile sensor 30 in the same frequency region.

[0054] When the positioning step (step S1), data acquisition step (step S2), and palpation method specification step (step S3) are completed for all examination target sites, the doctor observes the palpation results using the remote palpation support system 1. Here, the observation method by the doctor will be described.

[0055] When the doctor touches the area to be observed while wearing the transmitter used in the above-mentioned positioning step on his / her hand, the data processing function 261 creates observation position data based on the signal from the transmitter.

[0056] Next, the data processing function 261 identifies the examination target region corresponding to the observation position data based on the alignment database (see FIG. 5) stored in the memory circuitry 25. Next, the display control function 262 reads out the conversion data of the examination target region identified by the data processing function 261 from the memory circuitry 25 and causes the display circuitry 24 to display it.

[0057] Fig. 14 is an example of a display image of a palpation result specified by a doctor, and Fig. 15 is another example of a display image of a palpation result specified by a doctor.

[0058] The display images of Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 have image regions R11, R12, and R13. In image region R11, a waveform diagram of converted data corresponding to each tactile sensor 30 is displayed. In image region R12, an image showing a palpation method specified by data processing function 261 is displayed. In Fig. 14, an image showing superficial palpation is displayed, and in Fig. 15, an image showing deep palpation is displayed. In image region R13, an enlarged view of a waveform selected by the doctor through operation of input circuitry 23 from among the multiple waveform diagrams displayed in image region R11 is displayed.

[0059] Referring to the waveform diagram of the converted data displayed in the image area R13 of FIG. 15, the power spectrum density is reduced in the low frequency region. Therefore, the doctor can diagnose that there is a possibility of edema in the examination target area. In this embodiment, the doctor may reproduce the palpation data corresponding to the converted data displayed in the image area R13. Specifically, the doctor is also fitted with a tactile sensor 30, and the electric signal shown in the palpation data is input to the tactile sensor 30. In this case, a piezoelectric element provided in the tactile sensor 30 worn by the doctor converts the electric signal into pressure vibration. This allows the doctor to feel the palpation. Therefore, a higher diagnostic accuracy can be achieved.

[0060] According to the present embodiment described above, since the data processing function 261 identifies the palpation method, it is possible to determine whether the palpation data has been acquired using the palpation method desired by the doctor. By acquiring palpation data according to the palpation method in this way, it becomes easier to grasp the characteristics of the area to be examined. As a result, the credibility of the palpation data is increased, enabling high-quality remote palpation diagnosis.

[0061] In this embodiment, the doctor and patient identify the positions, the palpation method is determined based on the palpation data, and the conversion data required for diagnosis is displayed. Therefore, palpation diagnosis can be performed without the doctor having to visually check how the patient palpates the target area. This allows the doctor to palpate areas that the patient does not want to be seen or touched by the doctor.

[0062] Furthermore, the palpation can be reproduced by storing data obtained during the palpation in the memory circuit 25. This allows the doctor to make findings and make a diagnosis after a time lag.

[0063] Second embodiment 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote palpation support system according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in the remote palpation support system 1 according to the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] 16, in the remote palpation support system 2 according to this embodiment, the patient information processing device 10 newly includes a recording circuit 16. The recording circuit 16 records the voice uttered by the patient during palpation and outputs it to the control circuit 15. In the control circuit 15, a data creation function 151 creates recorded data.

[0065] Fig. 17 is a waveform diagram showing an example of the recorded data. As shown in Fig. 17, the recorded data shows a time series change in the volume of the patient's voice recorded by the recording circuit 16. When the data creation function 151 creates the recorded data, the transmission circuit 12 transmits the recorded data to the doctor information processing device 20 together with the palpation data and the examination position data.

[0066] In the doctor's information processing device 20, the recorded data is received by the receiving circuit 21 and stored in the memory circuit 25 together with the palpation data and the examination position data. Thereafter, the data processing function 261 detects the pressure pain sound based on the volume of the recorded data. When the patient feels pain during palpation, the patient's voice becomes louder than usual. Therefore, when the volume of the recorded data is higher than the standard value, the data processing function 261 recognizes the volume as a pressure pain sound. Note that the method of recognizing the pressure pain sound is not particularly limited. For example, when the data processing function 261 searches for a keyword such as "painful" from the recorded data, the recorded data may be recognized as including a pressure pain sound.

[0067] The memory circuit 25 may also store a pressure pain flag indicating the presence or absence of a pressure pain sound. Furthermore, the display circuit 24 may highlight the converted data in which a pressure pain sound has been recorded, as shown in Fig. 18. The highlighting may be performed by, for example, displaying the frame of the image region R13 in a specific color (e.g., red) or by lighting it up. This can draw the doctor's attention.

[0068] According to the present embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the palpation method is specified by the data processing function 261, so it is possible to determine whether the palpation data has been acquired by the palpation method desired by the doctor. This increases the credibility of the palpation data, and as a result, enables high-quality remote palpation diagnosis.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, by highlighting the converted data at the time when tenderness is felt during palpation, it becomes easier to narrow down the diagnostic areas of the patient that should be observed, which makes it possible to shorten the diagnosis time.

[0070] Third embodiment 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote palpation support system according to the third embodiment. The same components as those in the remote palpation support system 1 according to the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] 19, in the remote palpation support system 3 according to this embodiment, the patient information processing device 10 newly includes an imaging circuit 17. The imaging circuit 17 is composed of a camera or the like, and captures an image of the state during palpation and outputs the image to the control circuit 15. In the control circuit 15, a data creation function 151 creates image data indicating the content of the image captured by the imaging circuit 17.

[0072] When the data creation function 151 creates the image data, the transmission circuitry 12 transmits the image data together with the palpation data and the examination position data to the doctor information processing device 20. In the doctor information processing device 20, the image data is received by the reception circuitry 21 and stored in the memory circuitry 25 together with the palpation data and the examination position data.

[0073] Thereafter, the data processing function 261 analyzes the image data to identify the palpation method. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the hand movements for pressing the examination target area are different between superficial palpation and deep palpation. Therefore, the data processing function 261 identifies the palpation method using not only the analysis results of the palpation data but also the analysis results of the image data. In addition, the display circuit 24 displays the image data, so that the doctor can visually confirm whether the palpation performed by the patient meets his / her requirements.

[0074] According to the present embodiment described above, the palpation method is specified using not only the palpation data but also image data captured during palpation. Therefore, it is possible to determine the palpation method with higher accuracy. As a result, it is possible to further improve the quality of remote palpation diagnosis.

[0075] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1-3: Remote palpation support system 10: Patient information processing device 12: Transmitting circuit 16: Recording circuit 17: Imaging circuit 20: Information processing device for doctors 21: Receiving circuit 24:Display circuit 25:Memory circuit 30: Tactile sensor 151: Data creation function 261: Data processing function

Claims

1. A patient information processing device having a data creation unit that creates a plurality of palpation data pieces that are measured by a plurality of tactile sensors and indicate pressures applied to a patient's examination target area, and a transmission unit that transmits the plurality of palpation data pieces; a doctor's information processing device having a receiving unit that receives the plurality of palpation data, and a data processing unit that selects a palpation method for the examination target area from among a plurality of palpation methods based on the measurement results of each of the plurality of tactile sensors shown in the plurality of palpation data; A remote palpation support system comprising:

2. The plurality of tactile sensors are attached to a hand that touches the examination target area, The remote palpation support system according to claim 1 , wherein the data processing unit selects the palpation method from among the plurality of palpation methods based on a result of comparing the plurality of palpation data with a threshold value.

3. The data processing unit generates converted data by frequency-converting the plurality of palpation data, The remote palpation support system according to claim 1 , wherein the doctor information processing device further comprises a display unit that displays the converted data.

4. The patient information processing device further includes a recording unit for recording a voice uttered by the patient when palpation is performed, the data creation unit creates recorded data based on the voice recorded in the recording unit; The transmission unit transmits the recording data to the doctor's information processing device simultaneously with the plurality of palpation data; The data processing unit detects a pressure pain sound based on a volume of the recorded data, The remote palpation support system according to claim 3 , wherein the display unit highlights a mounting location of the tactile sensor associated with the recorded data from which the pressure pain sound was detected.

5. the transmission unit transmits examination position data indicating a position of the examination target site measured when palpation is performed to the doctor information processing device simultaneously with the plurality of palpation data; 5. The remote palpation support system according to claim 3, wherein the doctor information processing device further comprises a storage unit that stores the examination position data and the plurality of palpation data in association with each other.

6. the storage unit stores the examination position data measured in a patient-side position coordinate system and the observation position data measured in a doctor-side position coordinate system and indicating the position of the same region as the examination target region, in association with each other; The remote palpation support system according to claim 5 , wherein the data processing unit identifies the examination target area based on the observation position data, and reads out conversion data of the identified examination target area from the storage unit.

7. The remote palpation support system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the data processing unit determines whether the number of palpation data is appropriate based on the density of the plurality of palpation data in a distribution chart in which the plurality of palpation data is plotted based on the examination position data.

8. Further comprising an imaging unit for capturing an image of the palpation, the data creation unit creates image data representing the image capture content of the imaging unit; The remote palpation support system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data to the doctor's information processing device simultaneously with the plurality of palpation data.

9. A receiving unit for receiving a plurality of palpation data measured by a plurality of tactile sensors and indicating pressure applied to a part of a patient to be examined; a data processing unit that selects a palpation method for the examination target area from among a plurality of palpation methods based on the measurement results of the plurality of tactile sensors shown in the plurality of palpation data; An information processing device comprising:

10. A patient information processing device generates a plurality of palpation data indicating pressures applied to the patient's examination target area, the pressures being measured by the plurality of tactile sensors, the patient information processing device transmits the plurality of pieces of palpation data to a doctor information processing device; the doctor information processing device receives the plurality of pieces of palpation data; A remote palpation support method in which the doctor's information processing device selects a palpation method for the examination target area from among a plurality of palpation methods based on the measurement results of each of the plurality of tactile sensors shown in the plurality of palpation data.

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