Neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system

The neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system uses temperature sensors to measure and calculate shallow and deep temperatures on specific spine regions, addressing the challenge of accurately identifying neuropathological abnormalities by pinpointing their location and degree.

JP7784123B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-11RAY & CO INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022007042
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-01-20
Publication Date
2025-12-11
Estimated Expiration
2042-01-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing body temperature measuring devices struggle to accurately identify areas of neuropathological abnormalities by only measuring continuous temperature changes along the spine, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of spinal distortions.

Method used

A neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system that utilizes first to third temperature sensors to measure body surface temperatures on the spinous and transverse processes of vertebrae, calculating shallow and deep temperatures to diagnose neuropathological abnormalities by analyzing temperature differences and changes at specific regions of the spine.

Benefits of technology

Accurately determines the degree and location of neuropathological abnormalities by using temperature sensors to measure and calculate shallow and deep temperatures, providing precise diagnostic information.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system capable of finding out a degree of neuropathological abnormality using body temperatures measured on the right side and the left side with a temperature of a spinous process upper skin of the spinal column as a central part temperature.SOLUTION: A neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system includes a body temperature measuring device 2 for measuring a body temperature and a diagnostic processing device 33 for diagnosing the body temperature measured by the body temperature measuring device 2. The body temperature measuring device 2 includes first to third temperature sensors, the first temperature sensor 10 measuring a first body surface temperature on a spinous process surface side of the vertebra, the second temperature sensor 12 measuring a second body surface temperature on a left lateral protrusion surface side of the vertebra, and the third temperature sensor 14 measuring a third body surface temperature on a right lateral protrusion surface side of the vertebra, and finds out generation parts of a neuropathological abnormality in the vicinity of the spine using these body surface temperatures. First to third shallow part temperatures (deep part temperatures) of these parts are determined by the first to third body surface temperatures, and the neuropathological abnormality is found out accurately from these shallow part temperatures (deep part temperatures).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system that diagnoses the degree of neuropathological abnormality using the superficial and / or deep temperature of the body. [Background technology]

[0003] A body temperature measuring device has been proposed that measures body temperature along the spine from the back to determine body distortion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This body temperature measuring device includes a moving distance measuring means that measures the distance traveled, a temperature measuring means that measures the body temperature along the spine from the back of the body (subject), and a body temperature data generating means that profits the body temperature data, and this body temperature data generating means profits the body temperature data based on the body temperature measured by the temperature measuring means and the moving distance measured by the moving distance measuring means, and the body temperature profit data generated in this way indicates the changing state of the body temperature along the spine of the subject.

[0004] It is known experimentally that when distortion occurs in the body, the body temperature at the site of distortion and in its vicinity becomes higher. For this reason, by comparing the body temperature profit data of a subject with that of a normal subject, it is possible to find the site of spinal distortion, and therefore this body temperature profit data can be used in treatment to correct spinal distortion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5656978 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in this body temperature measuring device, the temperature measuring means measures the temperature along the spine from the back of the body and only indicates the continuous temperature change state measured. Therefore, the area where the body is distorted must be found from the measurement results of the temperature measuring means, and there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately find this area of ​​distortion.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system that measures the body surface temperature on the spinous processes of the vertebrae of the spine and the body surface temperature on the transverse processes of the vertebrae located to the left and right of these spinous processes to diagnose the degree of neuropathological abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system of the first invention is a neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system comprising a temperature measuring device including a measuring device main body, a roller rotatably attached to the measuring device main body, temperature measuring means for measuring the body surface temperature, a gripping portion provided on the measuring device main body and a controller for processing the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, and a diagnostic processing device for diagnosing and processing neuropathological abnormalities based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, The temperature measuring means includes first to third temperature sensors arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction on the measuring device body, and the first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the spine. each vertebra the first temperature sensor measures a first body surface temperature of the skin surface in a first region corresponding to the spinous process of the spine, each vertebra a second body surface temperature of the skin surface in a second region corresponding to the left transverse process of the spine; each vertebra The third body surface temperature of the skin surface in the third region corresponding to the right transverse process of the The diagnostic processing device has a shallow temperature calculation means for calculating the temperature of a shallow area 2 to 3 mm below the skin of the body, and the shallow temperature calculation means Using a shallow temperature change rate calculated based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the body, The temperature measured by the first temperature sensor The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process The first body surface temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2-3 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process The first shallow temperature was obtained and measured by the second temperature sensor. The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process The second body surface temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2 to 3 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process The second shallow temperature was obtained and measured by the third temperature sensor. The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process The third body surface temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2 to 3 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process 3. Calculate the shallow temperature, The diagnostic processing device calculates the shallow temperature calculated by the shallow temperature calculation means. At the locations corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra The method is characterized in that the degree of fever and the degree of neuropathological abnormality are diagnosed based on the first to third shallow temperatures. In addition, the second invention A neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system includes a temperature measurement device including a measurement device main body, a roller rotatably attached to the measurement device main body, temperature measurement means for measuring the body surface temperature, a gripping portion provided on the measurement device main body, and a controller for processing the temperature measured by the temperature measurement means, and a diagnostic processing device for diagnosing and processing neuropathological abnormalities based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement means, The temperature measuring means includes first to third temperature sensors arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction on the measuring device body, and the first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the spine. each vertebra the second temperature sensor measures a first body surface temperature of the skin surface in a first region corresponding to the left spinous process of each of the vertebrae of the spine, the second temperature sensor measures a second body surface temperature of the skin surface in a second region corresponding to the left transverse process of each of the vertebrae of the spine, and the third temperature sensor measures a second body surface temperature of the skin surface in a second region corresponding to the left transverse process of each of the vertebrae of the spine. each vertebra The third body surface temperature of the skin surface in the third region corresponding to the right transverse process of the The diagnostic processing device has a shallow temperature calculation means for calculating the temperature of a shallow area 2 to 3 mm below the skin of the body, and a deep temperature calculation means for calculating the temperature of a deep area approximately 10 mm below the skin of the body, The shallow temperature calculation means Using a shallow temperature change rate calculated based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the body, The temperature measured by the first temperature sensor The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process The first body surface temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2-3 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process The first shallow temperature is calculated and measured by the second temperature sensor. The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process The second body surface temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2 to 3 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process The second shallow temperature is calculated and measured by the third temperature sensor. The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process The third body surface temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2 to 3 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process Calculate the third shallow temperature, Further, the deep temperature calculation means The deep temperature change rate is calculated based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine, the superficial temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the body, and the left axillary temperature under the left armpit and the right axillary temperature under the right armpit of the body. The first shallow temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process Multiplying the deep temperature change rate by approximately 10 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the spinous process Calculate the first deep temperature, The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process The second shallow temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process Multiplying the deep temperature change rate by approximately 10 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the left transverse process Calculate the second deep temperature, and The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process The third shallow temperature The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process Multiplying the deep temperature change rate by approximately 10 mm below the skin The portion of each vertebra corresponding to the right transverse process Calculate the third deep temperature, The diagnostic processing device calculates the deep temperature calculated by the deep temperature calculation means. At the locations corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine The method is characterized in that the degree of fever and the degree of neuropathological abnormality are diagnosed based on the first to third deep temperatures.

[0013] This neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system The area corresponding to the left transverse prominence of each vertebra of the spine No. 2 shallow temperature and The area corresponding to the right transverse prominence of each vertebra By examining the temperature difference in the third shallow temperature, The area corresponding to the left transverse prominence of each vertebra of the spine No. 2 core temperature and The area corresponding to the right transverse prominence of each vertebra By examining the temperature difference of the third core temperature, the degree of neuropathological abnormality and its location can be found more accurately.

[0014] When calculating this deep temperature, it is preferable to use the core temperature, which is the temperature at the center of the body, but the axillary temperature under the armpits (left axillary temperature and right axillary temperature under the left and right armpits) is very close to this core temperature, so the axillary temperature under the armpits can be used in place of this core temperature.

[0015] Furthermore, in this neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system, it is preferable that the positions of the vertebrae of the spine are calculated based on the measured movement distance calculated by the movement distance calculation means of the controller or diagnostic processing device, and the measurement results of the temperature measurement means are displayed on the display means in correspondence with the vertebral positions. By displaying in this manner, the location of the neuropathological abnormality near the spine can be easily grasped visually.

[0016] In such a neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system, it is preferable that the diagnostic processing device includes an abnormality determination means for determining the occurrence of a neuropathological abnormality. If a neuropathological abnormality occurs near the spine, it will appear in the temperature difference between the second and third body surface temperatures (second and third superficial temperatures, second and third deep temperatures) on the left and right transverse processes measured by the second and third temperature sensors, with the abnormality occurring on the side where this temperature difference is higher. The degree of the neuropathological abnormality is indicated by the larger the temperature difference between the left and right, and for more accurate assessment, fluctuations in the central (or intermediate) temperature can be read. While body surface temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures) are easily affected by air temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, shallow temperatures (first to third shallow temperatures) and deep temperatures (first to third deep temperatures) are less affected by these factors. Therefore, it is preferable to use shallow temperatures and / or deep temperatures when diagnosing a neuropathological abnormality.

[0017] For example, if there is insufficient blood flow near the spine, a change occurs in the first body surface temperature (i.e., the temperature measured along the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the spine) (first superficial temperature, first deep temperature based on this first body surface temperature) measured by the first temperature sensor in the area of ​​insufficient blood flow, and this first body surface temperature (first shallow temperature, first deep temperature) becomes lower than the first body surface temperatures (first shallow temperature, first deep temperature) in other areas of the spine.As a result, the area of ​​reduced blood flow near the spine can be determined based on the change in this first body surface temperature (first shallow temperature, first deep temperature).

[0018] Furthermore, if a neuropathological abnormality has occurred in a part of the spine, the temperature difference between the second body surface temperature measured by the second temperature sensor (i.e., the temperature measured corresponding to the left transverse process of a vertebra in the spine) (the second superficial temperature and the third deep temperature based on this second body surface temperature) and the third body surface temperature measured by the third temperature sensor (i.e., the temperature measured corresponding to the right transverse process of a vertebra in the spine) (the third superficial temperature and the third deep temperature based on this third body surface temperature) will be large, and it can be determined that a neuropathological abnormality has occurred on the side where this temperature difference is large and the body surface temperature (shallow temperature, deep temperature) is higher.By continuously comparing and analyzing the change in body surface temperature (shallow temperature, deep temperature) from the left to the center and to the right of the body surface temperature (shallow temperature, deep temperature based on this) measured by the first temperature sensor, second temperature sensor, and third temperature sensor, and the change in measurement data in the vertical direction of the lower, middle, and upper parts of the spine, it is possible to more accurately determine the degree of fever in the superficial skin (deep skin) and the degree of neuropathological abnormality.

[0022] Such neuropathological abnormality diagnosis In the system Since the distribution of the surface temperature of the skin and the core temperature of the body is affected by air temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, it is preferable that the device has a self-diagnosis function that can self-diagnose whether the air temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure are suitable for measurement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system of the first invention, the temperature measurement means includes first to third temperature sensors arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction on the measurement device body, and the first temperature sensor each vertebra The first temperature sensor measures the first body surface temperature of the skin surface in the first region corresponding to the spinous process of the skin. each vertebra The second body surface temperature of the skin surface of the second region corresponding to the left transverse process of the each vertebraSince the third body surface temperature is measured on the skin surface corresponding to the right transverse process of the spine, the first to third body surface temperatures obtained by these first to third temperature sensors can be used to find areas where neuropathological abnormalities are occurring near the spine. The first to third body surface temperatures can also be used to determine the superficial body temperature. Alternatively, the axillary temperature, for example, can be used in place of the core temperature to calculate the rate of change in deep body temperature from the surface, superficial, and axillary temperatures, and this rate of change in deep body temperature can then be used to determine the deep body temperature. The diagnostic processing device also measures the temperature using the first temperature sensor. The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra 1st body surface temperature Multiply by the superficial temperature change rate of the area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra. 2-3mm subcutaneous The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra The first shallow temperature was obtained and measured by the second temperature sensor. The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra 2nd body surface temperature Multiply by the superficial temperature change rate of the area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra. 2-3mm subcutaneous The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra The second shallow temperature is obtained, and the third body surface temperature measured by the third temperature sensor is obtained. Multiply by the superficial temperature change rate of the area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra. 2-3mm subcutaneous The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra The third shallow temperature is determined, and the first to third shallow temperatures can be used to diagnose the degree of fever and the level of neuropathological abnormality. spinal each vertebra The first to third superficial temperatures at the first to third superficial regions located 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface (epidermis) corresponding to the spinous processes of the left and right transverse processes of the right hand more accurately reflect the body temperature, and by using these first to third superficial temperatures, the degree of fever and the level and location of neuropathological abnormalities can be more accurately determined. The spine includes the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, with the cervical vertebrae including the 1st to 7th cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae including the 1st to 12th thoracic vertebrae, and the lumbar vertebrae including the 1st to 5th lumbar vertebrae. The 1st to 3rd shallow temperatures reflect the temperature of the blood vessels extending from the spine under the skin, located about 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface, and a characteristic of shallow temperatures is that they are closely related to the autonomic nervous system. In addition, the second invention According to the neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system, the diagnostic processing device includes a shallow temperature calculation means and a deep temperature calculation means, and the shallow temperature calculation means: Using the shallow temperature change rate calculated based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra of the body, Measured by the first temperature sensor The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebraFirst, body surface temperature The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2-3 mm below the skin The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra The first shallow temperature was calculated and measured by the second temperature sensor. The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra Secondary body surface temperature The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2-3 mm below the skin The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra The second shallow temperature is calculated and measured by the third temperature sensor. The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra Third body surface temperature The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra Multiplying the shallow temperature change rate by 2-3 mm below the skin The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra Calculate the third shallow temperature Also, The deep temperature calculation means is The regions corresponding to the spinous process, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra calculated as above are Using the first to third shallow temperatures In addition, the deep temperature change rate is calculated based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra, the superficial temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra, and the left axillary temperature under the left armpit and the right axillary temperature under the right armpit. First, shallow temperature The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra Multiplying the deep temperature change rate by approximately 10 mm below the skin The area corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra Calculate the first deep temperature, The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra No. 2 Shallow part To temperature The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra Multiplying the deep temperature change rate by approximately 10 mm below the skin The area corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra Calculate the second deep temperature, and The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra Third shallow temperature The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra Multiplying the deep temperature change rate by approximately 10 mm below the skin The area corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra A third deep temperature is calculated, and the first to third deep temperatures thus calculated can also be used to diagnose the degree of fever and the level of neuropathological abnormality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing an entire body temperature measuring device in an embodiment of a neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the body temperature measuring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing a control system of a neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagnostic process diagram illustrating the diagnostic flow of the neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the parts to be measured by the body temperature measuring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a display screen diagram showing an example of diagnostic result information from the neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system displayed on a display means. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing a control system of a brain damage diagnosis system as a reference example. [Figure 8] A diagnostic process diagram explaining the diagnostic flow of the brain damage diagnostic system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An embodiment of a neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In Figures 1 and 2, the illustrated neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system includes a body temperature measuring device 2 that measures the body temperature, and a personal computer 33 (see Figure 3) that serves as a diagnostic processing device that performs required diagnostic processing on the temperature information measured by the body temperature measuring device 2.

[0027] The body temperature measuring device 2 shown in the figure includes a measuring device main body 6, which has a temperature measuring means 8 built into the upper front end portion thereof. This temperature measuring means 8 is made up of three temperature sensors, namely first to third temperature sensors 10, 12, and 14. The first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 are linearly arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the lateral direction of the measuring device main body 6, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1, and the left-right direction in FIG. 2).

[0028] The first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 can be, for example, infrared temperature sensors, with the first temperature sensor 10 being positioned in the center, the second temperature sensor 12 being positioned to the left of the first temperature sensor 10 (right side in Figure 2), and the third temperature sensor 14 being positioned to the right of the first temperature sensor 10 (left side in Figure 2).

[0029] In this temperature measuring device 2, a pair of protruding support walls 16, 18 extending diagonally downward and forward is provided on the lower front part of the measuring device main body 6, and independent large rollers 22, 24 are attached to support shafts 20, 21 that protrude outward from the protruding support walls 16, 18, and each of the large rollers 22, 24 rotates in response to the movement of the measuring device main body 6. Furthermore, independent small rollers 76, 78 are also provided in a recess 72 between the first temperature sensor 10 and the second temperature sensor 12, and in a recess 74 between the first temperature sensor 10 and the third temperature sensor 14 in the measuring device main body 6, and these small rollers 76, 78 also rotate in response to the movement of the measuring device main body 6. This configuration makes the measurement movement smooth and maintains the measurement distance between the body's skin surface and the first to third temperature sensors 10-14.

[0030] For example, when examining a neuropathological abnormality near the spine of the body, the large rollers 22, 24 and the small rollers 72, 74 are positioned on both sides of the spine V on the skin surface on the back side of the body and moved up and down along the spine V. When moved up and down in this manner, as shown in FIG. 5, the first temperature sensor 10 receives infrared rays from a first region S1 corresponding to the spine V from the back side of the body (specifically, the region along the spinous processes of the vertebrae of the spine V) and measures the first body surface temperature at a first measurement site on the skin surface side of the spinous processes. The first temperature sensor 10 receives infrared rays from the back side from a second area S2 (specifically, an area along the left transverse process of the vertebrae of spine V) on the left side of the measurement area (first area S1) of the first temperature sensor 10, and measures a second body surface temperature at a second measurement area on the skin surface side of the left transverse process.The third temperature sensor 14 receives infrared rays from a third area S3 (specifically, an area along the right transverse process of the vertebrae of spine V) on the right side of the measurement area (first area S1) of the first temperature sensor 10, and measures a third body surface temperature at a third measurement area on the skin surface side of the right transverse process.

[0031] A grip 26 that extends diagonally downward and rearward is integrally provided on the lower rear of the measurement device main body 6, and an operation button 28 is provided on the upper front side of this grip 26. When measuring body temperature, the temperature measuring device 2 is held by hand using the grip 26, and the body temperature can be measured by pressing the operation button 28 while holding the temperature measuring device 2 in the hand.

[0032] The measuring device main body 6 of this temperature measuring device 2 has a built-in dedicated board (not shown) developed for diagnosing neuropathological abnormalities, and this dedicated board is equipped with a controller 32 (see Figure 3) consisting of, for example, a microcomputer. Referring also to Figure 3, measurement signals (temperature measurement signals) from the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 are sent to this controller 32, and various data obtained by the controller 32 are sent to a personal computer 33 (such as a notebook computer or desktop computer) that functions as a diagnostic processing device, and after analysis and correction processing using a dedicated diagnostic program installed in advance in the personal computer 33 (such as a notebook computer or desktop computer), the data is saved as measurement information.

[0033] The dedicated diagnostic program is programmed with shallow temperature calculation means 52, deep temperature change rate calculation means 53, deep temperature calculation means 54, temperature difference calculation means 55, movement distance calculation means 56, vertebra position calculation means 57, abnormality determination means 58, display data creation means 59, control means 60, and memory means 62. In addition, this memory means 62 has warning temperature values ​​(warning high temperature value and warning low temperature value) and abnormality determination values ​​registered in advance, and also stores measured temperature data, shallow temperature data calculated by the shallow temperature calculation means 52, deep temperature data calculated by the deep temperature calculation means 54, temperature difference data calculated by the temperature difference calculation means 55, etc.

[0034] In this embodiment, the shallow temperature calculation means 52 calculates the temperature of a shallow region 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface at the measurement site (first to third shallow temperatures) based on the temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures) measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14. For example, the body surface temperature and the temperature of the shallow region (region 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface) at a region corresponding to each vertebra of the spine can be actually measured, and a shallow temperature change rate calculated based on the body surface temperature and shallow region temperature for the region corresponding to each vertebra can be used. When this shallow temperature change rate is used, the first to third shallow temperatures can be calculated by multiplying the first to third body surface temperatures by the shallow temperature change rate.

[0035] Furthermore, the shallow temperature change rate corresponding to each of the spinous process, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra may be calculated, and the first shallow temperature (or second shallow temperature, third shallow temperature) of the area corresponding to the spinous process (or the area corresponding to the left transverse process, the area corresponding to the right transverse process) may be determined by multiplying the first body surface temperature (or second body surface temperature, third body surface temperature) by the shallow temperature change rate of the area corresponding to this spinous process (or the area corresponding to the left transverse process, the area corresponding to the right transverse process). In addition, the deep temperature change rate calculation means 53 uses the body surface temperature (first to third body surface temperatures), shallow temperature (first to third shallow temperatures) and core temperature at the center of the body for the areas corresponding to each vertebra of the spine, and calculates the deep temperature change rate to estimate the deep temperature (deep temperature) located approximately 10 mm below the skin surface from the change in these temperatures.

[0036] While body surface temperature is susceptible to fluctuations due to ambient conditions, shallow and deep temperatures are less affected by ambient conditions, and it is therefore preferable to calculate the rate of change of this deep temperature based on the shallow temperature. Since it is difficult to measure the core temperature of the body, the temperatures obtained from the body surface that are very close to this core temperature are the left and right axillary temperatures under the left and right armpits, and the rate of change of deep temperature can be calculated by substituting the left and right axillary temperatures as the core temperature.

[0037] The deep temperature calculation means 54 calculates the deep temperatures of the regions corresponding to the spinous processes, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine using this deep temperature change rate. In this embodiment, the deep temperature calculation means 54 uses the deep temperature change rate based on the shallow temperature and calculates the first to third deep temperatures by multiplying the first to third shallow temperatures corresponding to each vertebra by the deep temperature change rate. Note that when the deep temperature change rate calculation means 53 calculates a temperature based on the body surface temperature, the deep temperature calculation means 54 calculates the first to third deep temperatures by multiplying the first to third shallow temperatures corresponding to each vertebra by this deep temperature change rate.

[0038] Furthermore, for this deep temperature, the deep temperature change rate corresponding to each of the spinous processes, left transverse process, and right transverse process of each vertebra can be calculated, and the first deep temperature (or second deep temperature, third deep temperature) of the area corresponding to the spinous process (or the area corresponding to the left transverse process, the area corresponding to the right transverse process) can be obtained by multiplying the first shallow temperature (or second shallow temperature, third shallow temperature) by the deep temperature change rate of the area corresponding to this spinous process (or the area corresponding to the left transverse process, the area corresponding to the right transverse process).

[0039] In addition, the temperature difference calculation means 55 calculates the temperature difference between the second and third shallow temperatures when examining neuropathological abnormalities in the spine and its surroundings based on the first to third shallow temperatures of each vertebra of the spine, calculates the temperature difference between the second and third deep temperatures when examining pathological abnormalities in the spine and its surroundings based on the first to third deep temperatures of each vertebra of the spine, and calculates the temperature difference between the second and third shallow temperatures and the temperature difference between the second and third deep temperatures when examining based on the first to third shallow temperatures and the first to third deep temperatures.

[0040] Furthermore, the abnormality determination means 58 determines an abnormality based on the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculation means 55. If a neuropathological abnormality occurs in a part of the spine, the temperature difference between the second shallow temperature (and / or second deep temperature) based on the second body surface temperature measured by the second temperature sensor and the third shallow temperature (and / or third deep temperature) based on the third body surface temperature measured by the third temperature sensor becomes large, and the larger this temperature difference, the greater the degree of abnormality, and the abnormality indicates that a neuropathological abnormality has occurred on the side where the shallow temperature (and / or deep temperature) is higher.

[0041] For this reason, in this embodiment, the abnormality determination means 58 determines whether a neuropathological abnormality has occurred based on the temperature difference ΔT1 between the second shallow temperature and the third shallow temperature and the temperature difference ΔT2 between the second deep temperature and the third deep temperature, and in this embodiment, for example, the temperature difference ΔT1 between the shallow temperature and the deep temperature difference ΔT2 are set to the same value (ΔT1 = ΔT2 = ΔT).

[0042] In this embodiment, an abnormality determination value is registered in the memory means 62, and this abnormality determination value is set to three stages. As an example, the first stage is set to a range of more than 0.3°C to 0.6°C (0.3°C<ΔT≦0.6°C), the second stage is set to a range of more than 0.6°C to 0.9°C (0.6°C<ΔT≦0.9°C), and the third stage is set to a range of more than 0.9°C (0.9°C<ΔT). Note that this determination of the occurrence of an abnormality may be made based on, for example, the temperature difference between the second shallow temperature and the third shallow temperature, or may be made based on the temperature difference between the second deep temperature and the third deep temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, by continuously comparing and analyzing the changes in the first to third body surface temperatures (first to third superficial temperatures, first to third deep temperatures based on these) measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 from the left side to the center and then to the right side, and the changes in the measurement data in the vertical direction at the lower, middle and upper parts of the spine, it is possible to more accurately determine the degree of fever in the superficial skin and the degree of neuropathological abnormalities.

[0044] This personal computer 33 is connected to a storage device 34 (e.g., HDD device, SSD device, etc.) that stores various data, a display means 36 (e.g., LCD display device, etc.) that displays various data, etc., and an output device 38 (e.g., laser printer, ink dot printer, etc.) that prints out various data, etc.

[0045] In addition, in relation to the support shaft 20 (or 21), a movement distance measuring means 40 for measuring the movement distance of the independent roller 22 (or 24) is provided on one of the rollers 22 (or 24), and this movement distance measuring means 40 includes a rotation speed detection sensor 42 that detects the rotation speed of the support shaft 20 (or 21), and the detection signal (rotation speed detection signal) from this rotation speed detection sensor 42 is sent to the personal computer 33 via the controller 32.

[0046] The movement distance calculation means 56 on the personal computer 33 calculates the measured movement distance of the roller 22 based on the detection signal of the rotation speed detection sensor 42 (in other words, the rotation speed of the support shaft 20), and the vertebra position calculation means 57 calculates the vertebra position of each vertebra of the spine V based on the measured movement distance calculated by the movement distance calculation means 56.

[0047] The spine V of the human body has a structure as shown in Figure 5, and includes the cervical vertebrae C, the thoracic vertebrae T, and the lumbar vertebrae L. The cervical vertebrae C are made up of seven vertebrae, which are called the first to seventh cervical vertebrae C1 to C7, from the top (head side). The thoracic vertebrae T are made up of 12 vertebrae, which are called the first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae, from the top (cervical vertebrae C side). The lumbar vertebrae T are made up of five vertebrae, which are called the first to fifth lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5, from the top (sternum T side).

[0048] We have discovered that there is a certain distribution ratio between the size of the vertebrae in which each vertebra is located, namely the first to seventh cervical vertebrae C1 to C7, the first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae T1 to T12, and the first to fifth lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5, and the distance of the spine.We have calculated the size and position of each vertebra using a unique distribution ratio and determined its exact position.

[0049] For example, by using the first cervical vertebra C1 of the upper cervical vertebra C (or the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 of the lower lumbar vertebra L) as a reference point and moving downward (or upward) from this first cervical vertebra C1 (or the fifth lumbar vertebra L5) to the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 of the lumbar vertebra L (or the first cervical vertebra C1 of the cervical vertebra C) and measuring the length (movement distance), the position of each vertebra of the spine V (the first to seventh cervical vertebrae C1 to C7, the first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae T1 to T12, and the first to fifth lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5) can be calculated and estimated based on the measured movement distance and the distribution ratio of each vertebra. Furthermore, for example, by measuring the lengths of the first to seventh cervical vertebrae C1 to C7 of the cervical vertebrae C (or the first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae T1 to T12 of the thoracic vertebrae T, or the first to fifth lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5 of the lumbar vertebrae L) as described above, the positions of the first to seventh cervical vertebrae C1 to C7 of the cervical vertebrae C (or the first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae T1 to T12 of the thoracic vertebrae T, or the first to fifth lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5 of the lumbar vertebrae L) can be estimated by calculation.

[0050] In this embodiment, the display data creation means 59 generates composite display data by combining, for example, the first to third body surface temperature data of the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14, the first to third shallow temperature data and the first to third deep temperature data based on these first to third body surface temperatures, and the temperature difference data (temperature difference data between shallow and deep temperatures) from the temperature difference calculation means 55, and the position data of each vertebra from the vertebra position calculation means 56.

[0051] The composite display data created by the display data creating means 59 can be configured to be display switchable. For example, a first display mode can be created and displayed by combining the first to third shallow temperatures corresponding to each vertebra of the spine and the temperature differences between these shallow temperatures with the position data of each vertebra. A second display mode can be created and displayed by combining the first to third deep temperatures corresponding to each vertebra of the spine and the temperature differences between these deep temperatures with the position data of each vertebra. A third display mode can be created and displayed by combining the first to third shallow temperatures corresponding to each vertebra of the spine and the temperature differences between these shallow temperatures, as well as the first to third deep temperatures and the temperature differences between these deep temperatures with the position data of each vertebra. Temperatures measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 (first to third body surface temperatures) may also be added to these displays.

[0052] The first to third display forms may be displayed separately as separate screens on the display means 36 (for example, by switching the display using a display switching button), or may be combined and displayed as the same screen on the display means 36. These display data are registered in the memory means 62.

[0053] The control means 60 controls the personal computer 33 and its peripheral devices (such as the storage device 34, display means 36, and output device 38). The control means 60 also sends the display data created by the display data creation means 58 to the display means 36, and displays it on its screen as composite data.

[0054] In this embodiment, the personal computer 33 further includes a warning signal generating means 66. The warning signal generating means 66 generates a warning signal as will be described later, and the control means 60 displays a warning on the screen of the display means 36 based on this warning signal.

[0055] In the first display mode displayed on the display means 36, the data is displayed in a table format, for example, as shown in Fig. 6. In this first display mode, the symbols of the vertebrae of the spine V (first cervical vertebrae C1-C7, first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae T1-T12, and first to fifth lumbar vertebrae L1-L5) are displayed from top to bottom, and temperature data (shallow temperature data) related to the shallow region of the region corresponding to each vertebra is displayed. In this first display mode, to facilitate understanding of the shallow region temperature of each vertebra, the first shallow region temperature (shallow region temperature based on the first body surface temperature) of the first region S1 (first measurement region) corresponding to the spine V is displayed in the central column of the shallow region temperatures, the second shallow region temperature (shallow region temperature based on the second body surface temperature) of the second region S2 (second measurement region) to the left of the first region S1 is displayed in the left column of this central column, and the third shallow region temperature (shallow region temperature based on the third body surface temperature) of the third region S3 (third measurement region) to the right of the first region S1 is displayed in the right column of this central column.

[0056] In addition, the temperature difference between the second shallow temperature and the third shallow temperature is displayed to the right of this shallow temperature column. When the second shallow temperature is higher than the third shallow temperature, the temperature difference is displayed in the left column, indicating that there is a high possibility that a neuropathological abnormality has occurred on the second shallow temperature side. When the third shallow temperature is higher than the second shallow temperature, the temperature difference is displayed in the right column, indicating that there is a high possibility that a neuropathological abnormality has occurred on the third shallow temperature side. In this way, the temperature difference between the first and second shallow temperatures is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0057] In addition, in this second display mode, the same display as in the first display mode described above can be performed, and the first to third deep temperatures are displayed instead of the first to third shallow temperatures. In addition, in the third display mode, a column related to the deep temperature is displayed in addition to the column related to the shallow temperature.

[0058] In this embodiment, the diagnostic results of the personal computer 33 (diagnostic processing device) are displayed in a table format. However, instead of this table format, the diagnostic results may be displayed in a graph format, or the table format and the graph format may be switchable, or the table format and the graph format may be displayed on a single screen.

[0059] In this embodiment, warning temperature values ​​are registered in the memory means 62. For example, with respect to the temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures) measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14, a high warning temperature value is set on the high temperature side, and a low warning temperature value is set on the low temperature side. For example, when the temperatures (body surface temperatures) measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 are extremely low and fall below the low warning temperature value, or when these measured temperatures are extremely high and rise above the high warning temperature value, the warning signal generating means 66 generates a warning signal, and based on this warning signal, a warning is displayed on the screen of the display means 36, for example. Furthermore, when the temperature measuring means 8 is operated too quickly during temperature measurement, causing the controller 32 to be unable to perform calculations, or when the temperature measuring means 8 is operated too slowly and measuring temperature data overlaps, the warning signal generating means 66 also generates a warning signal, and by issuing such a warning signal, it serves to instruct the temperature measurement to be performed again.

[0060] Next, we will explain the diagnosis of abnormalities around the spine using this neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system. For example, let's consider the case where this abnormality diagnosis system is used to continuously measure body temperature from the cervical vertebra C through the thoracic vertebra T to the lumbar vertebra L. In this case, body temperature measurement (body surface temperature measurement) can be performed in three patterns: the entire spine, the lumbar region, and the cervical region, and is basically performed from bottom to top (head to head). When measuring the entire spine (full spine), the body temperature measuring device 2 (temperature measuring means 8) is moved from bottom to top from the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) on the sacrum to the first cervical vertebra (C1). When measuring the lumbar region, the body temperature measuring device 2 is moved from bottom to top from the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) on the sacrum to the first lumbar vertebra (L1). When measuring the cervical vertebrae, the body temperature measuring device 2 is moved from bottom to top from the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) to the first cervical vertebra (C1).

[0061] This neuropathological abnormality diagnosis is performed, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 4. For example, in the case of diagnosing abnormalities in the entire spine, measurement is made of the position of each vertebra in the area to be diagnosed. That is, prior to temperature measurement, the body temperature measuring device 2 (temperature measuring means 8) is moved across the measurement range (in this case, from the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) on the sacrum to the first cervical vertebra (C1)) as described above, and the movement distance is measured (movement distance measurement step S1).

[0062] When the body temperature measuring device 2 is moved as described above (rollers 22, 24 and rollers 76, 78 are moved while rotating in contact with the skin surface), the movement distance calculation means 56 calculates the measured movement distance moved along the spine V based on the amount of rotation of roller 22 accompanying the movement of the body temperature measuring device 2 (rotation speed signal of rotation speed detection sensor 42), and the vertebra position calculation means 57 calculates the position corresponding to each vertebra along the spine V (the fifth to first lumbar vertebrae L5 to L1, the twelfth to first sternum T12 to T1, the seventh to first cervical vertebrae C7 to C1) based on the measured movement distance calculated by the movement distance calculation means 56, and the movement start position of the body temperature measuring device 2, i.e., the distance from the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 to each vertebra of the spine V, is registered in the memory means 62.

[0063] Thereafter, the roller 22 of the temperature measuring device 2 is positioned at the position of the fifth lumbar vertebra L5 of the same lumbar vertebra L, and with the operation button 28 again pressed, the roller 22 is moved upward from this measurement start position to the first cervical vertebra C1 of the cervical vertebrae C. As the roller 22 is moved in this manner, each time it passes through a position corresponding to each vertebra of the spine V (the fifth to first lumbar vertebrae L5 to L1, the twelfth to first sternum T12 to T1, and the seventh to first cervical vertebrae C7 to C1), the temperature measuring means 8 (the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14) measures the body temperature (body surface temperature) at three locations corresponding to each vertebra (body surface temperature measuring step S2).

[0064] The first temperature sensor 10 measures the temperature (first body surface temperature) at a first measurement site (first region S1) on the skin surface side of the spinous process of a vertebra of spine V from the back side of the body, the second temperature sensor 12 measures the temperature (second body surface temperature) at a second measurement site (second region S2) on the skin surface side of the left transverse process of a vertebra of spine V from the back side of the body, and the third temperature sensor 14 measures the temperature (third body surface temperature) at a third measurement site (third region S3) on the skin surface side of the right transverse process of a vertebra of spine V from the back side of the body, and the first to third body surface temperatures measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 are registered in memory means 62.

[0065] The body temperature corresponding to each vertebra of the spine V may be measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 and registered in the memory means 62, for example, each time the roller 22 passes over a vertebra, or the first to third body surface temperatures may be continuously measured along the spine V by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14, and the first to third body surface temperatures may be registered each time the roller 22 passes over a vertebra.

[0066] After measuring the body surface temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures) at three measurement sites (first to third measurement sites) along the spine V from the back side of the body in this way, the shallow temperatures of those measurement sites are calculated based on the temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures) measured by the first to third temperature sensors 10 to 14 (shallow temperature calculation step S3). That is, the shallow temperature calculation means 52 multiplies the first to third body surface temperatures by the shallow temperature change rate to calculate the first to third shallow temperatures, and these first to third shallow temperatures are stored in the memory means 62.

[0067] When accurately diagnosing neuropathological abnormalities, the shallow temperature 2 to 3 mm below the skin, which is less susceptible to the influence of the external environment, can be used, and the first to third shallow temperatures calculated by the shallow temperature calculation means 52 are used to analyze the abnormality diagnosis. For example, for the shallow temperature (first shallow temperature) corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra of the spine V, the upper first shallow temperature is compared with the lower first shallow temperature, and abnormality diagnosis can be performed by determining whether the upper or lower first shallow temperature corresponding to each vertebra is lower or higher (abnormality diagnosis step S4 based on the first shallow temperature). In this abnormality diagnosis step S4, the accuracy can be further improved by using the central temperature measured by the temperature measurement means 8 as a reference point for the temperature changes between the upper and lower first shallow temperatures and the temperature changes on the left and right.

[0068] For example, areas where neuropathological abnormalities occur near vertebra V appear as a drop in the superficial temperature (first shallow temperature) corresponding to the spinous processes of each vertebra of vertebra V, and therefore, by examining the fluctuations in this first shallow temperature, neuropathological abnormalities near vertebra V can be found.

[0069] Furthermore, for neuropathological abnormalities on the left and right sides near the spine V, it is possible to determine which of the shallow temperatures (second and third shallow temperatures) corresponding to the left transverse process and the right transverse process of each vertebra is larger and how much the temperature difference is, and use this information for abnormality diagnosis. In this abnormality diagnosis, the temperature difference between the second and third shallow temperatures is calculated (temperature difference calculation step S5 between the second and third shallow temperatures), and the calculated temperature difference data is stored in the memory means 62.

[0070] Then, an abnormality diagnosis is made based on this temperature difference between the shallow temperatures (step S6 of diagnosing an abnormality based on the temperature difference between the shallow temperatures). A large value of the temperature difference between the second and third shallow temperatures indicates the occurrence of a neuropathological abnormality, and as a guide, when the temperature difference between the left and right shallow temperatures of a healthy person (the temperature difference between the second and third shallow temperatures) is, for example, 0.3°C or less, and the temperature difference ΔT between the left and right shallow temperatures is, for example, in the range of more than 0.3°C to 0.6°C (0.3°C<ΔT≦0.6°C), the probability of a neuropathological abnormality is said to be around 20%, when this temperature difference ΔT is in the range of more than 0.6°C to 0.9°C (0.6°C<ΔT≦0.9°C), the probability of a neuropathological abnormality is said to be around 65%, and when this temperature difference ΔT is in the range of more than 0.9°C (0.9°C<ΔT), the probability of a neuropathological abnormality is said to be over 90%.

[0071] For this reason, in this embodiment, for example, when the temperature difference ΔT between the second and third shallow temperatures is displayed as screen information on the display means 36 (see Figure 6), the abnormality determination means 58 determines that the temperature difference ΔT between the shallow temperatures is normal when it is, for example, 0.3°C or less, and the control means 60 displays the column for this temperature difference in white. Furthermore, the abnormality determination means 58 determines that a first stage neuropathological abnormality has occurred when the temperature difference ΔT is, for example, in the range of more than 0.3°C to 0.6°C (0.3°C<ΔT≦0.6°C), and the control means 60 displays the temperature difference value, for example, in light blue based on this determination result. Also, when the temperature difference ΔT is, for example, in the range of more than 0.6°C to 0.9°C (0.6°C<ΔT≦0.9°C), the control means 60 determines that a second stage neuropathological abnormality has occurred and displays the temperature difference value, for example, in yellow based on this determination result. Furthermore, when the temperature difference ΔT is, for example, in the range of more than 0.9°C (0.9°C<ΔT), the control means 60 determines that a third stage neuropathological abnormality has occurred and displays the temperature difference value, for example, in red based on this determination result. By displaying in different colors in this manner, it is possible to easily identify whether or not a neuropathological abnormality has occurred. Although the numerical values ​​themselves are colored, instead of color coding based on the numerical values, the display frame displaying the numerical value of the temperature difference ΔT or the inside of this display frame may be color coded.

[0072] When diagnosing neuropathological abnormalities more accurately, the temperature at a deep area about 10 mm below the skin surface (deep temperature) can be used rather than the superficial area 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface, and abnormality diagnosis is analyzed using the first to third deep temperatures calculated by deep temperature calculation means 54. When calculating these deep temperatures, the left axillary temperature and right axillary temperature, which are used in place of the core temperature, are measured, and the deep temperature change rate is calculated using the body surface temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures, shallow temperatures (first to third shallow temperatures)) and the core temperatures (in this embodiment, left axillary temperature and right axillary temperature) (deep temperature change rate calculation step S7).

[0073] The deep temperature change rate calculation means 53 uses the body surface temperatures (first to third body surface temperatures), shallow temperatures (first to third shallow temperatures), and left and right axillary temperatures (core temperatures) for the regions corresponding to each vertebra of the spine to calculate a deep temperature change rate that estimates the deep temperature from the body surface to about 10 mm below the skin surface from the changes in these temperatures.The calculated deep temperature change rate is then used to calculate the deep temperatures (first to third deep temperatures) for the regions corresponding to each vertebra of the spine (deep temperature calculation step S8).

[0074] In this case, for the first deep temperature change rate to calculate the first deep temperature of the first measurement site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra, for example, the average value of the left axillary temperature and the right axillary temperature can be used as the core temperature; for the second deep temperature change rate to calculate the second deep temperature of the second measurement site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra, for example, the left axillary temperature can be used as the core temperature; and for the third deep temperature change rate to calculate the third deep temperature of the third measurement site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra, for example, the right axillary temperature can be used as the core temperature.

[0075] After calculating the deep temperature change rates (first to third deep temperature change rates) in this manner, the deep temperature calculation means 54 multiplies the shallow temperature (first to third shallow temperatures) by the deep temperature change rates (first to third deep temperature change rates) to calculate the deep temperature (first to third deep temperatures), and uses the calculated deep temperatures (first to third deep temperatures) to perform abnormality diagnosis in the same manner as abnormality diagnosis using the shallow temperatures.

[0076] For example, for the deep temperature (first deep temperature) corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra of the spine V, the first deep temperature of the upper part is compared with the first deep temperature of the lower part, and an abnormality diagnosis is made by determining whether the first deep temperature corresponding to each vertebra is lower or higher (abnormality diagnosis step S9 based on the first deep temperature).

[0077] For example, areas near vertebra V where neuropathological abnormalities are occurring appear to have a drop in the deep temperature (first deep temperature) corresponding to the spinous processes of each vertebra of vertebra V, so by examining the fluctuations in this first deep temperature, it is possible to find areas near vertebra V where neuropathological abnormalities are occurring.

[0078] Furthermore, for neuropathological abnormalities on the left and right sides near the spine V, abnormality diagnosis can be performed by determining which of the deep temperatures (second and third deep temperatures) corresponding to the left transverse process and right transverse process of each vertebra is larger and the degree of the temperature difference. In this abnormality diagnosis, the temperature difference between the second and third deep temperatures is calculated (temperature difference calculation step S10 between the second and third deep temperatures), and abnormality diagnosis is performed based on this temperature difference between the deep temperatures (abnormality diagnosis step S11 based on the temperature difference between the deep temperatures).

[0079] Regarding these deep temperatures (second and third deep temperatures), a large temperature difference between the second and third deep temperatures indicates the occurrence of a neuropathological abnormality, and in this embodiment, as a guideline, as in the case of the shallow temperatures described above, the temperature difference ΔT between the left and right deep temperatures of a healthy person is, for example, 0.3°C or less, and when this temperature difference ΔT between the left and right deep temperatures is, for example, in the range of more than 0.3°C to 0.6°C, there is approximately a 20% probability that there is a neuropathological abnormality; when this temperature difference ΔT is, for example, in the range of more than 0.6°C to 0.9°C, there is approximately a 65% probability; and when this temperature difference ΔT is in the range of more than 0.9°C, there is a 90% or more probability that there is a neuropathological abnormality.

[0080] For this reason, in this embodiment, for example, when the temperature difference ΔT between the second and third shallow temperatures is displayed as screen information (see Figure 6) on the display means 36, as in the case of the shallow temperature described above, if the temperature difference ΔT of the shallow temperature is 0.3°C or less, it is determined to be normal, and the column for this temperature difference is displayed in white. If this temperature difference ΔT is in the range of more than 0.3°C to 0.6°C, it is determined that a first-stage neuropathological abnormality has occurred, and based on this determination result, the numerical value of the temperature difference is displayed in, for example, light blue. Also, if this temperature difference ΔT is in the range of more than 0.6°C to 0.9°C, it is determined that a second-stage neuropathological abnormality has occurred, and based on this determination result, the numerical value of the temperature difference is displayed in, for example, yellow. Furthermore, if it is in the range exceeding 0.9°C, it is determined that a third-stage neuropathological abnormality has occurred, and based on this determination result, the numerical value of the temperature difference is displayed in, for example, red. In this way, by displaying the temperature difference of the deep temperatures in different colors, it is possible to easily identify whether or not a neuropathological abnormality has occurred.

[0081] This neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system can be made to function as a brain damage diagnostic system by replacing some of its functions. As a reference example To make it function as a brain damage diagnosis system, the shallow temperature calculation means should be replaced with specific shallow temperature calculation means 82, the deep temperature change rate calculation means with specific deep temperature change rate calculation means 84, and the deep temperature calculation means with specific deep temperature calculation means 86, and the abnormality determination means that determines abnormality based on the abnormality determination value should be replaced with damage determination means 88 that determines brain damage based on the damage determination value. In this case, the first temperature sensor 10 of the temperature measurement means 8 can be omitted (in other words, brain damage can be diagnosed without using the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 10).

[0082] When diagnosing brain damage, it is important to know the temperature around the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein (hereinafter referred to as the "internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein temperature"). In this embodiment, to determine the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein temperature, the body surface temperature at the measurement site corresponding to the mastoid process (hereinafter also referred to as the "specific measurement site") is used as the body surface temperature of the skin surface, and the deep temperature and superficial temperature measured at the measurement site (site corresponding to the left transverse process and specific right transverse process) corresponding to specific cervical vertebrae C (in this embodiment, the first to third cervical vertebrae C1 to C3) are used to determine the deep temperature change rate, and this deep temperature change rate is used as the specific deep temperature change rate to determine the specific deep temperature (in other words, the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein temperature). Specifically, the left body surface temperature (or right body surface temperature) at the measurement site corresponding to the left (or right) mastoid process is used, and the left body surface temperature (or right body surface temperature), left superficial temperature (or right shallow temperature) and left deep temperature (or deep temperature) corresponding to the left transverse process (or right transverse process) corresponding to a specific cervical vertebra of cervical vertebra C are used to determine the left deep temperature change rate (right deep temperature change rate), and this left deep temperature change rate (or right deep temperature change rate) is used as the specific left deep temperature change rate (or specific right deep temperature change rate) to determine the specific left deep temperature (or specific right deep temperature).

[0083] The first cervical vertebra C1 (or the first and second cervical vertebrae C1, C2, or the first to fourth cervical vertebrae C1 to C4, etc.) may be selected as the specific cervical vertebra.

[0084] 8, in this case, for example, the body temperature measuring device 2 (temperature measuring means 8) is moved from bottom to top along the cervical vertebrae C over the range of the seventh to first cervical vertebrae C7 to C1, and the movement distance is measured (movement distance measuring step S21). Thereafter, the body surface temperature is measured by moving the body temperature measuring device 2 (temperature measuring means 8) again from bottom to top along the cervical vertebrae C over the range of the seventh to first cervical vertebrae C7 to C1 (specific body surface temperature measuring step S22).

[0085] In this embodiment, of the temperatures measured by the second temperature sensor 12 (left temperature sensor) and the third temperature sensor 14 (right temperature sensor), the second body surface temperature (left body surface temperature) and the third body surface temperature (right body surface temperature) corresponding to the first to third cervical vertebrae C1 to C3 (specific cervical vertebrae) as measurement sites of specific cervical vertebrae are stored in memory means 62A.

[0086] Furthermore, the body surface temperature at the locations corresponding to the left and right mastoid processes at the base of the skull is measured using this body temperature measurement means 8 (step S23 for measuring body surface temperature at the mastoid processes), and the body surface temperatures at the measurement locations corresponding to the left and right mastoid processes are stored in memory means 62A. The locations corresponding to the left and right mastoid processes at the base of the skull are close to the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein, and the body surface temperature at these locations corresponding to the mastoid processes is closer to the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein temperatures than the body surface temperatures at other locations, so this body surface temperature is used. Note that the body surface temperature at the locations corresponding to the left and right mastoid processes at the base of the skull may be measured using a normal body temperature measurement device instead of using body temperature measurement device 2, and the measured temperature may be input separately.

[0087] Next, the deep temperature of the specific measurement site corresponding to the mastoid process (left and right mastoid processes) is calculated. When calculating this specific deep temperature, the shallow temperature of a specific cervical vertebra (in this case, the first to third cervical vertebrae C1 to C3) of the cervical vertebrae C is calculated, and then the deep temperature change rate is determined using the body surface temperature and shallow temperature of the specific cervical vertebrae (C1 to C3) to calculate the deep temperature of the site corresponding to this specific cervical vertebra (C1 to C3).

[0088] The shallow temperature calculation means 82 of the personal computer 33A (diagnostic processing device) multiplies the second body surface temperature (left body surface temperature) from the second temperature sensor 12 (left temperature sensor) by the shallow temperature change rate of the specific cervical vertebra to calculate the second shallow temperature of the area corresponding to the left transverse process of the specific cervical vertebra (C1 to C3), and multiplies the third body surface temperature (right body surface temperature) from the third temperature sensor 14 (right temperature sensor) by the shallow temperature change rate of the specific cervical vertebra to calculate the third shallow temperature of the area corresponding to the right transverse process of the specific cervical vertebra (C1 to C3) (step S24 of calculating the shallow temperature of the specific cervical vertebra).

[0089] Next, as described above, the left and right axillary temperatures under the left and right armpits are measured from the body surface as temperatures very close to the body's core temperature, and the left and right axillary temperatures are used to calculate the deep temperature change rate instead of the core temperature, which is difficult to measure from the body surface (deep temperature change rate calculation step S25). For the left side of the body, the deep temperature change rate calculation means 84 calculates a deep temperature change rate that estimates a second deep temperature about 10 mm below the skin surface based on the second body surface temperature from the second temperature sensor 12, a second shallow temperature based on this second body surface temperature, and the left axillary temperature under the left armpit, and calculates a deep temperature change rate that estimates a third deep temperature about 10 mm below the skin surface based on the third body surface temperature from the third body surface temperature from the third temperature sensor 12, a third shallow temperature based on this third body surface temperature, and the left axillary temperature under the left armpit.

[0090] In this embodiment, the specific deep temperature change rate calculation means 84 further uses the deep temperature change rate of a specific cervical vertebra (C1 to C3) as the specific deep temperature change rate corresponding to the specific measurement site by averaging the deep temperature change rates corresponding to the left transverse processes of the specific cervical vertebrae (C1 to C3) for the left side of the body (i.e., the deep temperature change rate of the specific cervical vertebra obtained by calculation as described above) to calculate the left deep temperature change rate based on the second body surface temperature, and by averaging the deep temperature change rates corresponding to the right transverse processes of the specific cervical vertebrae (C1 to C3) for the right side of the body (i.e., the deep temperature change rate obtained by calculation as described above) to calculate the right specific deep temperature change rate, and uses the left and right deep temperature change rates obtained by this averaging as the left specific deep temperature change rate and the right specific deep temperature change rate, thereby obtaining the specific deep temperature change rate based on the temperature of the skin surface (body surface temperature) (specific deep temperature change rate calculation step S26).

[0091] Next, the specific deep temperature calculation means 86 calculates the specific deep temperatures (specific deep temperatures) of the specific measurement sites corresponding to the left and right mastoid processes using the left and right body surface temperatures and the left and right specific deep temperature change rates at the specific measurement sites corresponding to the left and right mastoid processes (specific deep temperature calculation step S27). That is, for the left side of the body, the specific deep temperature calculation means 86 calculates the left specific deep temperature by multiplying the body surface temperature of the specific measurement site corresponding to the left mastoid process (left body surface temperature) by the left specific deep temperature change rate applied to this left side, and for the right side of the body, it calculates the right specific deep temperature by multiplying the body surface temperature of the specific measurement site corresponding to the right mastoid process (right body surface temperature) by the right specific deep temperature change rate applied to the right side.

[0092] The left and right specific deep temperatures are the temperatures very close to the left and right internal carotid arteries and internal jugular veins, and these internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein temperatures reflect the temperature inside the brain. For this reason, the left and right specific deep temperatures indicate the temperature of the internal carotid arteries and internal jugular veins (in other words, temperatures close to the temperature inside the brain), and therefore these specific deep temperatures can be used to diagnose brain damage.

[0093] When diagnosing brain damage using the left and right specific deep temperatures, the diagnosis is made based on the temperature difference between the left specific deep temperature based on the left body surface temperature and the right specific deep temperature based on the right body surface temperature. That is, the temperature difference calculation means 55 calculates the temperature difference between the left specific deep temperature and the right specific deep temperature (temperature difference calculation step S28 between the left and right specific deep temperatures), and the damage diagnosis means 88 diagnoses brain damage based on the temperature difference between the left and right specific deep temperatures (damage diagnosis step S29 based on the temperature difference).

[0094] If damage occurs in a part of the brain, a temperature difference occurs between the left and right internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein temperatures (in this case, the left and right specific deep temperatures), and the greater this temperature difference, the greater the degree of damage in the brain, and the damage occurs on the side with the higher specific deep temperature. For this reason, in this embodiment, the damage determination means 88 determines whether there is damage in the brain based on the temperature difference between the left specific deep temperature and the right specific deep temperature.

[0095] In this embodiment, a damage judgment value is registered in memory means 62A, and this damage judgment value is set, for example, to three stages, with the first stage being set to a range of more than 0.2°C to 0.5°C (0.2°C<ΔT≦0.5°C), the second stage being set to a range of more than 0.5°C to 0.8°C (0.5°C<ΔT≦0.8°C), and the third stage being set to a range of more than 0.8°C (0.8°C<ΔT).

[0096] In this embodiment, as set as described above, the damage determination means 88 determines that there is no brain damage when the temperature difference ΔT is, for example, 0.2°C or less, but determines that first-stage brain damage has occurred when the temperature difference ΔT is, for example, between 0.2°C and 0.5°C, determines that second-stage brain damage has occurred when the temperature difference is between 0.5°C and 0.8°C, and determines that third-stage brain damage has occurred when the temperature difference is above 0.8°C. In this way, the degree of brain damage can be diagnosed by looking at the temperature difference between the specific deep temperatures on the left and right.

[0097] As described above, according to the present invention Neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0098] For example, in the above-described embodiment, some components of the neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system are added or modified to function as a brain damage diagnosis system, but the neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system may be configured as a dedicated abnormality diagnosis system, and the brain damage diagnosis system may also be configured as a dedicated system for brain damage.

[0099] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the moving distance calculation means 56 and the vertebra position calculation means 57 are provided on the personal computer 33 (diagnostic processing device) side, but this configuration is not limited to this, and the moving distance calculation means 56 and the vertebra position calculation means 57 may also be provided on the body temperature measuring device 2 side, in which case they can be included in, for example, the controller 32 of the body temperature measuring device 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 2. Body temperature measuring device 6. Measuring device body 8 Temperature measurement means 10 First temperature sensor 12 Second temperature sensor 14 Third temperature sensor 22,24 Laura 32 Controller 33, 33A Personal computer (diagnostic processing means) 40 Travel distance measurement means 52 Temperature difference calculation means 54 Travel distance calculation means 56 Vertebrae position calculation means 58 Abnormality determination means 60 Control Means 66 Warning signal generation means 82 Specific shallow temperature calculation means 84 Specific deep temperature change rate calculation means 86 Specific deep temperature calculation means 88 Damage Determination Method S1 1st area S2 2nd area S3 3rd area V spine

Claims

1. A neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system comprising a temperature measuring device including a measuring device main body, a roller rotatably attached to the measuring device main body, temperature measuring means for measuring the body surface temperature, a gripping portion provided on the measuring device main body, and a controller for processing the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, and a diagnostic processing device for diagnosing and processing neuropathological abnormalities based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, the temperature measuring means includes first to third temperature sensors arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction on the measuring device body, the first temperature sensor measures a first body surface temperature of the skin surface in a first region corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra of the spine, the second temperature sensor measures a second body surface temperature of the skin surface in a second region corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra of the spine, and the third temperature sensor measures a third body surface temperature of the skin surface in a third region corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine; The diagnostic processing device has a shallow temperature calculation means for calculating a temperature of a shallow region 2 to 3 mm beneath the skin of the body, the shallow temperature calculation means using a shallow temperature change rate calculated based on the body surface temperature at a site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the shallow region temperature at a site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the body, multiplying the first body surface temperature at a site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra measured by the first temperature sensor by the shallow temperature change rate at a site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra, and calculating a first shallow region temperature at a site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra 2 to 3 mm beneath the skin, multiplying the second body surface temperature by the shallow temperature change rate at a site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra to obtain a second shallow temperature at a site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface; and multiplying the third body surface temperature at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra measured by the third temperature sensor by the shallow temperature change rate at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra to obtain a third shallow temperature at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra 2 to 3 mm below the skin surface; The diagnostic processing device is characterized in that it diagnoses the degree of fever and the level of neuropathological abnormality based on the first to third shallow temperatures at the locations corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra calculated by the shallow temperature calculation means.

2. A neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system comprising a temperature measuring device including a measuring device main body, a roller rotatably attached to the measuring device main body, temperature measuring means for measuring the body surface temperature, a gripping portion provided on the measuring device main body, and a controller for processing the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, and a diagnostic processing device for diagnosing and processing neuropathological abnormalities based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, the temperature measuring means includes first to third temperature sensors arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction on the measuring device body, the first temperature sensor measures a first body surface temperature of the skin surface in a first region corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra of the spine, the second temperature sensor measures a second body surface temperature of the skin surface in a second region corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra of the spine, and the third temperature sensor measures a third body surface temperature of the skin surface in a third region corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine; the diagnostic processing device has a shallow temperature calculation means for calculating the temperature of a shallow area of ​​the body located 2 to 3 mm beneath the skin, and a deep temperature calculation means for calculating the temperature of a deep area of ​​the body located approximately 10 mm beneath the skin, The shallow temperature calculation means calculates the first shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra 2 to 3 mm below the skin by multiplying the first body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra measured by the first temperature sensor by the shallow temperature change rate calculated based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the body. multiplying the second body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra measured by the second temperature sensor by the shallow temperature change rate at the site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra to calculate a second shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra 2 to 3 mm below the skin; and multiplying the third body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra measured by the third temperature sensor by the shallow temperature change rate at the site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra to calculate a third shallow temperature at the site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra 2 to 3 mm below the skin; The deep temperature calculation means calculates a deep temperature change rate based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine, the superficial temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the body, and the left axillary temperature under the left armpit and the right axillary temperature under the right armpit of the body, and calculates a deep temperature change rate based on the body surface temperature at the site corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra ... a first deep temperature at a site corresponding to the spinous process of each vertebra, multiplying the second superficial temperature at a site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra by the deep temperature change rate at a site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra to calculate a second deep temperature at a site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra approximately 10 mm subcutaneously; and multiplying the third superficial temperature at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra by the deep temperature change rate at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra to calculate a third deep temperature at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra approximately 10 mm subcutaneously. The diagnostic processing device is characterized in that it diagnoses the degree of fever and the level of neuropathological abnormality based on the first to third deep temperatures at the locations corresponding to the spinous process, the left transverse process, and the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine calculated by the deep temperature calculation means.

3. 2. The neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic processing device includes an abnormality determination means for determining the occurrence of a neuropathological abnormality around the spine based on a temperature difference between the second shallow temperature at a site corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the third shallow temperature at a site corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine.

4. 3. The neuropathological abnormality diagnosis system of claim 2, wherein the diagnostic processing device includes an abnormality determination means for determining the occurrence of a neuropathological abnormality around the spine based on a temperature difference between the second deep temperature at a location corresponding to the left transverse process of each vertebra of the spine and the third deep temperature at a location corresponding to the right transverse process of each vertebra of the spine.

5. 3. The neuropathological abnormality diagnostic system according to claim 1, further comprising a display means for displaying the diagnosis results obtained by the diagnostic processing device, wherein the controller of the temperature measuring device or the diagnostic processing device includes a movement distance calculation means for calculating a measured movement distance based on the number of rotations of the roller, the temperature measuring means measures the first to third body surface temperatures corresponding to at least one of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of the spine of the body, the controller or the diagnostic processing device calculates a vertebral position of each vertebra of the spine based on the measured movement distance calculated by the movement distance calculation means, and the diagnostic processing device displays the diagnosis results on the display means corresponding to the vertebral position of each vertebra.

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