JP2016028659A - Vibration sensor part and vibration signal extraction device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide means for allowing vibration signals to be efficiently obtained by a vibration sensor.SOLUTION: A vibration sensor part comprises: a vibration sensor 10 including a vibration sensor material sandwiched between a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer; and signal amplification means 11 including an uneven surface. The uneven surface of the signal amplification means is arranged opposite to a surface of the vibration sensor material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vibration sensor unit that detects vibration and a device using the same, and more particularly to a vibration sensor unit including a film-like vibration sensor and a device using the same. For example, the vibration sensor unit detects vibrations of a body emitted by an animal, particularly a human, with a vibration sensor, and extracts a pulsation vibration, a pulmonary respiratory vibration, a voice vibration, or the like from the detected body vibration signal and the vibration signal. It can be used as an extraction method, and can detect human biological information (absence of presence, life / death, health, psychological state, emotion, intention, etc.) by extracting pulsation vibration, lung respiration vibration or voice vibration. The present invention can also be used for a living body information detecting apparatus and a living body information detecting method.

  As means for detecting human biological information, methods using various sensors have been proposed. A pyroelectric infrared sensor that senses the infrared rays emitted by the human body and a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber sensor that senses the weight of the person as a non-restraining method that does not restrain the person if only the presence of a person is detected. For example, it is used for an automatic door open / close switch, an automatic toilet flush switch, a human intrusion detector, and the like. However, these methods cannot detect not only the presence of a person but also the state of the person.

  For example, when it was necessary to grasp the state of a patient sleeping in bed in nursing care, but the patient's state was automatically monitored to reduce the burden on the caregiver, and there was an abnormality A system for notifying the outside is desired. Conventionally, without restricting the movement of a patient during sleep, a method of attaching a blood pressure monitor to a fingertip or wrapping a vibrometer around the waist has been used to grasp the sleeping state. These methods are also highly reliable in that signals are always obtained because the sensor is brought into close contact with the body, but there are problems that the patient dislikes and the state cannot be grasped when the sensor is detached. For this reason, an unconstrained type system has been considered (Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a human absence detection method and a human absence detection device that detect the absence of a person using an unconstrained vibration sensor. In the method of Patent Document 1, a vibration sensor is installed on the upper or lower portion of the bed pad or mattress, and vibrations generated from a human body are amplified. After the body vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor is amplified by a differential signal amplification amplifier, Vibration caused by heart beat (heart rate conversion: 30 to 240 times / minute, frequency band conversion: 0.5 to 4 Hz), pulmonary respiratory activity (respiration rate conversion: 60 times) which is body vibration caused by the target person / Min or less, frequency band conversion: 1 Hz or less), and extraction of wrinkle vibration caused by wrinkles using a separation filter function. According to the human absence detection method and the human absence detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a predetermined presence of a pulsation vibration caused by a heart beat, a pulmonary respiratory vibration caused by pulmonary respiratory activity, or a hemorrhoid vibration. If the duration exceeds the duration, the person is present at the specified location, and the state where there is no pulsation vibration, pulmonary respiratory vibration or vaginal vibration exceeds the predetermined absence duration, the person is placed in the specified location. Judged absent.

  In the human absence detection device of Patent Document 1, a body vibration signal is acquired using one vibration sensor, and the body vibration signal is separated by a filter to obtain four signals of breathing, heartbeat, sputum, and body movement. It was. The filter is a low-pass filter (LPF) or high-pass filter (HPF) analog filter composed of capacitors, resistors, operational amplifiers, etc., or a digital signal obtained by converting a body vibration signal into an A / D converter. And a digital filter that performs filtering in arithmetic processing of a CPU (central processing unit).

JP 2013-210367 A

  However, the vibration signal obtained by the non-restraining type vibration sensor is weak, and it is necessary to further separate weak heart beats, pulmonary respiratory activity, vibration caused by sputum, and the like. In particular, as in Patent Document 1, in the case where it is arranged on the upper or lower portion of the bed pad or mattress, the intensity of the vibration signal obtained can be increased by increasing the vibration sensor, but the size is limited. In some applications, the vibration signal cannot be strengthened. In particular, when it is necessary to downsize the vibration sensor due to restrictions such as the size and shape of the attachment site, the sensor itself that generates the vibration signal becomes smaller, so the signal strength becomes very weak and relative The noise has increased. For example, when a vibration sensor is attached to clothes or something worn, or when a vibration sensor is installed on a chair, desk, toilet, etc., the size of the vibration sensor is limited depending on the installation situation. .

  In particular, there are increasing cases of fainting or falling down due to a stroke in the toilet or bath. There was a problem that discovery was delayed because there were many people alone in the toilet and bath, and because it was a private space, it could not be monitored.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide means for efficiently acquiring a vibration signal by a vibration sensor. This purpose includes obtaining a vibration signal capable of extracting a desired vibration in terms of the size and application of the vibration sensor even if the intensity of the vibration signal is weaker than before. It is out. The vibration sensor of the present invention can be used to detect vibrations generated from a human body, but is not limited to such purposes and uses, and can be used to detect various vibrations.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the vibration sensor unit of the present invention includes a vibration sensor including a positive electrode layer, a vibration sensor material sandwiched between the negative electrode layers, and a signal amplifying unit having an uneven surface. In addition, the uneven surface of the signal amplifying means is arranged to face the surface of the vibration sensor material.

  Further, in the vibration sensor unit, the signal amplifying means may be disposed above and below the vibration sensor, and the unevenness of the signal amplifying means disposed on the vibration sensor, and the vibration sensor The signal amplification means arranged below may be arranged so that the unevenness of the signal amplification means meshes.

  Furthermore, in the vibration sensor unit, the vibration sensor may be provided with irregularities on the positive electrode layer or an insulating layer provided in contact with the positive electrode layer to function as the signal amplifying means. In the vibration sensor unit, the vibration sensor may function as the signal amplifying means by providing irregularities on the negative electrode layer or a lower shielding layer provided in contact with the negative electrode layer.

  In addition, another vibration sensor unit of the present invention includes an auxiliary member projecting or erected on the detection target and a vibration sensor in contact with the detection target, and the vibration sensor is provided on the auxiliary member. It is characterized by that.

  Further, in the vibration sensor unit, at least a part of the auxiliary member may be swingable. The detection target may be hollow, and the auxiliary member may be provided inside the hollow detection target.

  Further, another vibration sensor unit of the present invention includes a curved surface provided on the detection target and a vibration sensor in contact with the detection target, and the vibration sensor is provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the curved surface of the detection target. It is characterized in that at least a part of the lens is bent and attached.

  In the vibration sensor unit, the vibration sensor preferably includes a vibration sensor material, and a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer provided above and below the vibration sensor material.

  The vibration signal extraction device of the present invention includes any one of the vibration sensor units described above, and extracts a pulsatile vibration signal, a lung respiratory vibration signal, or a voice vibration signal from a body vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor. . Further, an elastic member may be disposed between the member that holds the vibration sensor unit and the vibration sensor.

  Moreover, the toilet seat of the toilet of the present invention is provided with any one of the above-described vibration sensor units. Furthermore, the toilet seat may be provided with a plurality of vibration sensor units.

  The toilet of the present invention includes the toilet seat, and another vibration sensor unit is provided at a place other than the toilet seat.

  The belt of the present invention is provided with any one of the above-described vibration sensor units. Further, in the belt, it is preferable that the vibration sensor unit is movably provided. Furthermore, a plurality of the vibration sensor units may be provided in the belt.

  According to the present invention, a vibration signal can be efficiently acquired even by a weak vibration by a vibration sensor, and can be used for detection of various vibrations. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect a weak body vibration generated by an animal by a vibration sensor as a body vibration signal, and to detect the presence of an animal (person) using the body vibration signal. Further, according to the present invention, since the body vibration signal can be efficiently obtained by the vibration sensor, it is possible to easily extract pulsation vibration, lung respiratory vibration or voice vibration from the body vibration signal, or from the body vibration signal. The accuracy of the extracted pulsation vibration, lung respiratory vibration, or voice vibration can be increased. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the body vibration signal can be efficiently obtained by the vibration sensor, it is possible to extract pulsation vibration, lung respiration vibration or voice vibration even with a small vibration sensor, and the vibration sensor can be made wearable. It can be used in an aspect, or can be used by being miniaturized and installed on a member close to a person such as a chair, a desk, or a toilet. Other effects will be described in the mode for carrying out the invention.

Example of embodiment of vibration sensor unit of the present invention An example of signal amplification means Another example of the embodiment of the vibration sensor unit of the present invention Another example of the embodiment of the vibration sensor unit of the present invention An example of a configuration in which a vibration sensor is applied to the toilet seat Example of a configuration where a vibration sensor is applied to the belt Schematic configuration diagram of vibration sensor Schematic configuration diagram of vibration sensor The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the signal processing apparatus in one of embodiment. Schematic configuration diagram of a vibration sensor unit in Embodiment 1 Measured value of Example 1 using signal amplification means Measured value of Example 1 not using signal amplification means Measured value of Example 2 Schematic configuration diagram of the vibration propagation member of Example 3 Measured value of Example 3 An example of a configuration in which a vibration sensor is applied to a toilet Frequency analysis result of Example 4 Pulsed vibration signal waveform of Example 4

[Uneven-shaped signal amplification means]
In one of the vibration sensor units 1 of the present invention, the signal amplifying means 11 having an uneven surface is arranged on the surface of the vibration sensor material of the vibration sensor 10 in order to make it easy to detect a weak vibration with the vibration sensor. An example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the structure in which the signal amplifying unit 11 is disposed outside the vibration sensor 10 has been described. However, it is sufficient that uneven pressure due to the uneven surface is applied to the vibration sensor material in the vibration sensor. A signal amplifying means 11 may be provided in the sensor 10 (see FIG. 8).

  The vibration sensor 10 may be disposed on a flat surface, the uneven surface of the signal amplification unit 11 may be opposed to the upper surface of the vibration sensor 10, and the signal amplification unit 11 may be disposed so that the uneven surface faces downward. (FIG. 1 (A)), the vibration sensor 10 may be disposed on the signal amplifying means 11 having the concavo-convex surface facing upward (not shown), and the concavo-convex surface is opposed to the top and bottom of the vibration sensor 10. Thus, the signal amplifying means 11A and 11B may be arranged (FIG. 1B). When the signal amplifying means 11 is arranged above and below, the unevenness of the upper signal amplifying means 11A and the unevenness of the lower signal amplifying means 11B may coincide with each other, but as shown in FIG. It is preferable to provide the signal amplifying means 11A and 11B so that the projections and recesses are staggered. Alternatively, the signal amplifying means 11 may be disposed with the uneven surface facing one surface of the vibration sensor 10, and a cushion material may be disposed on the other surface. In this case, since the cushion material is deformed along the unevenness of the signal amplifying means 11, it is possible to easily obtain a state in which the uneven surface is opposed to the top and bottom of the vibration sensor 10. Suitable cushioning materials include foamed plastic materials such as foamed urethane sheets, fiber aggregates such as cotton, and sponge materials such as loofah. The vibration sensor unit 1 has a transmission transmission path (wired or wireless) (not shown), and outputs a signal including vibration detected by the vibration sensor to the signal processing device via the transmission transmission path.

  The vibration sensor 10 of the present invention only needs to be arranged directly or in the vicinity of various animals, devices, or members (hereinafter referred to as “vibration sources”) that generate vibrations, and can detect vibrations from the vibration sources and output them as electrical signals. . As the vibration sensor 10, a piezo element is preferably used, but other sensors such as a polymer piezoelectric material (polyolefin material) may be used. As a material of the piezoelectric element, for example, a porous polypropylene electret film (Electro Mechanical Film (EMFI)), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride film), or polyvinylidene fluoride and a copolymer of trifluoride ethylene (P (VDF-TrFE)). )), Or polyvinylidene fluoride and a tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (P (VDF-TFE)) may be used. The vibration sensor 10 is preferably in the form of a film.

  The signal amplifying means 11 has at least one convex portion or concave portion, and is disposed with the surface having the convex portion or concave portion (uneven surface) facing the vibration sensor. As the signal amplifying means 11, plastic material, synthetic rubber, paper, metal material, high rigidity material (diamond, beryllium, boron, carbon graphite, etc.) can be used. Further, as the signal amplifying means 11, a mixture of these materials may be used, or a plurality of materials may be laminated.

  The vibration sensor 10 and the signal amplifying means 11 are preferably in a state where pressure is applied to the surface of the vibration sensor material of the vibration sensor 10 due to the unevenness of the signal amplifying means 11 at least when vibration is detected by the vibration sensor. More preferably, the vibration sensor 10 is deformed by the unevenness. When the signal amplifying means 11 is simply placed on the vibration sensor 10, there is almost no pressure due to the unevenness of the signal amplifying means 11, but when the vibration source is present on the signal amplifying means 11, vibration is generated. Due to the weight of the source, pressure is applied non-uniformly to the surface of the vibration sensor 10 due to the unevenness of the signal amplification means 11. Since the vibration signal of the vibration source is detected in this state, the vibration signal is detected in a state where pressure due to unevenness is applied. Alternatively, the vibration sensor 10 may be disposed in a state in which the vibration sensor 10 is deformed in advance by the unevenness of the signal amplification means 11. When pressure due to unevenness is applied in this way, the vibration propagated from above does not simply deform the vibration sensor in the thickness direction, but increases deformation in the bending direction (bending), resulting in signal strength Can be increased. This generally occurs in a film-like piezo element because it is more sensitive to bend in the bending direction than to be deformed by compression in the thickness direction, and even when weak vibrations are generated, displacement in the bending direction occurs. This is because the signal strength can be increased. Further, when the vibration sensor 10 is deformed along the unevenness, the contact area can be increased, and the generated signal intensity can be increased also in this respect.

  The signal amplifying means 11 may have one or more convex portions or concave portions. The height of the convex portion or the depth of the concave portion is preferably equal to or greater than the thickness of the vibration sensor material in the vibration sensor 10. The cross-sectional shape of the convex portion may be a triangle, a quadrangle, another polygon, a convex curve, a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, or a combination of these shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the recess may be a triangle, a quadrangle, another polygon, a concave curve, a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, or a combination of these shapes. The convex portion or the concave portion may be provided in a part of the region, or a plurality of convex portions or concave portions may be provided as a whole. When a plurality of convex portions or concave portions are provided, a plurality of types of convex portions or concave portions having different heights or concave portions may be provided. Further, the convex portion or the concave portion may be circular, polygonal, linear, or lattice-like in plan view. 2A to 2D are examples of the signal amplifying unit 11. In FIG. 2A, six frustoconical convex portions are arranged, and in FIG. 2B, a linear convex portion having a convex cross section is provided at the center. 2C is provided with a concave portion having a trapezoidal inclined surface at the center, and FIG. 2D is provided with two concave portions having a square shape in plan view.

  The vibration sensor unit 1 including the vibration sensor 10 and the signal amplifying unit 11 may be in direct contact with a vibration source (including an animal and a human body), or a member (floor, bed, (Including chairs, desks, clothes, shoes, carpets, sheets, covers, etc.) (hereinafter referred to as “vibration propagation member”). The vibration propagation member in which the vibration sensor unit 1 is installed may be a member in which a plurality of members are interposed from a vibration source. For example, the vibration sensor unit 1 may be installed or embedded on the floor, on or under the bed mat, on the front or back surface of a chair seat or back, on the front or back surface of a desk top plate, etc. Alternatively, when the vibration propagation member (hereinafter referred to as “detection target”) is hollow, the vibration sensor unit 1 may be installed on the inner surface thereof. Furthermore, the vibration sensor unit 1 can be provided as long as the vibration of a person in contact with the detection target is transmitted even at a position away from the contact portion with the vibration source in the detection target. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, the vibration sensor unit 1 may be provided on one of the protective members 21 provided on the leg of the bed 20 at a portion that contacts the floor. FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of the vibration sensor unit 1 in FIG. 1C. A vibration sensor 10 sandwiched between signal amplification means 11A and 11B is installed inside the protective member 21, and the vibration sensor. 10 is deformed along the unevenness of the signal amplifying means 11A, 11B. Then, the vibration of the animal on the bed 20 is transmitted to the vibration sensor 10 via the leg of the bed 20, and the vibration sensor 10 generates a signal including vibration generated by the animal (hereinafter referred to as “body vibration signal”). . In addition, arrangement | positioning of the vibration sensor part 1 of FIG.1 (C) is a mere example, and is not limited to this. For example, the vibration sensor unit 1 may be provided on a pillar connected to the floor, may be provided on a bed frame, a headboard, a side rail, or the like, or may be provided on a chair leg, armrest, frame, or the like. However, it may be provided on a desk leg, a stick, a curtain, or the like. In addition, a vibration sensor may be provided on the toilet seat or toilet of the toilet, and the vibration sensor can be disposed on the surface, back side, or inside of the toilet seat or toilet. For example, you may arrange | position a vibration sensor part in the buffer part provided in the contact part with the toilet bowl in the back surface of a toilet seat, or the contact part with the toilet seat in the surface of a toilet bowl. Alternatively, the vibration sensor 10 may be directly brought into contact with a human or animal body to detect a body vibration signal. Furthermore, vibration may be detected by arranging the vibration sensor unit 1 in a device (engine, motor, HDD, etc.) having a sliding part as a vibration source, or a member (water supply, gas, etc.) that generates vibration as a vibration source. The vibration sensor unit 1 may be disposed in a pipe, a windmill, or the like) to detect water amount, gas amount, water leak or gas leak.

[Auxiliary members]
Another one of the vibration sensor unit 1 of the present invention is provided with an auxiliary member 31 protruding or erected on the detection target 30, as shown in FIG. 3, in order to make it easy to detect weak vibration with the vibration sensor. The vibration sensor 10 is attached to the auxiliary member 31. Note that a signal amplifying unit having an uneven surface facing the vibration sensor 10 may be provided between the auxiliary member 31 and the vibration sensor 10.

  For example, the auxiliary member 31 may project or be erected on the surface of the detection target 30 (FIGS. 3A to 3D), or the detection target 30 may be hollow and the auxiliary member 31 may be provided in the interior thereof. Or you may construct (FIG.3 (E), (F)). The auxiliary member 30 may be a flat plate member or may be curved. The auxiliary member 31 may be formed integrally with the detection target 30 or may be fixed to the detection target separately from the detection target. It is preferable that at least a part of the auxiliary member 31 is provided to be slidable, and the auxiliary member 31 may be a thin plate or a film. In addition, as the auxiliary member 31, a configuration originally provided in the detection target 30 can be used. Furthermore, a part of the constituent members of the vibration sensor (for example, an electrode, a substrate, etc.) can be used as the auxiliary member 31.

  When the auxiliary member 31 protrudes from the detection target 30, one end portion of the auxiliary member 31 is fixed to the detection target 30, but the other end portion is swingable, and vibration is generated from the detection target 30. When propagated, the amplitude of vibration can be increased in the auxiliary member 31 and the bending deformation of the vibration sensor 10 is also increased, so that the intensity of the generated signal can be increased. In this case, the vibration sensor is preferably arranged from the center of the auxiliary member 31 or the other end. When the auxiliary member 31 is installed on the detection target 30, both ends of the auxiliary member 31 are fixed to the detection target 30. However, by transmitting the vibration sensor 10 near the center of the auxiliary member 31, the auxiliary member 31 propagates from the detection target 30. The vibration intensity generated from the vibration can be increased.

  The auxiliary member 31 can be made of plastic material, synthetic rubber, paper, metal material, high rigidity material (diamond, beryllium, boron, carbon graphite, etc.). Further, as the signal amplifying means 11, a mixture of these materials may be used, or a plurality of materials may be laminated.

  In FIG. 3A, an auxiliary member 31A protruding outward is provided on the detection object 30, for example, a leg of a chaise longue (bench), and a structure in which the vibration sensor 10A is arranged there, the chaise longue (bench) The auxiliary member 31B protrudes inward from the leg, and the vibration sensor 10B is disposed there. The auxiliary member 31C protrudes downward on the back side of the seat surface of the chaise longue (bench), and the vibration sensor is provided there. The structure in which 10C is arranged is illustrated. In FIG. 3B, a flat auxiliary member 31D is diagonally bridged between the inner surface of the leg of the chaise longue (bench), which is the detection target 30, and the back surface of the seat surface, and the vibration sensor 10D is provided there. A curved auxiliary member 31E is bridged between the disposed structure and the inner surface of the leg of the chaise longue (bench) and the back surface of the seating surface, and the structure in which the vibration sensor 10 is curved and disposed along the curved surface. Illustrated. In FIG. 3C, a curved auxiliary member 31 is bridged on the back surface of a seat of a chaise longue (bench) that is a detection target 30, and the vibration sensor 10 is curved along the curved surface near the apex of the curve. The structure arranged in this way is illustrated. FIG. 3D illustrates a structure in which a flat auxiliary member 31G is installed in the horizontal direction on the inner surface of the curved detection target 30, and the vibration sensor 10G is arranged at the center thereof. FIG. 3E shows a structure in which a flat auxiliary member 31H is installed in the vertical direction inside a hollow detection target 30 having a rectangular cross section, and a structure in which the vibration sensor 10H is disposed therein and the hollow detection target 30. The auxiliary member 31I curved in the inside is erected diagonally, and the structure in which the vibration sensor 10I is curved along the curved surface is illustrated. FIG. 3F shows a structure in which a flat auxiliary member 31J is installed in a horizontal direction inside a hollow detection target 30 having an elliptical cross section, and a vibration sensor 10J is arranged there. For example, as a hollow detection object 30, a toilet seat provided with a heating function is hollow, and a vibration sensor can be provided by protruding or installing an auxiliary member therein.

[Curved installation]
Another one of the vibration sensor unit 1 of the present invention is to detect weak vibrations as shown in FIGS. 3B, 3D, 3E and 4 in order to make it easier to detect weak vibrations with the vibration sensor. A curved surface is provided on the object 30, and at least a part of the film-like vibration sensor is attached to the inner surface or the outer surface of the curved surface to be detected. A signal amplifying unit (a part of the signal amplifying unit may be curved) may be provided between the detection target 30 and the vibration sensor 10 so that the uneven surface faces the vibration sensor 10. A curved surface may be provided on the auxiliary member installed or installed, and a vibration sensor may be provided on the curved surface.

  For example, FIG. 4A shows a structure in which the vibration sensor 10 is curved along the curved surface at the center of the inner surface of the curved detection target 30. FIG. 4B shows a structure in which the vibration sensor 10A is arranged on the back surface of the seat so as to include a curved surface with a rounded corner and a rounded corner, and an inner surface of the leg so as to include a curved surface with the rounded corner. Shows a structure in which the vibration sensor 10B is arranged. FIG. 4C illustrates a structure in which the vibration sensor 10 </ b> B is disposed on the outer surface of the leg so as to include the curved surface of the rounded corner with the rounded corner of the detection target 30. FIG. 4D shows a structure in which the vibration sensor 10 is arranged along a rounded curved surface with rounded corners of a hollow detection target 30 having a rectangular cross section.

  When the vibration is propagated from the detection target 30 by curving the vibration sensor, deformation in the bending direction (bending) is increased in the curved vibration sensor, so that the generated signal intensity can be increased.

[Toilet seat and toilet]
As shown in FIG. 5, you may apply the vibration sensor part 1 of this invention to the toilet seat 40 of a toilet. FIG. 5A is a schematic configuration diagram of the back surface of the toilet seat 40, and four buffer portions 41 are arranged on the back surface of the toilet seat for reducing the impact caused by the collision with the toilet bowl. 5B and 5C are cross-sectional views taken along the dashed line BB in FIG. 5A and are cross-sectional views including the buffer portion 41 of the toilet seat 40. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the contact member 42 of the buffer part 41 of the toilet seat 40 is removed, a recess is created inside the buffer part 41, the vibration sensor unit 1 is arranged in the recess, and the vibration sensor unit 1 The abutting member 42 is bonded to cover the surface. As in the structure shown in FIG. 1D, the vibration sensor unit 1 has a structure in which the vibration sensor 10 is sandwiched between the signal amplifying means 11A and 11B, and the vibration sensor 10 follows the unevenness of the signal amplifying means 11A and 11B. It is deformed. FIG. 5C shows another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5C, an auxiliary member 43 is installed inside the hollow toilet seat 40, and the vibration sensor unit 1 is attached to the auxiliary member 43. Is provided. Note that the vibration sensor unit 1 in FIG. 5C also has a structure in which the vibration sensor 10 is sandwiched between the signal amplifying means 11A and 11B, similarly to the structure shown in FIG. A vibration sensor may be provided on the curved inner surface of the toilet seat.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, you may apply the vibration sensor part 1 of this invention to the toilet bowl 50 of a toilet. 16A is a schematic configuration diagram of the toilet 50, and FIGS. 16B to 16E are cross-sectional views. As shown in FIG. 16A, the vibration sensor unit 1 is disposed on the surface of the toilet 50 and in a portion that comes into contact with the toilet seat 40. As shown in FIG. 16B, the vibration sensor unit 1 having a structure in which the vibration sensor 10 is sandwiched between the signal amplification means 11A and 11B is directly provided on the surface of the toilet 50, and the toilet seat 40 ( It may be a structure in contact with (indicated by a dotted line). However, when the vibration sensor 1 is brought into direct contact with the ceramic toilet 50, noise may occur in the vibration signal. In this respect, it is preferable to dispose an elastic member between at least the vibration sensor 10 and the toilet bowl 50. As shown in FIGS. 16C to 16E, elastic members 51, 52, and 53 may be disposed between the signal amplifying means 11B on the lower side of the vibration sensor unit 1 and the toilet 50, as shown in FIG. However, the signal amplifying means 11B between the vibration sensor 10 and the toilet bowl 50 may be constituted by an elastic member. As the elastic member, rubber, leaf spring, polymer material (for example, polyurethane, polyester), cushion material, sponge material, cloth, or the like can be used. In FIG. 16C, a flat elastic member 51 is interposed, and in FIG. 16D, an elastic member 52 having a convex portion facing the surface of the toilet 50 is interposed, and FIG. Then, the elastic member 53 of the structure which has a recessed part facing the surface of the toilet bowl 50 was interposed. In FIGS. 16D and 16E, a structure having only one convex portion or concave portion is illustrated, but a plurality of convex portions or concave portions may be provided.

  A plurality of vibration sensor units may be provided in the toilet. In this case, it is preferable to reduce noise by taking a difference between body vibration signals detected by a plurality of vibration sensor units. In particular, one or a plurality of vibration sensor units arranged on the toilet seat easily transmit vibrations generated by the body, for example, heartbeat and lung respiration, but other places (for example, toilet bowl, toilet floor, toilet lid, etc.) In the vibration sensor unit arranged at, noise components other than the vibrations from the body are relatively emphasized because the body vibrations are not easily transmitted. Therefore, by taking these differences, it is possible to strongly detect vibrations generated by the body, such as heartbeats and lung respiration.

[belt]
As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration sensor unit 1 of the present invention may be provided on a belt 61 wound around the waist. The vibration sensor unit 1 may be attached to the inner surface of the belt 61, may be attached to the outer surface, or may be embedded in the belt 61. In particular, the vibration sensor unit 1 is arranged on the back of the human body (more preferably adjacent to the spine) when worn. Since the belt itself can be bent, it is partially bent when worn, and a body vibration signal can be detected. In FIG. 6A, the vibration sensor unit 1 is attached inside the intermediate position of the belt 61. Since the belt is used to attach the vibration sensor to the body and to restrain the body in daily life for purposes other than vibration detection, the vibration sensor can be attached to the body without applying excessive stress. Therefore, it is preferable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the moving member 62 fitted into the belt may be provided, and the vibration sensor unit 1 may be provided inside the moving member 62. The moving member 62 only needs to be movable within at least a part of the belt in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 6B, the moving member 62 has a hole larger than the belt, and is inserted into the hole. Alternatively, a structure having an engagement structure in which the edge of the belt is a rail may be used. Since the inside of the belt is in contact with the body, there may be a sense of incongruity when there is a moving member there, so a moving member may be provided on the outer surface side of the belt. In this case, it is preferable to provide the vibration sensor unit 1 on the contact surface side of the moving member disposed on the outer surface of the belt with the belt. Further, it is preferable that the moving member 62 can be fixed at an arbitrary position by a fixing means (not shown) such as a pin.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6C, one belt 61 may be provided with a plurality of vibration sensor portions 1a and 1b. In this case, it is preferable to reduce noise by taking the difference between the body vibration signals detected by the plurality of vibration sensor units 1a and 1b. In particular, the vibration sensor unit 1a arranged on the back side of the human body is easy to transmit vibrations generated by the body, for example, vibrations of heartbeats and lung respiration, but the vibration sensor unit 1a arranged in other parts (for example, the abdomen, flank) It is difficult to transmit body vibration, and noise components other than vibration from the body are relatively emphasized. Therefore, by taking these differences, it is possible to strongly detect vibrations generated by the body, such as heartbeats and lung respiration. The belt 61 in FIG. 6 is an example, and can be applied to a belt made of various materials such as leather, cloth, rubber, and the belt fixing method is not limited to the illustrated one.

[Sensor installation by bonding]
In the present embodiment, an adhesive layer is provided on the vibration sensor unit, or the vibration sensor unit is directly bonded to the vibration source or the vibration propagation member using an adhesive tape provided separately. The adhesive layer is provided on the outer surface of the vibration sensor described later (the upper surface of the upper shielding layer, the lower surface of the lower shielding layer, the lower surface of the substrate, etc.). Further, at least a part of the vibration sensor unit may be covered, and an adhesive tape bonded to the vibration sensor unit at the covered part may be provided. In particular, when the vibration sensor is directly attached to the human body (skin), the adhesive layer or the adhesive tape includes an adhesive containing a polymer obtained by mixing dimethylvinyl-terminated dimethylsiloxane and tetramethyltetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane. Is preferably used.

[Noise countermeasures]
In the present invention, in order to suppress the generation of noise, a coaxial cable is used for at least a part of the transmission path between the vibration sensor and the signal processing device. Conventionally, shielded wires have been used as transmission paths for transmitting vibration sensor signals to signal processing devices. The shielded wire can prevent noise from the outside, and prevents the noise from being generated in the vibration signal due to the influence from the outside. However, when the output impedance of the sensor is high, the present inventor causes noise in the vibration signal transmitted from the vibration sensor by changing the impedance inside the shield wire by shaking or moving the shield wire. That is, it was discovered that the shield wire itself was the cause of noise generation. In particular, when the distance between the vibration sensor and the signal processing device is increased, the shield wire becomes long, and the shield wire moves due to wind and surrounding vibration, and noise increases. For example, even when a person walks near the sensor or a car runs outside, the shield wire vibrates and noise may occur in the signal. Even if the coaxial cable swings, the impedance change is small and noise generated in the signal can be reduced.

  Further, in the present invention, as another solution for suppressing the generation of noise, an operational amplifier or FET is provided on the vibration sensor side with respect to half of the transmission path between the vibration sensor and the signal processing device. By providing the operational amplifier or FET, the output impedance of the sensor can be reduced, and the noise due to the impedance change in the transmission line can be reduced as compared with the conventional device without the operational amplifier or FET.

  Further, in the present invention, as another solution for suppressing the generation of noise, the vibration sensor is covered with a conductor, and the conductor is grounded to make the potential constant, thereby suppressing the generation of noise. .

  When a member holding the vibration sensor (for example, the detection target 20, the auxiliary member 31 or the like) vibrates, the vibration sensor senses the vibration and becomes noise with respect to the vibration generated from the animal. For this reason, it is preferable that the combined natural frequency of the holding member and the vibration sensor be equal to or higher than the required vibration frequency. For example, when pulsation vibration and pulmonary respiratory vibration are required, the rigidity of the holding member (the hardness of the material, the length, the thickness, the thickness of the holding member is 10 Hz or more, 8 Hz or more, 6 Hz or more, 5 Hz or more, or 3 Hz or more. It is important to increase the shape, etc., and adjust the arrangement and shape of the vibration sensor. If the synthesized natural frequency is equal to or higher than the required vibration frequency, noise could be reduced by processing with LPF (for example, a low-pass filter having a pass band of a frequency range of 10 Hz or less) in signal processing. . In particular, if the synthesized natural frequency can be set to 50 Hz or more, noise can be reduced by a cheaper process because it can be performed simultaneously with the reduction of external electromagnetic noise. In general, since the frequency of Japanese power lines is 50 Hz or 60 Hz, vibrations of 50 Hz or 60 Hz fill the space and become external electromagnetic noise. For this reason, it is necessary to remove the region including at least 50 Hz or 60 Hz. If the natural frequency is within this removal range, it can be removed together with the external electromagnetic noise. In addition, when detecting sound vibration, it is preferable that the synthesized natural frequency is equal to or higher than the frequency of the required sound vibration, for example, 400 Hz or higher, 800 Hz or higher, 1 kHz or higher, or 1.5 kHz or higher. . Alternatively, the synthesized natural frequency may be equal to or lower than the required frequency of voice vibration (for example, 100 Hz) and equal to or higher than the frequency of the pulsation signal (for example, 10 Hz). In fact, it was possible to extract signals including pulsation vibration and pulmonary respiratory vibration by 25 Hz LPF, and voice vibration by 100 Hz HPF.

  Furthermore, it is also preferable to provide an elastic member between the vibration sensor and a member that holds the vibration sensor (for example, the detection target 20, the auxiliary member 31) in order to reduce noise. As the elastic member, rubber, leaf spring, polymer material (for example, polyurethane, polyester), cushion material, sponge material, cloth, or the like can be used. The elastic member may have a flat plate shape, or may have a structure having a convex part or a structure having a concave part on the surface facing the member holding the vibration sensor. Moreover, the structure which provides a convex part or a recessed part in the surface facing a vibration sensor, and serves as a signal amplification means may be sufficient.

[Vibration sensor]
Next, an example of the configuration of the vibration sensor 10 used in the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the vibration signal sensor of the present invention. The vibration sensor 10 includes at least a vibration sensor material (PVDF, polyolefin-based material, etc.) 51 and a positive electrode layer 52 and a negative electrode layer 53 provided above and below the vibration sensor material 51. The negative electrode layer 52 can be configured to take a signal generated by the displacement of the vibration sensor material 51 from the positive electrode layer 52 with a constant potential. Further, the vibration sensor 10 is entirely composed of an upper shielding layer (electromagnetic shielding film) 54 and a lower shielding layer (electromagnetic shielding film) 55 held at a constant potential in order to eliminate various external noises, particularly electromagnetic noise. It is preferable to cover. Here, the upper shielding layer 54 and the lower shielding layer 55 can be set to the same potential as the negative electrode layer 53. In this case, one of the upper shielding layer 54 and the lower shielding layer 55 is constituted by the negative electrode layer 53. You can also Further, an insulating layer (insulating sheet) 56 is disposed between the upper shielding layer 54 or the lower shielding layer 55 and the positive electrode layer 52 to insulate them. Furthermore, a plate-like or film-like substrate 57 that holds these components is provided as necessary. The substrate 57 itself may be a holding member (detection target or auxiliary member), or the substrate 57 of the vibration sensor may be bonded to the holding member. Extraction terminals (not shown) are connected to the positive electrode layer 52 and the negative electrode layer 53, and voltage can be applied to the electrodes or signals can be output from the electrodes, respectively.

  The vibration sensor material 51, the positive electrode layer 52, and the negative electrode layer 53 may be thin films or may be a laminated structure of thin films. For example, a metal thin film that forms the negative electrode layer 53 that also functions as a lower shielding layer is formed on the substrate 57, a thin film of the vibration sensor material 51 is laminated thereon, and the positive electrode is further formed on the vibration sensor material 51. A metal thin film to be the layer 52 may be formed, a thin film to be the insulating layer 56 may be formed so as to cover the whole, and finally a metal thin film to be the upper shielding layer 54 may be formed. In addition, each film | membrane is shape | molded by patterning etc. suitably as needed.

  In FIG. 7, the signal amplifying means 11 shown in FIG. 1 is provided separately from the vibration sensor. For example, the signal amplifying means 11 is arranged above the vibration sensor with the uneven surface facing downward. However, the signal amplifying means 11 can also be provided in the vibration sensor. 8A and 8B show an example of a vibration sensor with a built-in signal amplification means.

  In FIG. 8A, the insulating layer 58 having an uneven surface also functions as a signal amplifying means. In FIG. 8A, the insulating layer 58 has an uneven surface facing downward, and can apply nonuniform pressure to the vibration sensor material 51 through the positive electrode layer 52. FIG. 8B shows a structure in which an insulating layer 58 having an uneven surface is provided on a vibration sensor material, and a lower shielding layer 59 having an uneven surface is provided below the vibration sensor material. The lower shielding layer 59 has an uneven surface facing upward, and can apply nonuniform pressure to the vibration sensor material 51 via the negative electrode layer 53. In particular, in FIG. 8B, since the unevenness of the insulating layer 58 and the unevenness of the lower shielding layer 59 are arranged alternately, a larger displacement can be given to the vibration sensor material 51. The positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the upper shielding layer, and the substrate may be provided with an uneven surface to function as signal amplification means, or a signal amplification layer having an uneven surface may be added separately.

  When the vibration sensor is disposed on the detection target, it is preferable that the upper shielding layer 54 or the lower shielding layer 55 be disposed so as to contact the auxiliary member and the detection target.

  The insulating layer 56 ensures insulation between the positive electrode layer 52 and the upper shielding layer 54. When reading vibrations of 1 Hz or less such as cardiopulmonary vibration, a sufficient output value is obtained regardless of the thickness of the insulating layer. Although it was obtained, the output value decreased in response to the increase in frequency, and no vibration was output in the case of vibrations having a frequency in the vicinity of 100 to 500 Hz, such as a habit or sleep signal. This is because the insulating layer 56 protects external noise from affecting the positive electrode layer 52, and a signal having a frequency in the vicinity of 100 to 500 Hz, such as a trap or a sleep signal, is transmitted through the capacitance. It was estimated that the leakage occurred in the shielding layer 54. In order to prevent this, when the thickness of the insulating layer 56 was set to 10 to 100 μm, it was possible to receive a vibration signal caused by a sound such as a habit or sleep. In other words, it has been found that the capacitance formed by the upper shielding layer 54, the insulating layer 56, and the positive electrode layer 52 needs to be less than 1/10 of the capacitance of the vibration sensor 30. Further, the resistance value R such as the resistance of the vibration sensor material (PVDF) 51 and the resistance between the positive electrode layer 52 and the vibration sensor material 51, the upper shielding layer 54, the insulating layer 56, and the positive electrode layer 52. When the time constant (1 / (C × R)) determined by the product C × R of the capacitance C of the capacitor between the two is reduced, sound components such as snare and sleep are vibrations in the vicinity of 100 Hz to 500 Hz. Cannot output.

  Therefore, in order to output this audio signal, the thickness of the insulating layer needs to be at least 1 μm or more even if the area of the sensor body and the relative dielectric constant of the insulating layer are converted, but it is 10 μm to 100 μm or more. It is preferable. Further, it has been found that the capacitance of the capacitor composed of the upper shielding layer 54, the insulating layer 56, and the positive electrode layer 52 needs to be at least 1 μF or less, and is preferably 0.1 μF or less. .

[Signal processing]
The body vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor is output to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit detects a signal (hereinafter referred to as “pulsation vibration”) related to vibration caused by the heartbeat from the detected body vibration signal. "Pulsatile vibration signal"), a signal related to vibration due to lung respiration (hereinafter referred to as "pulmonary respiration vibration signal") (hereinafter referred to as "pulmonary respiration vibration signal") or a vibration due to sound (hereinafter referred to as "voice vibration") ) Can be extracted (hereinafter referred to as “voice vibration signal”). Such body vibration signal, pulsation vibration signal, lung respiration vibration signal or voice vibration signal is used to detect human biological information (absence of presence, life / death, health condition, psychological state, emotion, intention, etc.) May be. That is, the vibration sensor of the present invention can be used as a vibration signal extraction method and apparatus, and further as an animal (including human) biological information detection method and biological information detection apparatus. It can also be used as a specialized method and apparatus. For example, it may be used in a human absence detection method and apparatus, a life and death determination method and apparatus, a health condition determination method and apparatus, a psychological state determination method and apparatus, an emotion determination method and apparatus, a intention detection method and apparatus, and the like.

  The body vibration signal of the present invention includes a signal detected by a vibration sensor or a preprocessed signal before such signal is supplied to the pulsation filter means, the lung respiration filter means or the voice filter means. The body vibration signal is a signal including at least two of a pulsation vibration signal, a lung respiration vibration signal, and a sound vibration signal. Preprocessing includes amplification processing by an amplification amplifier, separation processing of body motion signals, and the like. The body vibration signals input to the pulsation filter means and the lung respiration filter means include a pulsation vibration signal and a lung respiration vibration signal, such as a pulsation vibration signal, a lung respiration vibration signal, and a voice. The body vibration signal may be a signal including the pulsation vibration signal and the lung respiration vibration signal after the voice vibration signal is separated from the signal including the vibration signal.

  The pulsating vibration signal of the present invention is a signal including pulsating vibration caused by the pulsation of the human heart separated from the body vibration signal by the pulsating filter means, for example, 1 Hz to 4 Hz as the pulsating filter means. A signal that has passed through a band-pass filter (BPF) having a passband in the frequency range of may be used. Moreover, the lower limit frequency of the pass band of the pulsating filter means may be 0.5 Hz or more, 0.6 Hz or more, 0.7 Hz or more, 0.8 Hz or more, or 0.9 Hz or more, and the upper limit frequency is 10 Hz or less, 8 Hz. Hereinafter, it may be 6 Hz or less, 5 Hz or less, or 3 Hz or less. The lower limit frequency of the pulsating filter means may be the same as the upper limit frequency of the pulmonary respiratory filter means or lower than the upper limit frequency of the pulmonary respiratory filter means, and a part of the range overlaps with the passband of the pulmonary respiratory filter means. It may be.

  The pulmonary respiratory vibration signal of the present invention is a signal including pulsation vibration caused by pulmonary respiration separated from the body vibration signal by the pulmonary respiratory filter means. For example, the pulmonary respiratory filter means passes through a frequency range of 1 Hz or less. A signal that has passed through a low-pass filter (LPF) having a band may also be used. The cutoff frequency of the lung respiratory filter means may be 0.7 Hz, 0.8 Hz, 0.9 Hz, 1.1 Hz, and 1.2 Hz. Further, the lower limit frequency of the pulsation filter means may be the same as the upper limit frequency of the lung respiration filter means, or the lower limit frequency may be lower and the range may be superimposed.

  The sound vibration signal of the present invention is a signal including a sound vibration caused by a human voice separated from a body vibration signal by a sound filter means, including at least a vibration of a vocal cord, and other sound organs (lung, trachea, Vibrations in the larynx, pharynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, tongue, teeth, lips, etc.). The sound vibration signal may be, for example, a signal that has passed through a band-pass filter (BPF) having a passband in a frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz as a sound filter unit. The lower limit frequency of the pass band of the sound filter means may be 4 Hz or more, 10 Hz or more, 30 Hz or more, 70 Hz or more, or 100 Hz or more, and the upper limit frequency is 400 Hz or less, 800 Hz or less, 1 kHz or less, 1.5 kHz or less. May be.

  The signal processing circuit of the present invention includes at least a part or all of each filter unit and determination unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the signal processing device 16 in the present embodiment. Although one vibration sensor 10 is connected to the signal processing device 16 in FIG. 9, a plurality of vibration sensors may be connected. The signal processing device 16 includes an amplification amplifier 110, a pulsation filter unit 120, a lung respiration filter unit 121, an audio filter unit 122, a determination unit 140, and a storage device 261.

  The vibration sensor 10 is disposed at least near a person and detects a body vibration signal 102 from the person. As described above, the vibration sensor 10 is arranged such that the signal amplifying means having a concavo-convex shape is arranged with the concavo-convex surface facing each other, arranged on an auxiliary member, installed in a curved shape, or these means. A plurality of combinations are used to increase the generated signal strength. The vibration sensor 10 is connected to the amplification amplifier 110 of the signal processing device 16, and the body vibration signal 102 detected by the vibration sensor 10 is amplified by the amplification amplifier 110. The output of the amplification amplifier 110 is connected to the pulsation filter means 120, the lung respiration filter means 121, and / or the sound filter means 122, and the amplified body vibration signal 104 is input to each filter means 120, 121, 122. The Although not shown, the amplified body vibration signal 104 may be directly input to the determination unit. Based on the amplified body vibration signal 104, the pulsation filter means 120 extracts a pulsation vibration signal 123 caused by the pulsation of the human heart. Based on the amplified body vibration signal 104, the lung respiration filter means 121 extracts a lung respiration vibration signal 124 resulting from human lung respiration. The sound filter unit 122 extracts a sound vibration signal 126 caused by sound based on the amplified body vibration signal 104. These amplified body vibration signal 104, pulsation vibration signal 123, pulmonary respiratory vibration signal 124, and sound vibration signal 126 are input to the determination means 140, and the body vibration signal, pulsation vibration, or It is used to detect human biological information (absence of presence, life / death, health condition, psychological state, emotion, intention, etc.) by pulmonary respiratory vibration or by pulsation vibration and other vibrations.

  In the present embodiment, the amplification amplifier 110 is provided between the vibration sensor and the pulsation filter means, the pulmonary respiratory filter means or the voice filter means 122, and the amplified body vibration signal (pulsation vibration, pulmonary respiratory vibration and The maximum amplitude (including at least two of the sound vibrations) is set to be within the voltage range of the input signal of the signal processing circuit. For example, the maximum value (several tens of mV) of the pulsation vibration signal, the lung respiration vibration signal, or the voice vibration signal is 50% of the voltage range (for example, 5 V: ± 2.5 V) of the input signal of the signal processing circuit ( Designed to be 1.25 V) to 10% (250 mV). For the maximum value (several tens of mV) of the pulsation vibration signal, lung respiration vibration signal, or voice vibration signal, the sensitivity of the vibration sensor used and the environment in which it is used (material, distance, etc. of the shield between people) Therefore, it can be confirmed by experimenting in a predetermined environment in advance.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum value of the pulsatile vibration signal, lung respiratory vibration signal, or voice vibration signal extracted from the amplified body vibration signal 104 is half of the voltage range of the input signal of the signal processing circuit. Since there is only the following, a second amplification amplifier is provided between each of the filter means 120, 121, 122 and the determination means 140 to amplify the signal processing circuit by a factor of 2 to 10 to make the voltage range of the input signal of the signal processing circuit effective. It is preferable to increase the S / N ratio.

  The pulsating filter means 120 extracts a pulsating vibration signal 123 resulting from the pulsation of the human heart based on at least the body vibration signal 102. Extraction based on the body vibration signal 102 includes pre-processing (drift component removal, amplification, or body motion vibration signal removal) on the body vibration signal 102 and extraction by the pulsation filter means 120. The pulsating filter means 120 converts a low-pass filter (LPF) or high-pass filter (HPF) analog filter composed of a capacitor, a resistor, an operational amplifier, or the like, or an analog signal that is the body vibration signal 102 into a digital signal by an A / D converter. It can be configured by either one or both of digital filters that perform filtering by arithmetic processing of a CPU (central processing unit) based on converted and digitized data. Note that the digital filter can be configured by an A / D converter and a CPU dedicated to the filter processing unit, but can also be processed by the A / D converter and CPU of the determination unit 140.

  As a specific pulsation filter means 120, for example, a band pass filter (BPF) having a pass band in a frequency range of 1 Hz to 4 Hz can be used. Moreover, the lower limit frequency of the pass band of the pulsating filter means may be 0.5 Hz or more, 0.6 Hz or more, 0.7 Hz or more, 0.8 Hz or more, or 0.9 Hz or more, and the upper limit frequency is 10 Hz or less, 8 Hz. Hereinafter, it may be 6 Hz or less, 5 Hz or less, or 3 Hz or less. Further, as the pulsation filter means 120, a filtering processing method of the present invention described later may be implemented.

  Based on the body vibration signal 102, the lung respiration filter unit 121 extracts a lung respiration vibration signal 124 resulting from human lung respiration. Extracting based on the body vibration signal 102 includes performing pre-processing (drift component removal, amplification or body motion vibration signal removal) on the body vibration signal 102 in advance and then extracting by the lung respiratory filter means 121. The lung respiration filter means 121 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter from a low-pass filter (LPF) analog filter constituted by a capacitor, a resistor, an operational amplifier, or the like, or a digital signal by an A / D converter and digitized. It can be configured by either one or both of digital filters that perform filtering by arithmetic processing of a CPU (central processing unit) based on data. Note that the digital filter can be configured by an A / D converter and a CPU dedicated to the filter processing unit, but can also be processed by the A / D converter and CPU of the determination unit 140.

  As a specific lung respiratory filter means 121, for example, a low-pass filter (LPF) having a pass band (cut-off frequency of 1 Hz) having a frequency range of 1 Hz or less can be used. Further, the cutoff frequency of the lung respiratory filter means (LPF) may be 0.7 Hz, 0.8 Hz, 0.9 Hz, 1.1 Hz, and 1.2 Hz.

  The sound filter unit 122 extracts a sound vibration signal 126 caused by sound based on the body vibration signal 102. Extracting based on the body vibration signal 102 includes pre-processing (drift component removal, amplification or body motion vibration signal removal) on the body vibration signal 102 and then extracting by the sound filter means 122. The audio filter means 122 converts an analog signal of a low-pass filter (LPF) or a high-pass filter (HPF) composed of a capacitor, a resistor, an operational amplifier, or the like, or an analog signal that is the body vibration signal 102 into a digital signal by an A / D converter. The digital data can be configured by either one or both of digital filters that perform filtering by arithmetic processing of a CPU (central processing unit) based on the digitized data. Note that the digital filter can be configured by an A / D converter and a CPU dedicated to the filter processing unit, but can also be processed by the A / D converter and CPU of the determination unit 140.

  As the specific audio filter means 122, for example, a BPF having a pass band between 50 Hz and 2 kHz can be used. The lower limit frequency of the pass band of the sound filter means may be 4 Hz or more, 10 Hz or more, 30 Hz or more, 70 Hz or more, or 100 Hz or more, and the upper limit frequency may be 400 Hz or less, 800 Hz or less, 1 kHz or less, 1.5 kHz or less. Good.

  The determination means 140 detects and determines human biological information (life / death, health condition, psychological condition, emotion) based on the pulsation vibration signal, lung respiration vibration signal and / or voice vibration signal. And a CPU (signal processing circuit). Further, when the input signal is an analog signal, an A / D converter may be included. Further, the determination unit 140 is connected to a storage device 261 such as a semiconductor storage device or a hard disk device (HDD). In the determination unit 140, the CPU extracts the pulsation vibration signal 123, the lung respiration vibration signal 124 or the sound vibration signal 126, and the biological information (life, death, health status, psychology) of the person stored in the storage device 261. By comparing threshold values and sample waveforms that are the basis for comparison and determination of (state, emotion), human biological information (life / death, health state, psychological state, emotion) is determined.

  For example, the determination unit 140 extracts the pulsation vibration caused by the pulsation of the heart from the body vibration and the pulsation vibration exceeds a predetermined existence duration, so that the person exists within the detection range of the vibration sensor. It may be determined that the person is absent by the absence of pulsation vibration and the absence of pulsation vibration exceeding a predetermined absence duration time. In addition, by extracting the pulmonary respiratory vibration caused by pulmonary breathing from the body vibration and the pulmonary respiratory vibration exceeds the predetermined existence duration, the person is within the detection range of the vibration sensor, and the pulmonary breathing It may be determined that the person is absent when the state without vibration exceeds a predetermined absence continuation time or more. In addition, when both the pulsation vibration caused by the heart beat from the body vibration and the pulmonary respiratory vibration caused by lung respiration exceed the predetermined existence duration, the person is within the detection range of the vibration sensor. It may be determined that a person is absent by being present and a state in which neither pulsation vibration nor pulmonary respiratory vibration exceeds a predetermined absence duration. In addition, it may be determined that a person is present within the detection range of the vibration sensor by extracting the voice vibration from the body vibration and the voice vibration exceeds a predetermined existence duration, or the signal of the voice vibration If the correlation value between the waveform and the voice vibration sample stored in advance is equal to or greater than a certain value, it may be determined that some kind of intention is displayed by the person.

  The notification means 270 displays the result on the display device based on the determination result 125 from the determination means 140, sounds an LED, sounds a buzzer, or notifies the outside through a notification to the nurse call device or a communication line.

[Example 1]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), in one of the buffer parts 41 provided on the back surface of the toilet seat 40 of the toilet, the contact member 42 is removed, and a recess is formed inside the buffer part 41. Then, the vibration sensor unit 1 was arranged there, and the contact member 42 was attached to the buffer part 41 of the toilet seat 40 again, and the vibration of the person sitting on the toilet seat was detected. About the vibration sensor part 1, the following two structures were employ | adopted.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the vibration sensor unit 1 includes a concave substrate 82 and a convex presser 83 as signal amplification means above and below the film-like vibration sensor 81. Is arranged. FIG. 10A shows a separated state, and FIG. 10B shows a combined state. The overall size of the concave substrate 82 is 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and a concave portion 84 having a width of 10 mm, a length of 15 mm, and a depth of 1 mm is provided at the center. The convex presser 83 has a width of 10 mm and a length of 25 mm as a whole, and a convex portion 85 having a width of 10 mm, a length of 5 mm, and a height of 1 mm at the center. The vibration sensor 81 is deformed by the concave substrate 82 and the convex presser 83. The vibration sensor material (not shown) of the vibration sensor 81 has a width of 8 mm, a length of 20 mm, and a thickness of 110 μm. In the second embodiment, only the vibration sensor is arranged as the vibration sensor unit 1 and no signal amplification means is provided.

  FIG. 11 shows measured values in the first embodiment, and FIG. 12 shows measured values in the second embodiment. (A) is a body vibration signal waveform detected from the vibration sensor, and (B) is a bandpass filter having a passband in a frequency range of 1 Hz to 4 Hz with respect to the body vibration signal of (A). BPF) is a pulsating vibration signal waveform obtained by passing through (BPF), and (C) is a low-pass signal having a passband (1 Hz cutoff frequency) of a frequency range of 1 Hz or less with respect to the body vibration signal of (A). It was obtained by passing through a filter (LPF). In either case, the vertical axis represents signal intensity (mV) and the horizontal axis represents time (s).

  The body vibration signal in FIG. 11A detects a signal of a person seated on the toilet seat, and can detect that the person is present in the toilet. Compared with FIG. 12A, the intensity of the signal indicated by the vertical axis is 3 to 4 times larger, and it is confirmed that the signal detection means improves the signal detection sensitivity in the first embodiment. it can. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), the pulsation signal of the person sitting on the toilet seat is confirmed by passing through a band pass filter (BPF) having a pass band in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 4 Hz. be able to. Compared with FIG. 12B, the intensity of the signal indicated by the vertical axis is larger, and it can be confirmed that the signal detection means improves the signal detection sensitivity in the first embodiment. 11B and 12B, it is possible to detect not only the presence / absence of a person but also the health condition of the person by pulsating vibration.

  Furthermore, it is possible to detect a human health condition by using the lung respiratory vibration signal waveform of FIG. 11C, and it becomes possible to grasp a more detailed health condition in combination with FIG. 11B. Compared with FIG. 12 (C), the intensity of the signal indicated by the vertical axis in FIG. 11 (C) is larger, and in the first embodiment, the signal detection means improves the signal detection sensitivity. I can confirm.

[Example 2]
In this embodiment, a vibration sensor unit having a size of 8 mm × 20 mm and a thickness of 110 μm is wound around the chest of the human body, and the vibration sensor unit is attached to the human body by covering with a rubber band from above, and curved according to the curved surface of the human body. The vibration of the person wearing the vibration sensor in the state was detected.

  13A is a body vibration signal waveform detected from the vibration sensor, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are a pulsation vibration signal waveform and a lung respiration vibration signal waveform extracted therefrom. is there. In FIG. 13B, a bandpass filter (BPF) having a pass band in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 4 Hz is used as the pulsation filter means, and the pulsation vibration signal is derived from the body vibration signal of FIG. The waveform was extracted. In FIG. 13C, a low-pass filter (LPF) having a pass band (cut-off frequency of 1 Hz) having a frequency range of 1 Hz or less is used as the lung respiration filter means, and the body vibration signal of FIG. The lung respiratory vibration signal waveform was extracted from the above. In either case, the vertical axis represents signal intensity (mV) and the horizontal axis represents time (s).

  As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the vibration sensor unit mounted on the chest can detect the state of the person's heart and the state of breathing, not only at bedtime but also in daily life. It is now possible to detect and determine human biological information (absence of presence, life and death, health condition, psychological state, emotion, intention, etc.).

  The present invention can detect vibrations of a body emitted by an animal, particularly a human, with a vibration sensor, and extract pulsation vibration, lung respiration vibration and voice vibration from the detected body vibration signal. Absence, life / death, health condition, psychological condition, emotion, intention, etc.) can be detected and determined. Furthermore, it can be similarly applied to animal pets.

[Example 3]
In the present embodiment, a vibration sensor is provided on a vibration propagation member having a bridge structure, and vibration is detected. FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vibration propagation member in the present embodiment, which is a structure in which a plate 92 is bridged on a leg 91, and the plate 92 of the present embodiment has an uneven shape on the lower surface. The vibration sensor 10 is bonded to the lower surface (uneven surface) of the plate 92. A transmission path 12 extends from the vibration sensor 10 and is connected to a signal processing device 13. The plate 92 has a width of 100 mm and a length of 400 mm, and the vibration sensor 10 having a width of 50 mm and a length of 140 mm is arranged at the center of the lower surface. The uneven shape has a height of about 0.2 mm, a width of the convex portion of about 2 mm, a width of the concave portion of about 1 mm, and is continuously linear in the longitudinal direction on the lower surface of the plate 91. Is formed.

  15A shows a vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor 1 when pulsed vibration is applied to the upper surface of the plate 91. FIG. 15B presses the upper surface of the plate 91, and FIG. This is a vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor 1 when a bending strain is applied to. In the signal waveform shown in FIG. 15A, sharp peaks are intermittently generated in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the signal waveform shown in FIG. 15B continuously has gentle peaks. In this way, since the nature of the signal differs depending on the characteristics of the source of the vibration source, it is applied from the classification of the applied pressure vibration, the distribution calculation of the applied stress according to the frequency of the pressure vibration, and the signal intensity. It is also possible to analyze and diagnose the life and deterioration rate of the vibration propagation member by performing signal analysis such as numerical calculation of the strength of the pressure and acquiring data with time change.

[Example 4]
In this embodiment, the vibration sensor unit 1 is disposed on the surface of the toilet seat 50 of the toilet, and the toilet seat 40 is brought into contact therewith to detect the vibration of the person seated on the toilet seat. As shown in FIG. 16B, Example 4-1 has a structure in which the vibration sensor unit 1 is arranged directly on a ceramic toilet 50, and Example 4-2 is shown in FIG. As shown, a flat rubber plate is provided as an elastic member 51 between the vibration sensor unit 1 and the toilet bowl 50. In Example 4-2, three elastic members 51 having a thickness of 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm were prepared, and vibration signals from the vibration sensor unit 1 were detected.

  In Example 4, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, the vibration sensor unit 1 includes a signal amplifying unit 11 </ b> A in which a concave surface is disposed on a film-like vibration sensor 10 and the vibration sensor 10. The signal amplifying means 11B having a convex surface facing upward is provided. Further, in Example 4-2, as shown in FIG. 16C, the flat elastic member 51 is disposed between the signal amplifying unit 11 </ b> B having the convex surface disposed upward and the toilet bowl 50. In the fourth embodiment, the vibration sensor unit and the elastic member have a width of 10 mm and a length of 25 mm, and the concave surface of the signal amplifying unit 11A has a recess having a width of 10 mm, a length of 15 mm, and a depth of 1 mm at the center. The convex portion of the signal amplification means 11B is provided with a convex portion having a width of 10 mm, a length of 5 mm, and a height of 1 mm at the center. The vibration sensor 10 is deformed by the convex and concave portions of the signal amplifying means 11A and 11B. The vibration sensor material (not shown) of the vibration sensor 81 has a width of 8 mm, a length of 20 mm, and a thickness of 110 μm.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a frequency analysis result of a body vibration signal after filtering by a low-pass filter (LPF) having a pass band of a frequency range of 10 Hz or less, and (A) is Example 4-1 and (B). Is the result of Example 4-2 with a thickness of 1 mm, (C) is the result of Example 4-2 with a thickness of 3 mm, and (D) is the result of Example 4-2 with a thickness of 5 mm. In either case, the vertical axis represents signal intensity (arbitrary unit), and the horizontal axis represents frequency (Hz).

  FIG. 18 shows a pulsatile vibration signal waveform extracted from a body vibration signal by using a bandpass filter (BPF) having a pass band in a frequency range of 1 Hz to 4 Hz as a pulsation filter means. Example 4-1 (B) is the measurement result of Example 4-2 with a thickness of 1 mm, (C) is the measurement result of Example 4-2 with a thickness of 3 mm, and (D) is the measurement result of Example 4-2 with a thickness of 5 mm. It is. In either case, the vertical axis represents signal intensity (unit: arbitrary unit), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds).

  As shown in FIG. 17A, when the vibration sensor was directly installed on the ceramic toilet 50, a number of peaks were observed at 4 to 6 Hz. These 4 to 6 Hz peaks are detected by superimposing them on the pulsation vibration signal that is originally required in the pulsation vibration signal shown in FIG. turn into. In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 17B to 17D, when the elastic member 51 is interposed between the toilet and the toilet, the peak of 3 to 4 Hz is emphasized as the elastic member 51 becomes thicker. As shown in 18 (B) to (D), sharp peaks at intervals of about 0.8 to 0.9 seconds became prominent. Since the subject's normal heart rate was around 70, the peak interval was about 0.8 to 0.9 seconds, and the peak sharpness was about 0.1 seconds corresponding to 4 Hz. Since the 4 Hz sine wave forms four waves per second, the time for showing a positive value is 1/8 second = 0.125 seconds, and the pulse width is defined as 1 / e, and the peak The sharpness is about 0.1 seconds.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vibration sensor 11 Signal amplification means 20, 30 Detection target 31 Auxiliary member

Claims (18)

A vibration sensor including a positive electrode layer and a vibration sensor material sandwiched between the negative electrode layer;
Signal amplifying means having an uneven surface,
The vibration sensor unit, wherein the surface of the vibration sensor material is arranged so that the concavo-convex surface of the signal amplification means faces the surface.   The vibration sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the signal amplifying unit is disposed above and below the vibration sensor.   The unevenness of the signal amplification means disposed above the vibration sensor and the unevenness of the signal amplification means disposed below the vibration sensor are arranged so as to mesh with each other. Vibration sensor part.   4. The vibration sensor according to claim 1, wherein unevenness is provided on the positive electrode layer or an insulating layer provided in contact with the positive electrode layer to function as the signal amplification means. The vibration sensor unit described in 1.   5. The vibration sensor according to claim 1, wherein the negative electrode layer or a lower shielding layer provided in contact with the negative electrode layer is provided with irregularities so as to function as the signal amplification means. The vibration sensor unit according to item. An auxiliary member protruding or erected on the detection target;
A vibration sensor in contact with the detection target,
The vibration sensor unit, wherein the auxiliary member is provided with the vibration sensor.   The vibration sensor unit according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of the auxiliary member is swingable.   The vibration sensor unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the detection target is hollow, and the auxiliary member is provided inside the hollow detection target. A curved surface provided for detection;
A vibration sensor in contact with the detection target,
A vibration sensor unit, wherein at least a part of the vibration sensor is bent and attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of a curved surface to be detected.   10. The vibration according to claim 6, wherein the vibration sensor includes a vibration sensor material, and a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer provided above and below the vibration sensor material. Sensor part.   A vibration signal comprising the vibration sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and extracting a pulsatile vibration signal, a lung respiration vibration signal, or a voice vibration signal from a body vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor. Extraction device.   The vibration signal extraction device according to claim 11, wherein an elastic member is disposed between a member that holds the vibration sensor unit and the vibration sensor.   A toilet seat provided with the vibration sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.   The toilet seat according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of vibration sensor units are provided.   A toilet comprising the toilet seat according to claim 13 or 14, wherein another vibration sensor unit is provided at a place other than the toilet seat.   A belt provided with the vibration sensor unit according to claim 1.   The belt according to claim 16, wherein the vibration sensor unit is movably provided. The belt according to claim 16 or 17, wherein a plurality of the vibration sensor units are provided.