Design and implementation of an automatic palpation device / 国际生物医学工程杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To realize objectification and detailed quantification of palpation.Metbods A kind of automatic palpation device was developed to meet the needs of safeand easy operation,technique simulation,and multi-parameter monitoring in real time.Results This device mainly consisted of programmable controller and its analog-to-digital converter module,mechanical positioning device,pressing device,force testing device and hand-held touch screen,and it was designed to be operated by attenders independently.The device could collect multiple data including force,time and distance in the process of palpation,and monitor the force thresholds of pressing responses at all levels to achieve desired effects.Conclusion This device can be used in the automatic palpation for suitable body areas,especially in the comprehensive observation of acupoint-pressing responses or soft tissue tenderness.