Medical training apparatus

A medical training apparatus comprising an instrument holder with a medical instrument, a model patient body simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed. The medical training apparatus comprises a posture detection means for detecting the posture of the examination table, a medical instrument status detection means for detecting the working status of the medical instrument, an examination receiving status detection means for detecting the situation of the model patient body in medical treatment or examination, and a model patient body driving means housed in the model patient body. The model patient body driving means changes the facial or body expression of the model patient body, depending on combination of at least one of the posture detection signal output from the posture detection means and the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means, and the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a newly developed medical training apparatus in which the expression and movement such as uneasy feeling and pain of an actual patient are designed to be represented considering the posture of an examination table or the working status of medical instruments and using a model patient body.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, laboratory teaching has been done in the medical education, specifically in the dental education, in such a way that teeth implanted in a human head model are cut. There are following patent documents as a prior art relating to such a medical training apparatus.

Published patent application No. JP-60-103953-A (Patent Document 1) discloses a grinding simulation apparatus for medical treatment (FIG. 1) in which an electronic balance apparatus detects the load applied on a holder grasping a dental arch, namely it detects the pushing force of a hand piece, a thermocouple sensor inserted and fitted in the dental arch model detects temperature increase at the time of cutting, and an acceleration sensor provided for the holder detects vibration at cutting.

Published patent application No. JP-5-27675-A (Patent Document 2) discloses a simulation apparatus for dental training (FIG. 1) which comprises a jaw model implanting a tooth for training (FIG. 2) and a detector for detecting cutting status of the tooth for training and in which a cutting hand piece detects a minute voltage change by the electrostatic energy accumulated in an operator caused when the tip end of a cutting bar contacts a part corresponding to dentine and when it contacts a part corresponding to cavitas dentis.

The document also discloses a simulation apparatus for dental training (FIG. 4) in which an externally cylindrical member (FIG. 5) is provided for a position of the jaw model corresponding to a conduction anesthesia hole, the cylindrical member being embedded while being filled with a conducting material. When an injection needle is run into the position where the conducting material exists at an accurate angle and depth (FIG. 6), the apparatus electrically detects the potential change of the conducting material.

Examined utility model application publication No.7-46949-Y (Patent Document 3) teaches a head model for dental training (FIG. 8,FIG. 9) in which an articulator reproducing the occlusal movement of a human being is detachably mounted in a craniofacial model.

Published patent application No. JP-2000-293097-A (Patent Document 4) teaches a human model for training of trainee and a medical training apparatus (FIG. 1) for taking a picture of the position of the trainee or that of a training instrument for training during training and for showing the movement locus (FIG. 10).

Further, published patent application No. JP-2004-233585-A (Patent document 5) teaches a medical simulator which detects the treatment status for a model patient body (FIG. 2) having a head model by means of a sensor provided in its mouth, executes drive control of the eyes and eyelids of the model patient body and reproduces the movement and expression of an actual patient.[Patent Document 1] JP-60-103953-A[Patent Document 2] JP-5-27675-A[Patent Document 3] JP-7-46949-Y[Patent Document 4] JP-2000-293097-A[Patent Document 5] JP-2004-233585-A

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Problems to be Solved in the Invention

In the above-mentioned documents 1-4, a medical training is possible for teeth, however, the training apparatus does not reflect the expression and movement of a patient so that there is a problem that there is a large difference between the actual medical treatment scene and training in practical steps cannot be done.

On the other hand, according to the medical simulator in the patent document 5, the model patient body moves like a patient before treatment, at the time of starting medical treatment, and during medical treatment, so that there is an effect that more practical training can be done. Further, the model patient body expresses the same movement and expression as the patient for an inappropriate medical treatment act, so that correction or handling for an inappropriate medical treatment act can be educated and evaluated.

However, according to the medical simulator in the patent document 5, whether an inappropriate medical treatment is done or not is judged by the expression of the model patient body output from several sensors provided for the model patient body and the information on the treatment table or the medical instruments is not designed to be detected or recorded at all. Therefore, inappropriate medical treatment act caused by the treatment table or the medical instruments are not adequately inquired or analyzed, thereby having a problem such that it is difficult to be served to improve the inappropriate operation for the treatment table and the medical instruments.

The present invention has an object to provide a medical training apparatus having an instrument holder provided with medical instruments, a model patient body simulating a patient to be examined, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed, in which the detection signal on the treatment table and the medical instrument is taken in and the expression and movement of the model patient body during examination are perceived by a trainee, thereby providing a comfortable medical environment for a patient and facilitating correction and analysis of inappropriate examination.

Means to Solve the Problems

The medical training apparatus described in claim1comprising an instrument holder with medical instruments, a model patient body simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed comprises: a posture detection means for detecting the posture of the examination table; a medical instrument status detection means for detecting the working status of the medical instruments; an examination receiving status detection means for detecting the situation of the model patient body under medical treatment or examination; and a model patient body driving means housed in the model patient body. The model patient body driving means changes the facial or body expression of the model patient body, depending on combination of at least one of the posture detection signal output from the posture detection means and the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means, and the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means.

According to claim2, the medical training apparatus further comprises a display means for displaying at least one of the posture detection signal, the medical instrument status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal.

The medical training apparatus described in claim3comprising an instrument holder with medical instruments, a model patient body simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed comprises: at least one of a medical instrument status detection means for detecting the working status of the medical instruments and an examination receiving status detection means for detecting the situation of the model patient body under medical treatment or examination; a model patient body driving means for changing the facial or body expression of the model patient body; a memory means for storing the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means or the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means; and a training result evaluation means for evaluating the result of medical training after comparing an evaluation criteria stored in advance in a memory means with the detection result based on at least one of the medical instrument detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal.

According to claim4, the medical training apparatus further comprises a display means for displaying at least one of the posture detection signal, the medical instrument status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal; and a model patient body control/operation means for controlling the model patient body driving means by a selecting operation.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim5, the model patient body control/operation means has a memory means for storing different facial or body expressions in advance by combining movement of eyes, eyelids, and a mouth of the model patient body driving means and has an expression selection means for selecting a specific expression from the different expressions in face or body, and the model patient body driving means is controlled and driven by operating the model patient body control/operation means so as to perform the expressions selected by the expression selection means.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim6, the examination table comprises a sitting seat movable up and down, a tiltable back seat connected to the rear end of the sitting seat, and a tiltable headrest connected to the upper end of the back seat.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim7, the model patient body is connected to at least one of an electric driving system and a fluid driving system relative to the examination table.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim8, the model patient body has a head model with eyes, a nose and a mouth cavity and the mouth cavity has a jaw model.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim9, the model patient body driving means drives at least one of the eyes, eyelids, jaw and neck provided in the model patient body.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim10, the medical instrument status detection means detects at least one of the following factors: the voltage or the current value corresponding to the rotation number of the medical instruments; the air pressure, the air flow amount, the frequency, the vibration number of the instruments when operated; the suppress strength to an affected part of the model patient body; the detection signal of picking up the medical instrument from the instrument holder; the operation signal of a foot controller connected to the examination table; and the operation signal of an operation means provided in the medical instrument.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim11, the posture detection means detects at least one of the elevating position of the sitting seat, the tilting angle of the back seat, and the tilting angle of the headrest.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim12, the examination receiving status detection means has at least one of a contact sensor provided for a cheek member of the head model, and a temperature sensor, a contact sensor, an angle sensor, a pressure sensor, a conduction sensor, a vibration sensor, and an impact sensor provided for the jaw model.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim13, an imaging means is further provided for photographying the medical treatment or examination status of the model patient body.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim14, the model patient body has an audio output means for outputting a predetermined voice in response to the examination receiving status detection signal.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim15, the model patient body is so constructed as to be detachably placed on the examination table via a coupling means. In this case, as described in claim16, the model patient body may have a driving system connecting portion in the model patient body driving means side, the connecting portion being connectable to at least one of a connecting portion of an electric driving system and a connecting portion of a fluid driving system provided in the examination table when coupled via the coupling means. Further, as described in claim17, the examination table may have a sitting seat movable up and down, a tiltable back seat connected to the rear end of the sitting seat, and a tiltable headrest connected to the upper end of the back seat; the model patient body may have a head portion, a trunk portion including a hip portion and a back portion, and a leg portion including a crural area; and the coupling means may be provided either between the trunk portion of the model patient body and the sitting seat or the back seat of the examination table, between the sitting seat and the crural area of the model patient body, or between the headrest of the examination table and the head portion of the model patient body.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim18, a model patient body control/operation means for controlling the model patient body driving means is provided on or at the vicinity of the examination table; and the model patient body control/operation means has a connecting portion for an electric driving system or a connecting portion for a fluid driving system; and the model patient body has a connecting portion for the driving system at the model patient body driving means side detachably connecting with at least more than one of the connecting portions.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim19, a system stop switch for urgently stopping an operating portion of the examination table and the model patient body is further provided. In this case, as mentioned in claim20, the system stop switch may be preferably provided for the examination table.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim21, an operating medium of the model patient body driving means includes fluid such as gas and liquid; and an operation switch for releasing the model patient body in order to urgently remove a part of or all of the operating pressure of the fluid during operation is further provided. In this case, as mentioned in claim22, the operation switch for releasing the model patient body may be preferably provided for the model patient body or the examination table.

Effect of the Invention

The medical training apparatus described in claim1comprising an instrument holder with medical instruments, a model patient body simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed comprises: a posture detection means for detecting the posture of the examination table; a medical instrument status detection means for detecting the working status of the medical instruments; an examination receiving status detection means for detecting the situation of the model patient body under medical treatment or examination; and a model patient body driving means housed in the model patient body. The model patient body driving means changes the facial or body expression of the model patient body, depending on combination of at least one of the posture detection signal output from the posture detection means and the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means, and the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means. Therefore, an inappropriate medical treatment caused by the treatment table and the medical instruments can be investigated and analyzed, thereby helping to improve an inappropriate operation for the examination table and the medical instruments. For example, when a trainee operates the examination table, if his examination posture is inappropriate or he inappropriately operates the medical instruments, the face of the model patient body may be designed to show an uneasy expression or a painful expression. Thus, the apparatus can detect the operation signal of the examination table or the medical instruments which makes the actual patient feel unpleasant or painful in addition to the examination receiving status detection signal incorporated into the model patient body to be reflected in the expression of the model patient body, thereby improving the inappropriate operation for the medical instruments and the examination table.

According to claim2, the medical training apparatus further comprises a display means for displaying at least one of the posture detection signal, the medical instrument status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal. Therefore, the trainee can become aware of his inappropriate examination. Further, if such a display means is provided for an information processing unit such as GUI (Graphic User Interface, namely instruments having several kinds of output display means and operation means), a trainer can accurately comprehend the examination status of the trainee.

The medical training apparatus described in claim3comprising an instrument holder with medical instruments, a model patient body simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, and an examination table on which the model patient body is placed comprises: at least one of a medical instrument status detection means for detecting the working status of the medical instruments and an examination receiving status detection means for detecting the situation of the model patient body under medical treatment or examination; a model patient body driving means for changing the facial or body expression of the model patient body; a memory means for storing the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means or the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means; and a training result evaluation means for evaluating the result of medical training after comparing an evaluation criteria stored in advance in a memory means with the detection result based on at least one of the medical instrument detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal. Therefore, ranking like A, B and C depending on the skill of the trainee may be shown or the result of the training and the content of the inappropriate examination item may be shown.

According to claim4, the medical training apparatus further comprises a display means for displaying at least one of the posture detection signal, the medical instrument status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal; and a model patient body control/operation means for controlling the model patient body driving means by a selecting operation. Therefore, the trainee can become aware of his inappropriate examination.

Further, in this case, if a display means is provided for the GUI as mentioned above, the operator such as a trainer can accurately comprehend the examination status of the trainee when he watches the display of the display means provided for the GUI. In addition, when he watches the output of the display means and the examination status and then selectively operates a model patient body operation means, the model patient can be designed to show a specific expression in face or body depending on the examination status.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim5, the model patient body control/operation means has a memory means for storing different facial or body expressions in advance by combining movement of eyes, eyelids, and a mouth of the model patient body driving means and has an expression selection means for selecting a specific expression from the different expressions in face or body, and the model patient body driving means is controlled and driven by operating the model patient body control/operation means so as to perform the expressions selected by the expression selection means. Therefore, an operator such as a trainer can accurately comprehend the examination status of the trainee. Further, when the operator such as a trainer operates the model patient body operation means while watching the output of several kinds of display means and the examination status, he makes the model patient body show the expression and movement memorized in advance, such as uneasy expression, painful expression, vomiting expression and the like, in order to be noticed by the trainee, thereby providing the trainee a substantially actual training.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim6, the examination table comprises a sitting seat movable up and down, a tiltable back seat connected to the rear end of the sitting seat, and a tiltable headrest connected to the upper end of the back seat. Therefore, the apparatus can be designed to have the same structure as the actual examination table for dental treatment and an actual training especially appropriate for dentistry can be easily executed.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim7, the model patient body is connected to at least one of an electric driving system and a fluid driving system relative to the examination table, thereby enabling to provide energy to the model patient body from the examination table. The examination table has the electric wiring and piping for supplying water or air, so that the back portion or the hip portion of the model patient body can be connected and fixed via the seat of the examination table and the electric wiring and the piping can be connected from the examination table. Therefore, such wiring and piping for the model patient body can be hardly seen from outside.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim8, the model patient body has a head model with eyes, a nose and a mouth cavity and the mouth cavity has a jaw model, thereby enabling the model patient body to resemble an actual patient head.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim9, the model patient body driving means drives at least one of the eyes, eyelids, jaw and neck provided in the model patient body, thereby expressing several expressions such as relieved expression, uneasy expression, painful expression, vomiting expression, displeased expression and so on.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim10, the medical instrument status detection means detects at least one of the following factors: the voltage or the current value corresponding to the rotation number of the medical instruments; the air pressure, the air flow amount, the frequency, the vibration number of the instruments when operated; the suppress strength to an affected part of the model patient body; the detection signal of picking up the medical instrument from the instrument holder; the operation signal of a foot controller connected to the examination table; and the operation signal of an operation means provided in the medical instrument. Therefore, the medical instrument status detection signal depending on the status of the several medical instruments can be detected to be reflected in the expression and movement of the model patient body depending on the detection signal.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim11, the posture detection means detects at least one of the elevating position of the sitting seat, the tilting angle of the back seat, and the tilting angle of the headrest. Therefore, such detection means can be provided in the treatment table, thereby enabling to produce the model patient body without complicating the structure thereof.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim12, the examination receiving status detection means has at least one of a contact sensor provided for a cheek member of the head model, and a temperature sensor, a contact sensor, an angle sensor, a pressure sensor, a conduction sensor, a vibration sensor, and an impact sensor provided for the jaw model, thereby detecting the stimulation to be received by the model patient body can be minutely detected.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim13, an imaging means is further provided for photographying the medical treatment or examination status of the model patient body, so that the examination status can be confirmed by a third person or by the trainee himself.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim14, the model patient body has an audio output means for outputting a predetermined voice in response to the examination receiving status detection signal. Therefore, the emotion of the model patient body can be shown to the trainee by the audio output like an actual patient. In addition, if the audio output is accompanied with the expression and movement, the trainee can experience training like the actual examination.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim15, the model patient body is so constructed as to be detachably placed on the examination table via a coupling means. Therefore, it is available for executing maintenance of the model patient body and the model patient body can be manufactured separately from the examination table, thereby efficiently achieving such operations like shipment, conveyance, delivery and installment. In addition, when a several kinds of model patient bodies are prepared, they may be replaceably mounted on the examination table and further the model patient body can be mounted on a different examination table. Accordingly, various medical training depending on the purpose of training can be executed.

In this case, as described in claim16, the model patient body may have a driving system connecting portion in the model patient body driving means side, the connecting portion being connectable to at least one of a connecting portion of an electric driving system and a connecting portion of a fluid driving system provided in the examination table when coupled via the coupling means. Accordingly, the driving system of the model patient body driving means can be established together with that the model patient is coupled with and mounted on the examination table by the coupling means, thereby being very rational.

Further, as described in claim17, the examination table may have a sitting seat movable up and down, a tiltable back seat connected to the rear end of the sitting seat, and a tiltable headrest connected to the upper end of the back seat; the model patient body has a head portion, a trunk portion including a hip portion and a back portion, and a leg portion including a crural area; and the coupling means is provided either between the trunk portion of the model patient body and the sitting seat or the back seat of the examination table, between the sitting seat and the crural area of the model patient body, or between the headrest of the examination table and the head portion of the model patient body. Therefore, the coupling portion is hidden by the above-mentioned each component of the model patient body, so that the model patient body does not give a sense of discomfort and seems to be integrated with the examination table.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim18, a model patient body control/operation means for controlling the model patient body driving means is provided on or at the vicinity of the examination table; and the model patient body control/operation means has a connecting portion for an electric driving system or a connecting portion for a fluid driving system; and the model patient body has a connecting portion for the driving system at the model patient body driving means side detachably connecting with at least more than one of the connecting portions. Therefore, the driving system of the model patient body driving means for driving each portion of the model patient body on the examination table can be easily established only by connecting both connecting portions. In this case, the model patient body may be simply placed on the examination table or may be integrated with the examination table, and in addition it may be detachable via the coupling means.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim19, a system stop switch for urgently stopping an operating portion of the examination table and the model patient body is further provided. Therefore, when at least one of the examination table and the model patient body is malfunctioned during training operation, sudden accident of the trainee can be prevented in advance by operating the system stop switch. In this case, as mentioned in claim20, if the system stop switch is designed to be provided for the examination table, the trainee can easily operate the switch by himself, thereby being more useful.

According to the medical training apparatus described in claim21, an operating medium of the model patient body driving means includes fluid such as gas and liquid; and an operation switch for releasing the model patient body in order to urgently remove a part of or all of the operating pressure of the fluid during operation is further provided. Therefore, when the model patient body is malfunctioned during training operation, such operating pressure can be removed by operating the model patient body releasing operation switch, so that the medical instrument of the trainee is prevented in advance from being pinched by the model patient body during training. In this case, as mentioned in claim22, if the operation switch for releasing the model patient body is provided for the model patient body or the examination table, the trainee can easily operate the switch by himself, thereby being more useful.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now the preferred embodiments of the medical training apparatus according to the present invention are explained referring to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing the entire structure of the medical training apparatus of the present invention. The medical training apparatus M comprises as shown inFIG. 1an instrument table1having medical instruments11a-11e, a model patient body2simulating a patient subject to medical treatment or examination, an examination table3for executing medical treatment on which the model patient body2is placed, and an information processing unit4for displaying several kinds of information as GUI and for receiving several kinds of orders for the model patient body2.

The instrument table1has an instrument holder1bin front of a table1awhich is pivotably fitted to the examination table3via an arm and the medical instruments11a-11esuch as cutting tools like an air turbine handpiece and a micro motor handpiece, a scaler, a three-way syringe, a vacuum syringe are detachably provided for the instrument holder1b, and a display (display means)5is provided above the table1aso as to call up and display a patient's carte and to monitor the operating condition of the medical instrument during training.

A medical instrument driving means is constructed by combining an oral camera, a photo polymerization irradiator (both of them are not shown), and a foot controller12ainto these medical instruments11a-11eand further a medical instrument status detection means B is provided for detecting their working status (refer to a functional block diagram inFIG. 2). The medical instrument driving means turns on or off the medical instruments11a-11eand the medical instrument status detection means B detects each medical instrument11a-11eis taken up by providing a sensor for the instrument holder1band detects on-off of the usage condition by detecting the operation of the foot controller12a. However, if an operation means is provided for the medical instruments11a-11ethemselves, a sensor for detecting operation of the operation means may be provided. The instrument holder1bmay include one provided for the examination table3as long as it can detachably provide medical instruments11a-11e, other than the instrument holder1bshown in the figure.

On the other hand, the medical instrument status detection means B detects the voltage number, the voltage value corresponding to the revolution number, the current value of the medical instruments11a-11e, the air pressure, the air flow amount, the frequency, the vibration number when the medical instruments11a-11eare operated, the pressing force when the medical instruments11a-11econtact the model patient body2, or the operation signal of the foot controller12aconnected to the examination table3. The medical instruments11a-11eare connected with a water supply source, an air supply source or an air suction means, however, their explanation is omitted here because they are well known.

The model patient body2comprises a head model2a, a trunk model2b,right and left arm models2cand right and left leg models2d. These models include a model patient body driving means D for changing the posture and facial or body expression of the model patient body2as mentioned later and an examination receiving status detection means C for detecting the situation of the model patient body2under medical treatment or examination (see the functional block diagram inFIG. 2) and the model patient body2wears a hairpiece as head hair and an artificial skin.

Such a model patient body2is not a prior one of which anatomy is mechanically formed, but an android type robot which wears an artificial skin and an artificial hair and is extremely resemble a human body. It is placed on the examination table3and several kinds of treatment can be made like a human being and is connected to driving sources for supplying mechanical, electric or fluidic energy (operating medium) for changing the posture or the facial or body expression as mentioned later. The model patient body2may work integrally with the examination table3or in synchronization with it, or otherwise may independently work. The detail of the model patient body2is described later.

As shown inFIG. 3, the examination table3has a sitting seat3aplaced on a base30movable up and down, a tiltable back seat3band connected at the rear end of the sitting seat3a, and a tiltable headrest3cand connected at the upper end of the back seat3b. It is provided with a sitting seat elevating means for controlling them at an appropriate position depending on the examination status, a back seat tilting means, and a headrest tilting means (those of them are not shown) so as to be controlled by the foot controller12a.Such a sitting seat elevating means and a back seat tilting means use a prior hydraulic cylinder and electric motor and so on and the headrest tilting means uses an electric motor and the like.

A treatment stand pole6is attached to the examination table3and arms61,62are diverged and rotatably projected from the stand pole6. These arms have a shadowless lamp63, and an imaging camera64having an imaging means for taking pictures of the trainee's handling of the medical instruments11a-11eand the movement, the change of the posture, movement and expression of the model patient body2, and a microphone65for collecting the sound during medical treatment. The reference numeral3dshows a spittoon unit which has a hydrant for supplying water for rinsing a mouth and a spittoon.

The information processing unit4comprises a workstation such as a PC41, a display means42like a liquid crystal monitor, and an operation means43like a keyboard and a mouse, and several kinds of information are shown on the display means42and several kinds of orders are received by the operation means43like a keyboard and a mouse. The display means42shows the examination receiving status of the model patient body2during training and necessary information is called out and displayed, and in addition, the PC41includes a specific program so that the display means can be also operated as a model patient body control and operation means (shown as the reference character G inFIG. 2) by operating the program and an expression selection button as an expression selection means G2mentioned later is displayed on the display means42. Accordingly, a trainer can control the movement and expression of the model patient body2by selecting and operating the expression selection button while understanding the trainee's condition. Further, as mentioned later, several kinds of sensors S housed in each part of the model patient body2can be called up by operating a sensor selection button shown on the display means42and the detection signal can be displayed on the monitor.

A system stop switch7constituting a system stop means J, mentioned later, is provided at the shoulder portion of the back seat3b. The system stop switch7is an emergency stop switch for bringing down the whole system (the model patient body2, the examination table3and the medical instruments11a-11e) when at least one of the model patient body2and the examination3is malfunctioned. The system stop switch7is preferably provided for the shoulder portion of the back seat3bbecause the trainee easily operates, however, it may be appropriately provided around the instrument table1or the headrest3cconsidering the accessibility of the trainee. The object to be stopped is preferably the whole system, however, if at least the model patient body2and the examination table3is stopped, the safety can be kept.

A model patient body releasing switch constituting a model patient body release means K, mentioned later, is provided at the neck portion of the model patient body2(seeFIG. 6). The model patient body releasing switch8is to be operated for releasing the entire or a part of the force applied to the model patient body2, which is the operation pressure (air pressure and liquid pressure) of the operating medium (air, water, oil) for driving the model patient body driving means D. An open valve (not shown) is provided along the driving system (piping system) of the operating medium and is opened by operating the model patient body releasing switch8to discharge the operating medium out of the system. The model patient body releasing switch8is preferably provided at the neck portion of the model patient body2in view of the accessibility of the trainee, however it may be appropriately provided at the temporal part of the model patient body2or around the instrument table1or the headrest3cconsidering the accessibility of the trainee. Otherwise, the model patient body2may be also released after stopping the system by serving the system stopping switch7as the releasing switch. Further, as mentioned later, the operation signal of the system stop means J and the model patient body release means K are input into a control means (CPU) I inFIG. 2, however, they may be directly input to the model patient body driving means D.

FIG. 2shows the functional block diagram of the medical training system M of the present invention. As shown in the figure, each functional block A-H, J, K is designed to be controlled by the control means (CPU) I shown at the center. The control means I and each function achieving means A-H, J, K are directly connected by a signal line or a hospital LAN.

The reference character A indicates a posture detection means and comprises a combination of a) a sitting seat elevation detection means, b) a back seat tilt detection means, and c) a headrest tilt detection means and detects the control condition of the examination table3during examination. For example, each detection means has an angle detection sensor and a potentiometer to detect the elevating amount, the tilting amount, the tilting angle, on-and-off, and the like.

The reference character B indicates a medical instrument status detection means and detects the operating status during training of each medical instrument11a-11edriven by, the above-mentioned medical instrument driving means, the oral camera, the photo polymerization irradiator, and the foot controller12a, namely on-off, the number of revolutions, and load thereof. For this purpose, the medical instrument status detection means B comprises a combination of a) an air turbine handpiece status detection means, b) a micro motor handpiece status detection means, c) a three-way syringe status detection means, d) a scaler status detection means, e) a vacuum syringe status detection means, f) an oral camera status detection means, g) a photo polymerization irradiator status detection means, and h) a foot controller operating status detection means.

The reference character C indicates an examination receiving status detection means and comprises several kinds of sensors S housed in the model patient body2and the imaging means64for imaging the examination status. Several kinds of sensors S include a) a detection means of contact with the cheek of the model patient body2, b) a detection means of contact with the chest, c) a detection means of the impact or pressure to the tooth, d) a detection means of the increased temperature of the tooth, e) a detection means of a portion to be anesthetized, f) a detection means of the rotation angle of the neck, the waist, and the arm, g) an imaging means, h) a microphone and the like, as mentioned later. The existence or the degree of stimulation applied on the model patient body2by the treatment or examination during training is understood by the sensors S, the imaging means and the microphone and is output as the examination receiving status detection signal.

The reference character D indicates a model patient body driving means and comprises a combination of a) an eyeball driving means, b) an eyelids driving means, c) an eyebrow driving means, d) a lower jaw driving means, e) a neck driving means, f) an arm driving means, g) a sound output means and the like and they are incorporated in the face or in the body of the model patient body2closely resembling a human body, as mentioned later, thereby realizing the facial expression or body movement of the model patient body2by combining these driving.

The reference character E is a memory means for storing the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means C and the evaluation standard information to be used in a training result evaluation means.

The reference character F is the training result evaluation means for comparing the evaluation standard stored in the memory means E in advance with the medical instrument status detection signal detected by the medical instrument status detection means B and/or the examination receiving status detection result detected by the examination receiving status detection means C after the trainee's examining operation is completed, outputs the training evaluation result based on a predetermined algorithm, and rates the results depending on the ability of the trainee or shows an inappropriate examination items depending on the result on the display42of the information processing unit4or the display5of the instrument table1.

The model patient body control/operation unit G has a memory means G1for storing the movement of the model patient body driving means D incorporated in the model patient body2corresponding to the change of the body's posture and expression and an expression selection means G2for selecting the expression change stored in the memory means G1. The expression selection means G2has an expression selection button so as to reproduce the expression change of the model patient body2, for example, vomiting, painful, uneasy, relaxed, discomfort. Providing such a model patient body control/operation unit G, the expression of the model patient body2can be controlled by operating the display selection button when the trainer judges the trainee's condition, as mentioned later, in addition to the original control movement in which the trainee's treatment act is automatically reflected on the expression and movement of the model patient body2.

The reference character H indicates a display/operation portion and comprises a combination of a) a display means and b) a display selection means. The display means is constructed with a display means42provided for the information processing unit4and the display selection means is constructed with a selection button42d(#1-6) for selecting the output of each sensor of the examination receiving status detection means C by means of a mouse and the like (seeFIG. 19).

The reference character J indicates a system stop means and comprises the system stop switch7, as mentioned above. The operation signal of the system stop switch7is input to the control means I which executes stop control of the system based on the input signal.

The reference character K indicates a model patient body releasing means and comprises the model patient body releasing switch8as mentioned above. The operation signal of the model patient body releasing switch8is input to the control means I which controls to release the entire force or a partial force applied on the model patient body2by the operating medium for driving the model patient body driving means D based on the input signal.

The medical training apparatus M of the present invention has the posture detection means A for detecting the posture of the examination table3, the posture detection means A comprising the instrument holder1bhaving medical instruments11a-11e, the model patient body2simulating a patient to be examined, and the examination table3on which the model patient body2is placed, the medical instrument status detection means B for detecting the working status of the medical instruments11a-11e, the examination receiving status detection means C for detecting the situation of the model patient body2under medical treatment or examination, and the model patient body driving means D housed in the model patient body2. The model patient body driving means D is characterized in that the expression of the model patient body2is changed based on at least one of the posture detection signal output from the posture detection means A and the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means B, and the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means C.

Therefore, the expression of the model patient body2may be changed based on the posture detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal, it may be changed based on the medical instrument status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal, or it may be changed based on the posture detection signal, the medical instrument status detection signal, and the examination detection signal.

Next, each portion constituting the present invention is explained in detailFIG. 3andFIG. 4show the model patient body.

As shown inFIG. 3, the model patient body2comprises a head model2a,a trunk model2b, right and left arm models2c, and right and left leg models2d. An articulated mechanism28is provided between the head model2aand the trunk model2b, between the trunk model2band the right and left leg models2c, between the trunk model2band the right and left leg models2d, at elbow of the right and left arm models2c, and at genicula of the right and left leg models2dso as to be able to be bent to perform like the arthro of a human body.

FIG. 4shows a detailed embodiment of the articulated mechanism28, in which an air cylinder28dis attached to two main rods28a,28bwhich are pivotally provided each other for constituting the anatomy, a rod28eprovided at one end of the air cylinder28dis fixed to a projecting portion28fformed on the main rod28a, and the other end of the air cylinder28dis pivotally provided for a small rod28hprojected from a member28gfixing the main rod28d, thereby being capable of freely inflecting with two main rods28a,28bby reciprocating the rod28eof the air cylinder28d.

FIG. 4shows a detailed construction of the elbow of the arm model2cin which the elbow can be stretched and flexed by elongating the rod28eof the air cylinder28dand other articulated mechanism28is similarly constructed.

The articulated mechanism28of the waist and the knee may be designed so as to passively move according to the positional change of the examination table3when the air cylinder28dis not driven.

FIG. 5-FIG.9show a head model of the model patient body.FIG. 5shows the front view of the face of the head model and its movement, and the head model is covered with an artificial skin on its face and is covered with a hairpiece as hair.

The model patient body2is provided with an audio output means for outputting sound other than driving means for driving each part of the face, namely eyeballs, eyelids, eyebrows, cheeks, mouth, lips, and neck, thereby showing facial expressions similar to a human being by driving these model patient body driving means D.

The embodiment inFIG. 5shows a) the eyebrows move up and down, b) the eyelids open and close, c) the eyeballs move up-and-down, and right-and-left, d) the mouth opens and closes, in addition, e) a contact sensor is housed in cheeks, and as to the neck, like a human being, f) it bends back and forth, g) it swings right and left, and h) it tilts right and left. The detection signal of the contact sensor S provided for the cheek as mentioned in e) is sent to the examination receiving status detection means C.

The internal structure of the head model is further explained referring toFIG. 6andFIG. 7. InFIG. 6the substantial part of the left of the head model is cut away andFIG. 7diagrammatically shows the vertical sectional structure. The head model2ais constructed such that a cranial bone member24formed with a hard resin is covered with a skin member24aformed with a silicon rubber which is soft like skin and the surface of the skin member24ais appropriately colored and processed. A frame25made of a rigid member is incorporated in the cranial bone member24.

The frame25is constructed such that an upper jaw bone member25aand a lower jaw bone member25care coupled with a jaw joint portion25b,further an air cylinder21dis provided, and the lower jaw bone member25copens downwardly while turning relative to the jaw joint portion25bwhen the rod21d′ is extended. In the contrary, when the rod21d′ is contracted, the lower jaw bone member25cis upwardly operated to be closed while turning relative to the jaw joint portion25b. The frame25comprises an eyeball driving means21ahaving a model eyeball26, an eyelid driving means21band an eyebrow driving means21c. These driving means constitute the model patient body driving means D.

The eyelid24has a member21bbwith its one end rotatably fixed to the frame25and the member21bbis moved up and down before the model eyeball26by reciprocating a rod21b′ of the air cylinder (eyelid driving means)21bto open and close the eyelid24b.

The eyebrow driving means21cis constructed such that a rod21c′ of the air cylinder (eyebrow driving means)21cis fixed to a member21cbpivotally fitted to a projecting piece21caprojected from the frame25and a movable member24cprovided at a portion corresponding to the eyebrow of the artificial skin is moved up and down by reciprocating the rod21c′, thereby moving the eyebrow up and down. The movement of the eyeball driving means is explained later.

The neck27has a joint mechanism27acoupling the head model2aand the trunk model2bso as to be able to be tilt back-and-forth and right-and-left and the rod downwardly extending from the joint mechanism27ais rotatably housed in a sheath portion27b. Accordingly, the neck can tilt back and forth from +10 degrees to −30 degrees and right and left within the range of +45 degrees by the joint mechanism and it can turn right and left within the range of ±45 degrees by turning the rod in the sheath27b. The contact sensor for detecting careless contact of the operator during examination is housed in the right and left cheeks (seeFIG. 5d). The model patient body releasing switch8is provided on the surface of the right skin member24acovering the joint mechanism27aof the neck27as shown inFIG. 6.

The reference numeral23indicates a jaw model and comprises the combination of an upper jaw model23aand a lower jaw model23c. Each jaw model has a steel piece23eso as to be detachable to a magnet25dprovided for the opposing upper jaw bone member and low jaw model member. A tooth23dis planted on the upper jaw model23aand the lower jaw model23cso as to be exchangeable one by one. Accordingly, the tooth which is worn at the time of cutting training can be exchanged or the tooth can be exchanged with a specific tooth with caries or dental calculus. Further the jaw model23can be exchanged with a small model for a child or a toothless jaw model without planting a tooth23d. The tooth23dmay adopt a similar structure to the training tooth described in the patent document 2.

The upper jaw model23aand the lower jaw model23chave the following sensor S for detecting treatment and examination during training. More specifically, the sensor may include an impact sensor for detecting the impact when the medical instruments11a-11econtact the tooth23d, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure applied on the tooth and the upper and lower jaws during cutting treatment, a vibration sensor for detecting the vibration, a temperature sensor for detecting the increased temperature (for example, at the time of impression taking and laser cutting), and a sensor for detecting the change of conducting value or resistance value for detecting the cutting degree of the tooth. The examination receiving status detection signal is sent to the control means I from these sensors, then the examination receiving status of the model patient body2during training can be objectively understood and can be used as examination data. These sensors S are assembled as the examination receiving status detection means C and output the examination detection receiving status signal to be sent to the information processing unit4.

FIG. 8shows an example of the contact sensor A housed in a tongue member23for in a throat member and shows the condition that the detection signal of the contact sensor S is sent to the examination receiving status detection means C to be output as the examination receiving status detection signal. When the medical instruments11a-11econtact the deep portion of the tongue member23for the throat member housing the contact sensor S, the model patient body2can show a vomiting expression like an actual patient, as mentioned later.

FIG. 9is a perspective view showing an example of a model eyeball driving means21a. The hemispherical model eyeball26of which center a pupil is drawn is provided with a bar like member26aextending in the backward direction of the eyeball. The bar like member26ais loosely fit to a hole2aaformed on a supporting member21abprojected above a frame body21acand is further inserted into a long holes21am,21anformed on two members21al,21akarranged so as to cross each other at the opening portion of the frame body21acin a manner that the long holes21am,21akhave such a looseness not to become complicated when the member26ais inclined. The members21al,21akhave a connecting portion21ao,21apto be screwed with the screw axes21ai,21ajof stepping motors21ag,21ahattached to the frame body21ac, respectively.

Accordingly, when two stepping motors21ag,21ahare controlled to be rotated and the two members21al,21akare moved in the frame body21ac,the bar like member26ais moved to direct the movable model eyeball6into right, left, up and down around a hole21aa. The model eyeball26can tilt at 15 degrees up and down respectively and at 30 degrees right and left respectively by such a mechanism.

FIG. 10a,FIG. 10bdiagrammatically show the side view and the plane view when the eyeball faces front.FIG. 11a,FIG. 11b,FIG. 12a, andFIG. 12bshow the side view and the plane view when the eyeball is directed to the right or the left.

FIG. 13is a perspective view showing another example of the model eyeball driving means21a. It is different fromFIG. 10in that two air cylinders21aq,21adare used instead of the stepping motors, members21ae,21afwith a long hole21am,21anare provided at each tip end of the rod, and the members21ae,21afare crossed in the frame body21ac. When the overlapped position of the long holes21am,21anformed on each member21ae,21agin the frame body21acis changed, the bar like member26aof the model eyeball26which is inserted into the overlapped position thereof is designed to be movable back-and-forth, and right-and-left.

Sensors S for detecting contact a chest, detecting a part to be anaesthetized, detecting the angle of the articulated mechanism28like a neck, a waist, and an arm are provided to constitute the examination receiving status detection means C and the examination receiving status detection signal is sent to the control means I.

More specifically, the contact detection means at the cheek comprises, for example, a contact sensor S or a pressure sensor S provided under the skin member at both cheeks of the model patient body2, as shown inFIG. 5and detects as unpleasant medical treatment when the trainee rests his hands on the cheek when he operates the medical instruments11a-11e.

The contact detection means at the chest comprises, for example, a contact sensor S or a pressure sensor S (not shown) provided for the chest of the model patient body2and detects as unpleasant medical treatment when the trainee touches the chest. Specifically a female patient feels unpleasant when the trainee touches her chest, so that such an unpleasant medical treatment is detected and makes the model patient body show the expression of unpleasant feeling.

The detection means for a portion to be anaesthetized comprises, for example, a contact sensor S (not shown) housed in the jaw models23a,23cand is designed to detect whether an injection is executed on a specific region determined by the medical standpoint or not, or whether the injection way of the needle is proper or not. Otherwise, the detection means may be the one provided for the apparatus described in the patent document 2 like a dental training simulation apparatus for detecting the cutting condition of a training tooth or a dental training simulation apparatus for detecting an executing position of the injection for anesthesia.

When the above-mentioned model patient body drive means D is constituted with an air cylinder, a driving air is supplied from a compressor and the like (not shown), however, it may be driven by an electric motor and a driving system is not limited. The reference numeral21finFIG. 7is an audio output means and is constructed by incorporating a small size speaker in the head portion of the model patient body2, in which voice to be output is stored in advance in the memory means E and the voice corresponding to the situation and further respiratory breath and the like are output as voice in response to the condition of the examination receiving status detection means C and the medical instrument status detection means B and the excitement detected by the above-mentioned sensors S during examination (for example, “Ouch!” when feeing pain during examination, or the words of thanks when the examination is finished.) Or for simplification, only a beep sound may be generated for showing discomfort and the like. An air-bag may be housed in the chest part of the trunk model2bof the model patient body2so as to move the chest up and down by taking up one end of the air-bag in conjunction with the breathing movement by an air cylinder or the breathing movement may be changed in conjunction with the change of expression.

The impact detection means or the pressure detection means of tooth may be constituted such that a contact sensor S, an impact sensor S, or a pressure sensor S may be provided inside or at the bottom of the tooth23d.Accordingly, such improper examining operation that the medical instruments11a-11ehit against a tooth23d, unnecessary force is applied or impact is applied during cutting treatment can be detected.

The means for detecting increased temperature of tooth comprises, for example a temperature sensor S housed in a tooth23dand detects such an unpleasant examining operation that a hot impression material is pushed on the tooth23din case of impression taking.

FIG. 14is a table showing the change of expression and body movement of the model patient body2incorporating the model patient body driving means D and the sensor constituting the examination receiving status detection means C.

This table shows the expression and movement of the model patient body2, the column is divided into a head, a jaw (mouth), eye (therearound), breath, movement, and voice and the row is divided into normal (before treatment), right before treatment (direction of face, angle of pillow), during treatment (painful, unpleasant), and after treatment. As shown in the table, the head moves passively according to the setting of the examination table right before treatment, the control means observes the examination detection signal, several kinds of driving means housed in the head model are actuated to keep the face in a relaxed expression if there is no trouble, however, the face is changed to be unpleasant, painful, or vomiting expression when abnormality is detected.

The jaw is closed in a normal condition (before treatment) and is actively opened right before treatment (direction of face, angle of pillow). The control means observes the examination detection signal and upon detecting an abnormal condition, the jaw shows movements necessary to change the expressions like unpleasant, painful, or vomiting.

The eyes (therearound) are similarly changed. As to breath, exhalation and inspiration are repeated at a slow pace at a normal condition (before treatment), but when the control means detects abnormality by the examination receiving status detection signal, the breath is changed into a necessary speed because the expression is changed to show unpleasant, pain and vomiting expression and the like.

As an example of movement in the table, an elbow is shown and an arm is raised up when pain is felt. Further as to voice, in case of unpleasant, pain, or vomiting expression, corresponding voice is output and after treatment, a word of thanks is produced.

The trainee can execute training while experiencing similar reactions to the case he examines an actual patient as a treatment object because the model patient body2reproduces such movement and expression change during training. The change of expression in the present invention may include the movement change of the trunk portion, the arm portion, the leg portion and audio output in addition to the facial expression other than only the facial expression change of the model patient body2.

FIG. 15-FIG.18show a treatment operation to the model patient body and an example of expression change appeared on the face. The model patient body2is placed on the examination table3as shown inFIG. 15aand shows a relaxed expression as shown inFIG. 15bat the position before treatment. When the examination table3goes up and tilts to move to a treatment position as shown inFIG. 16a, a little uneasy expression is appeared as shown inFIG. 16b. Further a hand piece is taken out at the treatment position and its movement comes into the sight of the model patient body as shown inFIG. 17a, a further uneasy expression is appeared as shown inFIG. 17b. When the handpiece is inserted into the oral cavity to execute procedure as shown inFIG. 18aand the medical instrument is pushed on the tooth more than necessary and pain is felt, a painful expression is shown likeFIG. 18b. And further the handpiece touches the throat, a vomiting expression is shown likeFIG. 18c. Therefore, accompanying these movement and expression changes during training, the same reaction when an actual patient is examined can be experienced and a training can be studied so as not to take painful or inappropriate examination to an actual patient.

Next, the model patient body control/operation means G is explained. The model patient body control/operation means G can be used while displaying on the display means42of the information processing unit4as GUI. The model patient body control/operation unit G comprises the memory means G1capable of registering information on the posture, movement and expression of the model patient body2as mentioned above and the expression selection means G2and in the memory means G1a plurality of expressions showing normal, uneasy, pain, vomiting are programmed and stored as the expression of the model patient body2in advance. Therefore, by such structure, the posture detection signal output from the posture detection means A, the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical instrument status detection means B, the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detection means C, the picture signal output from the imaging means64, and the audio signal collected by the microphone65are received via the control means I, stored in the memory means G1in chronological order, and the stored information can be displayed on the display means42of the information processing unit4or the display means5provided on the instrument table1.

FIG. 19shows a display example in case of GUI structure. The display means42comprises a display42afor displaying a camera image, an expression selection button display42bas an expression selection means for storing the expression of the model patient body2and for reproducing it, a camera operation display42cfor recording and reproducing with the camera, and a sensor selection button displays42d(#1)-42d(#6) as a display selection means for calling up several kinds of sensors embedded in the model patient body2. Each selection button of the sensor selection button display42d(#1)-42d(#6) is linked with the corresponding sensor and angle, impact, vibration, temperature (increase, decrease), conductivity (capacitance), the physical amount of contact detected by the liked sensor are monitor displayed in real time on the camera image display42aas the numerical value or as the time series graph when any one of selection button displays is operated, thereby being capable of objectively understanding the examination receiving status during medical examination.

Accordingly, when the selection button display42bprovided on any one of the above-mentioned display is selected by means of a mouse and the like, the display42ais switched to a corresponding screen in order to show the necessary information or image, thereby being enable to monitor display the necessary information and to execute control. Each expression selection button display42bis allotted with the above-mentioned expression and movement of the model patient body2to be stored, so that the expression and movement of the model patient body2can be optionally changed without during examination, for example, by operating the expression selection button display42b. According to such a model patient body control/operation unit G, in addition to the original control operation that the medical treatment of the trainee is automatically reflected on the expression or body movement of the model patient body2, the trainer can control the expression of the model patient body2by judging the situation of the trainee and by operating the expression selection button display42b.

The information processing unit4stores at least more than one standard signal among the examining status standard signal and the examination receiving status standard signal which are evaluation standard in the storage means E from the storage medium such as CD-ROM. And the stored examining status standard signal and examination receiving status standard signal are compared with more than one of the detection signal among the examining status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal based on the training of the trainee and the training evaluation result is output. The information processing unit4is also constructed as the training result evaluation means F for outputting the training evaluation result for the model patient body2. According to such a structure, the evaluation on the trainee can be calculated based on a predetermined algorism, the result can be ranked as A, B, C and the like to be shown on the display means42, and appropriate advice can be given by displaying and reproducing the inappropriate examining operation on the display means42.

Accordingly, the present invention is characterized in that the medical training apparatus M comprises the instrument holder1bhaving medical instruments11a-11e, the model patient body2simulating a patient to be examined, and the examination table3on which the model patient body2is placed, the medical training apparatus M has more than one of the medical instrument status detection means B for detecting the working status of the medical instruments11a-11eand the examination receiving status detection means C for detecting the situation of the model patient body2under medical treatment or examination, the model patient body driving means D for changing the expression of the model patient body2, the memory means E for storing the medical instrument status detection signal output from the medical treatment status detection means B for detecting the working status of the medical instruments11a-11eor the examination receiving status detection signal output from the examination receiving status detecting means C, and the training result evaluation means F for comparing the evaluation standard stored in the memory means E in advance and the detection result based on more than one of the medical instrument status detection signal and the examination receiving status detection signal and for outputting the evaluation result of the training. Either one of the medical instrument status detection signal or the examination receiving status detection signal may be compared with the evaluation standard stored in the memory means E in advance, however, it is preferable that both of them may be compared with the evaluation standard and the evaluation result is obtained.

According to the training apparatus of the present invention, the model patient2may move the eyes restlessly up-and-down and right-and-left in a relaxed condition before examination to look on the examination room. When an operator picks up the medical instruments11a-11efrom the instrument holder1bof the instrument table1or they are driven by operating the foot controller12a, the model patient body2changes the expression to uneasy expression from the relaxed expression, closes the eyes, and widely opens the mouth before the examination is started. At the time of cutting treatment, the model patient body2shows further uneasy expression, and when the medical instruments11a-11econtact the tooth23dand the tooth23dis cut by an excess force, it bats the eyes showing painful expression and changes the opening degree of the mouth. Further, the medical instruments11a-11econtact the deep portion of the throat, the model patient body2can be changed to the expression of vomiting. Further the voice corresponding to the examination status can be reproduced and output from the audio output means21fprovided for the model patient body.

Thus, when the model patient body is in an inappropriate posture and the trainee is going to operate the examination table, or he handles the medical instruments inappropriately, such an operation can reflect the expression of the model patient body such as uneasy expression or painful expression by detecting not only the examination receiving status detection signal incorporated in the model patient body but also the operation signal of the examination table or the medical instruments which lead the anxiety and pain of the actual patient, thereby being useful to improve inappropriate operation to the medical instrument and the examination table.

FIG. 26shows other embodiment of GUI ofFIG. 19in which a scenario mode is shown on a scenario display42A. A training scenario stored in the memory means E in advance is shown on the scenario display42A and the training is proceeded while the trainee and the model patient body operated by the trainer have a conversation. The reference numerals42e,42fare dialogue of the model patient body and the model patient body is designed to respond when the trainer clicks with a mouse while having conversation with the trainee.

The scenario inFIG. 26shows an upper jaw molar root trunk treatment, a front tooth hypersensitivity and a treatment of C4 for No.5 at a lower jaw and they can be selected at the selection of scenario (step3) in the flow chart inFIG. 27. Several scenario can be prepared and stored corresponding to the training in addition to the above-mentioned one. Further a new scenario may be produced and stored in the memory means E.

Further, the information of each sensor S to be input into the sensor selection button display42d(#2)-42d(#6) is shown as a graph of which vertical axis shows the sensor output and of which horizontal axis shows the time on the display42dg(#2). The sensor output is shown with the maximum value (Max), the standard value (Base), and the minimum value (Min) set by the setting button42jin advance, and when it shows the maximum value, the trainer appropriately clicks with a mouse to make the model patient body generate an accidental voice or show accidental movement out of the scenario, and the training is proceeded.

The angle of the back seat and the headrest and the height of the sitting seat of the examination table3(sensor information corresponding to the sensor selection button42d(#1) inFIG. 19) is designed to be always shown on a display42m.

Next, the flow chart inFIG. 27is explained. The flow inFIG. 27is shown on the scenario display42A inFIG. 26to be set. The step1is a process of obtaining a new data in which an initial screen at start up is shown and several kinds of selection buttons are shown such as a data reference button (not shown) for reproducing the previously obtained video, a scenario button42ifor producing and editing the scenario, a new data obtaining button (not shown) for photographing the training status and the like. The step2is a process of selecting a scenario selection button (not shown) in which the scenario selection button for executing training corresponding to the scenario in response to the new data obtaining button selected in the step1and a free training button (not shown) for executing training without restriction are shown. The step3is a process for selecting a scenario of training to be executed from the displayed titles of a plurality of trainings. The step4is a process of recording the training by means of the imaging camera64shown inFIG. 1when the scenario selected in the step3is shown and a record/stop button42gis pressed. The step5is a process for proceeding the training while the trainer selectively uses a scenario operation button42efor producing voice in response to the dialogue of the model patient body in the scenario and an out-of-scenario button42ffor producing accidental voice such as “ack” or “ugh” or accidental movement, which are not described in the scenario. The step6is a process for completing the training scenario and stopping recordation by pressing the record/stop button42gagain.

Other than the trainer operates the accidental voice production or movement out of the scenario, the model patient body may be designed to show a painful expression and in addition may produce such voice like “Ouch” and raise the arm when the output of each sensor shows the maximum value. The voice production and movement can be set in the memory means E in advance, and the expression of the model patient body may be changed corresponding to the kinds of the sensor and the output value or the expression, voice and movement may be randomly combined to be shown.

After executing each step and the training is completed, the recorded data is stored by pressing a storage button42h. Further, the training can be assessed by means of the above-mentioned training result evaluation means F based on the stored data. In addition, when a satisfactorily training result is not obtained or the training is reviewed, the same scenario can be repeatedly used.

FIG. 20andFIG. 21show one embodiment of the medical treatment apparatus M in which the model patient body2and the examination table3are detachably coupled and the pipe line and the bundle of electric wires of driving operation medium for the model patient body driving means D are correspondingly detachable. In the figure, a model patient body fixing portion31exposed on the surface of the sitting seat3ais formed on the upper face of the base30of the examination table3and a reversed concave metal fixture32for fixing the model patient body is fixed on the fixing portion31. The reversed concave metal fixture32is attached with connectors33a,34aconnected at the tip end of a liquid (water, air and the like) pipe line33and an electric wire bundle34(fluidic or electric driving system) for the driving operation medium of the model patient body driving means D led from the base30.

On the other hand, a fixing metal29which is a rectangular frame for fixing the model patient body is assembled at the lower face of the hip of the model patient body2and the fixing metal29and the metal fixture32at the examination table3side are formed so as to be fitted from up and down, the fitted fixing rackets29,32are fastened with screws29a. . . , thereby constituting a detachable coupling means9of the model patient body2and the examination table3. The model patient body2includes a liquid (water, air and the like) pipe line33A for the driving operation medium of the model patient driving means D and an electric wire bundle34A (fluid or electric driving system) and connectors33Aa,34Aa are connected at the tip ends of the flow pipe line33A and the electric wire bundle34A, respectively. The connectors33Aa,34Aa are designed to be capable of connecting with the connectors33a,34awhen the both fixing brackets29,32are fastened and fixed via the opening of the frame-shaped fixing metal29by means of screws29a. . . . These connectors comprise a rapid joint and the like so as to be easily connectable each other by one-touch operation. Further, the connectors may be designed to be in a predetermined direction by providing cutout, thereby eliminating connection mistake.

The model patient body control/operation unit (not shown) is housed in the base30of the examination table3, the model patient body2is placed and coupled on the examination table3by means of the coupling means9as mentioned above, the connectors33a,34aat the examination table side and the connectors33Aa,34Aa at the model patient body side are connected each other, thereby executing the above-mentioned several trainings. In this case the model patient body control/operation unit may be separate from the examination table3, the fluid pipe line and the electric wire bundle of the driving operation medium may be introduced into the examination table3from the model patient body control/operation unit separately provided around the examination table3and the similar structure as mentioned above may be achieved. The coupling position of the model patient body2and the examination table3may be between the back seat3band the trunk (back)2bof the model patient body2, between the sitting seat3aand the crural area (leg)2dof the model patient body2, or between the headrest3cand the head2aof the model patient body2, other than the position shown in the figure.

Because the model patient body2and the examination table3, and the fluid pipe line and the electric wire bundle thereof are detachably coupled and connected, the model patient body2can be detached to easily execute maintenance and several kinds of training can be achieved by appropriately combining different types of the model patient body2and different types of the examination table3. In addition, fluid such as water and air and electricity are used as the driving operation medium of the model patient body drive means, so that such operating medium can be easily supplied from the examination table3or the model patient body control/operation unit. Further, if the model patient body control/operation unit is provided for the. examination table3, the electric wiring and piping into the model patient body2are designed not to seen from outside.

FIG. 22a,FIG. 22b,FIG. 22candFIG. 23show other embodiment of the medical training apparatus M in which the model patient body2and the examination table3are detachably coupled and accordingly the pipe line and the electric wire bundle of the driving operation medium to the model patient body drive means D are detachably connected. In the figure, a model patient body fixing base32A exposed from the cutout portion3aaof the sitting seat3ais formed on the upper face of the base30of the examination table3and a fixing bracket29A is pivotally provided for the articulated mechanism28corresponding to the waist of the model patient body2, and the fixing bracket29A is capable of being fastened and fixed to the model patient body fixing base32A by means of screws29a, . . ., thereby constituting the detachable coupling means9of the model patient body2and the examination table3(seeFIG. 22b).

The fluid pipe line33and the electric wire bundle34as mentioned above are led from the base30of the examination table3and the connectors33a,34aare joined at the tip end thereof. The model patient body2houses the fluid pipe line33A and the electric wire bundle34A as mentioned above, the connectors33Aa,34Aa are joined their tips. The connectors33Aa,34Aa of the model patient body side are located in the crural area2dof the model patient body2and a connector attaching board35is fixed at this position by means of screws35a(seeFIG. 23). The connectors33a,34aat the examination table side and the connectors33Aa,34Aa of the model patient body side are connected respectively via the connector attaching board35. Namely, the connectors33Aa,34Aa at the model patient body side are attached on the connector attaching board35, the right crural area of the model patient body2is opened from the side or from the lower face as shown with one dotted line inFIG. 22band the connectors33a,34aof the examination table side are connected to the connectors33Aa,34Aa of the model patient body side attached to the inside connector attaching board35. This connection is achieved such that hexagon cap nuts33b,34battached to the connectors33a,34aat the examination table side are screwed to be fastened from the arrows shown inFIG. 23relative to male screws33Ab,34Ab formed on the connectors33Aa,34Aa of the model patient body side. Accordingly, the fluid pipe line33and the electric wire bundle34at the examination table side and the fluid pipe line33A and the electric wire bundle34A at the model patient body side are connected respectively, thereby establishing a fluid system connection and an electric drive system connection therebetween.

The sitting seat3aand the back seat3bof the examination table3are not shown inFIG. 22b.

Thus, the fluid pipe lines and the electric wire bundles of the model patient body2and the examination table3are detachably coupled and connected, so that the model patient body2can be detached, maintenance can be easily done, and various trainings can be achieved for different types of model patient bodies2or different types of examination tables3. In this embodiment, the fixing bracket29A constituting the coupling means9is pivotally attached to the articulated mechanism28corresponding to the waist (rotary center of the back) of the model patient body2and when the pivot portion accords with the tilting center of the back seat3bof the examination table3, the back displacement (displacement of the back of the model patient body2and the back seat3b) is not generated, so that the back of the model patient body2follows the tilting movement of the back seat3band the raising and tilting operation of the back of the model patient body2can be passively done.

FIG. 24a,FIG. 24b,FIG. 24cshow how the model patient body2is place and fixed on the examination table3while according their tilting centers. As shown inFIG. 24a, the model patient body2has a tilting center2A at the back by pivotal attachment of the articulated mechanism28corresponding to the waist thereof and the fixing bracket29A. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 24b, the examination table3has a tilting center3A based on the tilting mechanism (not shown) provided for the connecting portion of the sitting seat3aand the back seat3b. When the model patient body2is placed on and coupled with the examination table3, both tilting centers2A,3A are met as shown inFIG. 24c. Under such a coupled and placed condition, the back displacement is not caused and the back of the model patient body2can be raised and tilted following the tilting operation of the back seat3b.Therefore, raising operation and tilting operation of the model patient body2which are remarkably resembles those of the actual patient can be performed without providing a driving means for raising and tilting the back for the model patient body2. If the back seat3bof the examination table3and the back of the model patient body2are fixed by means of a some sort of a coupling means, the model patient body2is prevented from folding up forwardly when the back seat3braises.

FIG. 25shows a further embodiment of the relation of the model patient body2and the examination table3and of the connecting relation of the driving operation medium for the model patient body driving means. In this embodiment, a movable operation box70is provided as the model patient body control/operation unit G around the examination table3and has a supply source of the operating medium and a functional portion similar to the information processing unit4comprised of GUI as mentioned above. The fluid pipe line33and the electric wire bundle34are led from the upper face of the control box70and the connectors33a,34aare joined at their tip ends. The connectors33a,34aare attached on a connector attaching board71fixed on the control box70. A display means72such as a liquid monitor and an operation means73such as a keyboard and a mouse are provided on the upper face of the control box70like the information processing unit4.

The fluid pipe line33A and the electric wire bundle34A are housed in the model patient body2, they are led from the side of the model patient body2and the connectors33Aa,34Aa are connected at the tip ends thereof. The model patient body2is designed to be only placed on the examination table3and the medical training apparatus M is constituted by connecting the connectors33a,34aand the connectors33Aa,34Aa, respectively.

According to the medical treatment apparatus M constructed such that the model patient body2is placed on the examination table3and the connectors33a,34aand the connectors33Aa,34Aa are connected respectively, the trainee can execute medical training as mentioned in the above embodiment and the trainer can conduct training using the operation box70as GUI like the above-mentioned information processing unit4.

The embodiment inFIG. 25shows the model patient body2is only placed on the examination table3, however, they may be coupled and fixed by means of a some sort of coupling means. In such a case the coupling means may be detachable like the above-mentioned embodiment and a detachable connection structure such as operating medium pipe line may be incorporated. Further, the operation box70is designed to be movable, however, it may be fixedly provided on a floor, the side and the like of the examination table3.

Further, the examination table3and the operation box70may be connected with wire or wireless, the detected status of the medical instrument is sent to the GUI to be shown on the display of the GUI, and the status of the medical instrument and the information from each sensor may be linked to be used during training or for evaluation, although those members are not shown in the figure. Otherwise, the examination table3and the operation box70may not be connected, only the information from each sensor provided in the model patient body may be shown on the display of the GUI, and only the information from each sensor may be used during training or for evaluation.

The embodiment is explained as a dental medical training apparatus in the above, however, the present invention can be used as a medical training apparatus in the medical department other than dentistry, such as otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, dental surgery, internal medicine, clinical psychiatry, neurology, and radiology by changing the structure of the model patient body2and the detection means. Further, the model patient body2is designed as the entire human model from the head to the leg in the above-mentioned explanation, however, it may be only a head model for a dental, otologic or ophthalmic training apparatus, and it may be fixedly or detachably attached to the headrest of the examination table.