JP2002253509A - Method and device for examining brain function, brain function examining system, and method, program, and device for brain function examining service - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for examining brain functions capable of more correctly determining dementia, and determining an aging degree of brain functions by conducting examination of visual system functions which reflect activeness of sight cortex in brains in addition to pupil-to-light reaction. SOLUTION: A pupil index determining means 2 induces pupil reaction of a subject by stimulation of light, and determines a pupil index related to static characteristics or dynamic characteristics of a pupil based on size change of the pupil. An image display part 23 displays an image for examination in front of an eye of the subject, and a visual system function index is determined based on reaction characteristics of the subject to the image. An output means 8 displays the pupil index and the visual system function index of the subject obtained by the pupil index determining means 2 and a visual system function determining means 14 with pupil indexes and visual system function indexes of a number of subjects accumulated in a data base 6, so that the indexes of the subject can be compared with the indexes accumulated in the data base 6 to provided their relative values.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cerebral function testing using a pupil reaction, and more particularly, to the degree of aging of brain function, autonomic nervous system disease and dementia due to pupil light response of a subject. The present invention relates to a brain function test method and apparatus for testing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, a brain function test system, a brain function test service method, and a program and device therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is generally said that the size of the pupil decreases with age (for example, Mr. Ishikawa et al., "About the popular electronic pupil meter Iriscoder (C-2514)", neuro ophthalmology,
10, No. 2, pp. 106-110, 1993). Smooth muscle that regulates the size of the pupil is governed by the autonomic nervous system, and the pupil size and pupil response reflect the activity of the autonomic nervous system. It has also been pointed out that Alzheimer's disease, whose cause is unknown but is closely related to brain function, is associated with pupils.

[0003] L. F. M. Scinto et al. Report that Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed by measuring the pupil enlargement ratio before and after instillation of a mydriatic agent ("A
potential noninvasive neurobiological test for Alz
heimer's disease, Science, 266, pp. 1051-1054, 19
94). This method (hereinafter referred to as the instillation method) differs from the conventional inquiry format such as the revised Hasegawa-type simplified intelligence evaluation scale (HDSR) which has been used for dementia judgment, and is based on the objective data of the pupil size. Although it is excellent in that Alzheimer's disease, which is considered to be one of the diseases, is determined, it takes about 30 minutes for measurement, and there is a problem that it cannot be applied to some subjects with eye diseases. On the other hand, it has also been reported that the pupil light response differs between healthy subjects and dementia patients (Fuji et al., "Study of a simple test method for dementia using pupil light response", Medical Electronics and Biotechnology) , Vol.36, No.3, pp.210-214, 1998). The pupil-light reaction has an advantage that it is completed in a short time without any side effects as compared with the above-mentioned ophthalmic method.

However, in the pupil-light reaction described in the report of Fumi et al., Only three indices of the pupil rate, the pupil rate, and the mydriatic rate are extracted, and the change of the pupil is not detected. It is hard to say that he has captured the situation sufficiently. In addition, in the pupil-light reaction, there is a large individual difference like other physiological indices. Can be

Accordingly, the present inventors elicit the pupil response of the subject by light stimulation, detect the size of the pupil of the subject, and calculate an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil from the detected pupil size. And a brain function test method for performing a brain function test from the index of the pupil static characteristic or dynamic characteristic obtained by the calculation and the information related to the reference pupil static characteristic or dynamic characteristic index stored in the database. Has conventionally been proposed.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned brain function test method, the degree of aging of the brain function or the brain such as dementia is used only by using the index of the pupil-light reaction reflecting the activity state of the autonomic nervous system. It is difficult to judge dementia and even aging of brain function by multivariate analysis alone, which converts multiple indices that characterize pupil-light response into fewer indices when testing for disease Is considered to be large.

[0007] In addition, it has been reported in research papers that there is a significant difference between a patient with Alzheimer's type dementia and a healthy subject in the pupil reaction or eye movement, which can be measured noninvasively. It has also been suggested that this significant difference can be used to test for Alzheimer's dementia, which was difficult to diagnose conventionally. When using a subject that can undergo a non-invasive test such as a pupil reaction or an ocular reaction for the test for Alzheimer's dementia, medical personnel must always perform the test because the pupil reaction or the ocular reaction itself can be easily performed. However, it is also expected to be applied to self-care, in which subjects test themselves for early detection.

However, when an examination is performed using the index of the pupillary reaction or the eyeball reaction alone, it is expected that the accuracy of the examination will be limited. It is considered difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object the purpose of the present invention in addition to the pupil-light reaction reflecting the activity state of the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the visual cortex of the brain. A brain function test method that can more accurately determine dementia and further determine the degree of aging of brain function by also examining visual system functions that reflect the state (this is independent of the autonomic nervous system). The present invention provides a brain function test system, a brain function test service method, a program therefor, and a device therefor.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brain function testing method for testing a brain function of a subject, wherein a pupil reaction of the subject is induced by light stimulation. The size of the pupil of the pupil is detected, an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil is derived from the detected size of the pupil, and a test image is displayed in front of the subject's eyes. Deriving an index for evaluating a function related to vision, an index related to a derived static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil and an index for evaluating a function related to vision, and a static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of a reference pupil stored in a database. A cerebral function test is performed based on information on an index and an index for evaluating a function relating to vision, and the pupil-optical response reflects the activity state of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, by examining the visual system function that reflects the activity state of the visual cortex of the brain that is independent of the autonomic nervous system, the dementia judgment rate is improved, and the degree of aging of the brain is more accurately determined. Can be determined.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an index indicating a capability of searching for a character is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision, and the same function as the first aspect of the present invention is provided. Play.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an image comprising a color pattern is displayed in front of the subject's eyes, and an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball with respect to this image is derived. Are used as indices for evaluating functions relating to vision, and have the same effect as the invention of claim 1 or 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, an image showing a prose is displayed in front of the subject's eyes, and an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball with respect to this image is derived. Are used as indices for evaluating functions relating to vision, and the same effects as those of the first to third aspects of the invention are achieved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
An index indicating the ability to search for a target appearing in any of the plurality of areas set in the inspection image is used, and the same effect as the inventions of claims 1 to 4 is achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
It is characterized by using an index indicating color discrimination ability, and has the same effect as the first to fifth aspects of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects, an index for evaluating a function relating to vision is:
It is characterized by using an index indicating the ability of stereoscopic vision, and has the same effect as the first to fifth aspects of the invention.

According to the invention of claim 8, in the invention of claims 1 to 7, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
An index indicating the ability to identify a difference in luminance is used, and the same effects as those of the first to seventh aspects are achieved.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
An index indicating the ability to track a moving object is used, and the same effects as those of the first to eighth aspects are achieved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the index indicating the ability to recognize the original object from the image of the partially masked object is used as the index for evaluating the function relating to vision. It is characterized by being used, and has the same effect as the first to ninth aspects of the invention.

In the eleventh aspect, the first to tenth aspects are provided.
In the invention according to the invention, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision, an object whose position changes by a certain amount in a certain direction from a plurality of objects whose positions on a screen change irregularly at certain time intervals. It is characterized by using an index indicating the ability to discriminate, and has the same effect as the inventions of claims 1 to 10.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the first to eleventh aspects are provided.
The invention according to claim 1, wherein a multivariate operation for converting into a smaller index is performed using each of the indexes, and a brain function test is performed using the converted index.
It has the same effect as the first invention.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the brain function testing apparatus for testing the brain function of a subject, a concave mirror positioned in front of the subject's eye, a half mirror positioned between the subject's eyeball and the concave mirror, Image display means for projecting an image for use, reflecting the virtual image formed by the concave mirror by the half mirror, and presenting the virtual image to the subject through the half mirror, and irradiating infrared light to the subject's eyeball located near the subject's eyeball. An infrared light irradiating unit, an image pickup unit positioned on the opposite side of the image display unit with the half mirror interposed therebetween, and an image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject's eyeball by infrared light reflected by the half mirror, and an image picked up by the image pickup unit. Pupil detection means for detecting the size of the pupil of the subject, and detection results of the pupil detection means when presenting a light stimulus for inducing a pupil reaction of the subject using the video display means A pupil index calculating means for deriving an index relating to static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil from the subject, and an image for inspection is displayed in front of the subject using the image display means, and an index relating to the visual system function is obtained from the response characteristic of the subject to this image. Visual system function calculating means to be derived, an index relating to static characteristics or dynamic characteristics of the pupil as a reference in advance, and a database storing indices relating to visual system functions, and an index relating to static characteristics or dynamic characteristics of the pupil of the subject And output means for outputting information relating to an index relating to the visual system function and an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil stored in the database and an index relating to the visual system function. The pupil response of the subject is induced by applying a stimulus, and the activity of the autonomic nervous system is reflected by the pupil index calculating means. In addition to deriving an index related to the static or dynamic characteristics of the hole, an image for inspection is presented to the subject by the image display means, and the visual function calculating means derives an index related to the visual function from the response characteristic of the subject to the image. An index relating to the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil of the subject and an index relating to the visual system function obtained from the pupil index calculating means and the visual system function calculating means, and the static characteristics of the pupils of many subjects stored in the database or Since the output means displays an index relating to dynamic characteristics and an index relating to visual system functions, it is possible to understand what value the index of the subject indicates relative to the index stored in the database, In addition to the pupil-light response that reflects the activity of the nervous system, the visual system functions that reflect the activity of the visual cortex of the brain, which is independent of the autonomic nervous system. Also improve the judgment rate of dementia,
Further, it is possible to realize a brain function testing device that can more accurately determine the degree of aging of the brain.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brain function testing system comprising a brain function testing device for testing a subject's brain function, and a server connected to the brain function testing device via a communication network. , The brain function test apparatus,
Image display means for presenting an image for inspection to a subject; imaging means for imaging an image of the eyeball of the subject; pupil detection means for detecting the size of the pupil of the subject from the image taken by the imaging means; and image display means Pupil index calculation means for deriving an index relating to static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil from the detection results of the pupil detection means when presenting a light stimulus for inducing a pupil response of the subject using Visual system function calculating means for displaying an image for inspection in front of the eyes and deriving an index relating to the visual system function from the response characteristics of the subject to the image, an index relating to the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil of the subject, and an index relating to the visual system function Output means for outputting to a server via a communication network, the server comprising: an index regarding a static characteristic or a dynamic characteristic of a pupil which is a reference in advance; A database storing an index relating to the function, a subject index output from the brain function testing apparatus, and a reference index stored in the database to the brain function testing apparatus via a communication network. Output means, and in addition to the pupil-light reaction reflecting the activity state of the autonomic nervous system, the visual system function reflecting the activity state of the visual cortex of the brain independent of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, it is possible to improve the judgment rate of dementia and to more accurately judge the degree of aging of the brain by further examining the brain. Since the apparatus has a database on the server side only by measuring the data of the subject, there is an advantage that the configuration of the brain function test apparatus side can be simplified.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brain function test service method for performing a brain function test based on measurement data of a pupil index test or a visual cognition test of a subject transmitted through a communication network, Receiving the obtained identification ID and the measurement data of the subject via a communication network, and converting the measurement data to a smaller index using a multivariate calculation method;
Reading data serving as a reference for comparison with an index obtained by a multivariate operation from the database;
Comparing the index with reference data; and reading out the subject's communication contact based on the identification ID from subject information storage means storing the subject's communication contact on the communication network in advance. Transmitting the result to the communication contact via a communication network. Since the result of the comparison between the index obtained by the calculation and the reference index is transmitted to the subject side, a brain test service can be provided to a remote subject. Since it is only necessary to prepare a measuring device for the cognitive test, the device on the subject side can be simplified.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute the cerebral function test service method according to the fifteenth aspect. .

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brain function test service apparatus for performing a brain function test based on measurement data of a pupil index test or a visual cognition test of a subject transmitted via a communication network, Subject information storage means for storing subject information including the identification ID of the subject and a communication contact on the communication network; receiving means for receiving the subject ID and measurement data of the subject transmitted via the communication network; A multivariate calculation means for converting the measurement data received by the means into a smaller index using a multivariate calculation method, and a comparison reference storage means for storing data serving as a reference for comparison with an index obtained by the multivariate calculation. Comparing means for comparing the index obtained by the multivariate operation with the data stored in the comparison reference storage means to obtain a comparison result; And transmitting means for reading out the communication contact of the subject from the subject information storage means based on the received subject ID, and transmitting the comparison result of the comparing means to the communication contact via a communication network. As a feature, the measurement data transmitted via the network is converted into a smaller number of indices using a multivariate calculation method, and the result obtained by comparing the index obtained by the multivariate calculation with the reference index is transmitted to the subject. Therefore, it is possible to provide a brain function test service device that can provide a brain test service to a remote subject, and furthermore, it is only necessary to prepare a measuring device for a pupil movement test or a visual cognitive test on the subject side. Another advantage is that the device can be simplified.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The brain function testing apparatus of the present invention derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction reflecting the activity state of the autonomic nervous system, and also examines the visual cortex of the brain independent of the autonomic nervous system. By deriving an index related to the visual system function reflecting the activity state, and comparing and determining the index data of the subject with the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database, the brain function test can be performed. Is going.

It has been reported in a number of academic papers that a healthy elderly person and a dementia elderly person can be distinguished by examining the visual system function independent of the autonomic nervous system (Reference 1: Cronin-Golomb A1ice). Visual Dysfunction in
Alzheimer's Disease: Relation to Normal Aging. Ann
Neuro1 1991; 29; 41-52; Reference 2: G. Zaccara et al., Smooth
th-pursuit eye movements: alteration in Alzheimer '
s disease. J. Neurol. Sci. 1992; 112; 81-89; Reference 3: Gra.
y Visua1 sensitivity to motion by L.Trick: Age-r
elated changes and deficits in senile dementia of
the Alzheimertype. NEUROLOGY 1991; 41; 1437-1440; Reference 4: Alterations of visual search s by A. Rosler et al.
trategy in Alzheimer's disease and aging: Neuropsy
chology; 2000; Vol. 14; No. 3; pp. 398-408, Reference 5: A. Mos
er et al., Eye movement dysfunction in dementia of th
e Alzheimer typr, Dementia; 1995; No. 6; pp. 264-268, Reference 6: KS. Lueck et al., Eye movement abnormalities dur.
ing reading in patientswith Alzheimer disease: Neu
ropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, and Behavioral Neurol
ogy; 2000; Vol.13; No.2; pp.77-82, Reference 7: LFM.Scinto
Our Impairment ofspatially directed attention in p
atients with probable Alzheimer's disease as measu
red by eye movements: Arch Neurol; 1994; Vol.51; pp.6
82-688), in addition to the autonomic nervous system test, the brain function test device of the present invention tests the visual system function, and performs the brain function test based on both test results. The statistical significance level of the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller, the discrimination rate of dementia is improved, and the aging of the brain is also compared with the case where the brain function is examined from only the index. The degree can be determined more accurately.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram in this embodiment. Eyeball imaging means 20 with video display function
A concave mirror 21 located in front of the subject's eyes, a half mirror 22 located between the eyeball P of the subject and the concave mirror 21, an image display unit (image display means) 23 located above the half mirror 22; And an eyeball imaging unit 26. In the present embodiment, two sets of a concave mirror 21, a half mirror 22, an image display unit 23, and an eyeball imaging unit 26 are provided, and the concave mirror 21, the half mirror 22, the image display unit 23, Each set of the eyeball imaging unit 26 corresponds. Here, the video display unit 23
Is for displaying a virtual image formed by the concave mirror 21 by reflecting the image on the half mirror 22 and presenting the virtual image to the subject through the half mirror 22, and irradiating the liquid crystal panel 24 with visible light from the rear side. The image generation unit 12 includes a backlight 25 and is controlled by an image generation unit 12 described later.

The eyeball imaging section 26 is for obtaining a pupil image as shown in FIG. 2, and is located near the subject's eyeball P and irradiates the subject's eyeball P with infrared light. Infrared light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as infrared light L
Say ED. ) 27 and a CCD camera 28 located below the half mirror 22 (ie, on the opposite side of the half mirror 22 from the video display unit 23) to acquire an image of the eye P of the subject. The CCD camera 28 has an infrared transmission type filter and has sensitivity to infrared rays. Accordingly, the CCD camera 28 can image the subject's eyeball P even in a dark environment where the amount of natural light is small. Here, the CCD camera 28
Constitutes an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject's eyeball P using infrared light reflected by the half mirror 22. Also,
The infrared LED 27 is arranged so as not to obstruct the visual field of the subject. Since the emission wavelength of the infrared LED 27 is in the infrared wavelength range, the light from the infrared LED 27 is not sensed by the subject, and the anxiety of the subject can be reduced. In the present embodiment, C is used as the imaging unit.
Although the CD camera 28 is used, it is needless to say that the imaging means is not limited to the CCD camera 28, and a MOS type image sensor (a so-called CMOS sensor) may be used.

The half mirror 22 has a wavelength selection layer (not shown) for reflecting infrared light formed on the surface on the side of the CCD camera 28 by coating.
On the side surface, a semi-transmissive layer (not shown) that partially reflects visible light and transmits the rest is formed by coating.
By giving the half mirror 22 wavelength selectivity in this way, efficient use of infrared light is possible. That is, in the present embodiment, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 27 is used as environmental light for pupil imaging, and it is desirable that as much infrared light as possible enters the CCD camera 28. By applying a surface treatment that reflects infrared rays as much as possible on the surface, the CCD camera 2 can be used without losing the amount of infrared rays.
8 makes it possible to take an image. Also, the concave mirror 21
A concave mirror that reflects incident light without transmitting it is used. In addition, a concave mirror that reflects a part of the incident light and transmits the rest may be used as the concave mirror 21. In this case, the subject can see the outside through the concave mirror, and the anxiety of the subject can be reduced. It can be further reduced.

Here, the tester who conducts a brain function test of the subject uses the input unit 13 composed of a keyboard and a mouse to measure the index of the pupil-light reaction reflecting the activity state of the autonomic nervous system, or When the user selects whether to perform a test of the visual system function that reflects the activity state of the visual cortex of the brain, the control unit 11 causes the image generation unit 12 to generate desired image data according to the selection result, and displays the generated image. Video display unit 2
3 is displayed.

When measuring the index of the pupil-light reaction, the image generation unit 12 turns on the backlight 25 for a predetermined time from the state where the backlight 25 is off, and displays a white-white image for a desired time. . In the present embodiment, flash light is used as a light stimulation method for inducing a pupil reaction. Flash light is a light stimulation method in which light irradiation is turned on only for a short time in the absence of light stimulation and the light stimulation is immediately stopped. In addition, there is a case where the light stimulation is stopped only for a short time in a state where the light stimulation is present, but the former light stimulation is effective for confirming a clear pupil reaction.

The pupil index calculating means 2 is provided for calculating an index relating to static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil, and comprises an image processing circuit 3 as pupil detecting means and a pupil index calculating section 4. The image processing circuit 3 is means for extracting a pupil portion from a pupil image captured by the CCD camera 28 as shown in FIG. As the size of the pupil M, a pupil area, a pupil diameter, and the like can be considered. In the present embodiment, the pupil diameter is obtained as the size of the pupil M. Further, the pupil index calculation unit 4 is configured by a calculation function of the personal computer 1,
When a light stimulus is given to the subject's pupil by flash light using the video display unit 23, various static characteristics or dynamic characteristics described later are calculated from changes in the pupil diameter obtained by the image processing circuit 3. I'm asking.

Here, there are a plurality of indices relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil, and some of them are described briefly below. As shown in FIG. 3, the pupil response to the flash light for a short time generally shrinks the pupil a little after the start of the light stimulus (this is called miosis), and after the pupil becomes the smallest, it expands (this is the pupil). Eyes). Various indices as shown in FIG. 3 can be defined for such a pupil reaction. These indices include initial pupil diameter, latency, miosis time, mydriasis time, miotic amount, miotic rate, miotic speed, mydriatic speed,
The pupil acceleration, the maximum pupil velocity arrival time, the maximum mydriatic velocity arrival time, the maximum pupil acceleration arrival time, and the like can be considered. Of these, the initial pupil diameter is an index relating to static characteristics not due to light stimulation, and the other is an index relating to dynamic characteristics induced by light stimulation. Although the irradiation time of the light stimulus in FIG. 3 is about 0.1 second of flash light, the flash light lighting time may be shorter or longer than 0.1 second, and there is no particular limitation.

The initial pupil diameter may be the size of the pupil M at any one point before the irradiation of the light stimulus. Further, a time average of the size of the pupil M at an arbitrary time interval before irradiation with the light stimulus may be used as the initial pupil diameter. Further, even after the irradiation with the light stimulus, the size of the pupil M at an arbitrary point in time before the start of the miosis or the time average of the size of the pupil M at an arbitrary time interval may be set as the initial pupil diameter.

Latency is the time from the irradiation of a light stimulus until the appearance of a pupil reaction. That is, in general, even if a light stimulus is given, the pupil M does not immediately respond, and a slight time delay occurs. This time delay is caused by photoelectric conversion, which converts light into electrical signals for transmission to the optic nerve after reaching the retina, delay by secretion of a chemical called neurotransmitter, which transmits the gap between nerve cells, And a delay from the distal end of the efferent nerve to the drive of a smooth muscle as an effector. Note that the latency is about 0.2 seconds to 0.3 seconds, and it is possible to set a measurement condition that a light stimulus no longer exists during a pupil reaction if the flash light is shorter than this.

The pupil amount is the amount of pupil contraction from the initial pupil diameter to the end of the pupil.

The miosis time refers to a time interval from a certain point in the miosis to a certain point in the pupil reaction. Of the miosis time, the time from the start of the miosis to the end of the miosis is particularly called the maximum miosis time. Also, the time required for miosis to 50% of the miosis amount from the start of miosis is particularly referred to as 50% miosis time. The same applies to the 10% miosis time and the 90% miosis time, and the term “10% -90% miosis time” indicates a time interval from the time of 10% miosis to the time of 90% miosis.

The term "mydriatic time" refers to a time interval from a certain point in the mydriasis to a certain point in the pupil reaction. .

The time required to return to 50% by the mydriasis from the time when the miosis is reduced to 50% of the amount of miosis is referred to as a 50% -50% time interval. The 50% -50% time interval is an index that can be said to consist of a combination of both indices of miosis time and mydriasis time.

The miosis ratio is an amount obtained by dividing the miosis amount by the initial pupil diameter.

The miotic speed is the amount of change in the amount of miotic per unit time, and various miotic speeds can be defined by how to take the unit time. The mydriatic speed is the amount of change in the mydriatic amount per unit time, and various mydriatic speeds can be defined depending on how the unit time is taken, as in the case of the miotic speed. The maximum mydriatic velocity in the temporal change of the pupil diameter during mydriasis is called the maximum mydriatic velocity.

The miotic acceleration refers to the amount of change in the miotic speed per unit time, and similarly to the miotic speed, various miotic accelerations can be defined depending on how to take the unit time. The maximum miotic acceleration is the maximum miotic acceleration in the temporal change of the pupil diameter during miosis.

The maximum miotic speed reaching time is the time required to reach the maximum miotic speed from the start of miosis.

The maximum mydriatic speed reaching time may be either the time required to reach the maximum mydriatic speed from the start of miosis or the time required to reach the maximum mydriatic speed from the start of mydriasis. In the present embodiment, the former definition is used.

The maximum miotic acceleration arrival time is the time required to reach the maximum miotic acceleration from the start of the miosis.

In the above-described definition of the index, the light stimulus is considered as flash light. However, after the light is turned on, step light for continuing the lighting state with a constant light amount is also considered as the light stimulus condition. In the case of the step light as well as the flash light, FIG.
Can be defined. However, in that case, it tends to be difficult to find the time when the pupil M becomes the smallest as the amount of light increases.

On the other hand, when performing a test of the visual system function, the video generation unit 12 uses the video display unit 23 to present a test video as shown in FIG. This inspection image is an image in which five circles are arranged on a black background screen. One of the five circles is arranged at the center of the screen, and the center circle is surrounded by the remaining four circles. The remaining four circles are respectively arranged at the upper, lower, left and right positions with respect to the center circle. Then, of the four circles surrounding the center circle, the colors of any three circles are set to the same color as the center circle, and the colors of the remaining one circle are different from the center circle, but very similar. Color. For example, in FIG. 4, the color of the center circle and the circles on the upper, lower, and right sides of the center circle is blue, and the color of the circle on the left side of the center circle is lighter blue than the center circle. And

The visual function calculating means 14 comprises an input section 15 composed of a joystick and a visual function index calculating section 16. Here, the tester asks the subject
To solve this problem, please select one of the four circles around the screen that is different from the color of the circle in the center of the screen and tilt the joystick in the direction of the selected circle. When the test subject selects one of the circles and inputs the selected circle using the input unit 15, the visual system function index calculation unit 16 compares the contents of the visual system function test input from the control unit 11 with the input unit 15. Based on the information inputted by the subject, the index related to the visual system function is derived. By the way, in the above-mentioned document 1, there is a statistically significant difference in color discrimination ability between the group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and the group of healthy subjects (p = 0.05). It is reported that in the group of subjects, the color discrimination ability with respect to blue decreases, and in the present embodiment, an index regarding the visual system function is derived by performing a visual test regarding the color discrimination ability as described above.

The storage unit 5 is realized by the storage device of the personal computer 1 and stores various indices obtained by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16. In addition, in the database 6 constructed in the storage device of the personal computer 1, indices indicating individual variables related to pupil response and visual system function of a plurality or single subjects whose indices have already been derived are accumulated as reference indices. In addition to these index data, the age, gender, past medical condition, current disease, measurement time, measurement location,
Information DA including subject information and measurement environment information necessary for a brain function test, such as environmental conditions such as illuminance and temperature at the measurement location, results of an intelligence test, and the like, is stored. In the present embodiment, the index data of the subject and the information DA on the subject stored in the storage unit 5 are added to the database 6 as new data, and a brain function test is performed. Each time the test result is stored as new data, more test subject data is stored and a highly reliable database 6 can be constructed.

The output means 8 is constituted by a display device such as a display device or a printer.
The pupil index and the visual function index of the subject obtained from the visual system function index calculation unit 16 and the pupil index and the visual function index of a large number of subjects stored in the database 6 are displayed side by side. It is possible to determine what value each of the indices indicates relative to the indices stored in the database 6. In addition, as an index to be compared, not only one index of other subjects, but also an average value of indexes of a plurality of subjects, or
The index may be an average value of a specific subject group, or any index other than the subject's index.
The index to be compared may be an index obtained in the past of the subject.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 11, the video generation unit 12, and the visual function index calculation unit 16 are realized by the calculation function of the personal computer 10, and the personal computer 1 and the personal computer 10 Although they communicate with each other, it goes without saying that the personal computers 1 and 10 may be realized by one personal computer.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a brain function testing apparatus of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, in the brain function test apparatus of the first embodiment, a multivariate operation for converting a large number of indices used for a brain function test into smaller indices is performed, and a brain function test is performed using the converted indices. Is going. The basic configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described in the first embodiment, there are generally a plurality of pupil indices derived by the pupil index calculating unit 4. The multivariate calculation unit 7 performs a multivariate calculation for converting a plurality of index data derived by 16 into smaller indices, and performs a brain function test using the converted index.

The multivariate calculation unit 7 selects a discriminant value from various pupil indices and visual system function indices by a discriminant analysis technique in the multivariate analysis. Usually, the discrimination value is usually one. However, the pupil index and the visual function index are classified into several groups, and one discrimination value is obtained for each group. It is also possible to obtain a plurality of discrimination values from the index and the visual system function index. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is one discrimination value.

Discriminant analysis by multivariate analysis is a method in which information of a plurality of indices is aggregated and converted into one discriminant value, the discriminant value is used as a representative value, and some discrimination is performed using the discriminant value. is there. Other multivariate analysis techniques include:
There is a principal component analysis method. This is a method of converting multiple indices into fewer indices and consolidating from many original indices into less information.It can be said that this is a method that generalizes preprocessing other than judgment in the previous discriminant analysis method . Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a method of deriving a discriminant value based on a discriminant analysis technique is used. Of course, the present invention is not particularly limited to the embodiment.

Regarding the multivariate analysis method, see “Medical Statistics Handbook”, Hideo Miyahara, Toshiro Vocabulary (ed.) (Asakura Shoten, 1995)], “Introduction to Multivariate Data Analysis”, Koichi Sugiyama, Asakura Shoten, 1983)], ["Nonlinear multivariate analysis-
Neural Network Approach ”(Asakura Shoten, 19
96)] and so on.

Now, the multivariate operation unit 7 used in this embodiment
Is converted into a smaller number of indices using the plurality of indices relating to the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil of the subject obtained by the pupil index calculator 4 and the visual function index obtained by the visual function index calculator 16, The multivariate analysis calculation unit 7a that calculates the discrimination value w1 of the subject, the pupil index and the visual function index of many subjects obtained by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16 and stored in the database 6 And a multivariate analysis calculation unit 7b that calls and performs multivariate analysis calculation to calculate discrimination values w2 of a large number of subjects. Although the multivariate calculation unit 7 of the present embodiment is realized by the same personal computer 1 as the pupil index calculation unit 4, it may be realized by a separate personal computer. The present invention can also be realized using a signal processor) or a microcomputer, and specific implementation means of the present invention is not particularly limited to the embodiments.

The database 6 contains indices indicating individual variables relating to pupil response and visual system function of a plurality of subjects including the subject, and discrimination values w1 and w2 obtained by multivariate analysis calculation using these indices. In addition, the age, gender, pre-existing illness, current disease, measurement date and time, measurement location, environmental conditions such as illuminance and temperature of the measurement location, results of intelligence test, etc. of a plurality of subjects including Information DA including subject information and measurement environment information is stored. In this embodiment, the index data of the subject and the information DA about the subject are added to the database 6 as new data. Is stored in the database 6, so that more data of the subject is stored and a highly reliable database 6 can be constructed. In addition, the database 6
The pupil index calculation unit 4 and the multivariate calculation unit 7 are realized by the same personal computer 1, but the multivariate calculation unit 7
Similarly to the above, it is not always necessary to realize the same personal computer 1, but it may be realized by another personal computer.

The output means 8 is constituted by a display device such as a display device or a printer, and displays the discrimination value w1 of the subject and the discrimination value w2 of another subject. Compared to the discrimination value w2, it is possible to determine what value is relatively shown. The discrimination value w2 of another subject may be not only one discrimination value of another subject, but also an average value of discrimination values of a plurality of subjects, or an average value of discrimination values of a specific group of subjects. May be. In other words, the discrimination value of the subject to be compared with the discrimination value of the subject may be any target other than the discrimination value of the subject. Further, the discrimination value to be compared with the discrimination value w1 of the subject may be a discrimination value obtained in the past of the subject. Although not shown in FIG. 5, not only the discrimination values w1 and w2 but also the pupil index and other data may be displayed on the display device constituting the output unit 8.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11, the image generation unit 12, and the visual function index calculation unit 16 are realized by the arithmetic function of the personal computer 10, and between the personal computer 1 and the personal computer 10, Although they communicate with each other, it goes without saying that the personal computers 1 and 10 may be realized by one personal computer.

(Embodiment 3) By the way, one of the visual system functions
First, there is a stereoscopic ability, and the above-mentioned document 1 reports that there is a statistically significant difference in stereoscopic ability between a group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and a group of healthy persons ( p
= 0.05). Therefore, in the present embodiment, instead of performing a visual test on the color discrimination ability of the subject in the brain function test apparatus of the first or second embodiment, a visual test on the stereoscopic vision ability is performed to derive an index on the visual system function. I have. Since the basic configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As means for realizing stereoscopic vision, there is a binocular stereoscopic vision method for generating a sense of depth by presenting two types of images to which parallax is given using the human pupil interval to each of the left and right eyes. In the present embodiment, the stereoscopic vision is inspected using the binocular stereoscopic method.

When performing a test of the visual system function, the video generation unit 12 uses the video display unit 23 to present a test video as shown in FIG. That is, in the case of binocular binocular stereopsis, by giving binocular parallax to a target point in an image presented to both eyes P, the position of the fusion A of the target point moves back and forth in the depth direction. Are arranged as follows. Here, the fusion position is continuously moved back and forth in the depth direction, and the eye movement at this time is observed from the image of the eye taken by the CCD camera 28.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the temporal change of the eyeball rotation angle when the position of the fusion image A is moved back and forth. The vertical axis in the figure indicates that the eyeball moves rightward as positive, and that the eyeball moves leftward as negative, and the time point 0 is when the stimulus convergence angle is 0 degrees. In the figure, the left eye and the right eye indicate the eyeball rotation angles, respectively. Here, FIG. 7A shows that the left and right eyeballs are performing a convergence movement in accordance with the movement of the target point. At this time, the images of the left and right eyes are fused, and stereoscopic vision can be performed. On the other hand, FIG.
In (b), the left and right eyes do not perform a convergence movement, and the right eye is a joint eye movement that follows the movement of the left eye. Therefore, the pupil center positions of both eyes of the subject are measured using the eyeball imaging unit 20 with the image display function, and the visual function index calculating unit 16 derives an index related to the stereoscopic ability based on the measurement result. Thereby, the stereoscopic ability of the subject can be automatically measured.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus of the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives the index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual function index calculating section 16 derives the index relating to the stereoscopic ability. And the subject's index data,
A brain function test is performed by comparing and judging the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in a database. The statistical significance level value between the elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller, the identification rate of dementia is improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined.

When testing the stereoscopic ability, FIG.
If the color of the fusion is very similar to the color of the background screen as shown in (2), the color of the background screen is set to blue, and the color of the fusion arranged at the center of the screen is set to a color slightly lighter than the background screen. Then, the test of the color discrimination ability can be performed simultaneously with the test of the stereoscopic vision ability, the discrimination rate of dementia can be further improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined.
In addition, a luminance difference may be provided between the luminance of the fusion image arranged in the center of the screen and the luminance of the background screen. When the stereoscopic ability is tested, the luminance difference discriminating ability can be simultaneously tested. In addition, the dementia identification rate is further improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be determined more accurately.

(Embodiment 4) By the way, one of the visual system functions
First, there is a luminance difference discriminating ability for discriminating a luminance difference. In the above-mentioned document 1, there is a statistically significant difference in luminance difference discriminating ability between a group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and a group of healthy subjects. Is reported to be present (p = 0.01). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, instead of performing a visual test on a color discrimination ability, a visual test on a luminance difference discrimination ability for discriminating a luminance difference is performed, so that a visual function is performed. Indices are derived. Since the basic configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

When performing a test of the visual system function, the video generation unit 12 uses the video display unit 23 to present a test video as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B to the subject. FIG.
(A) is a striped pattern in which bright areas and dark areas alternate in the horizontal direction.
The image display unit 23 displays an image in which the entire surface is solid white and an image having a stripe pattern as shown in FIG. here,
The test staff presents a subject to the subject, "If the stripe pattern is visible, operate the input unit 15."
5, the visual system function index calculating unit 16 calculates an index related to the visual system function based on the contents of the visual system function test input from the control unit 11 and the information input by the subject using the input unit 15. Derive.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus of the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculating section 16 determines the index relating to the luminance difference discriminating ability. The brain function is examined by deriving and comparing the index data of the subject with the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database. Compared with the function test, the statistical significance level of the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller, the identification rate of dementia is improved, and the degree of aging of the brain is more accurately determined. Can be determined.

The order in which the video display unit 23 displays the white-color video and the striped video is random, and the luminance difference between the striped images may be set appropriately according to the ability of the subject. . For example, when the luminance difference between a bright region and a dark region in the inspection image shown in FIG. 9A is reduced, an image as shown in FIG. 9B is obtained.

(Embodiment 5) By the way, one of the visual system functions
First, there is a tracking ability to track a moving object, and the above-mentioned document 2 discloses that there is a statistically significant difference in tracking ability between a group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and a group of healthy subjects. Reported (p = 0.001). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, instead of performing a visual test on a color identification ability, a visual test on a tracking ability for tracking an object is performed, so that an index on a visual system function is obtained. Derived.
The basic configuration of the brain function test apparatus is the same as that of the first or second embodiment.
Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

When performing a test of the visual system function, the video generation unit 12 uses the video display unit 23 to present a test video as shown in FIG. 10 to the subject. That is, the image display unit 23 displays a circular image B at the left end of the background screen, and moves the image B at a constant speed from the left to the right. At this time, the subject's head is fixed so as not to move, and is instructed to track the image B only with the eyes. The movement of the eye P of the subject is, for example, Ag-AgC
Although measurement can also be performed by an Electrooculography method using an l electrode, in the present embodiment, the movement of the eyeball P is measured by processing the image captured by the CCD camera 28 by the image processing circuit 3, and the visual system Function index calculator 1
In step 6, an index relating to tracking ability is derived from the measurement result of the image processing circuit 3. In addition, as an index related to the tracking ability to track the target, for example, the moving speed of the image B that can be followed,
There are indexes such as the maximum tracking speed of the tracking speed of the eye P for each moving speed of the image B, the total number of saccades and their amplitude values, and the ratio between the moving speed of the image B and the tracking speed of the eye P. Note that a saccade is a rapid eye movement that is observed when the user changes the point of gaze to voluntarily look at an object. Once the movement occurs, the saccade cannot be stopped arbitrarily.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculating section 16 determines the index relating to the tracking ability of the object. By deriving the index data of the subject, by comparing and determining the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database,
Compared to a brain function test, where the brain function is tested using only the autonomic nervous system index, the statistical significance level of the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller, and dementia And the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined.

When testing the tracking ability of the object, if the color of the image B is very similar to the color of the background screen as shown in FIG. 11 (in FIG. 11, the color of the background screen is blue, Image B
Is lighter blue than the background screen), the color discrimination ability can be tested at the same time, the dementia discrimination rate is further improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined. Further, a luminance difference may be given between the luminance of the image B and the luminance of the background screen. When the tracking ability of the object is tested, the luminance difference discriminating ability can be tested at the same time. The rate is further improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be determined more accurately.

(Embodiment 6) By the way, one of the visual system functions
One is the ability to recognize the original object from the image of the object, such as a partially masked character or figure. It has been reported that there is a statistically significant difference in their cognitive abilities between them (p = 0.01). Therefore, in the present embodiment, instead of performing a visual test relating to color discrimination ability in the brain function testing apparatus of the first or second embodiment,
By testing the ability to recognize the original object from an image of the object such as a character or figure with a part masked, an index related to the ability is derived. Since the basic configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

When performing a test of the visual system function as described above, the video generation unit 12 uses the video display unit 23, and first, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, after displaying an image in which the character “A” is arranged at the center of the screen for a very short time, FIG.
An image in which the upper part of the letter "A" is masked as shown in FIG. 12B, or "A" as shown in FIG.
An image is displayed for a certain period of time (for example, 100 mS) in which all parts other than the horizontal line portion of the character are masked, and the subject is input using the input unit 15 to determine what the original character is. Here, the time for displaying the original character is randomly changed between 16.7 mS and 300 mS, for example, and the shorter the display time of the original character, the more difficult it is to recognize the original character. Visual function index calculator 1
In 6, the result input by the subject using the input unit 15 and
An index relating to the visual system function is derived based on the contents of the visual system function test input from the control unit 11. Here, the visual system function index calculation unit 16 evaluates the ability based on the time during which the original character is displayed, and evaluates that the shorter the time, the higher the ability. Note that, for example, a joystick may be used as the input unit 15, and the original character may be input by selecting the original character "A" from the plurality of characters displayed on the display device with the joystick.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculating section 16 calculates the part of the object which is partially masked. Deriving an index related to the ability to recognize the original object from the video, the index data of the subject,
A brain function test is performed by comparing and judging the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in a database. The statistical significance level value between the elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller, the identification rate of dementia is improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined.

(Embodiment 7) By the way, one of the visual system functions
One is the ability to identify an object whose position changes by a certain amount in a certain direction from among a plurality of objects whose positions on a screen change irregularly at certain time intervals. No. 3 is reported to have a statistically significant difference in discriminating ability between a group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and a group of healthy subjects (p = 0.001). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the brain function testing apparatus of the first or second embodiment, instead of performing a visual test relating to color discrimination ability, a plurality of objects whose positions on a screen change irregularly at predetermined time intervals (for example, Dot), the ability to identify objects that change position by a certain amount in a certain direction,
An index related to the discrimination ability is derived. Since the basic configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

When performing the visual function test as described above, the video generation unit 12 uses the video display unit 23 and
As shown in FIG. 13A, an image in which a plurality of circular objects (hereinafter, referred to as dots) C are arranged at an arbitrary position on the background screen is displayed, and when a predetermined time elapses, FIG.
As shown in (b), the position of each dot C is changed irregularly. Here, in the inspection image shown in FIG.
A part of the plurality of dots C is displayed by being moved by a certain amount in a certain direction from a previous position, and such a dot C is particularly called a coherent dot C ′. FIG.
In (a) and (b), the coherent dots C ′ are hatched, and the other dots (called random dots) C are indicated by white circles, but are displayed with the same color and luminance in the inspection image. The coherent dot C ′ cannot be identified from characteristics such as brightness and brightness.

Then, the subject identifies the coherent dot C ′ from the inspection image displayed by the video display unit 23, and inputs the moving direction using the input unit 15 such as a joystick. Here, the visual system function index calculating unit 16 calculates an index related to the visual system function based on the information input by the subject using the input unit 15 and the content of the visual system function test input from the control unit 11. Derive. Here, the visual system function index calculation unit 16 evaluates the discrimination ability based on the ratio of the coherent dots C ′ whose movement directions can be identified, and it is necessary to correctly input the movement direction of the coherent dots C ′. The shorter the time taken, the higher the discrimination ability is evaluated.

When the image display unit 23 switches the inspection image, a coherent dot C ′ may be randomly selected from a plurality of dots C each time. However, as shown in FIG. Is performed once, the same dot may be regarded as a coherent dot C ′, and the coherent dot C ′ may be moved in a certain direction at a certain time interval by a certain amount. Therefore, by measuring the movement of the eyeball, the subject's discrimination ability can be automatically measured, and the brain function can be automatically determined.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus of the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculating section 16 displays the index on the screen at regular time intervals. From a plurality of objects whose positions change irregularly, an index relating to the ability to identify an object whose position changes by a certain amount in a certain direction is derived,
The brain function is tested by comparing and judging the index data of the subject and the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database, and the brain function is tested from the index of the autonomic nervous system only. Compared to when
The statistical significance level value between the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group becomes smaller, the identification rate of dementia is improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined.

Note that the video generation unit 12 is configured as shown in FIG.
When displaying the inspection image shown in (b), if the colors of the coherent dots and random dots are made to be very similar to the colors of the background screen (see FIGS. 15 (a) and (b)), the color discrimination ability can be simultaneously improved. The test can be performed, the identification rate of dementia can be further improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined. In the inspection images shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the color of the background screen is blue, and the colors of the coherent dots and random dots are blue lighter than the background screen. Further, a luminance difference may be provided between the luminance of the coherent dots and the random dots and the luminance of the background screen.When testing the identification ability of the coherent dots, the luminance difference identification ability can be simultaneously tested, The identification rate of dementia is further improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined.

(Embodiment 8) FIG. 16 shows an overall configuration diagram in this embodiment. The video display unit 23 has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and presents a video for examination to a subject.

The eyeball imaging unit 26 is for obtaining an image of the eyeball of the subject, and is located near the eyeball P of the subject and irradiates infrared light to the eyeball P of the subject. It comprises a CCD camera 28 for acquiring an image.

The image processing circuit 3 extracts the pupil portion from the image of the eye P picked up by the CCD camera 28 to determine the size of the pupil, and also determines the movement of the eye P. Then, the pupil index calculation unit 4 calculates an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil from the output of the image processing circuit 3. On the other hand, the visual system function index calculation unit 16 calculates an index related to the visual system function based on the output of the image processing circuit 3 and the input contents input by the subject using the input unit 15 including a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and the like. ing.

As in the second embodiment, the multivariate calculation unit 7 includes a plurality of indices relating to the static or dynamic characteristics of the subject's pupil obtained by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 1
The multivariate analysis calculation unit 7a, which converts the visual system function index obtained in step 6 into a smaller index using the visual system function index and calculates the discrimination value w1 of the subject, the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16 And a multivariate analysis calculation unit 7b that calls a pupil index and a visual system function index of a large number of subjects stored in the database 6 to perform a multivariate analysis calculation and calculates a discrimination value w2 of a large number of subjects.

The database 6 is constructed in the storage device of the personal computer 1 and includes indices indicating individual variables relating to pupil response and visual system function of a plurality of subjects including the subject, and multivariate using these indices. Discriminant values w1 and w2 obtained by the analysis calculation, as well as the age, gender, past illness, current disease, measurement date and time, measurement location, environmental conditions such as illuminance and temperature of the measurement location, intelligence test of a plurality of subjects including the subject. And information including subject information and measurement environment information necessary for a brain function test, such as the results of the above.
In the present embodiment, the subject's index data and its information are added to the database 6 as new data, and each time a brain function test is performed, the test result is stored in the database 6 as new data. So
Data of more subjects is accumulated, and a highly reliable database 6 can be constructed.

The output means 8 is constituted by a display device such as a display device or a printer, and displays the discrimination value w1 of the subject and the discrimination value w2 of another subject. Compared to the discrimination value w2, it is possible to determine what value is relatively shown. The discrimination value w2 of another subject may be not only one discrimination value of another subject, but also an average value of discrimination values of a plurality of subjects, or an average value of discrimination values of a specific group of subjects. May be. In other words, the discrimination value of the subject to be compared with the discrimination value of the subject may be any target other than the discrimination value of the subject. Further, the discrimination value to be compared with the discrimination value w1 of the subject may be a discrimination value obtained in the past of the subject. Further, not only the discrimination values w1 and w2 but also the pupil index and other data may be displayed on the display device constituting the output means 8.

The pupil index calculating section 4, visual system function index calculating section 16 and multivariate calculating section 7 are constituted by the calculating functions of the personal computer 1, but may be realized by separate personal computers. And not a personal computer but a DSP (digital signal processor)
The present invention can also be realized using a microcomputer or a microcomputer, and specific implementation means of the present invention is not particularly limited to the embodiments.

By the way, one of the visual system functions is the ability to search for characters, and the above-mentioned reference 4 discloses a statistically significant character search between a group of patients with Alzheimer's dementia and a group of healthy subjects. It is reported that there is a difference in ability. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the brain function test apparatus of the first or second embodiment, instead of performing a visual test relating to color discrimination ability, a visual test relating to the ability to search for characters is performed to derive an index relating to visual system functions. ing.

When a test of the visual system function is performed, the subject is first gazed at the center of the screen of the video display unit 23,
As shown in FIG. 17, a screen 23a is displayed by the video display unit 23.
A test image in which a plurality of characters (for example, alphabets) and one number are arranged at random positions above is presented to the subject. Here, the test staff presents a subject to the subject, "Please search for a number from the letters and enter that number." Operates the input unit 15 composed of a keyboard, a mouse or a joystick to input numbers. In the present embodiment, the movement of the eyeball P is measured by processing the image captured by the CCD camera 28 by the image processing circuit 3. Part 15
And derives an index related to the ability to search for a character based on the information input by the subject using. Then, the above test is executed a plurality of times to derive an index related to the visual system function.
The evaluation items include a correct answer rate (p <0.0001),
Reaction time (p <0.0001), fixation time (p <0.0
001), number of fixations (p <0.0001), duration of fixation (p = 0.0003), operation time (p <0.000)
1) and so on.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives the index relating to the pupil light response, and the visual function index calculating section 16 determines the index relating to the ability to search for characters. Is derived and further converted to a smaller number of indexes by performing a multivariate calculation in the multivariate calculation unit 7. From the index data of the subject and the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database 6. The brain function is tested by comparing and judging the indices obtained using the multivariate calculation method. The statistical significance level value with the elderly group with dementia becomes smaller, the identification rate of dementia is improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined. In this embodiment, the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index conversion unit 4 perform multivariate calculation for converting into a smaller number of indices using the indices calculated by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16. It goes without saying that the brain function may be tested using the index itself calculated by the index calculator 16.

(Embodiment 9) By the way, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision, there is an index indicating the history of the movement of the eyeball of the subject when a video composed of a color pattern is displayed in front of the subject. No. 5 reports that there is a statistically significant difference between the group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and the group of healthy subjects. Therefore, in the present embodiment, instead of performing the character search test, the brain function test apparatus of the eighth embodiment detects the motion history of the subject's eyeball when displaying an image composed of a color pattern in front of the subject's eyes. Derives indicators related to visual system functions. Note that the configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the eighth embodiment, and thus illustration and description are omitted.

When a test of the visual system function is performed, first, the subject is instructed to view the entire screen 23a of the video display unit 23, and then the color pattern PT shown in FIG. Is displayed. At this time, the image processing circuit 3 measures the movement of the eyeball P by processing the image taken by the CCD camera 28 by the image processing circuit 3.
Then, based on the measurement result of the image processing circuit 3, an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball is derived. The index indicating the eyeball movement history is the number of saccades (p <0.0
5) and fixation duration (p <0.05).

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the pupil index calculation unit 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculation unit 16 presents an image composed of a color pattern. An index indicating the movement history of the eyeball at that time is derived, and the multivariate calculation unit 7 performs a multivariate calculation to convert the index into a smaller index. Then, by comparing and determining the index data of the subject and an index obtained from the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database 6 using a multivariate calculation method,
Compared to a brain function test, where the brain function is tested using only the autonomic nervous system index, the statistical significance level of the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller, and dementia And the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined. In this embodiment, the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index conversion unit 4 perform multivariate calculation for converting into a smaller number of indices using the indices calculated by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16. It goes without saying that the brain function may be tested using the index itself calculated by the index calculator 16.

(Embodiment 10) As an index for evaluating a function related to vision, there is an index indicating the history of the movement of the subject's eyeball when a video showing a prose is displayed in front of the subject. No. 6 is reported to have a statistically significant difference between the group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and the group of healthy subjects. Therefore, in the present embodiment, instead of performing the character search test, the brain function test apparatus of the eighth embodiment detects the motion history of the subject's eyeball when displaying the video showing the prose in front of the subject. ,
We derive indicators for visual system functions. Note that the configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the eighth embodiment, and thus illustration and description are omitted.

In this inspection, the screen 23a of the video display unit 23
Then, a video showing the prose E is displayed as shown in FIG.
The subject is made to read this prose E silently, and what kind of movement the eyeball P is performing when reading the sentence is measured. That is, the image processing circuit 3 measures the movement of the eyeball P by processing the image captured by the CCD camera 28 by the image processing circuit 3.
In step 6, based on the measurement result of the image processing circuit 3, an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball is derived. In addition, as the index indicating the movement history of the eyeball, the amount read in a certain period of time (reading amount, p <0.001), the forward saccade (p <
0.001), regression saccade (p <0.05), fixation duration (p = 0.0001) and the like.

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculating section 16 allows the subject to read the prose silently. An index indicating the movement history of the eyeball is derived, and the multivariate calculation unit 7 performs multivariate calculation to convert the index into a smaller index. Then, a brain function test is performed by comparing and determining the index data of the subject with an index obtained from the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database 6 using a multivariate calculation method. The statistical significance level of the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller than when the brain function is examined using only the autonomic nervous system index, and the identification rate of dementia is improved. Further, the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined. In this embodiment, the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index conversion unit 4 perform multivariate calculation for converting into a smaller number of indices using the indices calculated by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16. It goes without saying that the brain function may be tested using the index itself calculated by the index calculator 16.

(Embodiment 11) By the way, as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision, there is an index indicating an ability to set a plurality of areas in an inspection image and search for a target appearing in any of the areas. In the above-mentioned Reference 7, it is reported that there is a statistically significant difference in this ability between a group of subjects with Alzheimer's dementia and a group of healthy subjects. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the brain function testing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, instead of performing a character search test, a plurality of regions are set in a test image and the ability to search for a target appearing in any of the regions is set. The indicators shown are measured. Note that the configuration of the brain function testing apparatus is the same as that of the eighth embodiment, and thus illustration and description are omitted.

In the present examination, first, the subject is gazed at the center (CT) of the screen 23a of the video display unit 23, and then, using the video display unit 23, as shown in FIG. Circular marks M1 to M4 are displayed in any of the regions provided at the corners for a fixed time (for example, about 0.5 second). In FIG. 20, four marks M are displayed on the screen 23a.
Although 1 to M4 are displayed, only one of the four marks M1 to M4 is displayed when testing the visual system function.

Here, the examiner asked the subject 4
It presents a problem of gazing at a mark appearing at any of the corners. The image taken by the CCD camera 28 is processed by the image processing circuit 3 to measure the movement of the eyeball P, and the visual system function index calculation is performed. In the section 16, the image processing circuit 3
An index related to the visual system function is derived from the movement of the eyeball P measured by the above. Then, the above-described test is executed a plurality of times at regular intervals (for example, about every 2-3 seconds) to derive an index relating to the visual system function. The evaluation items include a correct answer rate (p <0.014) and a delay time (p <0.005).

As described above, in the brain function testing apparatus of the present embodiment, the pupil index calculating section 4 derives an index relating to the pupil-light reaction, and the visual system function index calculating section 16 allows the subject to read the prose silently. An index indicating the movement history of the eyeball is derived, and the multivariate calculation unit 7 performs multivariate calculation to convert the index into a smaller index. Then, a brain function test is performed by comparing and determining the index data of the subject with an index obtained from the index data of a plurality of subjects measured in advance and stored in the database 6 using a multivariate calculation method. The statistical significance level of the healthy elderly group and the dementia elderly group is smaller than when the brain function is examined using only the autonomic nervous system index, and the identification rate of dementia is improved. Further, the degree of aging of the brain can be more accurately determined. In this embodiment, the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index conversion unit 4 perform multivariate calculation for converting into a smaller number of indices using the indices calculated by the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual system function index calculation unit 16. It goes without saying that the brain function may be tested using the index itself calculated by the index calculator 16.

(Embodiment 12) FIG. 21 shows a system configuration of a brain function testing system according to the present embodiment. This system is a brain function testing device 10 for testing a subject's brain function.
0 and a server 30 connected to the brain function testing apparatus 100 via the Internet 40 (communication network), and an operator who operates the server 30 provides a brain function testing service using this system. Note that the operator who operates the server 30 also operates the brain test business, but the server management and the brain test business may be performed by different businesses.

[0108] The brain function test apparatus 100 includes a video display unit 23
, An eyeball imaging unit 26, an image processing circuit 3, a pupil index calculation unit 4, a visual function index calculation unit 16, and an output unit 8, and the pupil index calculation unit 4 and the visual function index calculation unit 16
Is constituted by the arithmetic function of the personal computer 10.

The image display unit 23 as the image display means has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and presents an image for examination to the subject.

The eyeball imaging section 26 is for obtaining an eyeball image of the subject, and is located near the eyeball P of the subject and irradiates infrared light to the eyeball P of the subject. It comprises a CCD camera 28 (imaging means) for acquiring an image.

The image processing circuit 3 serving as a pupil detecting means is provided with a CC
The pupil portion is extracted from the image of the eyeball P captured by the D camera 28 to determine the size of the pupil and to determine the movement of the eyeball P.

Pupil index calculating section 4 (pupil index calculating means)
Calculates an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil from the output of the image processing circuit 3. An index related to the visual system function is calculated based on the input content input by the subject using the input unit 15 including a joystick or the like.

The output means (first output means) constituted by the communication function of the personal computer 6 transmits the index calculated by the pupil index calculation section 4 and the visual system function index calculation section 16 to the server 30 via the Internet 40. Send to The receiving means configured by the communication function of the personal computer 6 includes the subject's discrimination value w1 transmitted from the server 30 via the Internet 40,
Data such as the discrimination value w2 of another subject is received.

The output means 8 is constituted by a display device such as a display device or a printer, and displays the discrimination value w1 of the subject and the discrimination value w2 of another subject received by the personal computer 6, and outputs the discrimination value of the subject. w1
Is relatively comparable to the discrimination value w2 of another subject. Note that the discrimination value w2 of another subject is not limited to one discrimination value of another subject, and may be an average value of discrimination values of a plurality of subjects, or an average value of discrimination values of a specific group of subjects. It may be. In other words, the discrimination value of the subject to be compared with the discrimination value of the subject may be any target other than the discrimination value of the subject. Further, the discrimination value to be compared with the discrimination value w1 of the subject may be a discrimination value obtained in the past of the subject. Further, not only the discrimination values w1 and w2 but also a pupil index and other data may be displayed on the display device constituting the output unit 8.

Here, the pupil index calculating section 4 and the visual system function index calculating section 16 are realized by the arithmetic function of the personal computer 10, and the transmitting / receiving section 17 is realized by the communication function of the personal computer 10.

On the other hand, the server 40 has a multivariate operation unit 7 and a database 6, and is constituted by a personal computer or the like.

The receiving section constituted by the communication function of the server 40 receives the index transmitted from the brain function testing apparatus 100 via the Internet 40, and the transmitting section (second section) constituted by the communication function of the server 40 Output means) transmits the discrimination value W1 of the subject or the discrimination values W2 of many subjects obtained by the multivariate calculation unit 7 to the brain function testing apparatus 100 via the Internet 40.

As in the second embodiment, the multivariate calculation unit 7 includes a plurality of indices relating to the static or dynamic characteristics of the subject's pupil obtained by the pupil index calculation unit 4 of the brain function testing apparatus 100, and
The visual system function index calculated by the visual system function index calculator 16 is converted into a smaller index using the visual system function index, and the discrimination value w1 of the subject is obtained.
And a pupil index calculation unit 4
And the database 6 obtained by the visual system function index calculation unit 16
And a multivariate analysis calculation unit 7b that calls a pupil index and a visual system function index of a large number of subjects and performs a multivariate analysis calculation to calculate a discrimination value w2 of a large number of subjects.

The database 6 is constructed in the storage device of the server 30, and indicates indices indicating individual variables relating to pupil response and visual system function of a plurality of subjects including the subject, and a multivariate analysis using these indices. Discrimination values w1 and w2 obtained by the calculation, and identification IDs of a plurality of subjects including the subject, for example, communication contacts on a communication network such as an IP address, age, gender, past illness, current disease, measurement date and time, Information including subject information and measurement environment information required for a brain function test, such as a measurement location, environmental conditions such as illuminance and temperature of the measurement location, and results of an intelligence test, are stored. In the present embodiment, the subject's index data and its information are added to the database 6 as new data, and each time a brain function test is performed, the test result is stored in the database 6 as new data. Therefore, data of more subjects is accumulated, and a highly reliable database 6 can be constructed. Here, the database 6 constitutes subject information storage means for storing subject information and determination reference storage means for storing data serving as a reference for comparison with an index obtained by multivariate calculation.

When a cerebral function test is performed by the present system, when the tester or the subject performs the test using the cerebral function test apparatus 100 arranged at the test site, the pupil index calculation unit 4 determines whether the pupil has static characteristics or dynamics. In addition to calculating the index related to the characteristic, the visual function index calculating unit 16 calculates the index related to the visual function. When the identification ID assigned to the subject is input using the input unit 15, the personal computer 16 transmits the identification ID of the subject and the measurement data to the server 30 via the Internet 40. On the other hand, in the server 30, the identification I of the subject transmitted from the brain function test apparatus 100 via the Internet 40.
D and its measurement data are received, and the multivariate analysis calculation unit 7a converts the received data into a smaller index by performing a multivariate operation. Next, the server 30 reads, from the database 6, reference data for comparison with an index obtained by multivariate calculation, and compares the subject's index with the reference index to create a comparison result. Thereafter, the server 30 stores the database 6 based on the identification ID of the subject.
Then, an IP address of the subject is read from the server, an HTML file displaying a comparison result of comparing the subject's index with a reference index is created, and the HTML file is transmitted to the personal computer 10 via the Internet 40. The personal computer 10 receives the HTML file transmitted from the server 30 and outputs the comparison result to the output unit 8 including a display device and a printer. Can be easily read.

Here, a multivariate operation means 7 for converting the measurement data transmitted from the brain function test apparatus 100 into a smaller number of indices using a multivariate operation method, an index obtained by the multivariate operation and stored in the database 6 The comparison means for comparing the obtained data to obtain a comparison result is realized by an arithmetic function of a computer constituting the server 30. Further, a subject information storage unit storing subject information including identification IDs of a plurality of subjects and communication contacts on a communication network, and data serving as a reference for comparison with an index obtained by a multivariate operation are stored. The comparison reference storage means is realized by a storage device of a computer constituting the server 30. Further, a receiving unit for receiving the subject ID and the measurement data of the subject transmitted via the communication network, and a communication contact of the subject from the subject information storage unit based on the subject ID, and reading the communication contact of the subject via the communication network The transmitting means for transmitting the comparison result of the comparing means to the communication contact is realized by a communication function of a computer constituting the server 30. An operation program for causing the computer to execute the above-described operation is stored in the storage device of the server 30 in advance.

[0122]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the brain function testing method for testing the brain function of a subject, the pupil response of the subject is induced by light stimulation to detect the size of the pupil of the subject. Then, an index relating to static characteristics or dynamic characteristics of the pupil is derived from the detected pupil size, an image for inspection is displayed in front of the subject's eyes, and an index for evaluating a function related to vision from the response characteristics of the subject to the image is displayed. Derived indices are used to evaluate the derived indices related to static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil and the functions related to vision, and the indices related to the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil, which are stored in the database, are evaluated. It is characterized by performing brain function tests based on information related to the indices to be affected, and in addition to the pupil-light response that reflects the activity state of the autonomic nervous system, it is independent of the autonomic nervous system By examining also the visual system function to reflect the activity of the visual cortex of a brain, improve determination rate of dementia, additionally has the effect that it is possible to determine the aging degree of the brain more accurately.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an index indicating a capability of searching for a character is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. Play.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an image consisting of a color pattern is displayed in front of the subject's eyes, and an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball with respect to this image is derived. Is used as an index for evaluating a function related to vision, and the same effect as the invention of claim 1 or 2 is obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, an image showing a prose is displayed in front of the subject's eyes, and an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball with respect to this image is derived. Are used as indices for evaluating functions relating to vision, and have the same effects as the inventions of claims 1 to 3.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, a target which appears in any of a plurality of regions set in the inspection image is searched for as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. The present invention is characterized in that an index indicating the ability is used, and has the same effect as the inventions of claims 1 to 4.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, an index indicating a color discrimination ability is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. A similar effect is achieved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, an index indicating the ability of stereoscopic vision is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. A similar effect is achieved.

The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention of claims 1 to 7, an index indicating the ability to identify a difference in luminance is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. The same effect as that of the invention of FIG.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, an index indicating the ability to track a moving object is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. The same effects as those of the eighth invention are exerted.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claims 1 to 9, wherein the index for evaluating a function relating to vision is:
An index indicating the ability to recognize the original object from the image of the object whose part is masked is used, and the same effects as those of the first to ninth aspects are achieved.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1 to 10, wherein the index for evaluating a function relating to vision is:
It is characterized by using an index indicating an ability to identify an object whose position changes by a certain amount in a certain direction from a plurality of objects whose positions on the screen change irregularly at certain time intervals, The same effects as those of the first to sixth aspects of the invention are obtained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, a multivariate operation for converting into a smaller number of indexes is performed using each of the above indexes, and a brain function test is performed using the converted indexes. The present invention has the same effect as the first to seventh aspects.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brain function testing apparatus for testing a brain function of a subject, comprising: a concave mirror positioned in front of the subject's eye; a half mirror positioned between the subject's eyeball and the concave mirror; Image display means for projecting an image for use, reflecting the virtual image on the half mirror, and presenting a virtual image formed by the concave mirror to the subject through the half mirror, and irradiating infrared light to the subject's eyeball located near the subject's eyeball An infrared light irradiating unit, an image pickup unit positioned on the opposite side of the image display unit with the half mirror interposed therebetween, and an image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject's eyeball by infrared light reflected by the half mirror; Pupil detection means for detecting the size of the subject's pupil, and detection results of the pupil detection means when presenting a light stimulus for inducing a pupil reaction of the subject using the video display means A pupil index calculating unit for deriving an index relating to static or dynamic characteristics of the hole, and an image for inspection is displayed in front of the subject using an image display unit, and an index relating to visual system functions is derived from a response characteristic of the subject to the image. Visual system function calculating means, an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil as a reference in advance, and a database storing the index relating to the visual system function, an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil of the subject, and Output means for outputting information relating to an index relating to the visual system function and an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil and an index relating to the visual system function stored in the database; The pupil response of the subject by inducing the pupil response of the subject and reflecting the activity state of the autonomic nervous system by the pupil index calculating means. In addition to deriving an index relating to static characteristics or dynamic characteristics, an image for examination is presented to the subject by the image display means, and the visual function calculating means derives an index relating to the visual function from the response characteristic of the subject to this image, An index relating to the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil of the subject obtained from the index calculating means and the visual system function calculating means and an index relating to the visual system function, and the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupils of many subjects stored in the database. The output means displays an index related to the visual system function and an index related to the visual system function, so that it is possible to know what value the index of the subject indicates relatively as compared with the index stored in the database. In addition to the pupil-light response that reflects the activity of the brain, the visual system functions that reflect the activity of the visual cortex of the brain that are independent of the autonomic nervous system. By performing the examination, it is possible to improve the determination rate of dementia, and furthermore, it is possible to realize a brain function testing apparatus capable of more accurately determining the degree of aging of the brain.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a brain function testing system comprising a brain function testing device for testing a subject's brain function and a server connected to the brain function testing device via a communication network. The brain function test apparatus includes: a video display unit that presents a test video to a subject; an imaging unit that captures an image of an eyeball of the subject; and a size of a pupil of the subject from the image captured by the imaging unit. Pupil detection means, and pupil index calculation means for deriving an index relating to static characteristics or dynamic characteristics of the pupil from the detection results of the pupil detection means when presenting a light stimulus for inducing a pupil reaction of the subject using the video display means, Visual system function calculating means for displaying an inspection image in front of the subject's eyes using the image display means and deriving an index related to the visual system function from the subject's response characteristics to the image; First output means for outputting an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the hole and an index relating to the visual system function to a server via a communication network, wherein the server relates to a static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of a pupil which is a reference in advance. A database storing indices and indices related to visual system functions, and a subject index output from the brain function testing device and a reference index stored in the database are output to the brain function testing device via a communication network. And a second output means that reflects the activity of the autonomic nervous system, and reflects the activity of the visual cortex of the brain that is independent of the autonomic nervous system, in addition to the pupil-light response that reflects the activity of the autonomic nervous system. By also examining the visual system function, the dementia judgment rate can be improved, and the degree of aging of the brain can be judged more accurately. Is connected via a network, and the brain function testing device only has to measure the data of the subject and has a database on the server side, so there is an advantage that the configuration of the brain function testing device side can be simplified. .

The invention according to claim 15 is a brain function test service method for performing a brain function test based on measurement data of a pupil index test or a visual cognition test of a subject transmitted via a communication network, Identification I
D and receiving the measurement data of the subject via a communication network; converting the measurement data into fewer indices using a multivariate operation method; and comparing the indices obtained by multivariate operation from a database. Reading the reference data of the subject, comparing the index with the reference data, and reading the subject based on the identification ID from subject information storage means in which the subject's communication contact information on the communication network is stored in advance. Reading the communication contact of the communication contact, and transmitting the comparison result to the communication contact via a communication network, using a multivariate calculation method for the measurement data transmitted through the network. To a smaller index, and compare the index obtained by multivariate operation with the reference index Since the result is transmitted to the subject side, it is possible to provide a brain test service also to a remote subject, and furthermore, on the subject side, it is only necessary to prepare a measuring device for a pupil movement test or a visual cognitive test, There is an effect that the device on the subject side can be simplified.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute the brain function test service method according to the fifteenth aspect, and the computer may execute the brain function test service method according to the fifteenth aspect. This has the effect.

The invention according to claim 17 is a brain function test service apparatus for performing a brain function test based on measurement data of a pupil index test or a visual cognition test of a subject transmitted via a communication network, Subject information storage means for storing subject information including the identification ID of the subject and a communication contact on the communication network; receiving means for receiving the subject ID and measurement data of the subject transmitted via the communication network; A multivariate calculation means for converting the measurement data received by the means into a smaller index using a multivariate calculation method, and a comparison reference storage means for storing data serving as a reference for comparison with an index obtained by the multivariate calculation. Comparing means for comparing the index obtained by the multivariate operation with the data stored in the comparison reference storage means to obtain a comparison result; Based on the received patient ID from the subject information storage unit reads the communication contacts of the subject,
Transmitting means for transmitting the comparison result of the comparing means to the communication contact via a communication network, wherein the measurement data transmitted via the network is reduced by using a multivariate calculation method with a smaller index. And the result of comparing the index obtained by the multivariate operation with the reference index is transmitted to the subject, so a brain function test service device that can provide a brain test service to a remote subject It is possible to provide a measuring device for the pupil movement test or the visual cognition test on the subject side, so that there is an advantage that the device on the subject side can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a brain function test apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of a pupil image obtained by imaging with the above CCD camera.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a temporal change of a subject's pupil diameter when a light stimulus is given by step light using the video display unit of the above.

FIG. 4 is a color image-printed inspection image of the above.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a brain function test apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an example of an inspection image of the brain function inspection apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a temporal change of the eyeball rotation angle of the left and right eyeballs.

FIG. 8 is a color print of another inspection image of the above.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are color prints of test images of the brain function test apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram of an inspection image of the brain function inspection apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a color image of another inspection image of the above.

FIGS. 12A to 12C are examples of test images of the brain function test apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

13A and 13B are examples of test images of the brain function test apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an example diagram of another inspection image according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 15 (a) and (b) show another inspection image in the same color printing.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a brain function test apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an example diagram of an inspection image according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an example diagram of an inspection image of the brain function inspection apparatus according to the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an example of an inspection image of the brain function inspection apparatus according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an example diagram of an inspection image of the brain function inspection apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram of a brain function test apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 pupil index calculation means 6 database 8 output means 14 visual function calculation means 23 video display unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Ryoji Nakajima 1048 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeyuki Suzuki 1048 Kadoma, Kazuma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works Inside

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A brain function testing method for testing a subject's brain function, wherein a pupil reaction of the subject is induced by light stimulation.
Detects the size of the subject's pupil, derives an index related to the static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil from the detected size of the pupil, and displays an inspection image in front of the subject's eyes, and the response characteristics of the subject to this image. Deriving an index for evaluating a function relating to vision from the index, an index relating to the derived static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil and an index evaluating the function relating to vision, and a static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of a pupil serving as a reference stored in a database A brain function test method characterized by performing a brain function test from information on an index relating to an index relating to vision and an index evaluating a function relating to vision. 2. As an index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
The brain function testing method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating the ability to search for a character is used. 3. An image comprising a color pattern is displayed in front of the subject's eyes, an index indicating the movement history of the subject's eyeball with respect to the image is derived, and the index is used as an index for evaluating a function relating to vision. The brain function test method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. An image showing a prose in front of the subject's eyes, an index indicating a history of movement of the subject's eyeball with respect to the image is derived, and the index is used as an index for evaluating a function related to vision. The brain function test method according to claim 1, wherein: 5. An index for evaluating functions relating to vision,
5. The brain function testing method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating an ability to search for a target appearing in any of the plurality of regions set in the inspection image is used. 6. An index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
6. The brain function testing method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating a color discrimination ability is used. 7. An index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
7. The brain function test method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating a stereoscopic ability is used. 8. An index for evaluating a function relating to vision,
8. The brain function test method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating an ability to identify a difference in luminance is used. 9. An index for evaluating functions relating to vision,
9. The brain function testing method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating an ability to track a moving object is used. 10. An index for evaluating a function relating to visual perception, which is an index indicating an ability to recognize an original object from a partially masked object.
10. A brain function test method according to any one of claims 9 to 9. 11. As an index for evaluating a function relating to vision, an object whose position changes by a certain amount in a certain direction from a plurality of objects whose positions on a screen change irregularly at certain time intervals. 11. The brain function test method according to claim 1, wherein an index indicating an ability of identifying the brain function is used. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein a multivariate operation for converting into a smaller number of indices is performed using the respective indices, and a brain function test is performed using the converted indices.
The brain function test method as described. 13. A brain function testing apparatus for testing a subject's brain function, comprising: a concave mirror positioned in front of the subject's eye; a half mirror positioned between the subject's eyeball and the concave mirror; Image display means for presenting a virtual image formed by the concave mirror reflected by the half mirror to the subject through the half mirror, and infrared light irradiating means positioned near the eyeball of the subject and irradiating infrared light to the eyeball of the subject An imaging unit that is located on the opposite side of the video display unit with the half mirror interposed therebetween and captures an image of the subject's eyeball with infrared light reflected by the half mirror, and a pupil of the subject from the image captured by the imaging unit. The pupil detection means for detecting the size, and the static characteristics of the pupil or the pupil from the detection result of the pupil detection means when presenting a light stimulus for inducing a pupil reaction of the subject using the image display means Pupil index calculating means for deriving an index related to dynamic characteristics, and visual system function calculation for displaying an inspection image in front of the subject using the image display means and deriving an index for the visual system function from the subject's response characteristics to the image Means, an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil as a reference in advance, and a database storing an index relating to the visual system function, an index relating to the static characteristic or dynamic characteristic of the pupil of the subject, and an index relating to the visual system function A brain function testing apparatus, comprising: output means for outputting information relating to an index relating to static or dynamic characteristics of the pupil and an index relating to a visual system function stored in a database. 14. A brain function test system comprising: a brain function test device for testing a brain function of a subject; and a server connected to the brain function test device via a communication network, wherein the brain function test The apparatus is a video display means for presenting an image for inspection to the subject, an imaging means for capturing an image of the eyeball of the subject, and a pupil detection means for detecting the size of the pupil of the subject from the image captured by the imaging means, A pupil index calculating unit that derives an index related to a static characteristic or a dynamic characteristic of a pupil from a detection result of a pupil detecting unit when presenting a light stimulus that induces a pupil response of a subject using an image display unit, and an image display unit. A visual system function calculating means for displaying an inspection image in front of the subject's eyes and deriving an index relating to the visual system function from the subject's response characteristics to the image, and a static characteristic or movement of the subject's pupil. First output means for outputting an index relating to the characteristic and an index relating to the visual system function to a server via a communication network, wherein the server relates to an index relating to a static characteristic or a dynamic characteristic of a pupil which is a reference in advance and a visual system function. A second output unit for outputting a database storing the indices, a subject index output from the brain function testing device, and a reference index stored in the database to the brain function testing device via a communication network A brain function test system, comprising: 15. A cerebral function test service method for performing a cerebral function test based on measurement data of a pupil index test or a visual cognition test of a subject transmitted via a communication network, comprising: an identification ID assigned to the subject; Receiving the measurement data of the subject via a communication network; converting the measurement data into a smaller number of indexes using a multivariate calculation method; and a criterion for comparing with an index obtained by multivariate calculation from a database. Reading the data to be used, comparing the index with the reference data, and communicating with the subject based on the identification ID from subject information storage means storing communication contacts on the subject's communication network in advance. Reading a contact; and comparing the comparison result to the communication contact via a communication network. Brain function testing service method characterized by performing the steps of Shin. 16. A program for causing a computer to execute the brain function test service method according to claim 15. 17. A brain function test service device for performing a brain function test based on measurement data of a pupil index test or a visual cognition test of a subject transmitted via a communication network, wherein the brain function test service device communicates with identification IDs of a plurality of subjects. Subject information storage means in which subject information including a communication contact on the network is stored, a receiving means for receiving the subject ID and measurement data of the subject transmitted via the communication network,
Multivariate calculation means for converting the measurement data received by the receiving means into a smaller number of indexes using a multivariate calculation method, and comparison reference storage means for storing data serving as a reference for comparison with an index obtained by the multivariate calculation A comparison means for comparing the index obtained by the multivariate operation with the data stored in the comparison reference storage means to obtain a comparison result; and a subject information storage means based on the subject ID received by the reception means. Transmitting means for reading out the communication contact and transmitting the comparison result of the comparing means to the communication contact via a communication network.