JP2013208225A - Awakening induction device during suffocation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an awakening induction device during suffocation which normally monitors an occurrence of suffocation phenomena and, when a suffocation phenomenon occurs, immediately awakens a person, and tries to resolve the suffocation state.SOLUTION: An awakening induction device 100 during suffocation includes a sensor 12, an awakening/alarm device 6, and a processor 2. The sensor 12 collects biological information about a wearer 200 of the awakening induction device 100 during suffocation. The awakening/alarm device 6 gives awakening induction stimuli to the wearer 200 so as to raise the level of awakening of the wearer 200. The processor 2 detects the suffocation phenomenon on the basis of the biological information and controls the awakening/alarm device 6 so that it may give awakening induction stimuli to the wearer 200 on the basis of a result of detection.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a suffocation-wakefulness inducing device that performs monitoring / management of a health condition of, for example, an infant based on biological data.

  One of the main causes of infant death is suffocation. Here, suffocation refers to a state in which the blood oxygen concentration cannot be exchanged mainly due to obstruction of breathing and the blood oxygen concentration is lowered. In other words, suffocation is a state in which oxygen saturation is lowered and brain cells cannot obtain sufficient oxygen. If this condition persists, irreparable dysfunction may occur in the brain or organ, or death may occur (referred to as suffocation death).

  The main causes of suffocation in infants include, for example, neck compression with cords, airway closure with foreign bodies, respiratory muscle paralysis / convulsions due to drugs, and sudden infant death syndrome (hereinafter referred to as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) And abbreviated as SIDS).

  The above-mentioned SIDS is one of the causes of death of infants under 1 year of age. In Japan, 1 in 4000 infants under the age of 1 die from SIDS. In the past, there was a time when the existence of SIDS itself was suspected and it was thought that it was just death from suffocation or abuse, but now SIDS is considered to be suffocation due to an apnea event during sleep. .

  However, the direct triggers that cause SIDS have not yet been elucidated. As risk factors, face-up sleeping, excessive heat retention, secondhand smoke, and smoking of pregnant women in the fetal period have been found.

  There are various theories about the process leading to death by SIDS, for example, the airway obstruction theory, the apnea theory, and the arousal reaction insufficiency theory.

  When falling into suffocation during sleep, the level of wakefulness usually increases and breathing resumes accordingly. The awake reaction failure theory is a theory that when an apnea event occurs during sleep and the awakening fails, the apnea event continues to cause suffocation. However, while the hypothesis of arousal response is powerful, there are no studies that have proved it. The airway obstruction theory is a theory that the airway is physically obstructed and suffocates. The apnea theory is a theory that the respiratory reflex is weakened by some physiological process and falls into an apnea event.

  By the way, according to the hypothesis of arousal response, SIDS cannot be said to be a “disease”. This is probably because the patient with the disease did not die as a result of the disease, but was simply caused by the misfortune of failing to wake up. When taken in this way, SIDS can be said to be an event that can occur stochastically in an infant with an undeveloped physical function (although there are some individual differences in risk). Therefore, in this case, a methodology applied to a normal disease in which whether or not the disease causing the death is preliminarily examined by medical examination and treatment or prevention of death attack is performed is not valid.

  As described above, in SIDS, an infant suddenly dies despite no particular signs or causes. This situation is, of course, tragic and proved to cause psychological damage to the family.

  A technique for monitoring the occurrence of SIDS has been conventionally proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-229078 A

  In the case of “suffocating by the occurrence and continuation of an apnea event before death” as in SIDS, even if an suffocation event occurs, it is possible to escape death if the breathing is recovered immediately There is sex. This point will not change no matter which theory is taken.

  That is, in the case of the arousal response deficiency theory, when an apnea event occurs, an appropriate stimulus may be given to raise the arousal level, thereby causing movement or resuming of breathing. If the airway obstruction theory occurs, if the apnea event occurs, remove it from the bedding immediately and change the posture to eliminate the cause of obstruction of the airway. In the case of the apnea theory, the respiratory reflex may be recovered by awakening, and in other cases, it may be necessary to awaken with forced ventilation by pressing the rib cage.

  As can be seen from the above discussion, resumption of spontaneous breathing can be expected by prompting the person to wake up immediately upon detection of a suffocation event, regardless of the direct cause of suffocation. However, according to the conventional technology, it is impossible to constantly monitor the occurrence of the suffocation event and immediately wake the person when the suffocation event occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and constantly monitors for the occurrence of a suffocation event. When a suffocation event occurs, it immediately awakens the person and aims to eliminate the suffocation state. An object is to provide an apparatus.

The suffocation arousal induction device according to one embodiment
A biological information collecting unit for collecting biological information of the wearer of the suffocation awakening induction device;
An awakening inducer for providing the wearer with an arousal inducing stimulus for increasing the wearer's arousal level;
A control unit that detects a suffocation event based on the biological information, and controls the wakefulness-inducing unit to give the wearer a stimulus-inducing stimulus based on the detection result;
It is characterized by comprising.

The suffocation arousal induction device according to one embodiment
A pulse oximeter that collects the oxygen saturation and heartbeat interval of the wearer of the suffocation arousal induction device;
An awakening inducer that provides the wearer with an arousal inducing stimulus for increasing the wearer's arousal level;
Detecting asphyxia based on the oxygen saturation, detecting apnea events based on the heartbeat interval, and applying the wake-inducing stimulus to the wearer based on a result of the detection A control unit for controlling the unit,
It is characterized by comprising.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of wearing a suffocation arousal induction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the outer surface side when the suffocation arousal induction device according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the inner side of the suffocation arousal induction device according to an embodiment of the present invention when worn. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of the suffocation arousal induction device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the arousal induction measure / alarm measure by the suffocation arousal induction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of wearing the suffocation arousal induction device according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circuit example for measuring the frequency of body movement of the wearer by processing data generated by the acceleration sensor.

  Hereinafter, a suffocation arousal induction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of wearing the suffocation arousal induction device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the outer surface side when the suffocation arousal induction device according to the present embodiment is mounted. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the inner surface side (the side in contact with the wearer) when the suffocation arousal induction device according to the present embodiment is worn.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the present embodiment is a clip-type device attached to a waist (edge) 150 w of a diaper 150. Thus, the reason for comprising as a clip type aspect attached to the waist part 150w of the diaper 150 is mainly as follows.

  First of all, since infants have various sleeping hours and places of sleep, it is preferable to monitor the occurrence of suffocation events as much as possible, except when they are clearly awake or watch carefully, and are difficult to drop off. It is required to be in form. In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the present embodiment is a clip-type device that sandwiches the waist 150w of the diaper 150. Hateful.

  Further, in the suffocation arousal induction device 100 according to the present embodiment, if the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is not worn due to dropping or the like (hereinafter referred to as a non-wearing state), it will be described later. By prompting the wearing by the awakening / alarming device 6 to perform the continuous monitoring by always wearing the suffocation awakening induction device 100.

  Here, in order to obtain a device that can be always worn, the material of the suffocation arousal induction device 100 should be a material that does not cause skin diseases such as “rash”, “ashmo”, and “allergy”. Is preferred. Furthermore, when it is assumed that the wearer 200 is, for example, a baby, it is preferable to use a material that does not release toxic components even when it is bitten.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, by providing a chamfered portion 100c in the suffocation arousal induction device 100, even if the wearer 200 scratches his / her face with the suffocation awakening induction device 100, the injury may occur. It is preferable to configure so as not to occur.

  In this way, it is preferable to have a shape that prevents injury, and has a shape and size that is strong enough not to be damaged even if it is strongly bitten and that is not easily accidentally swallowed. It is needless to say that the wearer 200 does not receive an electric shock even when the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is wet.

  Note that the suffocation awakening inducing device 100 according to the present embodiment does not necessarily adopt the above-described clip-type aspect, and may naturally adopt other aspects. That is, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the present embodiment (1) is a device that can be always worn, (2) is a device that is hard to forget to always wear, and (3) is always used by an infant. Any aspect may be adopted as long as the aspect satisfies the fact that the apparatus is secured even if it is attached.

  Incidentally, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, reference numeral 100b denotes an identification means. In this example, the identification means 100b is made of a barcode. The identification unit 100b and information (for example, name and identification number) for specifying the wearer 200 are associated with each other in advance and registered in a predetermined management device. Thereby, after the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is collected by, for example, a check-in facility of the wearer 200, it is possible to know to whom the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is attached. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the data recorded in the recording device 8 of the suffocation awakening induction device 100 (details will be described later) from being mixed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of the suffocation awakening induction device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the suffocation arousal induction device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a processor 2, a clock 4, an awakening / alarm device 6, a recording device 8, a pilot display unit 10, a sensor 12, and the like. And a power supply device 14.

  The processor 2 is a control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the suffocation awakening induction device 100. The suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the present embodiment aims to detect and eliminate the suffocation state generated in the wearer (the infant in this example) 200 under the control of the processor 2.

  The main functions of the processor 2 are, for example, (1) “measurement of oxygen saturation of the wearer 200” performed using the sensor 12, and (2) “pulse interval of the heartbeat of the wearer 200” performed using the sensor 12. (Measurement of time-dependent fluctuation (Entropy) of (RR interval)), (3) Appropriate arousal / alarm based on oxygen saturation and duration of apnea state performed using arousal / alarm device 6 Measures ”and the like.

  The processor 2 operates the sensor 12 at a predetermined frequency determined in advance as necessary, and reads an output signal (sensing data) of the sensor 12. An example of processing performed by the control of the processor 2 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The timepiece 4 is composed of, for example, a real-time clock module or the like, and measures the duration of the suffocation state of the wearer 200 and the non-wearing state of the suffocation awakening induction device 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “non-wearing state”). It is a time measuring means used for measurement of the duration of a specific state and identification of the occurrence time, such as measurement of the duration and identification of the occurrence time of the suffocation state of the wearer 200. The date / time information generated by the clock 4 is output to the processor 2.

  Note that the software counter of the processor 2 may be used instead of the watch 4, but in particular, when collecting information such as the occurrence frequency of a suffocation state by wearing for a long period of time, a processor is used by using a real-time clock module. It is preferable to maintain the timekeeping function even during the period when 2 is stopped.

  The awakening / warning device 6 is controlled by the processor 2 based on, for example, “the degree of suffocation” and “the duration of the apnea state”, and the awakening-inducing action that prompts the wearer 200 to be awakened, and the humans around the wearer 200 An alarm operation for notifying the danger of the wearer 200 is performed. Specifically, examples of the awakening / alarm device 6 include a piezoelectric speaker that can generate an alarm sound or the like at a desired volume.

  Note that means for awakening the wearer 200 is not limited to sound generation means such as a piezoelectric speaker, for example, electrical stimulation means for awakening the wearer 200 by electrical stimulation, or vibration means for awakening the wearer 200 by vibration. Also, stimulation by strobe light emission, stimulation by odor, and the like can be mentioned. In addition, examples of means for notifying a person around the wearer 200 of the danger of the wearer 200 include notification by sound, light, and mail.

  When the electrical stimulation means is employed, it is necessary that the electrode for electrical stimulation is in close contact with the skin of the wearer 200. In addition, since electrical stimulation may have an invasive effect on the wearer 200, various parameters such as voltage, current, and duration related to electrical stimulation must be carefully designed. Since the vibration means consumes a relatively large amount of power, the vibration means must be designed in consideration of this point. The awakening induction operation / alarm operation performed by the awakening / alarm device 6 will be described in detail later.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, a piezoelectric speaker that generates an alarm sound or the like is disposed as an awakening / alarm device 6 inside the outer side wall when the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is mounted. When this piezoelectric speaker generates an alarm sound or the like, a solar cell 14s described later functions as a resonance plate. The configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the solar cell 14s is not an essential configuration requirement.

  The recording device 8 is a nonvolatile recording in which sensing data (for example, oxygen saturation information and respiratory state information) generated by the sensor 12 and date / time information generated by the clock 4 are recorded in association with each other under the control of the processor 2. Memory (for example, Flash memory).

  The data recorded in the recording device 8 includes, for example, (1) when and how long the suffocation state, apnea state, non-wearing state, and sleep state each occurred and (2) warning / alarm / large This is data indicating when the volume alarm / wakefulness inducing operation is performed and how long after that the suffocation state / apnea state is resolved.

  The data recorded in the recording device 8 is read by the facility that manages the analysis of the data after the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is collected, and is mainly used for the following two purposes.

<< Purpose of data use 1 >>
The data recorded in the recording device 8 is analyzed, and the analysis result is fed back to the control program of the suffocation wakefulness inducing device 100 to be manufactured thereafter, so that sensing by the sensor 12 and wakefulness by the wakefulness / alarm device 6 are performed. To make triggering / alarming more efficient. That is, to improve the suffocation awakening induction device 100.

<< Purpose of data use 2 >>
To use the data recorded in the recording device 8 to obtain scientific knowledge about infant activities and sleep, and to collect basic medical information. Specifically, by analyzing the data recorded in the recording device 8, for example, the occurrence frequency of suffocation events and apnea events, the relationship between these events and sleep (for example, suffocation event / If an apnea event is likely to occur, etc.) and whether or not the degree of arousal-inducing action / alarm action is appropriate (for example, if breathing does not resume easily even after performing an arousal-inducing action / alarm action) For example, it is understood that an arousal inducing action / alarm action that gives a large stimulus should be performed).

  Further, since it is possible to obtain data about what kind of arousal inducing action / alarm action causes the wearer 200 to resume breathing, important knowledge such as the most appropriate way of stimulation can be obtained.

  Furthermore, by analyzing the data recorded in the recording device 8, it is possible to collect basic data such as the occurrence frequency of suffocation events in cases that have reached SIDS or near-miss cases that may have reached SIDS. . In other words, it can contribute to the elucidation research of the risk factor and onset factor of SIDS.

  By the way, as a method of reading data from the recording device 8, for example, non-contact communication by magnetic field or electric field coupling, optical communication using blinking of the LED when the LED is used for the pilot display unit 10, and the choking The method of destroying the coating | cover of the awakening induction apparatus 100, inserting the electrode in the recording apparatus 8, and reading out can be mentioned.

  Among these methods, from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost and downsizing of the suffocation awakening induction device 100, it is preferable to use an LED for the pilot display unit 10 and adopt optical communication using blinking of the LED. Such a configuration for reading data by optical communication is a configuration that does not require a terminal that is exposed to the outside and thus is resistant to wetting.

  In this optical communication, for example, recording is performed on the processor 2 by applying acceleration according to a predetermined protocol determined in advance, or by providing a predetermined artificial heartbeat signal to the sensor. An instruction is sent to the device 8 to transmit the recorded data. Upon receiving this command, the processor 2 stops the normal data collection operation, reads the data from the recording device 8, and transmits the data as a blinking signal of the LEDs constituting the pilot display unit 10. And the data recorded on the said recording apparatus 8 are taken in into the external computer by receiving the blinking signal of this LED with the optical sensor provided in the external computer.

  The pilot display unit 10 is a display device that allows a user (for example, a guardian of the wearer 200 or the like; the same applies hereinafter) to easily recognize whether or not the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is operating properly. It is. While the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is “appropriately operating”, the processor 2 causes the pilot display unit 10 to blink. The user visually confirms the blinking display of the pilot display unit 10 to confirm that the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is operating properly. In addition, as this pilot display part 10, it is preferable to use a member (for example, LED etc.) with comparatively little power consumption.

  Here, the state in which the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is “appropriately operating” is (state 1) a state in which power supply is appropriately performed by the power supply device 14, and (state 2) This refers to a state where data collection by the sensor 12 is possible (that is, the sensor 12 is mounted so that data can be collected).

  When both (State 1) and (State 2) are satisfied, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is in a properly operating state. When detecting this state, the processor 2 causes the pilot display unit 10 to blink at a low frequency.

  When (State 1) is satisfied but (State 2) is not satisfied, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is not yet worn. When detecting this state, the processor 2 blinks the pilot display unit 10 at a high frequency in order to prompt the wearing of the suffocation awakening induction device 100.

  When (State 2) is satisfied but (State 1) is not satisfied, the suffocation awakening inducing device 100 is in a state of running out of batteries (the power supply device 14 has “fallen”). In this state, the pilot display unit 10 remains off, so that the user can easily recognize the state.

  The sensor 12 includes at least (1) measurement of the oxygen saturation of the wearer 200, (2) measurement of the heartbeat interval (pulse) of the wearer 200, and (3) no wearing state of the suffocation arousal induction device 100. It is a sensor for performing detection. Specifically, examples of the sensor 12 include a pulse oximeter. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two pulse oximeters are provided as sensors 12 in view of the possibility of failure of the sensor 12 and poor contact with the skin. When the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is worn, the sensor 12 (pulse oximeter) contacts the skin on the hip bone of the wearer 200.

  The pulse oximeter is a medical device for measuring the percutaneous arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate of a subject. According to the pulse oximeter, the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood of the subject can be easily measured, and the pulse rate (heart rate) can be measured. From the latter, the respiratory state can be further measured, and the apnea state can be detected.

  Specifically, the pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of blood using the following principle. When blood oxygen saturation is high, blood hemoglobin binds to oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin, and when blood oxygen saturation is low, oxygen is released to deoxyhemoglobin. Here, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin have slightly different colors, and the absorbances of red light and infrared light are different. Therefore, SpO2 can be calculated by measuring and analyzing transmitted light and reflected light with a sensor. Furthermore, since the pulse oximeter can measure the expansion and contraction of the peripheral blood vessels caused by the heartbeat as fluctuations in the intensity of the scattered light, it can also measure the heartbeat interval (RR interval). The interval between heartbeats varies with breathing, and the heartbeat interval becomes almost constant when breathing is stopped. “Entropy” is a measure that quantifies the degree of this fluctuation, and it has been used for the purpose of detecting irregular heartbeat fluctuations from an increase in entropy when analyzing ECG and pulse oximeter data. . However, in this configuration, an apnea state is detected from, for example, a decrease in entropy, that is, a decrease in irregular fluctuation.

  Sensing data generated by the sensor 12 (in this example, oxygen saturation information and respiratory state information) is output to the processor 2.

  Note that, when the heartbeat or the scattered infrared light is not detected by the sensor 12, the processor 2 determines that the suffocation arousal induction device 100 is not attached. In this case, the processor 2 generates a predetermined warning sound in the awakening / alarm device 6 to warn of the non-wearing state of the suffocation awakening induction device 100. Specifically, for example, when the non-wearing state continues for a certain time (for example, 10 minutes) based on the output of the sensor 12, the processor 2 generates a warning sound for prompting the wearing of the suffocation arousal induction device 100. It may be generated in the awakening / alarm device 6.

  By the way, this sensor 12 needs to be brought into contact with the skin of the wearer 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is disposed on the inner surface side (wearer side) when worn. In the example shown in the figure, a plurality (two) of the sensors 12 are arranged in view of a failure, poor contact with the skin, or the like.

  The power supply device 14 is a small battery (for example, a small large-capacity battery such as a lithium ion battery) having a capacity that can be continuously used at least until the replacement time (collection time) of the suffocation awakening induction device 100. . For example, in the case of adopting a usage mode in which the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is collected at the regular medical examination facility and the new suffocation awakening induction device 100 is worn at each periodic medical examination facility, at least the regular health checkup is performed. A battery having a capacity that can be continuously used for a period from the end of the examination to the next periodic medical examination may be provided as the power supply device 14. In any case, it is preferable to provide the suffocation arousal induction device 100 with a power supply device 14 that can continuously use the suffocation awakening induction device 100 for at least one day, preferably about one month.

  Furthermore, a power supply device that can be charged without contact (contactless), for example, a device that receives power wirelessly transmitted by electromagnetic coupling may be provided as the power supply device 14. The suffocation arousal induction device 100 should be always worn, and should also be configured so that liquid and moisture do not enter the inside thereof. Therefore, the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is detached from the wearer 200 and charged. A configuration employing a normal charging system in which the electrode is brought into contact with the electrode is not desirable. However, there is a question as to whether or not wireless power transmission by electromagnetic coupling while wearing the suffocation awakening induction device 100 while wearing the wearer 200 will adversely affect the wearer 200.

  In view of such circumstances, a power generation module may be provided in the suffocation awakening induction device 100 in order to generate power instead of charging. For example, a power generation module using a solar cell that generates power using sunlight or illumination light, a power generation module that generates power using acceleration, vibration, distortion, etc. caused by movement of the wearer 200, and the body temperature of the wearer 200 A power generation module that generates power using a temperature difference from the outside air temperature may be provided in the suffocation awakening induction device 100. These devices have examples in various devices such as wrist watches, mobile phones, and wireless mice for personal computers.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, a solar cell 14 s is provided on the outer surface side when the suffocation awakening induction device 100 is attached.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arousal induction measure / alarm measure by the suffocation arousal induction device 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The processor 2 operates the sensor 12 and collects sensing data (in this example, oxygen saturation information and breathing state information). Based on the sensing data, (1) suffocation state (the degree of decrease in oxygen saturation) And (2) determining the duration of the apnea state (using the date and time information generated by the clock 4), and based on these determination results, the awakening / alarm device 6 is operated to perform an appropriate awakening induction operation / alarm Perform the action. Details will be described below.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the oxygen saturation is classified into one of “normal”, “decreased”, and “remarkably lowered” compared with a predetermined threshold (thresholds a 1 and a 2), and the apnea state is The duration time is compared with a predetermined threshold (threshold values b1 and b2) and classified into “none”, “continuation”, and “continue longer”. Here, each threshold value a1, a2, b1, b2 used for determination is tentatively determined based on physiological knowledge about the infant, and finally the data recorded in the recording device 8 is analyzed. To determine a more appropriate value.

  In the suffocation arousal induction device 100 according to the present embodiment, oxygen saturation is used as an index related to a suffocation event (an index for determining a suffocation state). Here, it can be said that suffocation is a state in which a decrease in oxygen saturation occurs, and the occurrence of a suffocation event is closely related to the value of oxygen saturation. Thus, by directly measuring the value of oxygen saturation, which is a factor related to life risk, and executing an appropriate arousal induction / alarm operation based on the measurement result, it is called “false positive”. Erroneous detection (detection when it should not be detected) can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the sleep of the guardian of the wearer 200 from being disturbed by a false alarm based on false detection, and as a result, the wearing of the suffocation awakening induction device 100 can be promoted.

  In addition, if an arousal induction operation / alarm operation is triggered by the occurrence of an apnea event instead of a choking event, false detection is likely to occur.

  Apnea events are not necessarily life-threatening factors and may occur temporarily during sleep, for example. If an alarm is issued based on such an apnea event, the alarm may be a false alarm.

  The details of the awakening induction / alarm operation by the awakening / alarm device 6 are as follows.

<< Operation of the processor when the awakening / alarm device 6 is not required to operate >>
The suffocation awakening induction device 100 has a “power saving mode” and a “mode focusing on measurement accuracy” as main operation modes, and is normally set to the “power saving mode”. This “power saving mode” is an operation mode in which the processor 2 sets the frequency of the operation clock to be low and sets the frequency of measurement by the sensor 12 to be low.

  Here, both the oxygen saturation measurement frequency and the heartbeat interval measurement frequency may be performed once every 10 seconds, for example. It is sufficient to measure the oxygen saturation for several milliseconds at a time. The measurement of the heartbeat interval takes at least 3 to 4 seconds per time, but it is not necessary to always operate the sensor 12 during the measurement, for example, once every 10 milliseconds, measurement of about 0.1 milliseconds is repeated. Is sufficient.

  First, a process executed at a stage where it is not necessary to operate the awakening / alarm device 6 will be described. When the oxygen saturation is “normal” and the duration of the apnea state is “none”, the wearer 200 is not in any dangerous state, so the processor 2 does not operate the awakening / alarm device 6 and will be described later. “Power saving mode” is maintained.

  Next, if the state of the wearer 200 is in a state where it is necessary to operate the awakening / alarm device 6 at this time, even if it is not necessary to operate the awakening / alarm device 6, the processor 2 12 to increase the measurement frequency (for example, switching from intermittent measurement to continuous measurement). That is, the processor 2 performs a process of shifting from the “power saving mode” to the “mode in which measurement accuracy is important”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the oxygen saturation is “normal” and the duration of the apnea state is “continuation”, that is, the wearer 200 is in the apnea state but is not in the suffocation state. This is the case.

<< Operation 1 >> Generating Warning Information Under the control of the processor 2, the awakening / alarm device 6 generates a warning sound for prompting the wearer 200 to move. This operation is performed when the wearer 200 is breathing but the oxygen saturation is low. In such a case, it is conceivable that the face of the wearer 200 is covered with a futon, etc., so that the sleep depth of the wearer 200 is reduced (raised awakening level) by a gentle warning sound, and the body Encourage movement.

  As a sound used as a warning sound or an alarm sound, for example, a mosquito sound can be cited. Mosquito sounds are high-frequency sounds that are generally inaudible to adults but can be heard as unpleasant sounds by young people, infants, infants, etc., so adults around the wearer 200 (for example, parents) Awakening of the wearer 200 can be promoted without awakening (without disturbing sleep or the like).

  As described above, by using the mosquito sound as the alarm sound, it is possible to prevent the sleep of the person (guardian or the like) around the wearer 200 from being disturbed due to the frequent occurrence of the alarm sound. It is possible to prevent the suffocation awakening induction device 100 from being removed from the wearer 200. That is, it contributes to realization of the constant wearing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the oxygen saturation is “decreased” and the duration of the apnea state is “none”, that is, the wearer 200 is not in the apnea state but is in the suffocation state In addition, the processor 2 generates a warning sound in the awakening / alarm device 6 to prompt the wearer 200 to perform appropriate body movement.

<< Operation 2 >> Generates an alarm sound Under the control of the processor 2, the awakening / alarm device 6 generates an alarm sound for awakening the wearer 200 itself. This operation is an operation executed when the apnea state has occurred in the wearer 200 but the oxygen saturation has not yet been lowered to a dangerous level. In such a case, in order to promote the awakening of the wearer 200 and resume the breathing, the awakening level of the wearer 200 is increased by an alarm sound. Even if it does not necessarily lead to arousal, the effect of prompting the resumption of breathing can be expected by making sleep less shallow due to an increase in the arousal level.

  As the duration of the apnea state increases, the risk increases, so as the duration of the apnea state increases, the volume of the alarm sound is increased continuously or stepwise, or the sound quality is reduced. It is desirable to increase it.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the oxygen saturation is “normal” and the apnea is “long”, and when the oxygen saturation is “decreased” and the apnea is “continue”, that is, the wearer 200 is not immediately falling into a dangerous level of suffocation, but if the apnea continues for a predetermined time or longer, the processor 2 generates an alarm sound to the awakening / alarm device 6, and the wearer 200 itself Encourage awakening.

<< Operation 3 >> Generating a Large Volume Alarm Under the control of the processor 2, the awakening / alarm device 6 generates a large volume alarm that can be heard not only in the vicinity of the wearer 200 but also to a person at a slightly separated position.

  This operation is performed when the oxygen saturation level of the wearer 200 is lowered to a dangerous level, and when the apnea state continues for a long time and the oxygen saturation level also decreases. In such a case, it is necessary to urge the wearer 200 to wake up and to take appropriate measures by the people around the wearer 200. Notify people.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the oxygen saturation is “decreased” and the apnea state is “continue for a long time”, and when the oxygen saturation is “remarkably reduced” regardless of the presence or absence of the apnea state, that is, wearing When the person 200 falls into a dangerous state that requires the treatment of the surrounding people, the processor 2 generates a loud alarm sound in the awakening / alarm device 6 to prompt the wearer 200 to be awakened, Encourage others to take appropriate measures.

  For convenience of explanation, in the example shown in FIG. 5, “stepwise (discontinuous) from weak arousal stimulus / alarm sound to strong arousal stimulus / alarm sound based on“ oxygen saturation ”and“ duration of apnea state ”. However, it may of course be configured to shift from a weak arousal stimulus / alarm sound to a strong arousal stimulus / alarm sound “continuously”.

  The example shown in FIG. 5 is an example in which the awakening of the wearer 200 is induced by sound, but the awakening of the wearer 200 is induced by using electrical stimulation means, vibration means, or the like as the awakening / alarm device 6. Of course, it may be configured.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the occurrence of the suffocation event is constantly monitored, and when the suffocation event occurs, the suffocation state awakening inducing device 100 that wakes up the person immediately and aims to eliminate the suffocation state is provided. Can be provided.

  The suffocation arousal induction device 100 according to the present embodiment measures the value of oxygen saturation, which is a factor directly related to life risk, and executes an appropriate arousal induction operation / alarm operation based on the measurement result and the like. As a result, the wearer 200 is awakened and, if necessary, alerts the guardian and the like around the wearer 200 to take measures such as eliminating the choking state, awakening, and artificial respiration. be able to. Therefore, by using the suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the present embodiment, there is an increased possibility that the death of suffocation can be stopped at a stage before dying due to, for example, SIDS.

  By the way, in the study of SIDS, there is no retrospective study (study based on a methodology that goes back to the past to find the cause in patients who have already developed symptoms) other than autopsy. As a result of necropsy, no signs specific to SIDS have been found and cannot be distinguished from mere asphyxia.

  On the other hand, prospective studies (methodologies that follow a large number of subjects and wait for patients to develop) are also conducted. Various factors are given as loads, the degree of response to them is measured, and whether or not the results show a bias in SIDS occurrence cases, the aforementioned risk factors are found by such prospective studies. It has been. However, no research has yet been done to detect apnea events themselves.

  Here, research subjects to prevent SIDS include (1) how often apnea events occur, (2) what are the conditions that trigger apnea events, and (3) apnea What are the characteristics of individuals who are prone to events? As described above, although the prevention measures for SIDS are still under study, according to the suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the present embodiment, the suffocation event actually occurs regardless of the cause of the apnea event. Appropriate measures can be taken before death.

  Hereinafter, each modification of the suffocation awakening induction device 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described.

<< First Modification >>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a wearing example of the suffocation arousal induction device according to the first modification. The difference between the suffocation arousal induction device according to the first modification and the suffocation awakening induction device according to the embodiment is the shape. Hereinafter, this difference will be described in order to avoid duplication of explanation.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 100-1 denotes a suffocation arousal induction device configured as a “wrist band type”. Reference numeral 100-2 denotes a suffocation awakening inducing device configured as a “diaper embedded type”. Reference numeral 100-3 denotes a suffocation awakening inducing device configured as an “ankle band type”. Reference numeral 100-4 denotes a suffocation arousal induction device configured as a “toe band type”.

  Here, since the wrist band type suffocation awakening induction device 100-1 and the ankle band type suffocation awakening induction device 100-3 have relatively large blood vessels passing near the skin surface of the wearing site, oxygen saturation is caused. It can be said that it is suitable for measuring the degree and blood vessel sound. In the design of the suffocation arousal induction device 100-1, 100-3, 100-4 adopting the band type, it is necessary to pay sufficient attention to the danger of being a mode that can cause a blood flow obstruction.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 100-2 denotes a suffocation awakening induction device configured as a “diaper embedded type”. In the case of adopting this aspect, it is preferable to configure as a disposable and inexpensive device. The suffocation awakening induction device 100-2 is a device suitable for a case where data collection using the recording device 8 is not performed.

  In the “diaper-embedded” suffocation awakening induction device 100-2, a sensor 12 that does not require direct contact with the wearer 200 (for example, an acceleration sensor, a bending sensor, or the like) is used. An opening is provided on the inside, and the one that comes into contact with the skin through this is used. The power supply device 14 may be a power supply device that can be continuously operated for about 24 hours at the longest, so a power supply device with a small capacity is sufficient. This indicates that the power supply device 14 can be easily downsized.

  As described above, according to the first modification, it is possible to provide a suffocation arousal induction device that exhibits the same effects as the suffocation awakening induction device according to the embodiment.

<< Second Modification >>
The suffocation wakefulness inducing apparatus according to the second modification includes a plurality of sensors including sensors capable of collecting “information on oxygen saturation and heartbeat interval (breathing state)” such as a pulse oximeter, for example. doing. That is, in the suffocation arousal induction device according to the second modification, the reliability of the determination related to the suffocation event is further improved by using a plurality of sensors using different principles. Hereinafter, in order to avoid duplication of explanation, differences between the second modified example and the embodiment will be described.

  As sensors capable of collecting “information on oxygen saturation and heartbeat interval (respiration state)”, (1) blood vessel sound microphone, (2) electrocardiograph, (3) respiratory sound microphone, (4) acceleration sensor, (5 ) Tension sensor, bending sensor, pressure sensor and the like. Hereinafter, each sensor will be described in detail.

  (1) According to the vascular sound microphone, it is possible to collect periodic changes in blood flow sounds and sounds generated by the heart valves when a relatively thick artery expands and contracts due to the pulsation of the heart. Can be measured. That is, an apnea state can be detected.

  (2) According to the electrocardiograph, it is possible to measure the interval between heartbeats by measuring the potential generated with the activity of the myocardium. During the period of breathing, the pressure in the thoracic cavity fluctuates due to breathing, and the heartbeat interval changes accordingly. On the other hand, the intervals between heartbeats are equal during periods of no breathing. This phenomenon can be used to detect apnea events. Moreover, when the heart sound and the electrocardiogram waveform are not detected, it can be determined that the wearer is not wearing. However, since the electrocardiograph is a device that is difficult to wear at all times, the electrocardiograph is applied only when the high-risk patient is continuously monitored during hospitalization.

  (3) According to the breathing sound microphone, noise (breathing sound) generated in the trachea due to breathing can be collected to detect that breathing is being performed. If no breathing sound is detected, it can be determined that an apnea event has occurred or is not worn. This determination should be performed by combining the detection results of other sensors.

  (4) According to the acceleration sensor, the body movement of the wearer 200 can be detected. Since there is very little body movement during sleep, the frequency of large accelerations is significantly reduced. This can be used to determine whether or not the user is sleeping. Furthermore, since the acceleration sensor detects the direction of gravitational acceleration with respect to the sensor, it is also possible to determine the posture (whether it is lying down, etc.) when the wearer 200 is sleeping. Prone sleeping is one of the risk factors for SIDS.

  In addition, since the acceleration sensor measures only the gravitational acceleration in the non-wearing state, a constant acceleration vector is detected for a long time. For this reason, the acceleration sensor is useful as an auxiliary means for detecting the non-wearing state.

  Note that when the processor 2 is configured to always read data generated by the acceleration sensor (referred to as acceleration sensor data), the magnitude of acceleration and the generation time can be recorded. It must be operated and power consumption increases.

  Therefore, even if the frequency at which the processor 2 reads the acceleration sensor data is set to about once every few seconds, for example, by using an analog circuit shown in FIG. Can do.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circuit example for measuring the frequency of body movement of the wearer 200 by processing data generated by the acceleration sensor. According to the circuit shown in FIG. 7, only the high frequency component is extracted from the acceleration sensor data (acceleration sensor output voltage) by the first processing unit 1201, and a voltage proportional to the absolute value is generated by the second processing unit 1202. This voltage is smoothed and amplified by the third processing unit 1203 including the low-pass active filter and output. Based on this output value, the processor 2 detects the frequency of body movement of the wearer 200.

  When the state in which the frequency of body motion of the wearer 200 detected in this way is less than an appropriate threshold continues for a predetermined period or longer, it can be estimated that the wearer 200 is sleeping. Of course, the frequency of body movement of the wearer 200 may be detected using a vibration sensor, a motion sensor, or the like instead of the acceleration sensor.

  Further, in the “power saving mode”, a measure to stop the power supply to some of the sensors 12 may be considered. For example, when the acceleration sensor outputs data suggesting that the wearer 200 is awake and exercising, the power supply to the pulse oximeter is stopped and the measurement of heart rate and oxygen saturation is stopped. Also good.

  In addition, when the body movement of the wearer 200 occurs frequently (when in the awake state), only the operation for determining that the wearer 200 is in the awake state is performed, for example, for a few seconds in a few minutes, and the sleep state (from the awake state) It may be configured such that the measurement of the oxygen saturation by the sensor 12 is started when the body movement of the wearer 200 is reduced).

  (5) According to the tension sensor, the bending sensor, and the pressure sensor, since apnea events can be detected without directly contacting the body of the wearer 200, the suffocation awakening induction device of various modes can be used. Easy to apply.

  Infants are mainly breathing due to the vertical movement of the diaphragm. During the breathing period, the abdomen is repeatedly expanded and contracted by the vertical movement of the diaphragm, and periodic acceleration is generated in the abdomen.

  Therefore, during the period in which the wearer 200 is breathing, the tension applied to the waist of the diaper 150 changes periodically, and accordingly, the curvature of the diaper 150 and the diaper 150 are attached to the body of the wearer 200. The pressure hitting also changes. By detecting these changes using a tension sensor, bending sensor, or pressure sensor, the respiratory state can be determined, and there is no period during which the change has disappeared (or the tension or pressure is very low). It can be determined that the patient is in a breathing state or a non-wearing state.

  However, in order to strictly distinguish between the apnea state and the non-wearing state, it is preferable to use not only the tension sensor / bending sensor / pressure sensor but also other sensors.

《Other sensors》
(1) According to the temperature sensor, the non-wearing state can be detected. That is, if the suffocation awakening induction device is worn, the body temperature of the wearer 200 is detected by the temperature sensor. Further, when a non-wearing state, a severe suffocation event, or SIDS occurs, a temperature lower than the normal body temperature is detected by the temperature sensor. Therefore, the temperature sensor is a useful sensor as an auxiliary means for detecting a non-wearing state, and is also useful for recording the occurrence of a choking event.

  Furthermore, the temperature sensor can also be used to detect a high temperature state such as overheating or the heat generation of the wearer 200. For example, when the hyperthermia state is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more by the temperature sensor, the alarm / alarm device 6 may issue an alarm notifying the guardian or the like and prompt an appropriate treatment. Overheating is one of the risk factors for SIDS.

  SIDS has an occurrence frequency of about 1 in 4000 cases, whereas heat generation and overheating are events that occur very frequently, so the function provided by this temperature sensor has a direct merit for all users. Arise. That is, the function provided by the temperature sensor greatly contributes to giving an incentive for always wearing the suffocation awakening induction device to the protector of the wearer 200 and preventing the non-wearing state.

  (2) According to the diaper wetness sensor, the wetness of the diaper 150 can be detected. Accordingly, when the diaper wetness sensor detects the wetness of the diaper 150, the awakening / alarm device 6 may notify the guardian or the like to that effect. Accordingly, the function provided by the diaper wetness sensor contributes to preventing the wearer 200 from wearing an incentive for always wearing the suffocation awakening induction device to the protector of the wearer 200 and the like.

  By the way, when there is a body movement of the wearer 200, it is conceivable that noise is mixed in the detection signals of the above-described sensors. However, the fact that the wearer 200 is in motion indicates that the wearer 200 is not in a deep sleep state, and in such a state, there is little need to issue an alarm. Therefore, there is no problem in that noise may be mixed in the detection signals of the above-described sensors due to the body movement of the wearer 200.

  As described above, according to the second modification, the same effect as that of the suffocation awakening inducing apparatus according to the embodiment is obtained, and further, the effect of further reducing sensor false alarms or prompting the wearing is always provided. It is possible to provide a suffocation awakening induction device.

  That is, according to the suffocation arousal induction device according to the second modified example, “false detection is not possible even if an event to be detected has occurred (False Negative)” and “false detection is detected when there is no event to be detected. The occurrence of “False Positive” ”can be further reduced.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, this one embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The one embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Processor, 4 ... Clock, 6 ... Awakening / alarm device, 8 ... Recording device, 10 ... Pilot display part, 12 ... Sensor, 14 ... Power supply device, 14s ... Solar cell, 100 ... Asphyxia wake induction device, 100c ... Chamfered portion, 150w ... waist portion, 200 ... wearer.

Claims (11)

A biological information collecting unit for collecting biological information of the wearer of the suffocation awakening induction device;
An awakening inducer for providing the wearer with an arousal inducing stimulus for increasing the wearer's arousal level;
A control unit that detects a suffocation event based on the biological information, and controls the wakefulness-inducing unit to give the wearer a stimulus-inducing stimulus based on the detection result;
A suffocation-wakefulness inducing device comprising: The suffocation arousal induction device according to claim 1, wherein the biological information includes information indicating oxygen saturation. The suffocation according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the wakefulness inducing unit so as to give the wearer the wakefulness inducing stimulus with an intensity corresponding to a value of oxygen saturation of the wearer. Awakening trigger device. The control unit detects an apnea state based on the biological information, and controls the awakening induction unit so as to give the wearer the stimulation induction stimulus with an intensity corresponding to the duration of the apnea state. The suffocation wakefulness inducing device according to claim 1. The suffocation awakening according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit changes the intensity of the arousal-inducing stimulus from an intensity that cannot be recognized by a person other than the wearer to an intensity that can be recognized. Trigger device. The awakening-inducing stimulus is at least one of a stimulus by sound, a stimulus by mosquito sound, a stimulus by vibration, a stimulus by electricity, a stimulus by light, and a stimulus by odor. The suffocation arousal induction device as described. A non-wearing state detection unit for detecting a non-wearing state in which the suffocation awakening induction device is not worn;
A non-wearing state warning unit that generates a predetermined warning when a non-wearing state is detected by the non-wearing state detection unit;
The suffocation wakefulness inducing device according to claim 1, further comprising: It further comprises an alarm sound generating unit for generating a predetermined alarm sound,
The controller is
Based on the biometric information, at least one of a suffocation event and an apnea condition is detected, and the warning sound is generated with an intensity that can be recognized by a person around the wearer based on the detection result. The suffocation awakening inducing device according to claim 1, wherein the alarm sound generating unit is controlled. A timekeeping unit that generates date and time information;
A recording unit that records data in which the date and time information, the biological information, and an operation record of the awakening induction unit are associated with each other;
The suffocation wakefulness inducing device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for taking out data recorded in the recording unit to the outside. 2. The asphyxia wakefulness inducing device according to claim 1, further comprising identification means associated with wearer specifying information for specifying the wearer. A pulse oximeter that collects the oxygen saturation and heartbeat interval of the wearer of the suffocation arousal induction device;
An awakening inducer that provides the wearer with an arousal inducing stimulus for increasing the wearer's arousal level;
Detecting asphyxia based on the oxygen saturation, detecting apnea events based on the heartbeat interval, and applying the wake-inducing stimulus to the wearer based on a result of the detection A control unit for controlling the unit,
A suffocation-wakefulness inducing device comprising:

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