JPH03215256A - Bone evaluation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize the simplification of a bone measuring apparatus and that of a communication means by arranging the bone measuring apparatus equipped with the min. functions at an X-ray imaging place or in the vicinity thereof and connecting the same to a bone evaluation apparatus by a communication circuit and providing various evaluation functions to the bone evaluation apparatus. CONSTITUTION:A bone evaluation system has a bone measuring apparatus 71, a bone evaluation apparatus 72 and the communication means 71 connecting both apparatuses and the bone measuring apparatus processes the data related to imaging due to the quantity of transmitted light obtained by applying light to the X-ray photographic film of a bone be examined obtained by subjecting the bone to be examined to the X-ray photographing along with a standard substance and processes the radiation image of the bone to be examined based on the transmitted radiation obtained by irradiating the bone to be examined with radiation such as X-rays or gamma-rays along with the standard substance, if necessary. The bone evaluation apparatus 72 is equipped with memory means 74, 75 storing and preserving the measured results of the bone measuring apparatus 1 transmitted by the communication means 71 and an evaluation means 73 based on the combination of various measured results comparing the newest transmitted measured results with the measured results up to now to evaluate the amount of the bone salt in the bone to be examined.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION "Field of Industrial Application" The present invention relates to a bone evaluation system capable of exchanging information between remote locations. More specifically, the present invention provides a bone evaluation system that can efficiently evaluate bone history and the like using a communication system.

[Prior art] Various methods such as confirming the developmental state of human bones and the degree of aging, determining the type of bone lesions such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia, and confirming the progress of the symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment. Bone measurements may be performed.

Such bone measurement methods include the MD method ([ Bone Metabolism” Volume 13, 187-
p. 195 (1980), “Bone Metabolism J Vol. 14, 9
1-104 (1981), photon absorpsimetry, which measures bone by irradiating gamma rays onto the bone being examined and measuring the amount of gamma rays that have passed through it with a detector; There is a method of measuring the amount of transmitted X-rays obtained by irradiating X-rays with a detector.

The MD method is easy to adopt in that it uses an X-ray photographic film that can be easily obtained using an X-ray imaging device that is widely used as a device for diagnosing fractures, etc., and has gradually become widespread. . Regarding photon absorptiometry, it cannot be said that the gamma ray generating devices used are generally more widespread than X-ray imaging devices.

“Problem H that the invention seeks to solve” In conventional bone measurement using the MD method, the location where X-ray photography is performed and the time when bone measurement is performed using the obtained X-ray photographic film are geographically Because they are far apart, it has been difficult to carry out rapid bone measurements such as transporting X-ray photographs.

A bone measuring device will be installed at the location where fSX-ray imaging, etc. will be performed! In this case, it would be necessary to equip each bone measuring device with a large number of evaluation functions in each region, which would likely cause an economic disadvantage, and would also require excessive effort to maintain and manage each device. During such a period, Z occurs.

[Means for Solving the Problems] As a result of intensive research in order to solve the problems with these conventional techniques, the present inventors have found that the minimum necessary By arranging bone measuring devices equipped with functions, connecting them to a single bone evaluation device via a communication line, and equipping the bone evaluation device as a center device with various evaluation functions, each bone measuring device can be simplified. The present invention was achieved by discovering that communication means can be simplified by simplifying communication data such as measurement results and evaluation results.

That is, the present invention provides a bone measuring device for measuring the condition of a bone to be examined, a transmitting means for transmitting the bone measuring results obtained by the bone measuring device, and a transmitting means for transmitting the bone measuring results sent from the transmitting means. Bone evaluation device 1 for storing and evaluating the bone to be examined using the corresponding past bone measurement results and other data as necessary, and the bone evaluation device! 1. A bone evaluation system characterized by comprising a reply means for replying evaluation results obtained by the method to the bone measuring device.

Such a bone evaluation system is a system that has a bone measurement device, a bone evaluation device, and a communication means that connects them. It is.

The bone measuring device referred to here refers to a device that uses an X-ray photographic film of a bone to be examined obtained by taking X-rays together with a standard material, and processes data related to an image based on the amount of transmitted light obtained by irradiating the film with light. , those that process a radiographic image of the bone to be examined based on transmitted radiation obtained by irradiating the bone to be examined with radiation such as X-rays and γ-rays together with a reference material if necessary.

In addition, the bone evaluation device has a storage means for memorizing and storing the measurement results of the bone measurement device sent via communication means, and a storage means for storing the measurement results sent by the latest measurement method. It is preferable to have an evaluation means that combines various measurement results to compare the results and evaluate the bone mineral content of the bone to be examined.

The evaluation may include obtaining various information regarding bone measurements, if possible. Specifically, for example,
Examples include evaluation over time including past bone measurement results of the bone to be examined, and differences with measurement results of anterior concavity. In addition to that, remember the indicators related to healthy people of the same sex and age.
It may also have a function to evaluate the difference between them. Alternatively, enter and memorize information on medication history during treatment.
They may be included as part of the evaluation results as evaluation materials.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the bone evaluation system of the present invention. 1 is a bone measurement device, 71 is a telephone line including a sending means and a reply means, and 72 is a bone evaluation device. Such a bone evaluation device 172 has storage means 74. 75
and evaluation means 73.

Furthermore, the transmitting means and replying means, that is, the communication means in the present invention may be of any type as long as it has the required functions.

The present invention includes such a bone evaluation system that is equipped with means for having a self-diagnosis function for determining whether or not the bone measuring device is in a normal operating state.

As a self-diagnosis means with this self-diagnosis function, it is used to check whether the image of the bone being examined is being input normally, or to perform appropriate measurements such as investigating the cause and taking appropriate measures when a failure occurs. It is a means of determining whether the input conditions required for the system and the functions of the device are normal.

As a specific example of such a self-diagnosis means, for example, in the case of a bone measuring device that measures bone using an image of an X-ray photographic film of a bone to be examined, as a means for checking performance deterioration over time through periodic diagnosis, Changes in the performance of the light source and light amount detection means are measured in advance from the center equipment via communication and compared with the set performance, and each time the change is detected by a sensor to determine the deterioration over time. If the change progresses, it is practically desirable to dispatch service personnel to carry out readjustment.When a failure occurs, as a means of investigating the cause, for example, ■Contents of computer data memory (RAM) and image memory Method of checking with checksum, ■Printer operation test to check display and operation, DISK operation test, CRT controller operation test, keyboard operation test, ■Motor control operation test using standard test film to check film feed amount, ■Reading Some of them are equipped with an illuminance change operation test to check the function and correction function.

In addition, as a self-test that does not involve communication, it is possible to correct the unevenness in the width direction caused by the linear light beam of the linear sensor and the lens every time an X-ray film is measured, and check the basic functions and communication functions of the computer. It is desirable to realize the self-diagnosis function on the premise that these operations are normal.

The present invention includes the bone evaluation system described above, in which the transmitting means and the replying means use telephone lines. As specific examples of such telephone lines, modem communication using public telephone lines, private lines, etc. are practically suitable.

In this way, in the present invention, even if the input data of the image of the bone to be examined is extremely large, only a small number of simplified data such as the measurement results from the bone measuring device and the evaluation results from the bone evaluation device 1 can be input. By performing the transmission, it is possible to put into practical use the use of telephone lines, which is economically advantageous in practice.

The present invention includes the bone evaluation system described above, in which a plurality of bone measuring devices are connected to one bone evaluation device by a transmitting means and a replying means. In addition, as a means of sending and a means of replying, that is, a means of communication,
A telephone line is preferred, but any line with the required functionality will do.

In such a system, a bone measuring device 1 is installed at each location where X-ray photography, etc. is performed, and while each device 1 performs quick bone measurement as appropriate in response to the implementation of X-ray photography, etc., it is simplified. Bone evaluation system by sending measurement results! It is possible to intensively perform complex evaluations, such as comparisons with past data, and immediately feed back the evaluation results.

As described above, the bone evaluation system of the present invention enables efficient evaluation when one bone evaluation device is used as the center and is connected to a large number of bone measurement devices through communication means, and is particularly excellent in practical use.

The present invention further provides the bone evaluation system, wherein the bone measuring device is configured to irradiate light onto an X-ray photographic film obtained by irradiating the bone to be examined with X-rays together with a standard substance. automatic reading means for automatically reading the image of the test bone in the film using transmitted light; a lick image storage means for storing the read image of the test bone; and the stored test bone. and a bone measurement output means for outputting the bone measurement results obtained by the calculation and the evaluation results obtained by the replying means. This includes a bone evaluation system, which is a feature of the system.

In this invention, when the external input means is used to determine the measurement target region of the image stored in the image storage means, the image display means for displaying the stored image of the bone to be examined as an image. and a point input means for inputting a reference point necessary for bone measurement in the displayed image of the bone to be examined, and the calculation means is provided with a point input means for inputting a reference point necessary for bone measurement in the image of the displayed bone to be examined, and the calculation means is provided with a point input means for inputting a reference point necessary for bone measurement in the image of the displayed bone to be examined. It is desirable to perform calculations for bone measurement regarding images.

Such a system of the present invention uses an X-ray photographic film of a bone to be examined obtained by X-ray photography together with a standard substance. In the present invention, the image of a bone to be examined on an X-ray photographic film mainly refers to the degree of darkening and shape of the bone to be examined on the film. As the standard material, an aluminum staircase is usually used, but a slope-shaped aluminum member may also be used. The bone to be examined is X, which has a certain degree of clear shading.
Any material that can produce a line photographic film may be used, but it is usually desirable to have a thin, even layer of soft tissue. More specifically, long bones such as the hand bone, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula can be mentioned, and among them, the second metacarpal bone is practically preferred. Examples of other sea-line bones include the calcaneus, the vertebrae, and the epiphyses of long bones, among which the calcaneus is practically preferred.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement when performing X-ray photography of hand bones together with aluminum stairs. In the same figure, 10
is the X-ray photographic film plate, 11 is the aluminum staircase, and 12. 13 is the right hand and left hand, respectively, and 14 is the second metacarpal bone.

Bone morphometry device 1 in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the external appearance of one specific example of the bone morphometry device of the invention. In the figure, 1 is the outer shell of the device, 2 is an X-ray photographic film, 3 is a display means for stored images, and 4
In order to input the reference point 7 on the image display means 3, move the cursor on the screen! It is a point input means for making decisions, and 5 is an output means for outputting bone measurement results. Further, 6 is an input means (keyboard) for inputting information to start an operation and control various operations. In addition, in Figure 1, the mounting! 1, an automatic reading means, a storage means for storing the read image, and a calculation means for performing calculations for bone measurement are not shown.

The present invention preferably includes the following bone measuring devices:
As shown in Figure 2, a light generating means (light source) such as an LED for the automatic reading means to irradiate the X-ray photographic film.
, a detection means such as a CCD for detecting the amount of transmitted light from the light source transmitted through the X-ray photographic film, and an automatic film running means such as a roller for automatically running the X-ray photographic film. This includes measuring devices that are

Such a light source may be one that generates spot-shaped light, but scanning means is usually required, and in order to create a device with a small and simple structure, a strip-shaped light source that generates strip-shaped light is required. Suitable for practical use. The detection means may be of any type as long as it can detect transmitted light and automatically read it, but if a strip-shaped light source is used, a strip-shaped sensor or line sensor is preferable, and a strip-shaped contact image sensor is especially practical. It is preferable. Rollers are usually used as the means for transporting the film, and a pair of rollers rotating in opposite directions with the film sandwiched therebetween is preferably used, but other means may also be used.

FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of such automatic reading means, in which 20 is an X-ray photographic film;
1 shows an image of the bones of the right hand, 22 is a band-shaped light source, 23 is a contact image sensor, and 24 is a roller for running the film.

A specific example of such a strip-shaped light source is a strip-shaped LED (lig
Examples include a high-frequency lighting bar-shaped fluorescent tube, a DC lighting bar-shaped lamp, and a strip-shaped light source in which the end surfaces of optical fibers are arranged in a band shape and the lamp is irradiated from the opposite end surface. Note that a strip-shaped lens means is placed between the strip-shaped light source and the strip-shaped detection means, preferably between the strip-shaped detection means and the detection film, so that the light from the strip-shaped light source passes through the X-ray photographic film and then focuses on the detection section of the strip-shaped detection means. Preferably, it is placed between the two parts. A specific example of the belt-shaped lens means is a rod lens in which a large number of short optical fibers are bundled together and fixed with resin or the like, and the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the fibers is formed into a belt shape.

A specific example of a contact image sensor that detects transmitted light is a line sensor called CCD (charge
(coupled device), etc.

The automatic film running means may be of any type as long as it can run the X-ray photographic film at a predetermined speed that is compatible with the detection speed of the detection means, and the running format is continuous. It may also be intermittent. In the case of a strip-shaped detection means, it is desirable that the detection means run in a direction perpendicular to the detection means. For example, if a strip-shaped CCD is used as the detection means, in order to enable more accurate detection,
One example is a method in which the film is moved intermittently at a minute pitch of about 100 μ in a direction perpendicular to the strip-shaped CCD. A pulse motor is preferably used for such intermittent running. In addition, when the film is moved intermittently, the light source is not turned on while the film is moving, and the light source is turned on only when the film is stationary, so that the flashing of the light source and the running method are linked and controlled. Accordingly, detection accuracy and running speed can be improved.

Furthermore, since there may be variations in the characteristics of each element of the strip light source, rod lens, or line sensor in such an automatic reading means depending on the location, and the variations may change over time, a means for correcting this should be provided. However, it is effective for stable and accurate measurement.

An example of such a correction means is as follows.

That is, each time before starting to read the radiographic film,
In the absence of line photographic film, light is supplied directly from the light source to the line sensor via the rod lens, so that the maximum value at each location is approximately close to the maximum value of full scale within the range where the analog output of the line sensor is not saturated. The light from the light source
is adjusted, and in this state, the detection pattern of the amount of light detected by the line sensor is converted into an AD conversion means, and the value is stored in the REF storage section as REF data for each part of the line sensor. Next, light is transmitted through an X-ray photographic film, and the amount of transmitted light is detected by a line sensor in a detection pattern (the value for each part of the line sensor is called MES data).
is corrected for each part using the following formula (I), and the corrected values are used as the read data of the X-ray photographic film. Note that it is more efficient to perform such correction each time transmitted light is detected by intermittently running the X-ray photographic film a short distance, since no special time is required for the correction.

In addition, it is desirable that the automatic reading means be equipped with means for making such corrections, and a specific example thereof is A.
,/'D (analog7cligitall conversion means, REF data storage means, and DSP (digit
(alsignal processor).

Figure 2 shows the bone measurement device of the present invention! This diagram schematically shows an example of the above, and is composed of an automatic reading section 61 and a bone measurement data processing section 62. In the automatic reading section 61, a correction means is shown that is a combination of an A/,'D conversion means (AD>), a REF data storage means <REF), and a DSP.

Further, the present invention includes X as a preferable bone measuring device.
The invention includes an apparatus in which the automatic reading means is equipped with a light amount adjusting means for adjusting the amount of light emitted from the light source in accordance with variations in the density level of the entire line photographic film.

As an example of such a light amount adjusting means, for an image on an X-ray photographic film of an aluminum staircase, which is a standard material, the light 1 of the light source is adjusted so that the amount of transmitted light at the part of the image related to the predetermined staircase falls within a predetermined range. There are means for adjusting the More specifically, it describes a self-travel means that automatically recognizes the image by automatically running the film to a position where the image of the aluminum stairs can be irradiated with light in an X-ray photographic film, and an image of the aluminum stairs. Renew the light, detect the amount of transmitted light, recognize the 1st place of a predetermined number of steps on the aluminum stairs, and automatically adjust the amount of light from the light source so that the amount of transmitted light at each step of the aluminum stairs satisfies the predetermined conditions. One example is one that combines a light source control circuit for adjusting the light source.

Further, in the automatic reading means of the bone measuring device of the present invention,
An automatic positioning control means for automatically specifying a narrow region including a measurement target region of an image of a bone to be examined on an X-ray photographic film and reading only the image in that region is included in the automatic film traveling means. It is desirable to have this in place.

In this way, the data regarding the transmitted light amount of the image of the bone to be examined read by the automatic reading means becomes a data group corresponding to the digit 1 of the image as a digital signal converted to the number of steps of the aluminum staircase, that is, the thickness of the aluminum. . Alternatively, such a data group may be related to each of the image of the subject bone and the image of the aluminum stairs before conversion.

The image storage means in the bone measuring device of the present invention includes X
Any device may be used as long as it can store a data group in which a digital signal relating to the amount of transmitted light in an image on a line photographic film corresponds to the digit 1 of the film.
The storage memory size is selected depending on the purpose of bone measurement. As a specific example, for bone measurement of the second metacarpal bone, computer means such as an image memory of about 2 Mbytes may be used.

Furthermore, the image display means in the bone measuring device of the present invention may be any device capable of displaying as an image a data group consisting of a digital signal stored in the image storage means or obtained by the automatic reading means and a positional relationship. Any type of material may be used; specifically, a CRT (Cascade Ray Tube) is a preferable example due to the cost of resolution.
) etc. It is practically preferable to use the data stored in the image storage means. Further, it is preferable that the displayed image be enlarged to a size larger than that of the image on the X-ray photographic film, since this makes it easier to input the reference points.

FIG. 5 is an example of the second metacarpal bone enlarged and displayed on an image display means such as a CRT. 30 is a display screen;
1 is the image of the ■th metacarpal bone, and 32, 33.34 are the reference points required for bone measurement! This shows that.

Further, as the point input means in the bone measuring device of the present invention, any means may be used as long as it is possible to specify and input the digit 1 as a reference point on the image display means as illustrated in FIG. Specific examples include a cursor position 1 display as shown in FIG. For example, you can enter the information manually.

The cursor position display/indication control means is accurate and l'!
! This is suitable because reference points can be entered for i-mail.

The point input means is shown included in the keyboard in FIG. 2 for convenience.

Furthermore, as the calculation means in the bone measuring device of the present invention,
Based on the reference point input by the point input means, a predetermined position to be measured in the image of the bone to be examined stored in the image storage means is determined, and the image of the bone to be examined at the predetermined position 1 is determined. Any device may be used as long as it can perform calculations for bone measurement using a group of stored data. An example of this is a microcomputer means, as shown in FIG. 2, which is composed of a ROM into which a calculation program for bone measurement is input, and a RAM for calculation and temporary storage.

Specific examples of calculations for bone measurement include the calculations shown in Figure 6, but there are also various methods of bone measurement that apply the MD method (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-893
Publication No. 5, JP-A-59-49743, JP-A-60
Calculations similar to those described in JP-A-83646, JP-A-61-109557, JP-A-62-183748, etc.) can also be applied. In addition, if the image storage means stores the image of the test bone and the image of the Rinjun substance before conversion,
This calculation means may convert the image of the bone to be examined into the thickness of the standard material.

FIG. 6 shows a pattern of stored data on a transverse line of the midpoint of the long axis of the first metacarpal as illustrated in FIG. . That is, D indicates the bone width, and the shaded area represents the bone density distribution. d1 and dz each indicate the bone cortex width, and d indicates the bone marrow width. GSffiI,, corresponds to the minimum value of the valley 42 between the peak 40 and the peak 4l, and indicates the density of (bone cortex + bone marrow),
G Smax1 and G S max2 each correspond to the maximum value of the peak portion. ΣGS corresponds to the total area of the shaded area with respect to the width D (``Bone Metabolism''' Vol. 4, 31
9-325 <1981)).

The calculating means calculates, for example, a bone cortical width index (MC I = (d. 1?2 >
'2>, Bone marrow @ (d>, (Bone cortex + marrow substance) index representing bone mineral content (GS...l.), Index representing bone mineral content only in bone cortical portion (GS,,,,= (GS■x1+GS
max2) , /2) , an index (ΣGS, .'D) representing the average bone mineral content per bone width, etc. are calculated. In addition, the means for storing the bone measurement results obtained by such calculations is also
It is desirable to have it as necessary.

Such measurements may be performed only from the stored data on the transverse line at the intermediate point, or by measuring from the stored data on the surrounding transverse lines parallel to the transverse line including the intermediate point. You can also take the average value.

Other examples of calculations in the calculation means include Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 611
As shown in Japanese Patent No. 09557, the bone density distribution of the long bone may be obtained from the measurement results obtained by performing bone measurements on each part of the long bone.

In addition, the bone measurement output means in the bone measurement device of the present invention may be any device that can output the measurement results obtained by calculation, and specific examples include a dot-type ink printer, a thermal Examples include printers, laser printers, video printers, and other CRT screens. For example, JP-A-61-10
An example of a method that is practically preferable is a means for displaying the bone density distribution in different colors, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 9557. In FIG. 2, a printer is disclosed as an output means. Further, in FIG. 2, it is connected to a communication means such as a telephone line via a MODEM.

The present invention further provides the bone evaluation system, wherein the bone measuring device stores an image of a radiation image of the bone to be examined based on transmitted radiation obtained by irradiating the bone to be examined. means, a calculation means for performing calculations for bone measurement on the stored image of the bone to be examined, and outputting the bone measurement results obtained by the calculations and the evaluation results obtained by the reply means. The present invention includes a bone evaluation system characterized by comprising a bone measurement output means for.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a bone measuring device in such a bone evaluation system. Here, the radiation usually includes X-rays, γ-rays, etc., and is irradiated from a γ-ray source 91 shown in FIG. This bone evaluation system includes radiation detection means 94 for obtaining information about radiographic images as necessary.
may be provided.

Such radiation detection means includes, for example, a secondary electron multiplier, where the radiation is converted into an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of X-rays or the like. Furthermore, when performing radiographic imaging, the bone to be examined may be photographed together with a standard material such as gray scale. The subject 93 is imaged in conjunction with the scanner controller 95 while being placed on a movable table in the radiation imaging device i190.

The bone measurement data processing unit 62 similar to the case using the X-ray photographic film described above may be used as the calculation means etc. for bone measurement using the image thus obtained and stored in the storage means. However, depending on the type of bone to be examined, etc., it is sufficient to provide an appropriate calculation means according to its function. In this case, bones of the types described above are suitable as the bones to be examined.

The present invention also provides a case where the bone evaluation device is a personal computer connected via an RS232C interface, for example, in the bone evaluation system described above,
M O D E M from RS232C interface
may be a host computer connected via a telephone line via a computer.

As a specific example of the system of the present invention, a bone evaluation system in which the transmitting means and replying means use an RS232C interface can be considered.

By using the ASCII code as the data format, the data sent by the bone measuring device can be sent and processed by most other computers without additional processing such as code conversion. Since the RS232C interface is standard equipment in most computers, a user's own computer can be used as an equivalent to the bone evaluation device 1. This allows users to easily utilize their own data.

Of course MODEM from RS232C interface
, a host computer may be used over a telephone line.

An example of communication with the bone evaluation device 1 will be described.

The data contents are roughly divided into three types: information on the subject, information on the measurement results of the subject, and system information specific to the equipment. There is one piece of subject information for each subject, and the measurement result information increases each time a measurement result is recorded. There is one piece of system information for each device.

First, the subject information includes subject identification ID No., subject name, subject gender, subject date of birth, height, weight, first registration date, diagnosis name, latest measurement date, number of registered measurement data, measurement result storage location information, etc. can give.

In this case, the subject identification ID No. is a code given to each subject, such as a medical record Nα, for example, and after initial registration, data can be searched using this ID No.

The first registration date is the date on which this subject data was registered. The diagnosis name records the results of a doctor's examination of the subject. The latest measurement date is recorded each time new measurement data is recorded. This allows you to know how much time has passed since the last measurement date. The number of registered measurement data is the number of recorded measurement result data for the subject. The measurement result storage location information is data indicating the storage location of the measurement results, and records the recording file name and the like. These are stored in the subject information file as subject information.

Next, the measurement result information includes data No., X-ray film shooting date, measurement illuminance, ΣGS, MCI, d, D, GS. ．．
．． , GSIn. ．． , and Bone type.

Here, the data NO is a serial number assigned to the measurement result registry. The X-ray film photography date is also used to calculate the subject's age at that time from the date of birth in the subject information. The measured illuminance is the illuminance value at the time of measurement, ΣGS ~ Bone ty
pe is a parameter of the MD method obtained from the measurement results. Measurement result information is recorded as a measurement result information file for each subject. In order to reduce the amount of data, these measurement result information are only basic among the MD method parameters, and other MD method parameters are calculated from this data.

When searching for registered data using the bone evaluation device 1, first, the subject information file is searched using the subject IDNO. IDN
If Q is found, by looking at the measurement result storage location information of that record, it is possible to find out where the measurement results of that subject are recorded. In this way, by recording subject information and measurement result information separately, 1) the search target becomes narrower, improving search efficiency, and 2) subject information and measurement result information can be managed in separate locations, allowing for example If you do not want subject information to be released outside, including the bone evaluation device 1, from a privacy perspective, you can do so by storing and storing only the measurement result information in the bone evaluation device 1.■ Information can be divided. It has the advantage of being compatible with low-capacity recording media.

In addition, system information includes the total number of registered subjects, number of devices
O, facility name, self-diagnosis results, etc.

Here, the total number of registered subjects records the current total number of registered subjects. The device number is the machine number N0 of each bone measuring device, and together with the facility name, it becomes possible for the bone evaluation device to identify the communication partner. In addition, when self-diagnosis is performed, the result of testing whether the device is normal or not is recorded in the self-diagnosis result. Using this self-diagnosis function, it is possible to identify faults and narrow down the range of abnormalities, leading to improved maintainability.

[Effects of the Invention] In the present invention, even if the input data of the image of the bone to be examined is extremely large, only a small number of simplified data such as the measurement results of the measurement device and the evaluation results of the bone evaluation device 1 are input. By transmitting the information, it is possible to put into practical use the use of telephone lines, which is economically advantageous.

In addition, the bone evaluation system of the present invention is a bone measurement device in a remote location!
This makes it easy to use the device and enables reliable bone measurements.

Furthermore, the bone evaluation system of the present invention makes it possible to use a convenient telephone line as a means of communication, and furthermore, it enables the use of a large number of bone measurement devices as terminals in each area, making it possible to centrally and efficiently use one bone evaluation device. This makes it possible to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

Moreover, the bone evaluation system of the present invention can be applied to an X-ray photographic film.
Enables automatic bone measurement, including automatic reading of images at a remote location, and enables quick and efficient automated bone evaluation in remote locations, including direct manual reading of radiographic images. It is something to do.

The system of the present invention installs a bone measuring device at each location where X-ray photography, etc. is performed, and while each device performs quick bone measurement as appropriate in response to the execution of X-ray photography, etc., it is simple and easy to use. By transmitting the standardized measurement results, it becomes easy to intensively perform complex evaluations such as comparison with past data by the bone evaluation device, and it is possible to feed back the evaluation results immediately.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the bone evaluation system of the present invention. FIG. 2 schematically shows, like a block diagram, an embodiment of a bone measuring device using an X-ray photographic film according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows the measuring device of the present invention! This figure illustrates the arrangement 1 of a subject during X-ray photography to obtain an X-ray photographic film used for. FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the automatic reading means in the measuring device 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows an example of an image of the image display means in the measuring device 1. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates calculations for bone measurement that can be performed in the measurement device 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a measurement device when using the image produced by γ-ray irradiation according to the present invention! This is a schematic example.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A bone measuring device for measuring the condition of the bone to be examined, a transmitting means for transmitting the bone measuring results obtained by the bone measuring device, and storing the bone measuring results sent from the transmitting means. A bone evaluation device for evaluating the bone to be examined using stored and corresponding past bone measurement results and other data as necessary; A bone evaluation system characterized by comprising a reply means for replying to a bone measuring device. (2) The bone evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the bone measuring device is equipped with self-diagnosis means for determining whether or not its operating state is normal. (3) The bone evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means and the replying means use a telephone line. (4) The bone evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the plural bone measuring devices are connected to one bone evaluation device by the transmitting means and the replying means. (5) The bone measuring device uses the amount of transmitted light obtained by irradiating light onto an X-ray photographic film obtained by irradiating the test bone with X-rays together with a standard substance to determine the image in the film. an automatic reading means for automatically reading data; an image storage means for storing data regarding the read image of the test bone; and an image storage means for storing data regarding the read image of the test bone; a calculation means for performing calculations for bone measurement; and a bone measurement output means for outputting the bone measurement results obtained by the calculations and, if necessary, the evaluation results obtained via the reply means. 2. The bone evaluation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a bone evaluation system; (6) The bone measurement device includes an image storage means for storing a radiographic image of the test bone based on transmitted radiation obtained by irradiating the test bone with radiation, and a calculation means for performing calculations for bone measurement regarding the image; and a bone measurement output means for outputting the bone measurement results obtained by the calculations and, if necessary, the evaluation results obtained via the reply means. The bone evaluation system according to claim 1, comprising: