抄録
Physician palpation is a useful medical examination, because it is non-invasive, quick and simple. However, to make an accurate diagnosis using palpation, physicians need long-time training and practice. Moreover, it is difficult for beginners to learn how to make a motion on palpation and what to feel at that time. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the relationship between the palpation motions and haptic sense, and to support beginners to improve the palpation skill. At first, models for palpation are designed. Each model has a hard lump made of silicone in soft polyurethane resin. The models are of seven types. The difference among them is the forms of lumps. Next, a measurement system for palpation motion is developed. The system has two cameras and a load cell. Subjects explore the models like conducting palpation, and then answer the lump forms. In experiments, palpation motion data of ten subjects are obtained by using the measurement system. The characteristics of the motion were extracted from the experiment data. And, it is confirmed that the instruction for the effective motions improves palpation skill.
