Vibration Sense Testing Device

Abstract

To provide a vibration sense inspection apparatus capable of improving convenience for a user.SOLUTION: A vibration sense inspection apparatus 1 comprises: a vibration generation part 31 for generating vibration; a vibration transmission part 32 for transmitting the vibration generated by the vibration generation part 31 to the body surface of a subject; an elastic member 33 which supports the vibration transmission part 32; and a control part 22 for controlling the vibration generation part 31 to generate a plurality of levels of vibration. In a way like this, the device is capable of generating vibration of a plurality of levels of magnitude, and easily sorting the vibration sense of the subject into a plurality of levels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibratory sense testing device for testing vibratory sense. [Background technology]

[0002] Vibration sense is measured to examine peripheral nerve disorders such as diabetes and white finger disease. Conventionally, vibratory sense tests have been performed using tuning forks, but these tests require experienced doctors to perform them accurately, and there are problems with the measurements being inconsistent between examiners and each test taking a long time. Furthermore, there are problems with quantitatively determining whether vibratory sense is normal or abnormal.

[0003] To solve such problems, devices such as a vibration sensory meter that mechanically generates vibrations have been developed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The use of such a vibration sensory meter has the advantage that even an unskilled doctor can perform a more accurate examination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-238087 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-107279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional vibration sensors have the above-mentioned advantages over tuning forks, but they have not yet become widespread and there is room for further improvement. The present invention has been made in response to the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a vibration sense testing device that is more convenient to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the vibration sense testing device according to the present invention comprises a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, a vibration transmitting unit that transmits the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to the surface of the subject's body, an elastic member that supports the vibration transmitting unit, and a control unit that controls the vibration generating unit to generate multiple stages of vibrations. This configuration allows the subject to be subjected to predetermined multiple levels of vibration, and the degree of the subject's peripheral nerve damage can be classified into multiple levels depending on whether or not the subject perceives the vibration, making it possible to more easily and precisely grasp the degree of the subject's damage.

[0007] In addition, in the vibration sense testing device according to the present invention, the control unit may control the vibration generating unit to generate a first vibration, and if the subject is unable to perceive the first vibration, control the vibration generating unit to generate a second vibration that is larger than the first vibration, and if the subject is able to perceive the first vibration, control the vibration generating unit to generate a third vibration that is smaller than the first vibration. With this configuration, the degree of disability of the subject can be classified into four levels depending on whether or not there is perception at each level.

[0008] In addition, in the vibration sense testing device according to the present invention, the control unit may control the vibration generating unit to generate a fourth vibration that is larger than the second vibration when the subject is unable to perceive the second vibration, control the vibration generating unit to generate a fifth vibration that is smaller than the second vibration and larger than the first vibration when the subject is able to perceive the second vibration, control the vibration generating unit to generate a sixth vibration that is larger than the third vibration and smaller than the first vibration when the subject is unable to perceive the third vibration, and control the vibration generating unit to generate a seventh vibration that is smaller than the third vibration when the subject is able to perceive the third vibration. This configuration makes it possible to grasp the subject's level of vibratory sense with fewer changes in vibration magnitude. Vibratory sense tests sometimes use the ascending or descending method, but these methods can take a long time to grasp the subject's level of vibratory sense. For example, if a test using the descending method is performed on a subject with good vibratory sense, it will take a considerable amount of time for the vibration to weaken, and the subject will be confined for a long time. On the other hand, changing the vibration magnitude as described above has the advantage of making it possible to grasp the subject's vibratory sense with fewer changes in vibration magnitude. Another advantage is that the subject's confinement time will be shorter, reducing the subject's burden.

[0009] In addition, in the vibration sense testing device according to the present invention, the control unit may further include an output unit that determines the elapsed time, which is the time from the start of vibration of the tuning fork that corresponds to the vibration intensity corresponding to the subject's vibration sense threshold, using the relationship between the average vibration intensity of the tuning forks vibrated by multiple experts and the elapsed time, and outputs the elapsed time determined by the control unit. With this configuration, the vibration intensity corresponding to the subject's vibration sensation threshold is output as the elapsed time from the start of the tuning fork vibration, which corresponds to that vibration intensity. Therefore, those familiar with testing using tuning forks can easily understand the output results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The vibration sense testing device according to the present invention can further improve convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vibration sense inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an internal structure of a vibration unit according to the embodiment; [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an internal structure of a vibration unit according to the embodiment; [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the vibration sense inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the operation of the vibration sense inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a vibration sense test in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The vibration sense testing device according to the present invention will be described below using an embodiment. In the following embodiments, components and steps with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and repeated explanations may be omitted. The vibration sense testing device according to this embodiment can apply multiple levels of vibration to a subject.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vibration sense inspection device 1 according to this embodiment, FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a vibration unit 3, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the vibration sense inspection device 1.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration sense inspection device 1 includes a control unit 2 and a vibration unit 3. The control unit 2 and the vibration unit 3 are electrically connected by a wiring cord 4. In this embodiment, a case will be mainly described in which the control unit 2 includes a reception unit 21, a control unit 22, and an output unit 23, and the vibration unit 3 includes a vibration generation unit 31, a vibration transmission unit 32, an elastic member 33, and a housing 35. The control unit 2 and the vibration unit 3 may be configured as an integrated unit. In that case, the housing 35 of the vibration unit 3 may include the control unit 22 and the like.

[0015] The receiving unit 21 receives an instruction to start measurement, a result of vibration perception by the subject, etc. The vibration perception result may be, for example, an input indicating that vibration was perceived or not perceived. The receiving unit 21 may receive such an input via, for example, a button or the like provided on the control unit 2.

[0016] The control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate vibrations at multiple stages. The control unit 22 may output a control signal to the vibration generating unit 31 via the wiring cord 4. The control unit 22 may also receive the result of the subject's perception of the vibration from the reception unit 21, and may also pass the test result or the like according to the perception result to the output unit 23. Specific control of the vibration generating unit 31 by the control unit 22 will be described later.

[0017] The output unit 23 outputs the test results of the subject's vibration sense. The output unit 23 may also output information indicating the magnitude of the vibration being output at that time. The output may be, for example, a display on a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), a 7-segment display, or the illumination of a lamp. It may also be transmitted to a predetermined device via a communication line, printed by a printer, output as audio through a speaker, stored in a recording medium, or passed to another component. This embodiment will mainly describe the case where the output is a display. The output unit 23 may or may not include a device that performs the output (e.g., a display device or a printer). The output unit 23 may be implemented by hardware, or by software such as a driver that drives such a device.

[0018] The vibration generating section 31 generates vibrations. The vibration generating section 31 may have, for example, a vibrator that vibrates back and forth in a linear direction, and an excitation section that vibrates the vibrator in the linear direction. The vibrations may be generated using, for example, a coil or a magnet. The vibration generating section 31 may be, for example, a device that uses an electromagnetic coil such as a voice coil motor (VCM), a device that uses a piezoelectric element, or any other device that generates vibrations. From the perspective of miniaturizing the vibration unit 3, it is preferable that the vibration generating section 31 is a voice coil motor. In this embodiment, a case where the vibration generating section 31 is a voice coil motor will be mainly described.

[0019] The vibration generating unit 31 is usually controlled to generate vibrations at a predetermined frequency. The frequency may be, for example, 64 Hz, 100 Hz, 128 Hz, 256 Hz, or any other frequency between 32 Hz and 512 Hz. In this embodiment, the case where the frequency is 128 Hz will be mainly described.

[0020] The vibration transmission unit 32 transmits the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 31 to the surface of the subject's body. The surface of the body may be, for example, the inner ankle, the hand, or another location. The vibration transmission unit 32 is disposed so that the vibration direction of the vibration generating unit 31 (i.e., the linear direction of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 31, which is the left-right direction in FIG. 2A ) is the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 2A , the vibration transmission unit 32 may include, for example, a shaft 32a vibrated by the vibration generating unit 31, a vibration axis 32b connected to the end of the shaft 32a opposite the vibration generating unit 31, and a pad 32c provided on the end of the vibration axis 32b opposite the shaft 32a. For example, a vibrator included in the vibration generating unit 31 may be connected to one end of the vibration transmission unit 32 (the end of the shaft 32a in FIG. 2A ) so that the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 31 are transmitted to the vibration transmission unit 32. Furthermore, the vibration axis 32b of the vibration transmitter 32 may be supported by a guide bush 36 provided in the housing 35 so as to be vibrable in the vibration direction. The vibration transmitter 32 may be made of, for example, a lightweight metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or a synthetic resin. The pad 32c is the part that comes into contact with the surface of the human body, and may be made of, for example, hard rubber, synthetic resin, or the like.

[0021] The vibration transmission unit 32 is supported by an elastic member 33 so as to be movable in the vibration direction. The elastic member 33 can also prevent the vibration transmission unit 32 from vibrating in directions other than the longitudinal direction. While FIG. 2A illustrates a case in which the shaft 32a of the vibration transmission unit 32 is supported by the elastic member 33, other portions may be supported. The elastic member 33 is not particularly limited, but may be an annular leaf spring disposed between the housing 35 and the vibration transmission unit 32. In this case, the vibration transmission unit 32 is inserted into a hole in the elastic member 33, which is an annular leaf spring. The outer periphery of the annular leaf spring may be fixed to the inner periphery of the housing 35, and the inner periphery of the annular leaf spring may be fixed to the vibration transmission unit 32. When the elastic member 33 is an annular leaf spring, the leaf spring can support the vibration transmission unit 32 in an appropriate position and prevent the vibration transmission unit 32 from moving in the vibration direction. The leaf spring may be made of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel, etc. The elastic member 33 may be made of rubber, urethane, gel, or the like other than a leaf spring.

[0022] The housing 35 accommodates at least the vibration generating unit 31 and the elastic member 33. As shown in Fig. 2A, a part of the vibration transmitting unit 32 may also be accommodated inside the housing 35. The housing 35 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, substantially cylindrical.

[0023] The longitudinal length of the vibration unit 3 may be, for example, about 8 to 15 centimeters, and the maximum diameter may be, for example, about 1.5 to 5 centimeters. By making the vibration unit 3 small in size in this way, it becomes easier to test the vibratory sense.

[0024] 2A shows a case where the vibration unit 3 has one elastic member 33, but the vibration unit 3 may have two elastic members 33, 34 as shown in Fig. 2B, or may have three or more elastic members. For example, by having two elastic members 33, 34 as shown in Fig. 2B, the vibration transmission part 32 is supported more stably.

[0025] Next, the control of the vibration generating unit 31 by the control unit 22 will be described. As described above, the control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate multiple levels of vibration. That is, the control unit 22 outputs control signals corresponding to the multiple levels of vibration so that vibrations of multiple levels of magnitude are generated to the vibration generating unit 31. Note that the vibration magnitude may be considered to be, for example, the magnitude of vibration acceleration. The control unit 22 may also control the vibration of one level of magnitude to be generated for a predetermined period of time or longer. For example, when a test is performed while continuously changing the vibration magnitude using the ascending or descending method, the subject must carefully determine the points at which the subject begins to feel the vibration and the points at which the subject no longer feels the vibration, which places a great deal of tension on the subject. On the other hand, when vibrations of one level of magnitude are generated for a predetermined period of time or longer, the subject can undergo the test in a relaxed state without feeling such tension, and it is believed that more accurate vibration sense test results can be obtained.

[0026] In this embodiment, the vibration magnitude is expressed as a value corresponding to the number of seconds from the time when a tuning fork used in conventional vibratory sense tests is struck with a hammer or the like. That is, the time when the tuning fork is struck with the hammer is defined as 0 seconds, and the vibration magnitude corresponding to the vibration of the tuning fork N seconds later is referred to as the vibration magnitude corresponding to N seconds. Note that N is typically an integer, but it does not have to be. N may be a real number in units of 0.5 or 0.1, for example. This embodiment mainly describes the case where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Furthermore, the larger N is, the smaller the vibration magnitude becomes. That is, the vibration magnitude corresponding to 0 seconds is the largest, and as N increases, the vibration magnitude corresponding to N seconds decreases. Expressing the generated vibration magnitude in terms of N seconds equivalent to a tuning fork in this way allows testers who have previously performed tests using tuning forks to easily use the vibration sense testing device 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the relationship between the vibration magnitude (vibration intensity) and the elapsed time from the start of the tuning fork vibration may be determined by the relationship between the average vibration intensity of tuning forks vibrated by multiple experts and the elapsed time. In this case, for example, multiple experts (e.g., five or seven people) each obtain K times the relationship between the elapsed time and the vibration intensity when striking the tuning fork to vibrate. K is preferably 2 or greater, and may be 10, 15, or the like. If the number of experts is M, K × M relationships between the vibration intensity and the elapsed time, which is the time from the start of the tuning fork vibration, can be obtained. Next, by calculating the average of the K × M vibration intensities corresponding to the elapsed time "N seconds" in the K × M relationships, the vibration intensity equivalent to N seconds can be determined. Therefore, the vibration intensity equivalent to N seconds thus determined may be used as the magnitude of the vibration equivalent to the above-mentioned N seconds. It is preferable that the experts be, for example, diabetes specialists skilled in testing using tuning forks.

[0027] The control unit 22 may also control the magnitude of the vibration as follows: The control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a first vibration, and if the subject is unable to perceive the first vibration, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a second vibration that is stronger than the first vibration, and if the subject is able to perceive the first vibration, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a third vibration that is weaker than the first vibration. Note that the terms "first" and "second" in the terms "first vibration" and "second vibration" do not mean that the vibration magnitude is first or second, but are merely identifiers related to the magnitude of the vibration. The magnitude of the vibration is as follows: Third vibration < First vibration < Second vibration

[0028] Furthermore, whether the subject was able to perceive the vibration at each stage may be received by the receiving unit 21 of the control unit 2. For example, if the receiving unit 21 has a switch that is pressed when the subject was able to perceive the vibration and a switch that is pressed when the subject was not able to perceive the vibration, it may be determined whether the subject was able to perceive the vibration depending on which switch was pressed.

[0029] In this way, the first to third vibrations are applied to the subject, and whether or not each vibration is perceived is received, thereby classifying the subject's vibration sense into four levels. The control unit 22 may also classify the subject's vibration sense into four or more levels. In that case, for example, the vibration generating unit 31 may vibrate as follows.

[0030] The control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a fourth vibration that is larger than the second vibration when the subject is unable to perceive the second vibration, and may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a fifth vibration that is smaller than the second vibration and larger than the first vibration when the subject is able to perceive the second vibration. Furthermore, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a sixth vibration that is larger than the third vibration but smaller than the first vibration when the subject is unable to perceive the third vibration, and may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a seventh vibration that is smaller than the third vibration when the subject is able to perceive the third vibration. Furthermore, the receiving unit 21 may receive an input indicating whether the subject was able to perceive the fourth to seventh vibrations.

[0031] In this way, the subject's vibration sense can be classified into the following eight levels: Stage I: Able to perceive the seventh vibration Stage II: Able to perceive the third vibration but unable to perceive the seventh vibration Stage III: Able to perceive the sixth vibration but unable to perceive the third vibration Stage IV: Able to perceive the first vibration but unable to perceive the sixth vibration Stage V: Able to perceive the fifth vibration but unable to perceive the first vibration Stage VI: Able to perceive the second vibration but unable to perceive the fifth vibration Stage VII: Able to perceive the fourth vibration but unable to perceive the second vibration Stage VIII: Inability to perceive the fourth vibration

[0032] The first to seventh vibrations may be, for example, as follows: The correspondence between the next vibration stage and the vibration magnitude (equivalent to tuning fork seconds) is also shown in FIG. First vibration: 10 seconds worth of vibration Second vibration: 5 seconds worth of vibration Third vibration: 15 seconds worth of vibration Fourth vibration: Vibration equivalent to 3 seconds 5th vibration: 8 seconds worth of vibration 6th vibration: vibration equivalent to 12 seconds 7th vibration: 18 seconds worth of vibration

[0033] As described above, when the vibration stages correspond to the vibration magnitudes (corresponding to tuning fork seconds), the following determination may be made for each stage. Stage I-III (equivalent to 12 seconds or more): Normal Stage IV (10 seconds or more but less than 12 seconds): Caution Stage V (equivalent to 8 seconds or more but less than 10 seconds): Mild abnormality Stage VI-VII (3 seconds or more but less than 8 seconds): Abnormal Stage VIII (less than 3 seconds): Severe abnormality

[0034] The control unit 22 may also determine the elapsed time, which is the time from the start of vibration of the tuning fork corresponding to the vibration intensity corresponding to the subject's vibration perception threshold, by using the relationship between the average of the vibration intensities of tuning forks vibrated by multiple experts and the elapsed time. The vibration perception threshold is the vibration level that defines the boundary between whether vibration can be perceived or not. Therefore, the vibration perception threshold can be, for example, the minimum vibration intensity at which vibration can be perceived, or the maximum vibration intensity at which vibration cannot be perceived. The elapsed time corresponding to the vibration perception threshold may be indicated by a range or a pinpoint value. When the stage is determined as described above, the elapsed time corresponding to the vibration perception threshold is indicated as a range. The relationship between each stage and the elapsed time corresponding to the vibration perception threshold is, for example, as follows: Stage I: Less than 18 seconds of vibration Stage II: Vibration level equivalent to 18 seconds or more, but less than vibration level equivalent to 15 seconds Stage III: Vibration level equivalent to 15 seconds or more, but less than 12 seconds Stage IV: Vibration level equivalent to 12 seconds or more, but less than 10 seconds Stage V: Vibration level equivalent to 10 seconds or more, but less than 8 seconds Stage VI: Vibration level equivalent to 8 seconds or more, but less than 5 seconds Stage VII: Vibration level equivalent to 5 seconds or more, but less than 3 seconds Stage VIII: Vibration level equivalent to 3 seconds or more

[0035] The control unit 22 may, for example, pass the classification results of the subject's vibratory sense (each of the above stages), the test results corresponding to the stage (such as the above-mentioned "normal" or "caution"), and the elapsed time corresponding to the vibratory sense threshold to the output unit 23. The output unit 23 may then output the classification results, test results, the elapsed time corresponding to the vibratory sense threshold, etc. By performing such output, the subject, medical personnel, etc. can know the classification results of the subject's vibratory sense, the degree of peripheral neuropathy, the elapsed time corresponding to the vibratory sense threshold, etc.

[0036] The classification results, test results, and elapsed time corresponding to the vibration sensation threshold may not be output. In this case, for example, information indicating the magnitude of the vibration of the vibration generating unit 31 may be output by the output unit 23. For example, the tuning fork's equivalent in seconds (i.e., the elapsed time since the tuning fork started vibrating) or other information indicating the vibration magnitude may be output by the output unit 23. In this case, a doctor or the like may classify the subject's vibration sensation or diagnose peripheral neuropathy based on the output information and whether the subject was able to perceive the vibration.

[0037] In the above description, the vibration magnitude is described as having three or seven levels, but the number of levels is not limited. For example, even finer classification may be performed. For example, vibration sensation may be classified in one-second increments, from 2 seconds to 22 seconds. Furthermore, for example, a coarser classification may be performed. However, it is preferable that the vibration magnitude has two or more levels. By allowing the vibration generating unit 31 to generate vibrations with two or more levels of magnitude, the subject's vibration sensation can be classified into three or more levels, enabling a more detailed test than the two-level test using a tuning fork to determine whether the vibration sensation is abnormal or not. For example, it becomes possible to identify the elapsed time corresponding to a more detailed vibration sensation threshold.

[0038] Next, the operation of the vibration sense testing device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S101) The control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate vibrations of an initial value magnitude. The magnitude of the vibrations may be the magnitude of the first vibration, i.e., the magnitude of vibrations corresponding to 10 seconds of vibration of the tuning fork, as shown in FIG.

[0039] (Step S102) The control unit 22 determines whether the receiving unit 21 has received an input indicating that the subject was able to perceive the magnitude of vibration of the vibration generating unit 31 at that time, or an input indicating that the subject was not able to perceive it. If either input has been received by the receiving unit 21, the process proceeds to step S103; otherwise, the control unit 22 repeats the process of step S102 until the presence or absence of perception of the magnitude of vibration is received.

[0040] (Step S103) The control unit 22 determines whether or not to terminate application of vibration to the subject. If application of vibration to the subject is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S107; if not, the process proceeds to step S104. The control unit 22 may determine to terminate application of vibration to the subject, for example, when a predetermined number of vibrations have been generated and the corresponding presence or absence of perception by the subject has been received.

[0041] (Step S104) The control unit 22 determines whether the subject was able to perceive the vibration of the current magnitude. If the subject was able to perceive the vibration, the process proceeds to step S105; if not, the process proceeds to step S106. Whether the subject was able to perceive the vibration of the current magnitude is determined based on the input received in step S102.

[0042] (Step S105) The control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration smaller than the current vibration. Then, the process returns to step S102. More specifically, if there is already a vibration smaller than the current vibration that has not been perceived by the subject, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration of a magnitude approximately intermediate between the current vibration and the largest vibration among the vibrations not perceived by the subject. For example, as described above, if the first vibration is not perceived but the second vibration is perceived, the vibration generating unit 31 may be controlled to generate a fifth vibration between them.

[0043] Furthermore, when the subject has not yet received information on whether a vibration smaller than the current vibration is perceived, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration of a magnitude intermediate between the lower limit of the vibration magnitude and the current vibration. For example, as described above, when the first vibration is perceived, the vibration generating unit 31 may be controlled to generate a third vibration between the lower limit of the vibration magnitude and the first vibration.

[0044] (Step S106) The control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration greater than the current vibration. Then, the process returns to step S102. More specifically, if a vibration greater than the current vibration has already been perceived by the subject, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration whose magnitude is intermediate between the smallest vibration perceived by the subject and the current vibration. For example, as described above, if the first vibration is perceived but the third vibration is not perceived, the vibration generating unit 31 may be controlled to generate a sixth vibration between them.

[0045] Furthermore, when it has not yet been determined whether or not the subject has perceived a vibration larger than the current vibration, the control unit 22 may control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration of a magnitude intermediate between the upper limit of the vibration magnitude and the current vibration. For example, as described above, when the first vibration is not perceived, the vibration generating unit 31 may be controlled to generate a second vibration between the upper limit of the vibration magnitude and the first vibration.

[0046] (Step S107) The control unit 22 acquires the results of the vibration sense test depending on whether or not the subject perceives each vibration, and passes them to the output unit 23. The output unit 23 then outputs the received results. In this way, the series of processes related to the test of the subject's vibration sense is completed. Note that the information to be output may be, for example, the stage described above, or the test result such as "normal" or "caution." The order of processing in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is an example, and the order of each step may be changed as long as the same results are obtained.

[0047] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, by determining the magnitude of the vibration to be generated next as in steps S105 and S106, it becomes possible to obtain the level of the subject's vibratory sense with fewer changes in vibration. For example, in the case of classifying the subject's vibratory sense into eight levels according to seven levels of vibration as described above, if the seven levels of vibration are generated using the ascending or descending method, a maximum of seven vibrations must be generated to classify into each level. On the other hand, by generating vibrations as in the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is possible to classify the subject's vibratory sense into eight levels by generating three vibrations. Note that the number of times vibrations are generated is not important. For example, it may be two, three, or four or more times. The more vibrations are generated, the more detailed levels (more levels) the subject's vibratory sense can be classified.

[0048] Next, the operation of the vibration sense inspection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described using a specific example. Suppose a medical professional or the like presses a test start switch on the control unit 2 to start a vibration sense test. The reception unit 21 then receives a notification to start the test and passes it on to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 then controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a predetermined first vibration (a vibration with a magnitude equivalent to that of a tuning fork for 10 seconds) (step S101). In response to this control, the vibration generating unit 31 generates the first vibration. The medical professional or the like also places the pad 32c of the vibration unit 3 on the inner ankle of the subject. If the subject is able to perceive the vibration, the medical professional or the like presses a switch indicating that the subject has perceived the vibration; if the subject is unable to perceive the vibration, the medical professional or the like presses a switch indicating that the subject has not perceived the vibration. In this case, the medical professional or the like is able to perceive the vibration. The reception unit 21 then receives a notification that the subject has perceived the vibration and passes it on to the control unit 22 (step S102).

[0049] In this specific example, the control unit 22 determines to end application of vibration to the subject after three vibrations have been generated and whether or not the subject has perceived the vibrations has been received. Therefore, in this case, since only one vibration has been generated, the control unit 22 determines not to end application of vibration to the subject (step S103). Furthermore, since input indicating that the vibrations were perceived has been received (step S104), the control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a third vibration (a vibration with a magnitude equivalent to that of a tuning fork for 15 seconds) (step S105).

[0050] Then, in response to this control, the vibration generating unit 31 generates a third vibration. The medical professional or the like then places the pad 32c of the vibration unit 3 against the inner ankle of the subject. If the subject is able to perceive the vibration, he or she presses a switch indicating that the vibration was perceived, and if the subject is unable to perceive the vibration, he or she presses a switch indicating that the vibration was not perceived. In this case, it is assumed that the vibration was not perceived. Then, the reception unit 21 receives the information that the vibration was not perceived and passes it to the control unit 22 (step S102).

[0051] In this case, since vibrations have only been generated twice, the control unit 22 determines not to end application of vibrations to the subject (step S103). Also, since input indicating that the subject was unable to perceive the vibration was received (step S104), the control unit 22 controls the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a sixth vibration (a vibration with a magnitude equivalent to 12 seconds of the tuning fork) (step S106).

[0052] Then, in response to this control, the vibration generating unit 31 generates a sixth vibration. The medical professional or the like then places the pad 32c of the vibration unit 3 against the inner ankle of the subject. If the subject is able to perceive the vibration, he or she presses a switch indicating that the vibration was perceived, and if the subject is unable to perceive the vibration, he or she presses a switch indicating that the vibration was not perceived. In this case, it is assumed that the vibration was perceived. Then, the fact that the vibration was perceived is received by the receiving unit 21 and passed to the control unit 22 (step S102).

[0053] In this case, since the occurrence of three vibrations and the corresponding presence or absence of perception have been received, the control unit 22 determines to end the application of vibrations to the subject (step S103). Then, since the third vibration was not perceived and the sixth vibration was perceived, the control unit 22 obtains information that the subject's vibratory sense is at stage III and that the test result is "normal," and passes this information to the output unit 23. Upon receiving this information, the output unit 23 displays this information on the display device of the control unit 2 (step S107). In this way, medical personnel and the like can know that the subject's vibratory sense is at stage III and normal, and can communicate this result to the subject.

[0054] In the above specific example, a case has been described in which a third party such as a medical professional applies the pad 32c of the vibration unit 3 to the inner ankle of the subject, but this is not necessarily the case. The subject may apply the pad 32c of the vibration unit 3 to their own inner ankle. Furthermore, the position at which the pad 32c is applied may be a position on the surface of the subject's body other than the inner ankle, such as the ulnar styloid process of the hand.

[0055] As described above, the vibration sense testing device 1 according to this embodiment can apply vibrations of multiple magnitude levels to the subject, thereby classifying the degree of the subject's peripheral nerve disorder into multiple levels. Furthermore, if the vibration generating unit 31 is a voice coil motor, the vibration generating unit 31 can be made smaller, thereby enabling the vibration unit 3 to be made smaller. Furthermore, if the elastic member 33 is an annular leaf spring disposed between the housing 35 and the vibration transmitting unit 32, the leaf spring can appropriately support the vibration transmitting unit 32 so that it can move in the vibration direction. This simplifies the support mechanism, resulting in space savings. Furthermore, by controlling the vibration generating unit 31 to generate the first through seventh vibrations as described above, the control unit 22 can classify the subject's vibration sense based on fewer vibrations. Furthermore, if the vibration intensity corresponding to the subject's vibration sense threshold is output based on the elapsed time from the start of the tuning fork vibration corresponding to that vibration intensity, those familiar with testing using tuning forks can easily understand the output results. Furthermore, by using the relationship between the average vibration intensity of tuning forks vibrated by multiple experts and the elapsed time as the relationship between vibration intensity and the elapsed time, even non-experts can perform an inspection as accurate as an expert. Furthermore, the results of this inspection can be compared with the results of an inspection using a tuning fork.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the control unit 22 mainly determines the magnitude of the next vibration depending on whether the subject was able to perceive the vibration. However, this is not necessarily the case. The control unit 22 may, for example, control the vibration generating unit 31 to generate a vibration of a magnitude corresponding to the input. In this case, for example, a medical professional such as a doctor may determine the vibration magnitude and input it to the receiving unit 21. The control unit 22 may also control the vibration generating unit 31 to, for example, increase the vibration intensity in stages or decrease the vibration intensity in stages. In this case, the vibration generation time for each stage may be determined. Then, after that generation time has elapsed, the vibration may be switched to the next stage. For example, if the vibration intensity increases in stages, when the receiving unit 21 receives information that the subject was able to perceive the vibration, the control unit 22 may identify the vibration intensity at that time as the vibration perception threshold of the subject. Furthermore, for example, when the vibration intensity gradually decreases and the receiving unit 21 receives a notification that the vibration is no longer perceptible, the control unit 22 may specify the vibration intensity at that time as the subject's vibration perception threshold. In such cases, the vibration perception threshold, which is a pinpoint value, is specified. The control unit 22 may also specify the elapsed time, which is the time from the start of vibration of the tuning fork, that corresponds to the vibration intensity corresponding to the vibration perception threshold.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each process or function may be realized by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or may be realized by distributed processing by multiple devices or multiple systems.

[0058] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing a memory unit or recording medium.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] As described above, the vibration sense testing device according to the present invention has the effect of further improving convenience, and is useful as a device for testing the vibratory sense of a subject. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Vibration sense testing device 2. Control Unit 3 vibration unit 21 Reception 22 Control Unit 23 Output section 31 Vibration generating unit 32 Vibration transmission unit 33, 34 Elastic member 35 cabinet

Claims

1. a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations; a vibration transmission unit that transmits the vibration generated by the vibration generation unit to a surface of the subject's body; an elastic member supporting the vibration transmitting portion; a control unit that controls the vibration generating unit to generate a first vibration, controls the vibration generating unit to generate a second vibration whose amplitude is intermediate between the first vibration and an upper limit of the vibration amplitude if the subject is unable to perceive the first vibration, and controls the vibration generating unit to generate a third vibration whose amplitude is intermediate between the first vibration and a lower limit of the vibration amplitude if the subject is able to perceive the first vibration, and determines the elapsed time, which is the time from the start of vibration of the tuning fork corresponding to the vibration intensity corresponding to the subject's vibration perception threshold, using the relationship between the average of the vibration intensities of tuning forks vibrated by multiple experts and the elapsed time; an output unit that outputs the elapsed time specified by the control unit.

2. The control unit controlling the vibration generating unit to generate a fourth vibration that is larger than the second vibration when the subject is unable to perceive the second vibration, and controlling the vibration generating unit to generate a fifth vibration that is smaller than the second vibration and larger than the first vibration when the subject is able to perceive the second vibration; 2. The vibration sense testing device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration generating unit is controlled to generate a sixth vibration that is larger than the third vibration but smaller than the first vibration when the subject is unable to perceive the third vibration, and the vibration generating unit is controlled to generate a seventh vibration that is smaller than the third vibration when the subject is able to perceive the third vibration.

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