Biometric measurement device, biological measurement system, and biological measurement method

Abstract

To provide a biomedical measurement apparatus, a biomedical measurement system, and a biomedical measurement method capable of acquiring positional information of a marker part originating information, without using a marker part which originates information.SOLUTION: The biomedical measurement apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: an irradiation part which irradiates an analyte with radiation; an imaging part which has a light receiving surface for receiving the radiation and images the analyte based on the radiation from the irradiation part; a marker part which absorbs the radiation from the irradiation part; and a processing part which outputs biomedical information based on first positional information of the marker part, second positional information of the irradiation part, third positional information of the marker part calculated from a captured image of the marker part by the imaging part, and an imaging result of the analyte by the imaging part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biological measurement device, a biological measurement system, and a biological measurement method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a biological measurement device that outputs information related to a living body as a measurement result is known. Examples of the biological measurement device include those that measure weak biomagnetism generated by weak electric currents accompanying the excitation of cells constituting the heart, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, etc. of a subject, and those that output an X-ray image of the living body as a measurement result.

[0003] As the above biological measurement device, in order to associate the measurement result of biomagnetism with the morphological position of an organ in a subject, a device that acquires the position information of a magnetic marker using a magnetic marker that generates a magnetic field is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the device of Patent Document 1, since a labeling unit that transmits information by itself, such as a magnetic marker, is used, there are limitations on the position where the labeling unit can be installed.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a biological measurement device, a biological measurement system, and a biological measurement method capable of acquiring the position information of a labeling unit without using a labeling unit that transmits information by itself.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A biological measurement device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with radiation, an imaging unit that has a light-receiving surface for receiving the radiation and images the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit, a labeling unit that absorbs the radiation from the irradiation unit, A detection unit for detecting the biomagnetic field of the subject, the first position information of the labeling unit, In the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit the second position information of the irradiation unit, and a captured image of the labeling unit by the imaging unit, which is calculated from In the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit The system includes a processing unit that outputs biological information based on the third position information of the labeling unit and the imaging result of the subject by the imaging unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a biometric measurement device, a biometric measurement system, and a biometric measurement method that can acquire location information of a label unit without using a label unit that transmits information itself. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a biomedical measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the biomedical measurement device, viewed from a direction perpendicular to Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a top view of the biomedical measurement device. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the labeling section according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the labeling section according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the labeling section according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the labeling section according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the processing unit of the biological measurement device. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of an example of position calculation processing by the processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a biomedical measurement device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a simplified perspective view of the biomedical measurement device. [Figure 14] It is a side view of the biological measurement device of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a side view of the biological measurement device viewed from a direction orthogonal to FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a top view of the biological measurement device of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the marking part according to the first modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the marking part according to the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the marking part according to the third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the marking part according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a block diagram of a functional configuration example of the processing unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart of an alignment processing example by the processing unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart of a geometric transformation processing example by the processing unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] It is the first figure for explaining the alignment processing example by the processing unit of FIG. 21. <所定の [Figure 25] It is the second figure for explaining the alignment processing example by the processing unit of FIG. 21. [Figure 26] It is the third figure for explaining the alignment processing example by the processing unit of FIG. 21. [Figure 27] It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the biological measurement device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a side view of the biological measurement device of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] It is a side view of the biological measurement device viewed from a direction orthogonal to FIG. 28. [Figure 30] It is a top view of the biological measurement device of FIG. 27.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A biomedical measurement device, biomedical measurement system, and biomedical measurement method according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of a biomedical measurement device, biomedical measurement system, and biomedical measurement method for realizing the technical concept of this embodiment, and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, in the following description, the same name and reference numerals indicate the same or similar components, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In each drawing, a Cartesian coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes is used to indicate direction. The Z-axis direction represents the up and down direction. The direction in which the Z-axis arrow points is denoted as the +Z direction, and the opposite direction is denoted as the -Z direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions represent two orthogonal directions within a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. The direction in which the X-axis arrow points is denoted as the +X direction, and the opposite direction is denoted as the -X direction. The direction in which the Y-axis arrow points is denoted as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction is denoted as the -Y direction. In this specification, a top view means viewing the object from above (+Z direction). However, these directional expressions are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the directions of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Example configuration of biomedical measurement device 100> The configuration of the biomedical measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the biomedical measurement device 100. Figure 2 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device 100 viewed from the +Y direction. Figure 3 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device 100 viewed from the +X direction. Figure 4 is a top view of the biomedical measurement device 100.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the biomedical measurement device 100 includes an irradiation unit 1, an imaging unit 2, a labeling unit 3, and a processing unit 4. The irradiation unit 1 irradiates the subject S with radiation. The subject S is placed between the irradiation unit 1 and the imaging unit 2. The imaging unit 2 has a light-receiving surface 20 that receives radiation and takes an image of the subject S based on the radiation irradiated from the irradiation unit 1. The labeling unit 3 is placed between the subject S and the light-receiving surface 20. The labeling unit 3 includes a labeling unit 31 and a labeling unit 32. The relative positions of the labeling unit 31 and the labeling unit 32 are known. Note that the labeling unit 3 may be placed between the subject S and the irradiation unit 1.

[0013] The biomedical measurement device 100 uses the imaging unit 2 to image the subject S based on the radiation from the irradiation unit 1. Specifically, the biomedical measurement device 100 irradiates the subject S from above with radiation from the irradiation unit 1, and the radiation is received by the light-receiving surface 20, which is positioned on the opposite side of the subject S from the irradiation unit 1, to image the subject S. The radiation emitted by the irradiation unit 1 is, for example, X-rays. The imaging by the imaging unit 2 is, for example, X-ray imaging. The processing unit 4 outputs the X-ray image of the subject S as biological information based on the imaging result from the imaging unit 2.

[0014] The labeling unit 3 is used to associate the distance on the image (for example, in pixels) of organs, etc., included in the X-ray image taken by the imaging unit 2 with the distance in real space (for example, in mm). The biomedical measurement device 100 can calibrate the correspondence between the distance on the image and the distance in real space by performing the above association. When performing this calibration, it is sufficient to calculate the position of the labeling unit 3, so as long as the labeling unit 3 is between the irradiation unit 1 and the imaging unit 2, the presence or absence of the subject S is irrelevant.

[0015] The marking units 31 and 32 may be aligned in a direction that intersects the normal to the light-receiving surface 20. For example, if the marking units 31 and 32 are aligned in the direction that is normal to the light-receiving surface 20, the images of the marking units 31 and 32 obtained by the imaging unit 2 will overlap, making it difficult to associate the distance in the image with the distance in real space based on the distance between the images of the marking units 31 and 32. By aligning the marking units 31 and 32 in a direction that intersects the normal to the light-receiving surface 20, the images of the marking units 31 and 32 obtained by the imaging unit 2 will be separated, making it possible to associate the distance in the image with the distance in real space based on the distance between the images of the marking units 31 and 32.

[0016] The processing unit 4 is constructed using a computer or the like. There are no particular restrictions on the location where the processing unit 4 is placed, and it can be selected as appropriate. The processing unit 4 outputs biological information based on the first position information of the marking unit 3, the second position information of the illumination unit 1, the third position information of the marking unit 3 obtained from the image of the marking unit 3 captured by the imaging unit 2, and the imaging results from the imaging unit 2. The first position information of the marking unit 3 corresponds to the known relative position information of the marking units 31 and 32. The third position information refers to information related to the position of the marking unit 3 in a predetermined coordinate system.

[0017] The irradiation unit 1 irradiates the subject S with radiation from above. The central axis 10 in Figure 1 represents the central axis of the radiation from the irradiation unit 1. In this embodiment, the inclination of the light-receiving surface 20 with respect to the central axis 10 is approximately 90°. However, the inclination of the light-receiving surface 20 with respect to the central axis 10 is not limited to approximately 90°, but may be any angle. The radiation from the irradiation unit 1 is preferably simple X-rays. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 1 is an X-ray light source capable of irradiating simple X-rays.

[0018] The imaging unit 2 is positioned below the subject S. In other words, the imaging unit 2 is positioned opposite the irradiation unit 1, with the subject S in between. The imaging unit 2 acquires an image of the subject S based on the radiation that has passed through the subject S. The acquired image is digital image data. The imaging unit 2 outputs information about the acquired image to the processing unit 4.

[0019] The imaging unit 2 can use a flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as FPD) or an imaging plate (hereinafter referred to as IP). The FPD can use a direct conversion method, an indirect conversion method, or other methods. The direct conversion method generates an electric charge on the light-receiving surface 20, which acts as a detection element, according to the dose of irradiated radiation, and converts this charge into an electrical signal. The indirect method converts the irradiated radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths, such as visible light, using a light-receiving surface 20 such as a scintillator. Then, according to the energy of the converted electromagnetic waves, a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode generates an electric charge and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0020] The IP described above consists of a film coated with photostimulable phosphor powder, which is housed in a cassette-like enclosure with a photoreceiving surface 20. Radiation that passes through the test site U of the subject S is irradiated onto the IP, and the energy of the radiation is stored in the photostimulable phosphor. Subsequently, a reading device irradiates the IP with laser light of a specific wavelength, and an image is obtained by reading either the amount of reflected or transmitted light of the irradiated laser light from the IP.

[0021] The labeling units 31 and 32 in the labeling unit 3 are positioned between the subject S and the light-receiving surface 20. The labeling units 31 and 32 each absorb radiation from the irradiation unit 1. As the labeling units 31 and 32 absorb radiation, the images captured by the imaging unit 2 include the shadows of the labeling units 31 and 32, respectively, as labeling unit images 31' and 32'.

[0022] For example, each of the labeling portion 31 and labeling portion 32 can absorb radiation by containing iron. However, both the labeling portion 31 and labeling portion 32 may also contain tungsten. Furthermore, each of the labeling portion 31 and labeling portion 32 is a sphere. The biomedical measurement device 100 can efficiently and accurately detect the positions of each of the labeling portion 31 and labeling portion 32 by detecting the center position of the spheres.

[0023] <Modified example of the sign section according to the first embodiment> The marking portion according to the first embodiment can be modified in various ways. Figures 5 to 8 are perspective views showing the configuration of the marking portion according to modified examples of the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows the first modified example, Figure 6 shows the second modified example, Figure 7 shows the third modified example, and Figure 8 shows the fourth modified example.

[0024] In Figure 5, the marking portion 3a has a linear shape with its longitudinal direction in the X-axis direction. Unlike the marking portion 3 described above, the marking portion 3a is a single component. The relative positions of the two ends of the marking portion 3a in the X-axis direction are known and correspond to the first position information described above. The material used for the marking portion 3a can be iron or tungsten. The marking portion image 3a' is an image of the marking portion 3a.

[0025] In Figure 6, the marking portion 3b has a linear shape with its longitudinal direction in the X-axis direction, and has a marking portion 31b at one end in the X-axis direction and a marking portion 32b at the other end in the X-axis direction. Marking portions 31b and 32b are each spheres. Iron or tungsten can be used as the material for marking portions 31b and 32b, respectively. Marking portion image 31b' is an image of marking portion 3b. Marking portion image 32b' is an image of marking portion 3b. The relative positions of marking portions 31b and 32b are known and correspond to the first position information described above. The linear portion of marking portion 3b preferably contains a non-magnetic material. Marking portions 31b and 32b are not limited to spheres, but may be solids with shapes other than spheres.

[0026] In Figure 7, the marking section 3c includes marking section 31c, marking section 32c, marking section 33c, and marking section 34c. Marking sections 31c, 32c, 33c, and 34c are arranged in a virtual plane along the light-receiving surface 20, within a range that can be photographed by the imaging section 2. Iron or tungsten can be used as the material for each of the marking sections 31c, 32c, 33c, and 34c.

[0027] The marked part image 31c' is an image of the marked part 31c. The marked part image 32c' is an image of the marked part 32c. The marked part image 33c' is an image of the marked part 33c. The marked part image 34c' is an image of the marked part 34c. The number of marked parts included in the marked part 3c is not limited to four, but may be three or five or more. The relative positions of the marked parts 31c, 32c, 33c, and 34c are known and correspond to the first position information described above.

[0028] In Figure 8, the marking portion 3d includes a flat plate member 30d, and marking portions 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d. Marking portions 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d are provided inside or outside the flat plate member 30d so as to be integrated with the flat plate member 30d. Iron or tungsten can be used as the material for marking portions 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d. The relative positions of marking portions 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d are known and correspond to the first position information described above. It is preferable that the flat plate member 30d is a non-magnetic material.

[0029] The image of the marked portion 31d' is an image of the marked portion 31d. The image of the marked portion 32d' is an image of the marked portion 32d. The image of the marked portion 33d' is an image of the marked portion 33d. The image of the marked portion 34d' is an image of the marked portion 34d. The number of marked portions integrally provided on the flat plate member 30d is not limited to four, but may be three or five or more.

[0030] In this embodiment, the labeling units 3a to 3d are all positioned below the irradiation unit 1.

[0031] <Example configuration of processing unit 4> (Hardware configuration) Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing unit 4. The processing unit 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an I / O port 404, and an external I / F (Interface) 405. These are connected to each other via the system bus B so that they can communicate with one another. The processing unit 4 may also be further equipped with memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0032] The CPU 401 performs control processing, including various arithmetic operations. The ROM 402 stores programs used to drive the CPU 401, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 403 is used as the work area for the CPU 401.

[0033] I / O port 404 is an input / output port that connects the irradiation unit 1, the imaging unit 2, the operation unit 5, and the display unit 6 to the processing unit 4. I / O port 404 outputs an irradiation control signal C1 to the irradiation unit 1. I / O port 404 receives the captured image Im1 from the imaging unit 2. I / O port 404 receives the operation input signal In from the operation unit 5. I / O port 404 outputs a display control signal Ot to the display unit 6.

[0034] External I / F 405 is an interface for the processing unit 4 to communicate with external devices of the biological measurement device 100. The processing unit 4 can communicate with an external server 7, etc., via external I / F 405.

[0035] Furthermore, at least some of the functions realized by the CPU 401 may be realized by electrical or electronic circuits.

[0036] (Functional Configuration) Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the processing unit 4. The processing unit 4 includes an input unit 41, an image acquisition unit 42, a position information acquisition unit 43, a storage unit 44, a position calculation unit 45, a calibration unit 46, a biological information acquisition unit 47, an irradiation control unit 48, a display control unit 49, and an output unit 50.

[0037] The functions of the input unit 41 and the output unit 50 are realized by at least one of the I / O port 404 and the external I / F 405 in Figure 9. The functions of the image acquisition unit 42, position information acquisition unit 43, position calculation unit 45, calibration unit 46, biological information acquisition unit 47, irradiation control unit 48, and display control unit 49 are realized by the CPU 401 in Figure 9 executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM 402, etc. The functions of the storage unit 44 are realized by the RAM 403 in Figure 9, etc.

[0038] The image acquisition unit 42 acquires the captured image Im1 from the shooting unit 2 via the input unit 41. The image acquisition unit 42 outputs the acquired captured image Im1 to the position calculation unit 45.

[0039] The position information acquisition unit 43 acquires first position information P1, which is information regarding the relative positions of the marking units 31 and 32, and second position information P2, which is information regarding the position of the illumination unit 1. Each of the first position information P1 and second position information P2 is information regarding the position in a predetermined coordinate system of the biomedical measurement device 100. The first position information P1 and second position information P2 are each measured in advance and stored in the storage unit 44. The position information acquisition unit 43 can acquire these by referring to the storage unit 44.

[0040] The position calculation unit 45 detects the positions of the marker unit 31 and the marker unit 32, respectively, included in the captured image Im1. The position calculation unit 45 also performs a process to convert the detected positions of the marker unit images 31' and 32', respectively, into a predetermined coordinate system. Furthermore, the position calculation unit 45 stores information on the position and inclination of the light-receiving surface 20 in the storage unit 44. With these steps, it is possible to calculate what value each pixel on the image will have in the predetermined coordinate system based on the position and inclination of a certain point on the light-receiving surface 20. Since the marker unit 31 and the marker unit 32 are spheres, the center position of the circular marker unit image 31' can be detected as the position of the marker unit 31, and the center position of the circular marker unit image 32' can be detected as the position of the marker unit 32. The position calculation unit 45 may use the Hough transform to detect the center positions of the circular marker unit images 31' and 32', respectively. Furthermore, the position calculation unit 45 may reduce the detection processing load by pre-processing by extracting the surrounding image regions of the circular marker images 31' and 32', respectively, before detecting the circular marker images 31' and 32', respectively.

[0041] The position calculation unit 45 uses the first position information P1 and the second position information P2 to project the image regions corresponding to the marker units 31 and 32 on the captured image Im1. The position calculation unit 45 can calculate the positions of the marker units 31 and 32, which have been projected onto the light-receiving surface 20, as the third position information P3. In other words, the position calculation unit 45 can calculate the third position information P3 from the first position information P1 of the marker unit 3, the second position information P2 of the illumination unit 1, and the captured image of the marker unit 3 by the imaging unit 2.

[0042] The calibration unit 46 calibrates the correspondence relationship information A between distances in the image and distances in real space by associating the distances in the image with the distances in real space with the distances in the image with the distances in real space with the third position information P3 calculated by the position calculation unit 45.

[0043] The biological information acquisition unit 47 acquires biological information T, which is an image associated with distance in real space, based on the captured image Im1 and the correspondence relationship information A from the calibration unit 46. In other words, the biological information acquisition unit 47 can acquire biological information T based on the third position information P3 from the labeling unit and the captured image Im1, which is the result of capturing the subject S by the imaging unit 2. The biological information acquisition unit 47 outputs the biological information T to an external device via the output unit 50.

[0044] The irradiation control unit 48 controls the operation of the irradiation unit 1 by outputting an irradiation control signal C1 to the irradiation unit 1 via the output unit 50.

[0045] The display control unit 49 controls the operation of the display unit 6 by outputting a display control signal Ot to the display unit 6 via the output unit 50.

[0046] Each function of the processing unit 4 can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" in this specification includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function of the biomedical measurement device 100 described above.

[0047] <Example of position calculation processing by processing unit 4> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the position calculation process by the processing unit 4 according to the first embodiment. Before performing the processing shown in Figure 11, the biomedical measurement device 100 pre-measures the first position information P1 and the second position information P2 and stores them in the storage unit 44. The biomedical measurement device 100 starts the processing shown in Figure 11 when it receives an operation input signal In to start calibration via the operation unit 5 in Figure 9, etc.

[0048] First, in step S111, the processing unit 4 acquires the captured image Im1 taken by the shooting unit 2 via the input unit 41 using the image acquisition unit 42.

[0049] Next, in step S112, the processing unit 4 uses the position information acquisition unit 43 to refer to the storage unit 44 and acquire the first position information P1 and the second position information P2. The position information acquisition unit 43 also acquires information on the position and inclination of the light-receiving surface 20. Note that the processing in steps S111 and S112 may be performed in any order, or both may be performed in parallel.

[0050] Next, in step S113, the processing unit 4 uses the position calculation unit 45 to detect the positions of the marker units 31 and 32, respectively, included in the captured image Im1.

[0051] Next, in step S114, the processing unit 4 uses the position calculation unit 45 to project the image regions corresponding to the marker units 31 and 32 on the captured image Im1 using the first position information P1 and the second position information P2. The position calculation unit 45 can calculate the positions of the marker units 31 and 32, which have been projected onto the light-receiving surface 20, as the third position information P3. The position calculation unit 45 outputs the calculation results to the calibration unit 46.

[0052] As described above, the processing unit 4 can calculate the third position information P3 for each of the marking units 31 and 32.

[0053] <Effects and Effects of Biomedical Measurement Device 100> As described above, the biomedical measurement device 100 outputs biological information T based on the first position information P1 of the labeling unit 3, the second position information P2 of the irradiation unit 1, the third position information P3 of the labeling unit 3 calculated from the image Im1 of the labeling unit 3 captured by the imaging unit 2, and the image Im1 (image result of the subject S) captured by the imaging unit 2. By using the third position information P3 of the labeling unit 3, the biomedical measurement device 100 can output biological information T, which is an image in which the distance on the image is associated with the distance in real space.

[0054] For example, if a marker unit that emits its own information, such as a magnetic marker that generates a magnetic field, is used as the marker unit to acquire the third position information P3, the information emitted from the marker unit must be received by the imaging unit. If the marker unit is to be installed in a way that allows the imaging unit to receive the information it emits, the location where the marker unit can be installed may be limited. In addition, marker units that emit their own information are expensive because they need to be equipped with drive units, etc., which increases the cost of the biomedical measurement device.

[0055] In this embodiment, the third position information P3 is acquired by calculation without using a marker unit that transmits its own information. Therefore, the restrictions on the location where the marker unit is installed can be relaxed. In addition, the cost increase of the biometric measurement device 100 can be suppressed.

[0056] The processing unit 4 may output a third position information P3 for the marking unit 3 based on the position information of the light-receiving surface 20 in addition to the position information of the irradiation unit 1. In other words, the second position information P2 may include the position information of the irradiation unit 1 and the position information of the light-receiving surface 20. The biomedical measurement device 100 can calculate the third position information P3 with high accuracy by further using the position information of the light-receiving surface 20.

[0057] The processing unit 4 may output third position information P3 of the marking unit 3 based on the tilt information of the light-receiving surface 20 with respect to the central axis 10 (see Figure 1) of the radiation emitted from the irradiation unit 1. The biomedical measurement device 100 can calculate the third position information P3 with high accuracy by further using the tilt information of the light-receiving surface 20 with respect to the central axis 10 of the radiation.

[0058] [Second Embodiment] A biomedical measurement device 100a according to the second embodiment will now be described. Components identical or of the same nature as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. This also applies to other embodiments described later.

[0059] <Example configuration of biomedical measurement device 100a> The configuration of the biomedical measurement device 100a will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 16. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the biomedical measurement device 100a. Figure 13 is a simplified perspective view of the biomedical measurement device 100a. Figure 14 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device 100a viewed from the +Y direction. Figure 15 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device 100a viewed from the +X direction. Figure 16 is a top view of the biomedical measurement device 100a.

[0060] As shown in Figures 12 to 16, the biomedical measurement device 100a includes a stand 8, a support base 9, and a mobile stand 11. The stand 8 supports the subject S and the labeling unit 3, which includes labeling units 31 and 32. The labeling unit 3 is positioned between the stand 8 and the subject S. The labeling unit 3 may also be positioned between the subject S and the irradiation unit 1. The support base 9 supports the light-receiving surface 20. The mobile stand 11 supports the stand 8 and moves the stand 8 in the Y-axis direction. The relative positions of the labeling units 31 and 32 are known. Labeling unit image 31' represents the image of the labeling unit 31. Labeling unit image 32' represents the image of the labeling unit 32.

[0061] The irradiation unit 1 irradiates the subject S, which is placed between the irradiation unit 1 and the imaging unit 2, with radiation. The imaging unit 2 has a light-receiving surface 20 that receives radiation and takes an image of the subject S based on the radiation irradiated from the irradiation unit 1.

[0062] The biomedical measurement device 100a irradiates the subject S from the side using the irradiation unit 1, and receives the radiation with a light-receiving surface 20 positioned opposite the irradiation unit 1 on either side of the subject S, thereby taking an image of the subject S. The radiation emitted by the irradiation unit 1 is, for example, X-rays. The imaging by the imaging unit 2 is, for example, X-ray imaging. The processing unit 4 outputs the X-ray image of the subject S as biological information based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 2.

[0063] In the biomedical measurement device 100a, the configuration is the same as that of the biomedical measurement device 100 according to the first embodiment, except for the direction in which radiation is irradiated onto the subject S. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted here.

[0064] <Modified example of the sign portion according to the second embodiment> Figures 17 to 20 are perspective views showing the configuration of the marking section according to a modified example of the second embodiment, with Figure 17 showing the first modified example, Figure 18 showing the second modified example, Figure 19 showing the third modified example, and Figure 20 showing the fourth modified example.

[0065] Figure 17 shows the marking unit 3a. The marking unit 3a is the same as the marking unit 3a shown in Figure 5, except that it is located to the side of the irradiation unit 1. Figure 18 shows the marking unit 3b. The marking unit 3b is the same as the marking unit 3b shown in Figure 6, except that it is located to the side of the irradiation unit 1. Figure 19 shows the marking unit 3c. The marking unit 3c is the same as the marking unit 3c shown in Figure 7, except that it is located to the side of the irradiation unit 1. Figure 20 shows the marking unit 3d. The marking unit 3d is the same as the marking unit 3d shown in Figure 8, except that it is located to the side of the irradiation unit 1.

[0066] <Effects and Effects of the Biomedical Measurement Device 100a> The same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be obtained with the biomedical measurement device 100a described above.

[0067] [Third Embodiment] <Example of the functional configuration of processing unit 4b> Figure 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the processing unit 4b of the biomedical measurement device 100b according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, the processing unit 4b includes a geometric transformation unit 51, an alignment processing unit 52, and a biomedical information acquisition unit 47b. The functions of the geometric transformation unit 51, the alignment processing unit 52, and the biomedical information acquisition unit 47b are realized by the CPU 401 in Figure 9 executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM 402, etc.

[0068] The processing unit 4b calculates a virtual image Im2 by geometrically transforming the captured image Im1 using the geometric transformation unit 51, and then aligns the virtual image Im2 using the alignment processing unit 52. Furthermore, the processing unit 4b can calculate a virtual image Im2 for each of multiple captured images Im1 and align each of the multiple virtual images Im2.

[0069] The geometric transformation unit 51 geometrically transforms the captured image Im1 using the coordinates of the marker unit 3 in a predetermined coordinate system and the coordinates of the marker unit 3 in the captured image Im1 at the position of the light-receiving surface 20. This yields a virtual image Im2, which is the image at the position of the marker unit 3. The transformation result by the geometric transformation unit 51 is displayed on the display unit 6 in Figure 9. However, the transformation result may also be stored as a data file on an HDD or the like. Details of the processing by the geometric transformation unit 51 will be explained separately with reference to Figure 23.

[0070] The alignment processing unit 52 aligns the virtual image Im2 obtained by the geometric transformation unit 51 and calculates the aligned image Im3. The alignment processing unit 52 outputs the aligned image Im3 to the biological information acquisition unit 47b. Details of the processing by the alignment processing unit 52 will be explained separately with reference to Figures 24 to 26.

[0071] The biological information acquisition unit 47b acquires biological information T, which is an image associated with distance in real space, based on the alignment image Im3. The biological information acquisition unit 47b outputs the biological information T to an external device via the output unit 50.

[0072] <Example of processing by processing unit 4b> Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the alignment process performed by the processing unit 4b. Before performing the process shown in Figure 22, the biomedical measurement device 100a pre-measures the first position information P1 and the second position information P2, respectively, and stores them in the storage unit 44. The biomedical measurement device 100 starts the process shown in Figure 22 when it receives an operation input signal In to start the alignment via the operation unit 5 in Figure 9.

[0073] First, in step S221, the processing unit 4b acquires the first captured image Im11, which was captured by the imaging unit 2, via the input unit 41 using the image acquisition unit 42.

[0074] Next, in step S222, the processing unit 4b uses the position information acquisition unit 43 to refer to the storage unit 44 and acquire the first position information P1 and the second position information P2. Note that the processing in steps S221 and S222 may be performed in any order, or they may be performed in parallel.

[0075] Next, in step S223, the processing unit 4b uses the position calculation unit 45 to detect the positions of the marker unit 31 and the marker unit 32, respectively, included in the first captured image Im11.

[0076] Next, in step S224, the processing unit 4b uses the position calculation unit 45 to project the image regions corresponding to the markers 31 and markers 32 on the first captured image Im11 using the first position information P1 and the second position information P2. The position calculation unit 45 can calculate the positions of the markers 31 and markers 32, which have been projected onto the light-receiving surface 20, as third position information P3. The position calculation unit 45 outputs the calculation results to the geometric transformation unit 51.

[0077] Next, in step S225, the processing unit 4b uses the geometric transformation unit 51 to geometrically transform the first captured image Im11 using the coordinates of the marker unit 31 and marker unit 32 in a predetermined coordinate system and the coordinates of the marker unit 31 and marker unit 32 in the first captured image Im11 at the position of the light-receiving surface 20. This yields the first virtual image Im21, which is the image at the positions of the marker unit 31 and marker unit 32.

[0078] Next, in step S226, the processing unit 4b acquires the second captured image Im12, which was captured by the imaging unit 2, via the input unit 41 using the image acquisition unit 42.

[0079] Next, in step S227, the processing unit 4b uses the position calculation unit 45 to detect the positions of the marker unit 31 and the marker unit 32, respectively, included in the second captured image Im12.

[0080] Next, in step S228, the processing unit 4b uses the geometric transformation unit 51 to geometrically transform the second captured image Im12 using the coordinates of the marker unit 31 and marker unit 32 in a predetermined coordinate system and the coordinates of the marker unit 31 and marker unit 32 in the second captured image Im12 at the position of the light-receiving surface 20. This yields a second virtual image Im22, which is the image at the positions of the marker unit 31 and marker unit 32.

[0081] Next, in step S229, the processing unit 4b uses the alignment processing unit 52 to align the second virtual image Im22 obtained by the geometric transformation unit 51 and calculates the alignment image Im3, which is the image after alignment. The alignment processing unit 52 outputs the alignment image Im3 to the biological information acquisition unit 47b.

[0082] As described above, the processing unit 4 can perform the alignment process.

[0083] Next, Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of geometric transformation processing by the processing unit 4b. The processing unit 4b starts the processing shown in Figure 23 when the third position information P3 of the indicator unit 3 is calculated in step S224 of Figure 22.

[0084] First, in step S231, the processing unit 4b calculates the projection transformation parameters using the geometric transformation unit 51. Here, the position coordinates of the illumination unit 1 are (x0, y0, z0), the position coordinates of the image of the marker unit 3 are (xb, yb, zb), and the position coordinates of the marker unit 3 are (xa, ya, za), and it is assumed that the relative positions of the four points of the marker unit 3 form a square of length L. The geometric transformation unit 51 calculates the projection transformation parameters (r11, r12, r13, r14, r21, r22, r23, r24, r31, r32, r33, r34) using the following equations (1) and (2).

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number

[0085] Next, in step S232, the processing unit 4b uses the geometric transformation unit 51 to perform a projection transformation on the captured image Im1 using the projection transformation parameters (r11, r12, r13, r14, r21, r22, r23, r24, r31, r32, r33, r34). The processing unit 4b calculates the result of the projection transformation of the captured image Im1 as the virtual image Im2. Here, the captured image Im1 is a collective term for the first captured image Im11 and the second captured image Im12. Similarly, the virtual image Im2 is a collective term for the first virtual image Im21 and the second virtual image Im22.

[0086] As described above, the processing unit 4b can perform geometric transformation processing.

[0087] Figures 24 to 26 illustrate an example of the alignment process between the captured image Im1 and the virtual image Im2 performed by the processing unit 4b. Figure 24 is a perspective view, Figure 25 is a side view when there are two marking units 3, and Figure 26 is a side view when there are four marking units 3.

[0088] In Figures 24 to 26, the marker image 3' represents the image of the marker 3 on the light-receiving surface 20. The marker image 3' is the image within the second captured image Im12. The marker image 3'' represents the image of the marker 3 at the position of the marker 3 calculated based on the marker image 3'. The marker image 3'' is the image within the second virtual image Im22. The marker image 3' includes the marker images 31' and 32'. The marker image 3'' includes the marker images 31'' and 32''. In Figure 26, since there are four markers 3, the marker image 3'' includes the marker images 31-1'', 31-2'', 32-1'', and 32-2''.

[0089] Planar projection transformation is used to align the second captured image Im12. The alignment processing unit 52 performs a planar projection transformation on the second captured image Im12. This yields a second virtual image Im22, which is the image at the position of the marker unit 3. Planar projection transformation is a transformation that moves a point (x,y) to a point (u,v). Planar projection transformation can be performed using the following equations (3) to (5). If there are four marker units 3 and four corresponding points, a planar projection transformation to a virtual image can be performed using the transformation matrix H with transformation parameters (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h).

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number

number

[0090] When there are two marker units 3, d=-b, e=a, and g=h=0, so a planar projection transformation to a virtual image can be performed using the following equations (6) to (8).

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[0091] As shown in Figure 25, when there are two marking units 3, the alignment processing unit 52 performs alignment processing based on the positions of the two marking units 3. Also, as shown in Figure 26, when there are three or more marking units 3, and there are four marking units 3 in one layer, the alignment processing unit 52 performs alignment using the marking unit images 31-1'' and 32-1'' that are in the plane of the second virtual image Im22. On the other hand, when there are three or more marking units 3, and there are eight marking units 3 in two layers, the alignment processing unit 52 performs alignment using the four that are in the plane of the second virtual image Im22.

[0092] As described above, the biomedical measurement device 100b can align the virtual image Im2 by performing a planar projection transformation on the captured image Im1. Furthermore, the biomedical measurement device 100b can calculate a virtual image Im2 for each of multiple captured images Im1 and align each of the multiple virtual images Im2. As a result of these alignments, captured images from multiple directions can be aligned into a predetermined coordinate system. Then, the first captured image Im11 and the second captured image Im12 can be transformed within the predetermined coordinate system. Other effects and advantages are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0093] [Fourth Embodiment] A biomedical measurement device according to the fourth embodiment will now be described. Figure 27 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the biomedical measurement device 100c according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 28 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device 100c viewed from the +Y direction. Figure 29 is a side view of the biomedical measurement device 100c viewed from the -X direction. Figure 30 is a top view of the biomedical measurement device 100c.

[0094] As shown in Figures 27 to 30, the biomedical measurement device 100c includes a first irradiation unit 1-1, a second irradiation unit 1-2, a first imaging unit 2-1, a second imaging unit 2-2, a detection unit 12, and a processing unit 4c. The first imaging unit 2-1 has a first light-receiving surface 20-1. The second imaging unit 2-2 has a second light-receiving surface 20-2.

[0095] The first irradiation unit 1-1 irradiates the subject S with radiation from above. The first imaging unit 2-1 is positioned opposite the first irradiation unit 1-1, with the subject S in between, and performs imaging using the radiation from the first irradiation unit 1-1.

[0096] The second irradiation unit 1-2 irradiates the subject S with radiation from the side. The second imaging unit 2-2 is positioned opposite the second irradiation unit 1-2, with the subject S in between, and performs imaging using the radiation from the second irradiation unit 1-2.

[0097] The detection unit 12 detects the biomagnetic field of the subject S. The detection unit 12 outputs information regarding the detected magnetic field to the processing unit 4. The detection unit 12 is positioned below the subject S and facing the subject S.

[0098] The detection unit 12 has a three-dimensional coordinate system. The second position information P2 of the first irradiation unit 1-1 and the second position information P2 of the second irradiation unit 1-2 are acquired in advance as three-dimensional position information in the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit 12 and stored in the ROM 402 of the processing unit 4.

[0099] The detection unit 12 is composed of a magnetic sensor, a sensor container, etc. Specifically, the detection unit 12 may be a QUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device), a magnetoresistive element (MR (AMR, GMR, TMR, etc.)), a magnetoimpedance element (MI element), a flux gate sensor, a Hall element, an optical pumping atomic magnetic sensor, etc. If the detection unit 12 is a SQUID device, the SQUID sensor corresponds to the magnetic sensor.

[0100] Multiple magnetic sensors are provided. When the detection unit 12 is a SQUID device, the magnetic sensors are fixed inside a sensor container to achieve a superconducting state. Sensors other than SQUID sensors do not need to be placed inside a container; for example, the position of each sensor can be moved to bring them into close contact with the subject.

[0101] The sensor container has a magnetic detection surface facing the area of ​​the subject S being tested. The sensor container is also called a cryostat. The sensor container is preferably a vacuum-insulated container, and is filled with liquid helium to maintain the magnetic sensor at a low temperature and achieve a superconducting state.

[0102] The processing unit 4c can calculate the third position information P3 of the labeling unit 3 based on the image of the labeling unit 3 captured by the first imaging unit 2-1 and the image of the labeling unit 3 captured by the second imaging unit 2-2. The coordinate system of the detection unit 12 corresponds to a predetermined coordinate system. The third position information P3 of the labeling unit 3 is information related to the position of the labeling unit 3 in the coordinate system of the detection unit 12. Furthermore, the processing unit 4c can associate the measurement results of biomagnetism with the morphological positions of organs, etc., in the subject S, based on the detection results from the detection unit 12 and the third position information P3 of the labeling unit 3 from the processing unit 4.

[0103] The biomedical measurement device 100b detects weak biomagnetic fields generated by weak electric currents associated with the excitation of cells constituting the heart, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, etc., of the subject S using the detection unit 12. Based on the detection result from the detection unit 12 and the third position information P3 of the labeling unit 3 from the processing unit 4, the biomedical measurement device 100b can output the biomagnetic field measurement result corresponding to the morphological position of organs, etc., in the subject S. The effects and advantages other than those described above are the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0104] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0105] The embodiments also include a biometric measurement system having any one of the biometric measurement devices 100 to 100c described above. In addition to any one of the biometric measurement devices 100 to 100c, the biometric measurement system may also have an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a display device, a storage device, etc.

[0106] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> The biological measurement device comprises: an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with radiation; an imaging unit having a light-receiving surface that receives radiation and takes an image of the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit; a labeling unit that absorbs the radiation from the irradiation unit; and a processing unit that outputs biological information based on a first position information of the labeling unit, a second position information of the irradiation unit, a third position information of the labeling unit calculated from the image of the labeling unit taken by the imaging unit, and the image of the subject taken by the imaging unit. <2> The marking portion includes iron, <1> This is the biomedical measurement device described in [reference]. <3> The marking unit includes a plurality of marking units whose relative positions to each other are known, and the first position information is the relative position information of the plurality of marking units. <1> or the above <2> This is the biomedical measurement device described in [reference]. <4> The marking portion is a sphere, <1> From the above <3> It is a biomedical measurement device described in any one of the following. <5> The device further comprises a detection unit for detecting the biomagnetic field of the subject, wherein the position information of the irradiation unit is three-dimensional position information in a three-dimensional coordinate system possessed by the detection unit. <1> From the above <4> It is a biomedical measurement device described in any one of the following. <6> The plurality of indicator units are arranged in a direction intersecting the normal to the light-receiving surface, <3> This is the biomedical measurement device described in [reference]. <7> The processing unit outputs a third position information of the marking unit based on the position information of the light receiving surface. <1> From the above <6> It is a biomedical measurement device described in any one of the following. <8> The processing unit outputs third position information of the marking unit based on the inclination information of the light receiving surface with respect to the central axis of the radiation emitted from the irradiation unit. <1> From the above <7> It is a biomedical measurement device described in any one of the following. <9> The aforementioned <1> From the above <8> This is a biomedical measurement system having a biomedical measurement device described in any one of the following. <10> A method for measuring biological function using a biological measurement device, wherein the biological measurement device irradiates a subject with radiation using an irradiation unit, and photographs the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit using an imaging unit having a light-receiving surface that receives radiation, and a processing unit outputs biological information based on a first position information of the labeling unit, a second position information of the irradiation unit, and a third position information of the labeling unit calculated from the image of the labeling unit taken by the imaging unit, and the result of the imaging of the subject taken by the imaging unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Irradiation area 10 center axis 2. Photography Department 20 Photosensitive surface 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 31, 32, 33, 34 Sign section 3', 31', 32', 33', 34': Marked image at the position of the light-receiving surface Image of the marked area at the positions of 3'', 31'', 32'', 33'', and 34''. 30d flat plate member 4, 4b, 4c Processing Units 41 Input section 42 Image acquisition unit 43 Location information acquisition unit 44 Storage Unit 45 Position calculation section 46. ​​Proofreading Department 47. Biological Information Acquisition Unit 48 Irradiation control unit 49 Display Control Unit 50 Output section 51 Geometric Transformation Section 52 Alignment Processing Unit 5 Control section 6 Display section 7. External Servers 8 mounting bases 9 Support stand 11 Mobile platform 12 Detection unit 100, 100a, 100b, 100c Biometric Measurement Devices 401 CPU 402 ROM 403 RAM 404 I / O ports 405 External I / F A Correspondence Information C1 Irradiation control signal Im1 Photograph Im2 virtual image Im3 Alignment Image In operation input signal Ot Display Control Signal P1 1st location information P2 2nd location information P3 3rd location information S subject T Biological Information [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6513798

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with radiation, A light-receiving surface that receives radiation, and an imaging unit that photographs the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit, A labeling section that absorbs the radiation from the irradiation section, A detection unit for detecting the biomagnetic field of the subject, A biological measurement device comprising: a processing unit that outputs biological information based on a first position information of the marking unit, a second position information of the irradiation unit in a three-dimensional coordinate system possessed by the detection unit, and a third position information of the marking unit in a three-dimensional coordinate system calculated from an image of the marking unit taken by the imaging unit, and the imaging result of the subject taken by the imaging unit.

2. An irradiation unit for irradiating a subject with radiation, A light-receiving surface that receives radiation, and an imaging unit that photographs the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit, A labeling section that absorbs the radiation from the irradiation section, A detection unit for detecting the biomagnetic field of the subject, Processing unit and Equipped with, The aforementioned processing unit, From the first position information of the marking unit, the second position information of the illumination unit in the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit, and the image of the marking unit captured by the imaging unit, the third position information of the marking unit in the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit is calculated. A biological measurement device that outputs biological information relating the location of biomagnetic field generation to the morphological position of the subject, based on the measurement results of biomagnetic field by the detection unit, the third position information of the labeling unit, and the imaging results of the subject by the imaging unit.

3. The biomedical measurement device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the labeling portion contains iron.

4. The marking section includes a plurality of marking sections whose relative positions to each other are known. The biomedical measurement device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first position information is relative position information of the plurality of marked portions.

5. The biomedical measurement device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the labeling portion is a sphere.

6. The biomedical measurement device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of marking units are arranged in a direction intersecting the normal to the light-receiving surface.

7. The biological measurement device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing unit outputs a third position information of the marking unit based on the position information of the light receiving surface.

8. The biological measurement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit outputs third position information of the marking unit based on the inclination information of the light receiving surface with respect to the central axis of the radiation irradiated from the irradiation unit.

9. A biomedical measurement system having a biomedical measurement device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. A method for measuring biological function using a biological measurement device, wherein the biological measurement device is The irradiation unit irradiates the subject with radiation, The detection unit detects the biomagnetic field of the subject, The subject is photographed by an imaging unit having a light-receiving surface that receives radiation, based on the radiation from the irradiation unit. A biological measurement method comprising a processing unit that outputs biological information based on a first position information of the labeling unit, a second position information of the irradiation unit in the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit, and a third position information of the labeling unit in the three-dimensional coordinate system of the detection unit, calculated from the image of the labeling unit captured by the imaging unit, and the imaging result of the subject captured by the imaging unit.

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