JP2018023748A - Mastication frequency detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mastication frequency detector that is capable of detecting mastication frequency with high accuracy compared with a conventional technique.SOLUTION: The mastication frequency detector includes: first detection means that contains an optical sensor and that outputs a first detection signal by detecting change in the movement of the external auditory canal which moves with the masticatory movement of a subject; first comparison means that outputs a first comparison result signal by comparing the first detection signal with a prescribed first threshold value; second detection means that contains a pressure sensor, optical sensor or acceleration sensor, and that outputs a second detection signal by detecting change in the movement of the jaws which move with the masticatory movement of the subject; second comparison means that outputs a second comparison result signal by comparing the second detection signal with a prescribed second threshold value; calculation means that outputs as the first and second calculation frequency by counting the frequency when the first and second comparison result signals are each outputted; and control means that calculates to output the masticatory frequency of the subject based on the first and second calculation frequencies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a mastication frequency detection device for detecting the number of mastication of a subject.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a mastication number detecting device for detecting the number of mastication of a person. In Patent Document 1, in order to provide a device for detecting the number of mastications with a simple configuration and capable of accurately detecting the number of mastications, the movement of the temporomandibular joint and mandibular head attached to the outer ear canal or around the ear canal is provided. Detecting means for detecting the masticatory movement based on the detection result of the detecting means.

JP 2008-048791 A

  However, the device for detecting the number of mastications disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects the number of mastications using only the pressure sensor attached to the outer ear canal or the periphery of the ear canal, so that the detection accuracy is extremely low. It was.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide a mastication frequency detection device capable of detecting the mastication frequency with higher accuracy than in the prior art.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a mastication frequency detection device capable of outputting a sound that encourages swallowing using the detected mastication frequency.

The mastication number detecting device according to the first invention is:
First detection means that includes an optical sensor, detects a change in the movement of the ear canal that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject, and outputs a first detection signal;
First comparison means for comparing the first detection signal with a predetermined first threshold value and outputting a first comparison result signal;
A second detection means including a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or an acceleration sensor, and detecting a change in movement of the jaw that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject and outputting a second detection signal;
Second comparing means for comparing the second detection signal with a predetermined second threshold value and outputting a second comparison result signal;
Counting means for counting the number of times when the first and second comparison result signals are output, respectively, and outputting them as the first and second count times;
And a control means for calculating and outputting the number of chewing times of the subject based on the first and second counting times.

In the mastication number detection device, the counting means performs a predetermined logical operation on the first and second counting times, and outputs the number of logical operation results to the control means.
The control means calculates and outputs the number of mastication times of the subject based on the number of logical operation results.

  In the mastication frequency detection device, the control means includes a storage device that stores a plurality of mastication frequencies until the test subject swallows, and outputs a distribution of the plurality of mastication frequency.

  Further, in the mastication frequency detection device, the signal width of the first comparison result signal is detected, and when the signal width is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the swallowing operation is performed after the mastication exercise. And a signal width detecting means for resetting the counting number of the counting means.

  Still further, in the mastication frequency detection device, the counting means generates an output signal when the first and second comparison result signals are output within a predetermined time window width, and the output signal The number of times is counted and output as the number of chewing times.

  Further, in the mastication frequency detection device, the control means notifies a swallowing instruction when the mastication frequency becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold frequency.

  Here, the control means notifies the swallowing instruction as a voice.

The mastication number detection device according to the second invention is:
First detection means that includes an optical sensor, detects a change in the movement of the ear canal that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject, and outputs a first detection signal;
A second detection means including a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or an acceleration sensor, and detecting a change in movement of the jaw that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject and outputting a second detection signal;
Control means for counting the number of mastications of the subject based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal;
The control means includes
(1) The second intermediate value is determined from a second upper range in which the level of the second detection signal is higher than the predetermined second intermediate value by a predetermined value to the second intermediate value. Via the second intermediate value to increase the number of mastications by performing the first mastication determination when the second lower range from the second intermediate value to a value smaller than the second intermediate value by a predetermined value,
(2) When the first mastication determination is performed and the number of mastications is not increased, the first detection signal level is higher than a predetermined first intermediate value by a predetermined value from the first intermediate value. From the first upper range until the first lower range from the first intermediate value to a value smaller than the first intermediate value by a predetermined value via the first intermediate value The number of mastications is counted so as to increase the number of mastications by performing a second mastication determination.

  In the mastication count detection device, the control means includes a storage device that stores a plurality of mastication counts until the test subject swallows, and outputs a distribution of the plurality of mastication counts.

  Further, in the mastication frequency detection device, the control means notifies a swallowing instruction when the mastication frequency becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold frequency.

  Further, in the mastication frequency detecting device, the control means notifies the swallowing instruction as a voice.

  According to the device for detecting the number of chewing times according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of mastication times can be determined with high accuracy compared to the prior art because the two detecting means and the counting means are combined and the counting means counts the number of mastication times. A device for detecting the number of chewing times that can be detected can be provided.

  According to the mastication number detecting device according to the second invention, the mastication determination is performed using the two detection means and the control means. Therefore, the number of mastication detections can be detected with higher accuracy than in the prior art. An apparatus can be provided.

  In addition, it is possible to output a sound prompting swallowing according to the detected number of mastications, thereby promoting mastication of the subject and contributing to health promotion.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance etc. of the chewing frequency detection apparatus 10 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the chewing frequency detection apparatus 10 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of 10A of chewing frequency detection apparatuses which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the chewing frequency detection apparatus 10B which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of 10C of chewing frequency detection apparatuses which concern on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a graph which shows the example of distribution of the frequency | count of chewing until swallowing displayed on the display part of the mobile device 50 connected to the chewing frequency detection apparatus 10-10C which concerns on Embodiment 1-4. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of 10 M of chewing frequency detection apparatuses and mobile device 50 which concern on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of a display which shows the distribution etc. of the frequency | count of chewing displayed on the display part 132 of the mobile device 50 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed by the control circuit 130 of the mobile device 50 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st part of the control processing performed by the control circuit 30 of the chewing frequency detection apparatus 10D of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd part of the control process performed by the control circuit 30 of the chewing frequency detection apparatus 10D of FIG.

Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance and the like of a mastication frequency detecting device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mastication number detection device of FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the mastication frequency detection device 10 is to fix the device housing by hooking it to one ear of the subject 5, and at that time, the earphone unit 61 having the optical sensor 1 at the tip is inserted into the ear canal of the subject 5. The support arm 62 extending from the apparatus housing and supporting the pressure sensor 2 is brought into contact with the jaw of the subject 5 (specifically, the intersection of the deep layer portion and the shallow layer portion of the masseter muscle).

  Here, the optical sensor 1 is provided so as to contact the lower side of the ear canal. As shown in FIG. 2, the light source 1a and the light receiving sensor 1b are arranged side by side. After the light from the light source 1a is incident on the lower side of the ear canal, the reflected light returns to the light receiving sensor 1b. At this time, the lower side of the external auditory canal changes in the vertical direction in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject 5 (movement fluctuation), and the optical sensor 1 detects the distance fluctuation corresponding to the vertical fluctuation, and detects the distance fluctuation. Outputs the corresponding received light signal. Moreover, the pressure sensor 2 detects the fluctuation | variation (movement fluctuation | variation) of the crossing part of the deep layer part and shallow layer part of the test subject's 5 for example, the pressure sensor 2 detects the pressure fluctuation | variation corresponding to the said fluctuation | variation, and the said pressure A piezoelectric signal corresponding to the fluctuation is output. In the embodiment, the pressure sensor 2 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the jaw variation may be detected using an optical sensor or an acceleration sensor having the same configuration as the optical sensor 1. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  The mobile device 50 in FIG. 1 is an electronic device such as a smart phone or a personal computer, for example, and data such as the number of mastications detected by the control circuit 30 of the mastication number detection device 10 is a wireless line such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). On the other hand, the operation information is transmitted to the mastication detection device 10 via the wireless line and controlled instead of the operation unit 31 described later in detail. The mastication number detecting device 10 is connected to the control circuit 30 and has a wireless communication unit 33 having an antenna 33A, while the mobile device 50 has an antenna 50A, and the space between the wireless communication unit 33 and the mobile device 50 is as described above. Connected by wireless line.

  In FIG. 2, the mastication frequency detection device 10 includes an optical sensor 1, a pressure sensor 2, amplifiers 11 and 21 having predetermined filter characteristics, comparators 12 and 22, voltage sources 13 and 23, and a counting circuit 40. The control circuit 30, the operation unit 31, the display unit 32, the wireless communication unit 33, and the speaker 34 are configured. Here, threshold voltages Vth1 and Vth2 of voltage sources 13 and 23 are set based on each threshold voltage setting signal from control circuit 30.

  The detection signal from the light receiving sensor 1 is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 12 through the amplifier 11. The comparator 12 compares the input detection signal with the threshold voltage Vth of the voltage source 13, and outputs a comparison result signal CP1 having a predetermined pulse width to the pulse counter 20A. The detection signal from the pressure sensor 2 is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 22 via the amplifier 21. The comparator 22 compares the input detection signal with the threshold voltage Vth of the voltage source 23, and outputs a comparison result signal CP2 having a predetermined pulse width to the pulse counter 20B.

The counting circuit 40 includes two pulse counters 20A and 20B. The pulse counters 20A and 20B count the number of mastications by counting the comparison result signals CP1 and CP2, respectively, after the count value is reset to 0 based on a reset signal generated from the control circuit 30 at the following times. .
(A) When the device power is newly turned on;
(B) When the reset key is turned on in the operation unit 31;
(C) When the chewing movement is interrupted for a predetermined time such as 1 minute;
(D) When the number of chewing movements exceeds a predetermined number, for example, 20 times.
Here, the latter two cases correspond to the case where the subject swallows the food.

The control circuit 30 controls the operation of the mastication number detection device 10, and an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, and a speaker 34 are connected to the control circuit 30. The operation unit 31 has the following plurality of operation switches or operation keys.
(1) Power switch: Turns on or off the power of the mastication number detection device 10.
(2) Reset key: Resets the number of chewing times to zero.
(3) Voice key: Turns the voice instruction from the speaker 34 on or off.
(4) Threshold setting key: Sets each threshold voltage (default value or setting value at the start of adjustment) of the voltage sources 13 and 23.

  The display unit 32 displays the number of chewing times and the rank distribution (FIG. 6) and a “swallowing instruction” to be described later. The wireless communication unit 33 is connected to the mobile device 50 via the wireless line, and displays display data (for example, the number of mastication times and the rank distribution (FIG. 6) and “swallowing instruction”) displayed on the display unit 32. While transmitting to the mobile device 50, instead of the operation unit 31, the operation data from the mobile device 50 is received and output to the control circuit 30 to cause the mobile device 50 to operate as an alternative unit (proxy) of the operation unit 31. May be. The speaker 34 outputs, for example, a “swallowing instruction” to be described later.

  The control circuit 30 starts mastication after the subject 5 turns on the reset key, and performs a predetermined logical operation (for example, logical product (minimum value extraction), logical operation on the number of mastications from the pulse counters 20A and 20B. Sum (maximum value extraction) or average value calculation, etc.) If the number of chewing times after the logical operation is equal to or greater than the threshold number of times, for example, 20 times, it is determined that the chewing has been sufficiently performed. , “Swallowing instruction” is notified using voice or the like, for example. When using voice, for example, an instruction synthesized voice such as “please swallow” is output from the speaker 34. In response to this, the subject 5 performs swallowing and finishes a series of chewing movements. Next, when another food is eaten and the next mastication motion is started, the reset key is turned on, so that the count value of the pulse counter 20 is reset to 0 and the count of the number of mastications is started.

  As described above, according to the mastication frequency detection device 10 according to the present embodiment, the two sensors 1 and 2 are combined, and the counting circuit 40 counts the number of mastications. The number of mastications can be detected with accuracy. Thereby, a test subject's mastication can be promoted and it can contribute to the improvement of health.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mastication number detection device 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the chewing frequency detection device 10 </ b> A according to the second embodiment further includes a logical operation unit 25 instead of the counting circuit 40 as compared with the mastication frequency detection device 10 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 2. A counting circuit 40A is provided. In the first embodiment, the logical operation is performed by the control circuit 30, but in the second embodiment, the logical operation is performed by the logical operation unit 25. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mastication number detection device 10B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the mastication number detection device 10 </ b> B according to the third embodiment is a timing signal having a frequency higher than the resolution of pulse width detection compared to the mastication number detection device 10 </ b> A according to the second embodiment in FIG. 3. Is further provided with a pulse width detector 26 for detecting a pulse width when the comparison result signal CP1 is at a high level.

  According to the inventors' knowledge, the pulse width (signal width) of the comparison result signal CP1 when the food is swallowed is greater than the pulse width (signal width) of the comparison result signal CP1 when the human performs a mastication operation. Since the threshold width is substantially equal to or slightly narrower than the pulse width when swallowed, and the comparison result signal CP1 exceeds the threshold width, it is determined that food has been swallowed and reset. The signal is output to the pulse counters 20A and 20B. Thus, the subject can automatically generate a reset signal without having to press the reset key when swallowed.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mastication number detection device 10C according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the chewing number detection device 10C according to the fourth embodiment includes a counting circuit 40C instead of the counting circuit 40 as compared to the mastication number detection device 10 according to the first embodiment in FIG. It is characterized by that. Hereinafter, the differences will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 5, the counting circuit 40 </ b> C includes one-shot pulse oscillators 14 and 15, an OR gate 16, AND gates 17, 18 and 19, and a pulse counter 20. Here, the pulse widths (time widths) Tw 1 and Tw 2 of the output pulse signals of the one-shot pulse oscillators 14 and 15 are set based on each pulse width setting signal from the control circuit 30. In addition, the pulse counter 20 is a control circuit when, for example, the apparatus power supply is newly turned on, when the reset key is turned on at the operation unit 31, or when the mastication movement is interrupted for a predetermined time such as 1 minute. The count value may be reset to 0 based on the reset signal generated from 30, or may be reset by the reset signal from the pulse width detector 26 according to the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, the detection signal from the light receiving sensor 1 is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 12 via the amplifier 11. The comparator 12 compares the input detection signal with the threshold voltage Vth of the voltage source 13, and compares the comparison result signal CP1 having a predetermined pulse width with the first input terminal of the AND gate 17, the one-shot pulse oscillator 14, and the control. Output to the circuit 30. The one-shot pulse oscillator 14 generates a pulse signal P1 having a pulse width (time width) Tw1 designated by the pulse width designation signal in response to the rising edge of the input comparison result signal CP1 to generate a first signal of the OR gate 16. Output to the input terminal.

  The detection signal from the pressure sensor 2 is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 22 via the amplifier 21. The comparator 22 compares the input detection signal with the threshold voltage Vth of the voltage source 23, and compares the comparison result signal CP2 having a predetermined pulse width with the second input terminal of the AND gate 18, the one-shot pulse oscillator 15, and the control. Output to the circuit 30. In response to the rising edge of the input comparison result signal CP2, the one-shot pulse oscillator 15 generates a pulse signal P2 having a pulse width (time width) Tw2 designated by the pulse width designation signal, and outputs the second signal of the OR gate 16. Output to the input terminal.

  The OR gate 16 calculates a temporal logical sum of two input signals (a temporal logical sum of the time width Tw1 and the time width Tw2, that is, a time period indicating that one of the pulse signals P1 and P2 is output). The pulse signal P12 having the calculation result pulse width (time window width) Tw12 is generated and output to the second input terminal of the AND gate 17 and the first input terminal of the AND gate 18. The AND gate 17 calculates the logical product of the two input signals, generates a resultant pulse signal CP11, and outputs the pulse signal CP11 to the first input terminal of the AND gate 19. On the other hand, the AND gate 18 calculates the logical product of the two input signals, generates a resultant pulse signal CP12, and outputs it to the second input terminal of the AND gate 19. The AND gate 19 calculates the logical product of the two input signals, generates a resultant pulse signal CP3, and outputs it to the control circuit 30 and the pulse counter 20. The pulse counter 20 counts the pulse signal from when the count value is reset to 0 by the reset signal from the control circuit 30, and outputs data of the count value (number of mastication) to the control circuit 30.

  The counting circuit 40C configured as described above generates the pulse signal CP3 when the comparison result signals CP1 and CP2 are output within a predetermined time window width Tw12 as described below. The pulse counter 20 counts the number of pulses of the pulse signal CP3 and outputs the number of mastication times to the control circuit 30. Here, the time window width Tw12 is equal to the first time width from when the comparison result signal CP1 is generated until the pulse width Tw1 that is the first time setting width elapses, and from when the comparison result signal CP2 is generated. This is a time width corresponding to a temporal logical sum with the second time width until the pulse width Tw2 which is the second time setting width elapses. Therefore, the counting circuit 40C outputs the comparison result signal when the comparison result signals CP1 and CP2 are output within the range of the predetermined time window width Tw12, that is, at substantially the same timing (there is a predetermined time width). When CP1 and CP2 are output, a pulse signal CP3 is generated as a time coincidence signal. Thereby, the accuracy of the number of chewing counts can be greatly increased as compared with the prior art. Here, the relationship between the time window width Tw12 and the pulse widths (time widths) Tw1 and Tw2 is expressed by the following equation.

Tw1 ≦ Tw12 (1)
Tw2 ≦ Tw12 (2)

  The time window width Tw12 is set as follows in comparison with the mastication cycle Tm of the mastication movement of the subject 5.

Tw12 <Tm (3)

  Here, the time window width Tw12 is about 1/5 to 1/20 of the masticatory cycle Tm of the subject 5 mastication.

  Compared with FIG. 2, the operation unit 31 of the control circuit 30 sets a pulse width setting key (sets each pulse width Tw1, Tw2 (default value or set value at the start of adjustment) of the one-shot pulse oscillators 14, 15). Is further provided.

  The control circuit 30 adjusts the threshold voltages Vth1 and Vth2 of the voltage sources 13 and 23 and the pulse widths (time widths) Tw1 and Tw2 of the one-shot pulse oscillators 14 and 15, respectively. Has a mode. Here, the threshold voltages Vth1 and Vth2 are changed from, for example, 0 V or a predetermined default value so as to increase sequentially with a predetermined step voltage width, and when the pulse signals CP1 to CP3 are generated together (at least CP3 only). Threshold voltage Vth1s, Vth2s at the time of occurrence of the occurrence of the mastication movement, and a margin voltage ΔV that takes into account fluctuations during mastication movement are added to determine threshold voltages Vth1, Vth2 as in the following equation: And set.

Vth1 = Vth1s + ΔV (4)
Vth2 = Vth2s + ΔV (5)

  Further, the pulse widths Tw1 and Tw2 are changed so as to increase, for example, from a width 0 or a predetermined default value in order with a predetermined step pulse width, and when the pulse signals CP1 to CP3 are generated together (at least only CP3 is generated). Threshold pulse widths Tthh1s and Twth2s at the time of the detection) and margin pulse width ΔTw taking into account fluctuations during mastication movement are added to determine pulse widths Tw1 and Tw2 as in the following equation: To set.

Tw1 = Twth1s + ΔTw (6)
Tw2 = Twth2s + ΔTw (7)

Here, the control circuit 30
(A) The subject manager 5 or a device manager such as the instructor of the subject 5 manually, as described above, each threshold voltage Vth1, Vth2 of the voltage source 13, 23 and each of the one-shot pulse oscillators 14, 15 Manual learning adjustment mode for adjusting the pulse width (time width) Tw1, Tw2,
(B) The control circuit 30 automatically calculates the threshold voltages Vth1 and Vth2 of the voltage sources 13 and 23 and the pulse widths (time widths) Tw1 and Tw2 of the one-shot pulse oscillators 14 and 15 as described above. And an automatic learning adjustment mode for adjustment.

  Further, the control circuit 30 starts the mastication movement after the subject 5 turns on the reset key, and when the number of mastication from the pulse counter 20 becomes a threshold number of times such as 20 or more, the control circuit 30 It is determined that it has been chewed, and a “swallowing instruction” is notified using, for example, voice. When using voice, for example, an instruction synthesized voice such as “please swallow” is output from the speaker 34. In response to this, the subject 5 performs swallowing and finishes a series of chewing movements. Next, when another food is eaten and the next mastication motion is started, the reset key is turned on, so that the count value of the pulse counter 20 is reset to 0 and the count of the number of mastications is started.

  As described above, according to the chewing frequency detection device 10C according to the present embodiment, the two sensors 1 and 2 are used in combination, and the counting circuit 40C counts the number of mastication times. The number of mastications can be detected with accuracy. Further, the threshold voltages Vth1 and Vth2 of the voltage sources 13 and 23 and the pulse widths (time widths) Tw1 and Tw2 of the one-shot pulse oscillators 14 and 15 can be determined and set manually or automatically. The accuracy of frequency detection can be further improved. Furthermore, it is possible to output a sound prompting swallowing according to the detected number of mastications, thereby promoting mastication of the subject and contributing to health promotion.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mastication number detection device 10D and the mobile device 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment shows detailed examples of communication processing between the mastication number detection device 10D and the mobile device 50 and control processes of the mastication number detection device 10D and the mobile device 50.

  In FIG. 7, the mastication frequency detection device 10D includes an optical sensor 1, a pressure sensor 2, amplifiers 11 and 21, a control circuit 30A having a memory 30m, a wireless communication unit 33 having an antenna 33A, and a speaker 34. It is prepared for. The mobile device 50 includes a wireless communication unit 133 having an antenna 50A, a control circuit 130 having a memory 130m, an operation unit 131, and a display unit 132. Here, the wireless communication units 33 and 133 perform wireless communication with each other in accordance with, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The display unit 132 of the mobile device 50 includes a so-called touch panel and includes an operation unit 131.

The control circuit 30A according to the fifth embodiment is based on each signal voltage based on the signal voltage input from the optical sensor 1 via the amplifier 11 and the signal voltage input from the pressure sensor 2 via the amplifier 21. Chewing judgment is performed and the number of chewing times is counted. Specifically, it was discovered that mastication determination can be performed more accurately than in the first to fourth embodiments by determining mastication as follows.
(1) A signal voltage from the pressure sensor 2 is passed through the second intermediate value from a second upper range from a value higher than the predetermined second intermediate value by a predetermined value to the second intermediate value. Thus, when the second lower range from the second intermediate value to a value smaller than the second intermediate value by a predetermined value is reached, the first mastication determination is performed to increase the number of mastications (FIG. 10A). S18 to S20).
(2) When the first mastication determination is performed and the number of mastications is not increased, the signal voltage from the optical sensor 1 is higher than a predetermined first intermediate value by a predetermined value up to the first intermediate value. When the first lower range is reached from the first upper range through the first intermediate value to a value that is smaller than the first intermediate value by a predetermined value than the first intermediate value. The number of mastications is counted so that the number of mastications is increased by performing 2 chewing determinations (S21 to S23 in FIG. 10A).

  A processing example of the mastication determination will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 2 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the jaw variation may be detected using an optical sensor or an acceleration sensor having the same configuration as the optical sensor 1. .

  FIG. 8 is a front view showing a display example showing the distribution of the number of times of biting displayed on the display unit 132 of the mobile device 50 of FIG. In FIG. 8, the distribution of the number of times of chewing (distribution data) is displayed at the top of the display unit 132, and the time for chewing and the time for swallowing (time data) are displayed below it. Furthermore, the number (10, 20, 30, 40) of the target number of chewing times is displayed on the lower side, and the target number of chewing times can be set by touching the one number (132a). Yes.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by the control circuit 130 of the mobile device 50 of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, an initial value setting process is executed in step S1. Specifically, the target mastication number Nob is set to 30 and the distribution data is cleared. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the “number of target chewing times” 132a on the display unit 132 has been touched. When YES, the process proceeds to step S3, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S3, the touched “number of target mastication times” 132a is set as the target mastication number Nob, and in step S4, it is determined whether a message transmission request signal is received from the mastication number detection device 10D. Advances to step S5, while if NO, advances to step S6. In step S5, a message reply signal including the set target mastication number Nob is transmitted. In step S6, a message transmission request signal is transmitted to the mastication number detection device 10D. In step S7, distribution is performed from the mastication number detection device 10D. After receiving the message reply signal including the data and the time data and displaying the distribution data and the time data on the display unit 132, the process returns to step S2.

  10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the control process executed by the control circuit 30 of the mastication number detection device 10D of FIG.

  In step S11 of FIG. 10A, an initial value setting process is executed. Specifically, distribution data and time data are set to initial values, the number of mastication Nbits is reset to 0, and the number of samplings Nsamp is reset to 0. Next, in step S12, a message transmission request signal is transmitted to the mobile device 50. In step S13, it is determined whether or not a message reply signal including the target mastication number Nob is received from the mobile device 50. When YES, the process proceeds to step S14, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S14, after setting the received mastication number Nob to the target mastication number Nob, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, in step S15, a default value 30 is set in the target mastication number Nob, and in step S16, it is determined whether a message transmission request signal is received from the mobile device 50 or not. When YES, the process proceeds to step S17, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S17, a message reply signal including distribution data and time data is transmitted to the mobile device 50, and the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the count-up parameter Nup indicating whether or not the number of chewing operations has been incremented is reset to 0, and the signal voltage Vs1 from the optical sensor 1 and the signal voltage Vs2 from the pressure sensor 2 are sampled. Next, in step S19, the signal voltage Vs2 from the pressure sensor 2 is set to a predetermined second lower side from the predetermined second upper range ((Vmid2 + ΔV2)> Vs2> Vmid2) via the second intermediate value Vmid2. It is determined whether or not the range (Vmid2> Vs2> (Vmid2−ΔV2)) has been changed. If YES, the process proceeds to step S20. If NO, the process proceeds to step S21. This first chewing determination is performed when the signal voltage Vs2 passes between a predetermined value and a value above the predetermined second intermediate value Vmid2, and it is determined that mastication has occurred. Next, in step S20, the number of chewing times Nbit is incremented by 1, the count up parameter Nup is set to 1, and then the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the signal voltage Vs1 from the optical sensor 1 is changed from a predetermined first upper range ((Vmid1 + ΔV1)> Vs1> Vmid1) to a predetermined first lower range (via the first intermediate value Vmid1). It is determined whether or not Vmid1> Vs1> (Vmid1−ΔV1)). When YES, the process proceeds to step S22, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S24. In the second chewing determination, when the mastication determination cannot be performed at the time of the first mastication determination (S22 to S23), the signal voltage Vs1 is between the value above and below the predetermined first intermediate value Vmid1. It is determined that it has been chewed when it passes. Next, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the count-up parameter Nup is 0. If YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S23, the number of chewing times Nbit is incremented by 1, and the count up parameter Nup is set to 1. In step S24, the number of sampling times Nsamp is incremented by 1. In step S25, whether the count up parameter Nup is 1 or not. To be judged. Here, when YES, the process proceeds to step S31 of FIG. 10B, and when NO, the process returns to step S18.

  In step S31 of FIG. 10B, the mastication time Tbit (= sampling interval × Nsamp) is calculated based on the sampling count Nsamp, stored and updated in the memory 30m, and the sampling count Nsamp is reset to zero. Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not the chewing time Tbit is within a predetermined swallowing estimation time range (T1 <Tbit <T2). If YES, it is estimated that the mastication time Tbit is swallowed and the process proceeds to step S35. If NO, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether or not the number of chewing times Nbit ≧ Nob. If YES, the process proceeds to step S34, and if NO, the process returns to step S18 in FIG. 10A. In step S34, a sound for instructing swallowing “please swallow” is generated from the speaker 34, and the process returns to step S18 in FIG. 10A.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the number of chewing times Nbit ≧ Nob. If YES, the process proceeds to step S37. If NO, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, a sound for instructing mastication to be “less than the target number of chewing times and further chew” is generated from the speaker 34. In step S35, the current mastication time Tbit is stored in the memory 30m as the swallowing time and updated. After updating the mastication frequency distribution data and resetting the mastication frequency Nbit to 0, the process returns to step S12 in FIG. 10A.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the control processing of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B by the control circuit 30A based on the two signal voltages Vs1, Vs2, in particular, the signal voltages Vs1, Vmin1, Vmin2, using the intermediate values Vmin1, Vmin2. Since mastication determination is made by passing Vs2 from intermediate values Vmin1 and Vmin2 to a smaller value than the intermediate values Vmin1 and Vmin2, the number of mastications can be detected with higher accuracy than in the prior art.

  As described above in detail, according to the mastication frequency detection device according to the present invention, the two detection means and the counting means are used in combination, and the counting means counts the number of mastication times. The number of mastications can be detected with accuracy. In addition, according to another mastication number detection device according to the present invention, mastication determination is performed using two detection means and control means, so that the number of mastication times can be detected with higher accuracy than in the prior art. A number detection device can be provided. In addition, it is possible to output a sound prompting swallowing according to the detected number of mastications, thereby promoting mastication of the subject and contributing to health promotion.

1 ... Optical sensor,
1a ... light source,
1b: a light receiving sensor,
2 ... Pressure sensor,
5 ... Subject,
6 ... The ear canal,
7 ... chin,
10, 10A-10D ... chewing frequency detection device,
11, 21 ... amplifiers,
12, 22 ... Comparator,
13, 23 ... voltage source,
14, 15 ... One-shot pulse oscillator,
16 ... Or gate,
17, 18, 19 ... Andgate,
20A, 20B ... pulse counter,
25 ... logic operation unit,
26: Pulse width detector,
30, 30A ... control circuit,
30m ... memory,
31 ... operation unit,
32 ... display part,
33 ... Wireless communication unit,
33A ... Antenna,
34 ... Speaker,
40: counting circuit,
50 ... Mobile devices,
50A ... Antenna,
61 ... Earphone part,
62 ... support arm,
130 ... control circuit,
130m ... memory,
131 ... operation unit,
132 ... display section,
133: Wireless communication unit.

Claims (11)

First detection means that includes an optical sensor, detects a change in the movement of the ear canal that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject, and outputs a first detection signal;
First comparison means for comparing the first detection signal with a predetermined first threshold value and outputting a first comparison result signal;
A second detection means including a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or an acceleration sensor, and detecting a change in movement of the jaw that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject and outputting a second detection signal;
Second comparing means for comparing the second detection signal with a predetermined second threshold value and outputting a second comparison result signal;
Counting means for counting the number of times when the first and second comparison result signals are output, respectively, and outputting them as the first and second count times;
A mastication number detection apparatus comprising: a control unit that calculates and outputs the number of mastication times of a subject based on the first and second counting times. The counting means performs a predetermined logical operation on the first and second counting times, and outputs the number of logical operation results to the control means,
2. The mastication number detection device according to claim 1, wherein the control means calculates and outputs the number of mastication times of the subject based on the number of logical operation results.   The mastication number detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means includes a storage device that stores a plurality of mastication times until the test subject swallows, and outputs a distribution of the plurality of mastication times.   The signal width of the first comparison result signal is detected, and when the signal width is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the swallowing operation is performed after the mastication exercise, and the counting number of the counting means is determined. The mastication number detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising signal width detection means for resetting.   The counting means generates an output signal when the first and second comparison result signals are output within a predetermined time window width, counts the number of the output signals, and outputs the number of mastication times. The device for detecting the number of chewing times according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:   The said control means alert | reports a swallowing instruction, when the said chewing frequency becomes more than predetermined threshold frequency count, The chewing frequency detection as described in any one of Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. apparatus.   The said control means alert | reports the said swallowing instruction | indication as a sound, The mastication frequency detection apparatus of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. First detection means that includes an optical sensor, detects a change in the movement of the ear canal that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject, and outputs a first detection signal;
A second detection means including a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or an acceleration sensor, and detecting a change in movement of the jaw that moves in accordance with the mastication movement of the subject and outputting a second detection signal;
Control means for counting the number of mastications of the subject based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal;
The control means includes
(1) The second intermediate value is determined from a second upper range in which the level of the second detection signal is higher than the predetermined second intermediate value by a predetermined value to the second intermediate value. Via the second intermediate value to increase the number of mastications by performing the first mastication determination when the second lower range from the second intermediate value to a value smaller than the second intermediate value by a predetermined value,
(2) When the first mastication determination is performed and the number of mastications is not increased, the first detection signal level is higher than a predetermined first intermediate value by a predetermined value from the first intermediate value. From the first upper range until the first lower range from the first intermediate value to a value smaller than the first intermediate value by a predetermined value via the first intermediate value The mastication frequency detecting device, wherein the number of mastications is counted so as to increase the number of mastications by performing a second mastication determination.   9. The mastication number detection device according to claim 8, wherein the control means includes a storage device that stores a plurality of mastication times until the test subject swallows, and outputs a distribution of the plurality of mastication times.   10. The mastication frequency detection device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control means notifies a swallowing instruction when the mastication frequency becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold frequency.   The said control means alert | reports the said swallowing instruction | indication as an audio | voice, The chewing frequency detection apparatus of Claim 10 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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