JP7189404B1 - Visual abnormality detection method, visual abnormality detection device, and steering support system - Google Patents
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Abstract
【課題】飛行中の航空機内の加速度環境下で搭乗員の眼球に発生する虚血を原因とした視覚異常を非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出する装置と、これを利用した航空機の操縦支援システムを提供する。【解決手段】操縦支援システムは、視覚異常検出装置１００と操縦支援装置９０からなる。視覚異常検出装置は、搭乗員４０の網膜４に計測光１１を照射する光源１と、網膜からの反射光４１の信号強度を測定する受光素子６０と、反射光の信号強度を解析し、反射光の信号強度が所定の基準を越えた場合に搭乗員の視覚異常を判定する解析装置を有する。視覚異常検出時には、航空機運動制御装置９３、警報装置９２、外部通信装置９３が作動して航空機の安全に必要な措置がとられる。【選択図】図３A device for non-invasive real-time detection of visual abnormalities caused by ischemia occurring in the eyeballs of crew members under an accelerated environment inside an aircraft during flight, and an aircraft piloting support system using the device. offer. A steering assistance system comprises a visual abnormality detection device (100) and a steering assistance device (90). The visual abnormality detection device includes a light source 1 that irradiates the retina 4 of the crew member 40 with measurement light 11, a light receiving element 60 that measures the signal intensity of the reflected light 41 from the retina, and a signal intensity of the reflected light that is analyzed and reflected. An analyzer is provided for determining crew visual disturbances when the light signal strength exceeds a predetermined criterion. When a visual abnormality is detected, the aircraft motion control device 93, the alarm device 92, and the external communication device 93 are activated to take necessary measures for the safety of the aircraft. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3
Description
本発明は、加速度環境下において被験者に発生した視覚異常を検出する方法及び装置に係り、特に、典型的には航空機の加速度環境下において、操縦者の眼球で発生する虚血を原因とした視覚異常を非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出する方法及び装置と、同装置を利用した航空機の操縦支援システムに関するものである。 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting visual abnormalities that occur in a subject under an accelerated environment. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for non-invasive real-time detection of anomalies, and an aircraft piloting support system using the apparatus.
下記非特許文献１には、近赤外分光法を利用して脳中酸素飽和度を計測することにより、航空機の搭乗員に発生する加速度誘発性意識消失の検出を目指す技術について記載されている。 The following non-patent document 1 describes a technique aiming to detect acceleration-induced loss of consciousness occurring in aircraft crew by measuring brain oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscopy. .
下記非特許文献２には、近赤外分光を用いた拡散反射光計測による低酸素性低酸素下の脳活動度の計測法について記載されている。 The following non-patent document 2 describes a method for measuring brain activity under hypoxic hypoxia by diffuse reflection light measurement using near-infrared spectroscopy.
上記非特許文献１に記載の技術によれば、低酸素症に関連して、脳内酸素化ヘモグロビン量の変化を計測できるものの、加速度負荷に伴う視覚異常や意識消失自体を計測することはできないため、現時点では実用性に乏しい。 According to the technique described in Non-Patent Document 1, it is possible to measure changes in the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the brain related to hypoxia, but it is not possible to measure visual abnormalities and loss of consciousness due to acceleration load. Therefore, it is not practical at present.
上記非特許文献２に記載の技術によれば、低酸素性低酸素下の脳の生死の判定に用いることは可能であるものの、視覚異常や意識消失自体を検出することはできない上、計測時に、頭皮を切除し、頭蓋骨を露出する侵襲性を伴うため、疾病や外傷のない健全な人体に適用することはできない。 According to the technique described in Non-Patent Document 2, although it can be used to determine the life and death of the brain under hypoxic hypoxia, it is not possible to detect visual abnormalities or loss of consciousness itself. , the scalp is excised and the skull is exposed, which is invasive.
本発明は、以上説明した従来の技術に鑑みてなされたものであり、飛行中の航空機内のような加速度環境下において、搭乗員の眼球で発生する虚血を原因とした視覚異常を非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出する方法及び装置と、同装置を利用した航空機の操縦支援システムを提供することを目的としている。 The present invention has been made in view of the conventional technology described above, and is a method for noninvasively correcting visual abnormalities caused by ischemia occurring in the eyeballs of crew members under an acceleration environment such as in an aircraft during flight. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and device for detecting in real time, and an aircraft piloting support system using the same device.
請求項１に記載された視覚異常検出方法は、
加速度環境下にある航空機の搭乗員において虚血により発生する視覚異常を非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出する視覚異常検出方法であって、
被験者の眼球に計測光として無害な近赤外線を照射し、網膜からの反射光の信号強度を測定し、前記信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合に被験者に加速度による虚血を原因とする視覚異常が発生したと判定することを特徴としている。
A visual abnormality detection method according to claim 1,
A visual abnormality detection method for non-invasively detecting visual abnormality caused by ischemia in an aircraft crew member under an acceleration environment in real time,
The subject's eyeball is irradiated with harmless near-infrared light as measurement light, the signal intensity of the reflected light from the retina is measured, and if the signal intensity increases beyond a predetermined standard, the subject is diagnosed with ischemia due to acceleration. It is characterized in that it is determined that a visual abnormality has occurred.
請求項２に記載された視覚異常検出装置は、
加速度環境下にある航空機の搭乗員において虚血により発生する視覚異常を非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出する視覚異常検出装置であって、
計測光として無害な近赤外線を発生させる光源と、
前記光源からの計測光を被験者の眼球に誘導するとともに、網膜からの反射光を眼球外で誘導する光誘導路と、
前記光誘導路によって誘導された反射光の信号強度を測定する受光素子と、
前記受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を解析し、反射光の信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合に被験者に加速度による虚血を原因とする視覚異常が発生したと判定する解析装置と、
を有することを特徴としている。
The visual abnormality detection device according to claim 2,
A visual abnormality detection device that non-invasively detects visual abnormalities caused by ischemia in an aircraft crew member under an acceleration environment in real time,
a light source that generates harmless near-infrared light as measurement light;
a light guide path that guides the measurement light from the light source to the eyeball of the subject and guides the reflected light from the retina outside the eyeball;
a light receiving element for measuring the signal intensity of the reflected light guided by the light guide;
The signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the light-receiving element is analyzed, and when the signal intensity of the reflected light increases beyond a predetermined standard, it is determined that the subject has visual abnormality caused by ischemia due to acceleration. an analysis device;
It is characterized by having
請求項３に記載された視覚異常検出装置は、請求項２に記載の視覚異常検出装置において、
前記解析装置は、前記信号強度のＳ／Ｎ比が３倍となった場合に、被験者に視覚異常が発生したと判定する判定部を有することを特徴としている。
The visual abnormality detection device according to claim 3 is the visual abnormality detection device according to claim 2,
The analysis device is characterized by comprising a determination unit that determines that the subject has visual abnormality when the S/N ratio of the signal intensity is tripled.
請求項４に記載された視覚異常検出装置は、請求項２又は３に記載の視覚異常検出装置において、
環境光を計測する環境光計測素子を有し、
前記解析装置は、前記環境光計測素子が計測した環境光の信号強度を用いて、前記受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を補正することを特徴としている。
The visual abnormality detection device according to claim 4 is the visual abnormality detection device according to claim 2 or 3,
Having an ambient light measuring element for measuring ambient light,
The analysis device is characterized in that the signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the light receiving element is corrected using the signal intensity of the ambient light measured by the ambient light measuring element.
請求項５に記載された操縦支援システムは、
航空機の搭乗員に視覚異常が発生した際に航空機の操縦を支援する操縦支援システムであって、
計測光を発生させる光源と、前記光源からの計測光を搭乗員の眼球に誘導するとともに、網膜からの反射光を眼球外で誘導する光誘導路と、前記光誘導路によって誘導された反射光の信号強度を測定する受光素子と、前記受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を解析し、反射光の信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合に搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したと判定する解析装置と、を有する視覚異常検出装置と、
搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したことを前記視覚異常検出装置が検出した視覚異常検出時に航空機に対して加速度を減じるような運動制御を行わせる航空機運動制御装置と、前記視覚異常検出時に搭乗員の視覚異常の発生を搭乗員に警告する警報装置と、前記視覚異常検出時に搭乗員の視覚異常の発生を外部指揮所に通知する外部通信装置を含む操縦支援装置群から選択された１以上の操縦支援装置と、
を有することを特徴としている。
The steering support system according to claim 5,
A piloting support system that assists the piloting of an aircraft when a visual abnormality occurs in the crew of the aircraft,
A light source that generates measurement light, a light guide path that guides the measurement light from the light source to the eyeball of the crew member and guides the reflected light from the retina outside the eyeball, and the reflected light guided by the light guide path A light receiving element that measures the signal strength of the light receiving element, and the signal strength of the reflected light measured by the light receiving element is analyzed. a visual abnormality detection device having an analysis device that determines that
an aircraft motion control device that performs motion control to reduce the acceleration of the aircraft when the visual abnormality detection device detects that the visual abnormality has occurred in the crew, and the crew when the visual abnormality is detected. One or more maneuvers selected from a group of operational support devices including an alarm device for warning the crew of the occurrence of visual abnormality and an external communication device for notifying the external command post of the occurrence of the visual abnormality of the crew when the visual abnormality is detected. a support device;
It is characterized by having
請求項１に記載された視覚異常検出方法によれば、被験者の眼球に計測光を照射し、網膜からの反射光の信号強度を測定し、その信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合には、被験者の眼球でブラックアウト等の視覚異常が発生したものと判定することができる。本発明が適用される典型的な例としては、加速度環境下にある航空機の搭乗員の眼球に虚血が発生し、これを原因としてブラックアウト等の視覚異常が発生した場合を挙げることができる。このような虚血に起因する視覚異常は、網膜の神経細胞に形態的な変化を生じさせるものと考えられるところ、本発明は、網膜の神経細胞の係る形態的変化を、光学的手法を用いて非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出できる。従って、飛行中の航空機内のような加速度環境下において、搭乗員の眼球で発生する虚血を原因とした視覚異常を、搭乗員に負担をかけることなくリアルタイムで客観的に検出することができ、その検出結果を利用して種々の対策を実行することにより、航空機の操縦に危険が及ばないようにすることができる。 According to the visual abnormality detection method described in claim 1, the subject's eyeball is irradiated with the measurement light, the signal intensity of the reflected light from the retina is measured, and when the signal intensity exceeds a predetermined standard and increases , it can be determined that a visual abnormality such as blackout has occurred in the subject's eyeball. A typical example of the application of the present invention is when ischemia occurs in the eyeballs of flight crew members in an accelerated environment, resulting in visual abnormalities such as blackouts. . Such visual abnormality caused by ischemia is thought to cause morphological changes in retinal neurons. can be detected non-invasively in real time. Therefore, it is possible to objectively detect visual abnormalities caused by ischemia in the crew's eyeballs in real-time and in an accelerated environment, such as in an aircraft during flight, without imposing a burden on the crew. By executing various countermeasures using the detection results, it is possible to prevent danger from affecting the operation of the aircraft.
請求項２に記載された視覚異常検出装置によれば、光源からの測定光を光誘導路で被験者の眼球に確実に導き、被験者の網膜からの反射光を光誘導路で受光素子に確実に導くことができ、受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を解析装置で解析することにより、被験者の網膜において虚血を原因として発生する視覚異常を光学的な手段で確実に検出して請求項１に記載された視覚異常検出方法と同様の効果を得ることができる。 According to the visual abnormality detection device described in claim 2, the measurement light from the light source is reliably guided to the subject's eyeball through the light guide path, and the reflected light from the subject's retina is reliably guided to the light receiving element through the light guide path. By analyzing the signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the light-receiving element with an analysis device, visual abnormalities caused by ischemia in the subject's retina can be reliably detected and claimed by optical means. The same effect as the visual abnormality detection method described in item 1 can be obtained.
請求項３に記載された視覚異常検出装置によれば、受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度が所定の基準値を越えた場合、すなわち当該信号強度がそのＳ／Ｎ比の３倍以上の増加を示した場合に、被験者に視覚異常が発生したものと判定することができる。すなわち、予め行われた動物実験の際には、網膜からの反射光の信号強度を受光素子により測定するとともに、併せて網膜電位計測も行い、受光素子の信号強度が前記基準値を越えて増大したタイミングで、網膜電位計測による電位の変化がゼロになったこと、すなわちブラックアウト等の視覚異常が実際に起きていることを確認しているので、反射光を受けた受光素子が出力する信号強度が所定の基準値を越えて増大したときに、ブラックアウトが実際に起きていることを確実に判定することができる。 According to the visual abnormality detection device described in claim 3, when the signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the light receiving element exceeds a predetermined reference value, that is, when the signal intensity is three times or more the S/N ratio , it can be determined that the subject has visual abnormality. That is, during the animal experiment conducted in advance, the signal intensity of the light reflected from the retina was measured by the light receiving element, and the electroretinogram was also measured, and the signal intensity of the light receiving element increased beyond the reference value. At this timing, it is confirmed that the change in the potential due to the electroretinogram measurement has become zero, that is, that a visual abnormality such as a blackout has actually occurred. It can be reliably determined that a blackout is actually occurring when the intensity increases beyond a predetermined reference value.
請求項４に記載された視覚異常検出装置によれば、環境光計測素子によって計測した環境光の信号強度を用いて網膜からの反射光の信号強度を補正することができるため、被験者に発生する視覚異常の判定を正確かつ確実に行うことができる。 According to the visual abnormality detection device according to claim 4, the signal intensity of the ambient light measured by the ambient light measuring element can be used to correct the signal intensity of the reflected light from the retina. Visual abnormality can be determined accurately and reliably.
請求項５に記載された操縦支援システムによれば、飛行している航空機の搭乗員の眼球に、光源からの測定光を光誘導路で確実に導き、また搭乗員の網膜からの反射光を光誘導路で受光素子に確実に導くことができるので、飛行中の航空機内の加速度環境下において、搭乗員の眼球で発生する虚血を原因とした視覚異常を、搭乗員に負担をかけることなくリアルタイムで客観的に検出することができる。そして、搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したと判定された場合には、その情報を用いて１又は複数の操縦支援装置を機能させることによって航空機の操縦に危険が及ばないようにすることができる。具体的には、操縦支援装置としての航空機運動制御装置を作動させ、航空機に対して加速度を減じるような運動制御を行わせることができる。また、操縦支援装置としての警報装置を作動させ、搭乗員の視覚異常の発生を本人及び他の搭乗員（操縦者を含む）に警告することができる。さらにまた、操縦支援装置としての外部通信装置を作動させ、搭乗員の視覚異常の発生を外部指揮所に通報することができる。 According to the piloting support system described in claim 5, the measurement light from the light source is reliably guided to the eyeballs of the crew member of the aircraft in flight through the optical guide path, and the reflected light from the retina of the crew member is guided. Since it can be reliably guided to the light-receiving element by the light guide path, it is possible to burden the crew with visual abnormalities caused by ischemia that occurs in the crew's eyeballs under the acceleration environment in the aircraft during flight. can be objectively detected in real time. Then, when it is determined that the crew member is visually impaired, the information can be used to operate one or more pilot assistance devices so as not to endanger the operation of the aircraft. Specifically, it is possible to operate an aircraft motion control device as a piloting support device to perform motion control to reduce the acceleration of the aircraft. In addition, it is possible to activate an alarm device as a steering support device to warn the crew member and other crew members (including the pilot) of the occurrence of the crew member's visual abnormality. Furthermore, it is possible to operate an external communication device as a piloting support device to notify the external command post of the visual abnormality of the crew.
以下、本発明の実施形態を図１～図５を参照して説明する。
本実施形態は、加速度環境下にある航空機の搭乗員（操縦者を含む）の眼球に測定光を照射し、網膜で反射して戻ってきた測定光の信号強度を測定し、その信号強度の変化を用いて搭乗員の視覚異常を非侵襲的にリアルタイムで検出する視覚異常検出装置と、同装置を利用して航空機の操縦の安全を図る航空機の操縦支援システムに関するものである。
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.
In this embodiment, the eyes of an aircraft crew member (including an operator) in an accelerated environment are irradiated with measurement light, the signal intensity of the measurement light reflected by the retina is measured, and the signal intensity is measured. The present invention relates to a visual abnormality detection device that non-invasively detects a visual abnormality of a crew member in real time by using changes, and an aircraft operation support system that uses the same device to ensure the safety of aircraft operation.
航空機の旋回時、搭乗員は、足から頭の方向に向かう加速度を受け、頭から足に向かう方向の強い力を受けて座席に押し付けられる。このような加速度環境下では、搭乗員の頭部の血流は減少し、脳や眼球への動脈血の供給が急激に不足する高度の局所的貧血、すなわち虚血の状態となる場合がある。酸素のみが減少する低酸素症とは異なり、加速度による虚血の場合には、脳細胞にエネルギーを供給するグルコースと酸素の両方が不足するため、より重大な結果をもたらす場合が多い。特に、眼圧は脳圧よりも大きく、加速度環境下での虚血の場合には脳に先駆けて視覚に異常が出る場合が多い。 When the aircraft turns, the occupant receives acceleration in the direction from the feet to the head and is pressed against the seat by a strong force in the direction from the head to the feet. Under such an accelerated environment, the blood flow in the head of the crew member decreases, and the arterial blood supply to the brain and eyeballs suddenly becomes insufficient, resulting in severe localized anemia, ie, ischemia. Unlike hypoxia, in which only oxygen is depleted, acceleration-induced ischemia often has more serious consequences because it lacks both glucose and oxygen to fuel brain cells. In particular, the intraocular pressure is higher than the intracranial pressure, and in the case of ischemia under an accelerated environment, visual abnormalities often appear before the brain.
図１は、加速度負荷が人体に与える影響を説明する概念図である。この図に示すように、地上の重力加速度下では脳も眼球も正常な機能を示すが、加速度が大きくなるにつれてグレイアウト（Gray-out）、ブラックアウト（Blackout）といった視覚異常が出現し、加速度環境への曝露がさらに持続すると、全ての感覚が失われる加速度誘発性意識消失（Gravity induced Loss of Consciousness: G-LOC）に至る。事故防止の観点から、「背景技術」の項で説明したように、これら危険な症状の検出については様々な試みがなされているが、実用的で有効な手段の確立には至っていない。 FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the effects of an acceleration load on the human body. As shown in this figure, the brain and eyeballs function normally under the acceleration of gravity on the ground. Further sustained exposure to the environment leads to Gravity induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC), the loss of all sensation. From the viewpoint of accident prevention, various attempts have been made to detect these dangerous symptoms, as described in the "Background Art" section, but no practical and effective means have been established.
本発明の発明者等は、研究の開始にあたり、加速度環境下にある航空機の搭乗員において虚血のために発症する視覚異常を検出するための実用的な方法及び装置の開発を目標とした。そして、本発明者等は、そのような実用的な方法・装置としては、搭乗員にとって非侵襲的であり、かつ視覚異常をリアルタイムで検出できるものでなければならないと考え、これを実用化すべく鋭意研究を続けてきた。そのような研究の試行錯誤の過程において、本発明者等は、加速度環境下で虚血に陥った搭乗員の網膜の神経組織には視覚異常に伴う何らかの形態変化が起きているのではないか、という発想に到達し、さらに、仮に航空機の搭乗員（被験者）の網膜の神経組織に形態変化が起きているのであれば、これを光学的な手段で検出することができるのではないかとの着想に至った。 The inventors of the present invention started their research with the goal of developing a practical method and apparatus for detecting ischemia-induced visual disturbances in aircraft crew under accelerated environments. The present inventors believe that such practical methods and devices must be non-invasive to crew members and must be able to detect visual abnormalities in real time. I have been doing intensive research. In the process of trial and error in such research, the present inventors discovered that some morphological changes associated with visual abnormalities may have occurred in the neural tissue of the retinas of crew members who were in ischemia under an accelerated environment. Furthermore, if there is a morphological change in the nerve tissue of the retina of the aircraft crew (subject), it may be possible to detect it by optical means. I came up with the idea.
図２は、本発明者等の上記着想を説明する図であって、同時に、以下に説明する実施形態の操縦支援システムにおいて、神経組織（網膜、視神経等）の形態変化を非侵襲的な手段である光学的手法で検出する原理を説明する図でもある。この図に示すように、搭乗員の眼球に、不可視光である近赤外光を計測光として入射させると、入射光は神経組織の網膜で反射し、反射光として眼球から出射してくる。 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the above idea of the present inventors, and at the same time, in the steering support system of the embodiment described below, the morphological change of nerve tissue (retina, optic nerve, etc.) is controlled by non-invasive means. It is also a diagram for explaining the principle of detection by an optical method. As shown in this figure, when near-infrared light, which is invisible light, is made incident on the crew member's eyeball as measurement light, the incident light is reflected by the retina of nerve tissue and is emitted from the eyeball as reflected light.
本発明者等の研究によれば、加速度環境下で虚血に陥った搭乗員の網膜の神経組織では、ミトコンドリアの少なくとも一部が破壊されており、高分子構造のミトコンドリアが多数の低分子に分解することで、特に可視光に較べて波長の長い近赤外光は散乱されやすくなり、反射光の信号強度が増大するものと考えられる。従って、航空機の加速度環境下の虚血によって搭乗員の網膜に上述のような形態的変化が生じている場合には、搭乗員の眼球に無害な近赤外光を測定光として照射し、網膜で反射して戻ってきた測定光（散乱光）の信号強度を測定すれば、その信号強度は増大しているはずであり、その信号強度の有意の変化を捉えることで、搭乗員の視覚異常を検出することができる。 According to the research of the present inventors, at least a part of mitochondria was destroyed in the nerve tissue of the retina of crew members who were in ischemia under an accelerated environment, and mitochondria with a macromolecular structure were broken down into a large number of low molecules. It is believed that the decomposition facilitates the scattering of near-infrared light, which has a longer wavelength than visible light, and increases the signal intensity of the reflected light. Therefore, when the morphological changes described above occur in the crew member's retina due to ischemia under the accelerated environment of the aircraft, the crew member's eye is irradiated with harmless near-infrared light as the measurement light, and the retina is measured. If we measure the signal intensity of the measurement light (scattered light) that has returned after being reflected by the , the signal intensity should have increased. can be detected.
図３は、実施形態の操縦支援システムの構成を示す機能ブロック図であり、この図を参照して操縦支援システムの構成及び機能を説明する。この操縦支援システムは、航空機に搭載されるシステムであって、視覚異常検出装置１００と、視覚異常検出装置１００に接続された操縦支援装置９０を備えている。 FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the steering assistance system of the embodiment, and the configuration and functions of the steering assistance system will be described with reference to this diagram. This steering assistance system is a system mounted on an aircraft, and includes a visual abnormality detection device 100 and a steering assistance device 90 connected to the visual abnormality detection device 100 .
視覚異常検出装置１００の構成は次の通りである。
光源１は、制御器１０の制御により計測光１１を発生させる。計測光１１は不可視である近赤外線光（波長７８０ｎｍ以上）であり、搭乗員４０の活動の妨げになることはない。また計測光１１の照射強度は、制御器１０の制御により搭乗員４０にとって非侵襲的なレベルに設定、維持される。搭乗員４０に対する光源１から照射された計測光１１は、光誘導路としての光ファイバー２０に誘導されて、搭乗員４０が装着しているゴーグル３に設けられた照射部３１から、搭乗員４０の眼球の網膜４に向けて照射される。網膜４で反射した計測光１１は、反射光（散乱光）４１として照射部３１に入射し、光ファイバー２０に誘導されて反射光分離光学フィルター２に入り、計測光１１と分離され、光ファイバー２０を経て受光部６の受光素子６０に入射する。受光素子６０は、反射光の信号強度を測定する。
The configuration of the visual abnormality detection device 100 is as follows.
The light source 1 generates measurement light 11 under the control of the controller 10 . The measurement light 11 is invisible near-infrared light (with a wavelength of 780 nm or more) and does not interfere with the activities of the crew member 40 . Also, the irradiation intensity of the measurement light 11 is set and maintained at a non-invasive level for the crew member 40 under the control of the controller 10 . The measurement light 11 irradiated from the light source 1 to the crew member 40 is guided by the optical fiber 20 as a light guide path, and emitted from the irradiation unit 31 provided in the goggles 3 worn by the crew member 40. The light is emitted toward the retina 4 of the eyeball. The measurement light 11 reflected by the retina 4 enters the irradiation unit 31 as reflected light (scattered light) 41, is guided by the optical fiber 20, enters the reflected light separation optical filter 2, is separated from the measurement light 11, and passes through the optical fiber 20. The light enters the light-receiving
受光素子６０が測定した反射光の信号強度のデータは、記憶装置７に記憶されるとともに、解析装置８０に送られて解析される。解析装置８０は演算部８１と判定部８２を有している。演算部８１は、信号強度のデータを数値微分解析法等の手法で必要な演算を加え、判定部８２は、演算部８１による演算処理を受けた信号強度のデータを所定の基準に従って判定し、反射光の信号強度が基準を越えて増加した場合には、搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したと判定する。
The data of the signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the
本実施形態の解析装置８０の判定部８２における信号強度の判定基準、すなわち搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したか否かを反射光４１の信号強度に基づいて判断するための基準値は、信号強度のＳ／Ｎ比で３倍とする。すなわち、反射光４１の信号強度のＳ／Ｎ比が３を越えた場合に、搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したと判定する。 The reference value for determining the signal strength in the determination unit 82 of the analysis device 80 of the present embodiment, that is, the reference value for determining whether or not the crew member has visual abnormality based on the signal strength of the reflected light 41 is the signal strength 3 times the S/N ratio of That is, when the S/N ratio of the signal intensity of the reflected light 41 exceeds 3, it is determined that the crew member has a visual abnormality.
上述した判定の基準値としてＳ／Ｎ比＝３を設定したのは次の理由による。分析化学の分野では、分析対象の検出限界を求める方法として、シグナルに対するノイズの比率を基準とすることが、有効な方法の一つとして推奨されており、その検出限界設定には３～２：１のシグナル対ノイズ比が一般的に許容されている。ところで、加速度環境下での虚血の場合には、通常は血圧よりも低い眼圧が上昇し、血圧に一致した辺りで視覚異常が出現して一気に状態が悪化し、これに対応して反射光の信号強度も急激に上昇する。このため、本実施形態において視覚異常の出現を判定するためには、被験者の個人差を考慮して大きめの数値を採用して３とすれば、誤判断することなく確実かつ速やかに視覚異常の発生を判定することができる。なお、この手法で行った視覚異常の判定が誤っておらず、実際に視覚異常が発生していることは、図４及び図５を参照して後述するように動物実験で確認されている。 The reason why the S/N ratio is set to 3 as the reference value for determination is as follows. In the field of analytical chemistry, as a method of determining the detection limit of the analyte, it is recommended that the ratio of noise to signal is used as a standard as one of the effective methods, and the detection limit setting is 3 to 2: A signal-to-noise ratio of 1 is generally accepted. By the way, in the case of ischemia in an accelerated environment, the intraocular pressure, which is usually lower than the blood pressure, rises, and when it coincides with the blood pressure, visual abnormalities appear and the condition suddenly worsens. The signal strength of the light also rises sharply. For this reason, in order to determine the occurrence of visual abnormality in this embodiment, if a large numerical value of 3 is adopted in consideration of individual differences of subjects, visual abnormality can be reliably and quickly detected without misjudgment. Occurrence can be determined. It has been confirmed by animal experiments, as will be described later with reference to FIGS.
解析装置８０には、環境光を計測する環境光計測素子５０が接続されている。解析装置は、環境光計測素子５０が計測した環境光５１の信号強度を用いて、受光素子６０によって測定された反射光の信号強度を補正する。
An ambient light measuring element 50 for measuring ambient light is connected to the analysis device 80 . The analyzer corrects the signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the
なお、以上説明した視覚異常検出装置１００は、その構成の全部又は一部を搭乗員４０のヘルメットに搭載することができる。例えば、ヘルメットの一部であるゴーグル又はヘルメットとは別体であるゴーグルの適切な位置に照射部３１を設けることで、搭乗員４０がヘルメット又はゴーグルを装着するだけで、当該搭乗員４０の網膜４に対して計測光１１を適切な態様で照射し、また反射光４１を照射部３１で適切な態様で受光できるようにすることが好ましい。なお、照射部３１以外の構成部分（記憶装置７、解析装置８０等）をヘルメットに搭載することも可能であるが、これらは航空機内に設けておき、搭乗のたびにヘルメットの照射部３１とこれらの機器を光ファイバー２０で接続するようにしてもよい。 All or part of the configuration of the vision abnormality detection device 100 described above can be mounted on the helmet of the crew member 40 . For example, by providing the irradiation unit 31 at an appropriate position on the goggles that are a part of the helmet or the goggles that are separate from the helmet, the retina of the crew member 40 can be illuminated simply by wearing the helmet or goggles. It is preferable to irradiate the measurement light 11 to the light 4 in an appropriate manner and to receive the reflected light 41 in an appropriate manner at the irradiation unit 31 . It is also possible to mount components other than the irradiation unit 31 (storage device 7, analysis device 80, etc.) on the helmet. These devices may be connected by an optical fiber 20. FIG.
視覚異常検出装置１００の解析装置８０には、ケーブルを介して操縦支援装置９０が接続されている。操縦支援装置９０は、航空機運動制御装置９１と、警報装置９２と、外部通信装置９３の３つの装置を含んでいる。 A steering support device 90 is connected to the analysis device 80 of the visual abnormality detection device 100 via a cable. The flight assistance device 90 includes three devices: an aircraft motion control device 91 , an alarm device 92 and an external communication device 93 .
航空機運動制御装置９１は、航空機の操縦システムに接続されており、搭乗員４０に視覚異常が発生したことを視覚異常検出装置１００が検出した時（視覚異常検出時）に、航空機の操縦システムを制御して機体に生じる加速度を減じるような運動制御を航空機に行わせる。これによって、前記搭乗員の視覚異常が解消され、航空機の飛行を安定化させることができる。 The aircraft motion control device 91 is connected to the flight control system of the aircraft, and when the visual fault detection device 100 detects that the crew member 40 has visual fault (during detection of visual fault), the flight control system of the aircraft is activated. Causes the aircraft to perform motion control that controls to reduce the acceleration experienced by the aircraft. This eliminates the visual disturbance of the crew member and stabilizes the flight of the aircraft.
警報装置９２は、視覚異常検出時に、搭乗員４０の視覚異常の発生を、当該搭乗員４０及び他の搭乗員に警告する。航空機の搭乗員は、警報に対応して必要な措置をとることにより、航空機の飛行の安全を保持することができる。 The alarm device 92 warns the crew member 40 and other crew members of the visual abnormality of the crew member 40 when the visual abnormality is detected. The flight crew of the aircraft can maintain the flight safety of the aircraft by taking necessary measures in response to the alert.
外部通信装置９３は、視覚異常検出時に、搭乗員４０の視覚異常の発生を遠隔の外部指揮所２００に通知する。通知を受けた外部指揮所２００が、当該航空機の搭乗員と連絡をとる等、必要な措置をとることにより航空機の飛行の安全を保持することができる。 The external communication device 93 notifies the remote external command post 200 of the visual abnormality of the crew member 40 when the visual abnormality is detected. The external command post 200 that has received the notification can maintain the flight safety of the aircraft by taking necessary measures such as contacting the crew of the aircraft.
図４は、実施形態の操縦支援システムの研究・開発において動物実験により得られた視覚異常の発生を示すデータの一例であり、このデータにより、実施形態の視覚異常検出装置１００によって航空機の搭乗員４０に視覚異常が発生したことを確実に検出できていることが証明されている。 FIG. 4 is an example of data showing the occurrence of visual abnormality obtained by animal experiments in the research and development of the piloting support system of the embodiment. It has been proven that the occurrence of visual abnormality in 40 can be reliably detected.
前記動物実験では、雄性SDラット（16-17 週齢、n=5 、日本SLC ）を吸入麻酔（２％イソフルラン、アッヴィー）下に固定し、自作ビニールマスクにより自発呼吸させた。右眼を散瞳（散瞳薬トロピカミド、0.2 mg/kg 、日本点眼薬研究所）し、右眼上に光学顕微鏡用カバーガラスを置き、CCD カメラ(XCHR-57、ソニー) により網膜に焦点を合わせた。また、右眼に生理食塩水を注入することにより、眼圧を制御できるように構成し、右眼の眼圧を重力加速度の１倍の圧力（１Ｇ相当）から、６倍の圧力（６Ｇ相当）まで調節できるようにした。そして、右眼の眼圧を１Ｇ相当から６Ｇ相当まで変化させ、再び１Ｇ相当に戻すように制御しつつ、ハロゲン光源(400-900nm) とバンドフィルターにより、近赤外光（780nm ）を右眼に照射して網膜画像の撮影を行い、網膜で反射した反射光（散乱光）の信号強度のデータを取得した。 In the animal experiment, male SD rats (16-17 weeks old, n=5, Japan SLC) were fixed under inhalation anesthesia (2% isoflurane, AbbVie) and spontaneously respired with a self-made vinyl mask. The right eye was dilated (mydriatic tropicamide, 0.2 mg/kg, Nippon Ophthalmic Research Institute), a cover glass for an optical microscope was placed on the right eye, and the retina was focused using a CCD camera (XCHR-57, Sony). Matched. In addition, by injecting physiological saline into the right eye, the intraocular pressure can be controlled, and the intraocular pressure of the right eye is increased from a pressure (equivalent to 1 G) to six times the acceleration of gravity (equivalent to 6 G). ) can be adjusted. Then, while controlling the intraocular pressure of the right eye from equivalent to 1G to equivalent to 6G and then back to equivalent to 1G, a halogen light source (400-900nm) and a band filter are used to direct near-infrared light (780nm) to the right eye. was irradiated to take a retinal image, and the data of the signal intensity of the reflected light (scattered light) reflected by the retina was obtained.
図４のグラフから理解されるように、眼圧が１Ｇ相当の圧力から６Ｇ相当の圧力になると、反射光の信号強度は短時間で一気に増大し、約５％増大した。この増加量は、グラフから明らかなように、反射光の信号強度のＳ／Ｎ比で３を優に越えており、このデータ基づいて判定部８２は搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したものと判定することができる。なお、増加量の５％なる数値は一実験例であり、他の複数の実験例を総合すると、６Ｇ相当の圧力での信号強度は、１Ｇ相当の圧力での信号強度よりも４～１５％増大することが判明している。所定時間経過後、右眼への生理食塩水の注入を停止し、右眼の眼圧が１Ｇ相当の圧力まで低下すると、反射光の信号強度は徐々に低下していく。 As can be seen from the graph in FIG. 4, when the intraocular pressure increased from the pressure corresponding to 1 G to the pressure corresponding to 6 G, the signal intensity of the reflected light suddenly increased in a short time, and increased by about 5%. As is clear from the graph, this increase is well above 3 in terms of the S/N ratio of the signal intensity of the reflected light, and based on this data, the judging section 82 judges that the crew member has developed a visual abnormality. can do. In addition, the numerical value of 5% of the increase amount is one experimental example, and when combining multiple other experimental examples, the signal intensity at a pressure equivalent to 6G is 4 to 15% higher than the signal intensity at a pressure equivalent to 1G. found to increase. After a predetermined time has passed, the injection of the saline into the right eye is stopped, and when the intraocular pressure of the right eye drops to a pressure equivalent to 1 G, the signal intensity of the reflected light gradually drops.
図５は、実施形態の操縦支援システムの研究・開発において動物実験で得られたデータであって、前述した動物実験の雄性SDラットの左眼を対象とし、その網膜に２秒に１回の割合で所定の光刺激を与えて網膜電位を測定し、得られた複数の測定結果を平均化したものであり、網膜電位の時間変化を示している。実験条件は概ね前述した通りであり、左眼の眼圧を生理食塩水の注入により１Ｇ相当から６Ｇ相当まで調節できるようなっているが、反射光の信号強度は測定せず、網膜電位を測定するものとした。 FIG. 5 shows data obtained in animal experiments in the research and development of the steering support system of the embodiment. A plurality of measurement results obtained by measuring the electroretinogram by applying a predetermined light stimulus at a rate and averaging the obtained results show the time change of the electroretinogram. The experimental conditions are generally as described above, and the intraocular pressure of the left eye can be adjusted from the equivalent of 1 G to the equivalent of 6 G by injecting physiological saline, but the signal intensity of the reflected light is not measured, but the electroretinogram is measured. shall be.
図５（ａ）は、被験体のラットの左の眼球に圧力を加えない状態（加速度１Ｇ相当）において得られた網膜電位の時間変化のグラフであり、測定開始から２分間、すなわち図４の横軸（時間／秒）における０秒から１２０秒の時間帯でのデータである。加速度１Ｇ相当では、網膜電位が上昇しており、光刺激に対して網膜の神経細胞が正常に反応していることが分かる。すなわち、ここでは視覚異常は起きていない。 FIG. 5(a) is a graph of changes over time in the electroretinogram obtained in a state in which no pressure was applied to the left eyeball of the subject rat (corresponding to an acceleration of 1 G). It is data in a time zone from 0 seconds to 120 seconds on the horizontal axis (time/second). When the acceleration is equivalent to 1 G, the retina potential increases, indicating that the nerve cells in the retina are responding normally to the light stimulus. That is, there is no visual abnormality here.
図５（ｂ）は、測定開始後２分が経過し、被験体のラットの左の眼圧を加速度６Ｇ相当に上昇させてから、さらに１分が経過するまでに得られた網膜電位の時間変化のグラフであり、図４の横軸（時間／秒）における測定開始後１２０秒から１８０秒の時間帯でのデータである。加速度６Ｇ相当の眼圧では、網膜電位の上昇は抑制され、光刺激に対して網膜の神経細胞が正常に反応していないことが分かる。これに対し、図４では前述したように反射光の信号強度がＳ／Ｎ比で３を優に越えて増加している。すなわち、加速度６Ｇ相当の眼圧では、グレーアウト、ブラックアウト等の視覚異常が起きていることが分かる。 FIG. 5(b) shows the time of electroretinogram obtained 2 minutes after the start of measurement, after the left intraocular pressure of the subject rat was increased to an acceleration equivalent to 6 G, and 1 minute later. It is a graph of changes, showing data in a time zone from 120 seconds to 180 seconds after the start of measurement on the horizontal axis (time/second) of FIG. At an intraocular pressure equivalent to an acceleration of 6G, the elevation of the retinogenic potential was suppressed, indicating that the nerve cells in the retina did not respond normally to the light stimulus. On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the signal intensity of the reflected light is increased to well over 3 in terms of the S/N ratio, as described above. That is, it can be seen that visual abnormalities such as gray-out and black-out occur at an intraocular pressure equivalent to an acceleration of 6G.
図５（ｃ）は、測定開始後２分が経過し、被験体のラットの左の眼圧を加速度６Ｇ相当に上昇させてから１分経過後、さらに４分経過するまでの４分間に得られた網膜電位の時間変化のグラフであり、図４の横軸（時間／秒）における測定開始後１８０秒から４２０秒の時間帯でのデータである。加速度６Ｇ相当の眼圧が４分以上継続したことにより、網膜電位はほぼ０の状態となり、光刺激に対して網膜の神経細胞が反応していないことが分かる。これに対し、図４では前述したように反射光の信号強度がＳ／Ｎ比で３を優に越えて増加した状態が継続している。すなわち、加速度６Ｇ相当の眼圧では、その継続時間が長くなるほど、網膜の神経細胞の機能が低下し、グレーアウト、ブラックアウト等の視覚異常が継続することが分かる。 FIG. 5(c) shows data obtained for 4 minutes, 2 minutes after the start of measurement, 1 minute after the subject rat's left intraocular pressure was increased to an acceleration equivalent to 6 G, and 4 minutes after the test. FIG. 5 is a graph of temporal changes in the electroretinogram obtained, and is data in a time zone from 180 seconds to 420 seconds after the start of measurement on the horizontal axis (time/second) in FIG. When the intraocular pressure corresponding to the acceleration of 6G continued for 4 minutes or more, the electroretinogram was in a state of almost 0, indicating that the nerve cells in the retina did not react to the light stimulus. On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the signal intensity of the reflected light continues to increase to well over 3 in terms of the S/N ratio, as described above. That is, it can be seen that, at an intraocular pressure equivalent to an acceleration of 6 G, the longer the duration, the lower the function of nerve cells in the retina, and the more visual abnormalities such as grayout and blackout continue.
以上説明したように、実施形態の視覚異常検出装置及び操縦支援システムによれば、航空機の加速度環境下で生じる視覚異常の発生自体を非侵襲的な光学的手法により、リアルタイムで正確に検出できるので、虚血により生じる意識消失の前駆症状である視覚異常を確実に検出して危険回避の措置を遅滞なく実施できる。このため、搭乗者が意識消失に陥ることが防止され、航空機の飛行の安全性を担保することが可能となる。なお、この発明は、旋回する航空機で生じる加速度環境以外の加速度環境下においても同様に適用することができる。 As described above, according to the visual abnormality detection device and the piloting support system of the embodiments, the occurrence of visual abnormality itself that occurs under an aircraft acceleration environment can be accurately detected in real time by a non-invasive optical method. It is possible to reliably detect abnormal vision, which is a precursor to loss of consciousness caused by ischemia, and to take measures to avoid danger without delay. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occupant from losing consciousness and ensure the safety of the flight of the aircraft. It should be noted that the present invention can be similarly applied under an acceleration environment other than the acceleration environment that occurs in a turning aircraft.
１…光源
２…反射光分離光学フィルター
３…ゴーグル
４…網膜
６…受光部
７…記憶装置
１０…制御器
１１…計測光
２０…光誘導路としての光ファイバー
３１…照射部
４０…被験者としての搭乗員
４１…反射光
５０…環境光計測素子
５１…環境光
６０…受光素子
８０…解析装置
８１…演算部
８２…判定部
９０…操縦支援装置
９１…操縦支援装置としての航空機運動制御装置
９２…操縦支援装置としての警報装置
９３…操縦支援装置としての外部通信装置
１００…視覚異常検出装置
２００…外部指揮所
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Light source 2... Reflected light separation optical filter 3... Goggles 4... Retina 6... Light-receiving part 7... Storage device 10... Controller 11... Measurement light 20... Optical fiber as a light guide path 31... Irradiation part 40... Boarding as a test subject Members 41 Reflected light 50 Ambient light measuring element 51
Claims (5)
被験者の眼球に計測光として無害な近赤外線を照射し、網膜からの反射光の信号強度を測定し、前記信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合に被験者に加速度による虚血を原因とする視覚異常が発生したと判定することを特徴とする視覚異常検出方法。 A visual abnormality detection method for non-invasively detecting visual abnormality caused by ischemia in an aircraft crew member under an acceleration environment in real time,
Measurement light to subject's eyeballas harmless near-infraredis irradiated, the signal intensity of the reflected light from the retina is measured, and if the signal intensity increases beyond a predetermined criterion, the subjectCaused by acceleration-induced ischemiaA visual abnormality detection method characterized by determining that visual abnormality has occurred.
計測光として無害な近赤外線を発生させる光源と、
前記光源からの計測光を被験者の眼球に誘導するとともに、網膜からの反射光を眼球外で誘導する光誘導路と、
前記光誘導路によって誘導された反射光の信号強度を測定する受光素子と、
前記受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を解析し、反射光の信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合に被験者に加速度による虚血を原因とする視覚異常が発生したと判定する解析装置と、
を有することを特徴とする視覚異常検出装置。 A visual abnormality detection device that non-invasively detects in real time visual abnormalities caused by ischemia in an aircraft crew member under an acceleration environment,
measurement lightas harmless near-infrareda light source that generates
a light guide path that guides the measurement light from the light source to the eyeball of the subject and guides the reflected light from the retina outside the eyeball;
a light receiving element for measuring the signal intensity of the reflected light guided by the light guide;
The signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the light receiving element is analyzed, and if the signal intensity of the reflected light increases beyond a predetermined standard, the test subjectCaused by acceleration-induced ischemiaan analysis device that determines that a visual abnormality has occurred;
A visual abnormality detection device comprising:
前記解析装置は、前記環境光計測素子が計測した環境光の信号強度を用いて、前記受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を補正することを特徴とする請求項２又は３に記載の視覚異常検出装置。 Having an ambient light measuring element for measuring ambient light,
4. The analyzing device according to claim 2, wherein the signal intensity of the reflected light measured by the light receiving element is corrected using the signal intensity of the ambient light measured by the ambient light measuring element. Visual anomaly detector.
計測光を発生させる光源と、前記光源からの計測光を搭乗員の眼球に誘導するとともに、網膜からの反射光を眼球外で誘導する光誘導路と、前記光誘導路によって誘導された反射光の信号強度を測定する受光素子と、前記受光素子によって測定された反射光の信号強度を解析し、反射光の信号強度が所定の基準を越えて増加した場合に搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したと判定する解析装置と、を有する視覚異常検出装置と、
搭乗員に視覚異常が発生したことを前記視覚異常検出装置が検出した視覚異常検出時に航空機に対して加速度を減じるような運動制御を行わせる航空機運動制御装置と、前記視覚異常検出時に搭乗員の視覚異常の発生を搭乗員に警告する警報装置と、前記視覚異常検出時に搭乗員の視覚異常の発生を外部指揮所に通知する外部通信装置を含む操縦支援装置群から選択された１以上の操縦支援装置と、
を有することを特徴とする操縦支援システム。 A piloting support system that assists the piloting of an aircraft when a visual abnormality occurs in the crew of the aircraft,
A light source that generates measurement light, a light guide path that guides the measurement light from the light source to the eyeball of the crew member and guides the reflected light from the retina outside the eyeball, and the reflected light guided by the light guide path A light receiving element that measures the signal strength of the light receiving element, and the signal strength of the reflected light measured by the light receiving element is analyzed. a visual abnormality detection device having an analysis device that determines that
an aircraft motion control device that performs motion control to reduce the acceleration of the aircraft when the visual abnormality detection device detects that the visual abnormality has occurred in the crew, and the crew when the visual abnormality is detected. One or more maneuvers selected from a group of operational support devices including an alarm device for warning the crew of the occurrence of visual abnormality and an external communication device for notifying the external command post of the occurrence of the visual abnormality of the crew when the visual abnormality is detected. a support device;
A steering support system comprising:
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