WO2019225244A1 - Biological signal acquisition electrode, biological signal acquisition electrode pair, and biological signal measurement system - Google Patents

Biological signal acquisition electrode, biological signal acquisition electrode pair, and biological signal measurement system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019225244A1
WO2019225244A1 PCT/JP2019/016798 JP2019016798W WO2019225244A1 WO 2019225244 A1 WO2019225244 A1 WO 2019225244A1 JP 2019016798 W JP2019016798 W JP 2019016798W WO 2019225244 A1 WO2019225244 A1 WO 2019225244A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrode
biological signal
earlobe
ear
support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2019/016798
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
洋介 井澤
Original Assignee
パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 filed Critical パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority to JP2020521108A priority Critical patent/JPWO2019225244A1/en
Publication of WO2019225244A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019225244A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
    • A61B5/279—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses
    • A61B5/291—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for electroencephalography [EEG]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/369—Electroencephalography [EEG]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a biosignal acquisition electrode worn by a user.
  • a technique has been proposed that enables the measurement of a biological signal by using an instrument that can be worn by a person, even outside the medical examination time of a medical institution, that is, without being restricted by location or time.
  • a biological signal measuring device including a body that is put on an ear and an electrode that is used in contact with the ear canal has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
  • the conventional biological signal measurement device described above needs to have a wide range of size or shape variations or support customization. .
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a biosignal acquisition electrode or the like that suppresses a load during wearing for a larger number of users even if there are fewer variations in size or shape.
  • a biosignal acquisition electrode includes a rod-like support body that is sandwiched between a user's pinna and a temporal region and fixed on the upper side of the pinna, A first detection unit made of a conductor that is supported by the support and is in contact with the temporal region between the support that is fixed on the upper side of the auricle and the temporal region;
  • the biological signal acquisition electrode pair further includes a first communication unit that receives supply of power from a power source inside the support, and the first communication unit detects the first detection unit.
  • the biological signal acquisition electrode that acquires a first input signal based on the potential of the temporal region and transmits the first output signal to the outside as a first output signal, and a conductor that is separated from the support and is in contact with the earlobe of the auricle
  • An earlobe electrode including a second communication unit configured to acquire a second input signal based on a potential of the earlobe detected by the second detection unit and transmit the second input signal to the outside as a second output signal .
  • the biological signal measurement system is a biological signal calculation acquired as the biological signal of the user based on the biological signal acquisition electrode pair and a difference between the first output signal and the second output signal. A part.
  • the biosignal acquisition electrode according to the present invention has a reduced load during wearing for more users even if there are few variations in size or shape.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a user wears the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the positions of the detection units of the biosignal acquisition electrode and the earlobe electrode according to the embodiment on the skin of the user.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the biological signal measurement system including the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5A is a diagram showing one modification of the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of the variation of the above-described biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another modification of the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a user wears the biosignal acquisition electrode according to the present embodiment.
  • the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 which is an example of the biosignal acquisition electrode in this embodiment is worn so as to be sandwiched between the user's pinna and the temporal region on the ear.
  • the upper ear electrode 10 is used together with the earlobe electrode 20 worn on the user's earlobe.
  • FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the appearance of the above-the-ear electrode 10.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 includes a support body 110 and an above-the-ear detection unit 100.
  • the support body 110 has a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the side surface is sandwiched between the user's auricle and the temporal region and is fixed on the upper side of the auricle. The wearing of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 is made possible.
  • the columnar shape of the support 110 as shown in the figure is an example, and the support 110 may be a rod shape.
  • the rod-like shape herein refers to a cylinder, a prism, a cone, a spindle shape, an intermediate shape of any combination thereof, or other long three-dimensional shapes.
  • the thickness or thickness of the support 110 is such that many people can pinch and fix the pinna between the auricle and the temporal region like a general stick-shaped writing instrument such as a pencil.
  • the length of the support 110 is set to a size that does not hinder the movement of the user when worn in the immediate vicinity of the head.
  • other members described later can be supported or built in, and have a length that can secure a contact area with the auricle and the temporal region to such an extent that the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 is stabilized on the auricle.
  • the material of the support 110 may be any material as long as the entire surface or at least the surface of the support 110 has little irritation to human skin even if it is touched for a long time.
  • the surface of the support 110 may be provided with irregularities that make it difficult to slide off from the auricle.
  • the upper ear detection unit 100 is located on the side surface of the support body 110 at a position in contact with the temporal region between the support body 110 fixed on the upper side of the pinna and the temporal region. Is supported by the support 110 so as to spread along the line.
  • the ear detection unit 100 is made of a conductor for detecting a potential on the skin of the user's temporal region and acquiring a biological signal indicating an electroencephalogram. Examples of the conductors here include silver and silver chloride, but are not limited to these, as long as they do not irritate human skin, other metals, or conductive rubber and other various conductors, Alternatively, a conductive object such as a sponge containing a conductive solvent is also included. It should be noted that when the above-the-ear electrode 10 is used, a gel or paste for improving contact with the skin may be used in combination.
  • the ear detection unit 100 is an example of the first detection unit in the present embodiment.
  • the earlobe electrode 20 used together with the above-the-ear electrode 10 is an electrode that is brought into contact with the user's earlobe in order to detect a reference potential with respect to the above-mentioned potential detected by the above-the-ear electrode 10.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the positions on the user's skin of the detection unit for detecting the potential on the user's skin, of each of the ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 according to the present embodiment.
  • yen box on the right side of FIG. 3 shows the mode of the back side of the user's left ear where the earlobe electrode 20 was mounted
  • the in-ear detection unit 100 of the in-ear electrode 10 is in contact with the skin of the user's temporal region.
  • the earlobe electrode 20 includes an earlobe detection unit 200A, a body earthing unit 200B, and a wearing tool 210.
  • the earlobe detection unit 200A is an example of a second detection unit in the present embodiment. It consists of the same conductor as a 1st detection part.
  • the body grounding part 200B is also made of the same conductor as the first detection part.
  • the wearing tool 210 according to the present embodiment includes a mechanism such as a clothespin, and the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body grounding part 200B are located on two opposing surfaces inside the distal end portion of the wearing tool 210.
  • the wearing tool 210 When the user's earlobe is pinched by the wearing tool 210, the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body grounding unit 200B come into contact with the skin on the front side and the rear side of the user's earlobe, respectively. As described above, the wearing tool 210 is separate from the support 110 and separates the earlobe detection unit 200 ⁇ / b> A and the body ground unit 200 ⁇ / b> B from the above-the-ear detection unit 100.
  • the contact impedance of the ear detection unit 100, the earlobe detection unit 200A, and the body grounding unit 200B decreases as the contact area with the skin increases, the performance of the device or system including the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 is improved. Leads to.
  • the sizes and shapes of the above-the-ear detection unit 100, the earlobe detection unit 200A, and the body grounding unit 200B shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 are examples and do not limit the present invention. Further, the location of the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body ground unit 200B may be interchanged.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the biological signal measurement system including the in-ear electrode 10.
  • the biological signal measurement system 1 includes an above-the-ear electrode 10, an earlobe electrode 20, and an information processing device 30.
  • the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 further includes an amplifier 120, an analog-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an AD converter) 140, and a communication unit 160.
  • an AD converter analog-digital converter
  • the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 may be connected to a power supply unit (not shown) so as to be supplied with electric power and accommodated in the support 110, as shown in FIGS. Is such an example. Accordingly, in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 do not appear on the appearance of the above-the-ear electrode 10.
  • the amplifier 120 is an amplifier circuit that receives the potential detected by the in-ear detection unit 100 as an input signal and outputs a signal obtained by amplifying the input signal.
  • the AD converter 140 is an electronic circuit that converts a signal based on the potential detected by the above-mentioned ear detection unit 100 and output from the amplifier 120 into a digital signal.
  • the communication unit 160 is a wireless communication module that outputs a digital signal output from the AD converter 140 and based on the potential detected by the above-the-ear detection unit 100.
  • the communication unit 160 is an example of the first communication unit in the present embodiment, and the digital signal output from the communication unit 160 is an example of the first output signal in the present embodiment.
  • the power supply unit is connected to a battery, and supplies power necessary for each operation to the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 from the battery.
  • a DC-DC converter may be included depending on the specification.
  • the button battery, sheet battery, or pin battery which can be accommodated in the inside of the support body 110 shown by FIGS. 1-3 is mentioned.
  • the earlobe electrode 20 includes an amplifier 220, an AD converter 240, a communication unit 260, and a potential generation circuit 270 in addition to the above-described earlobe detection unit 200 ⁇ / b> A, body grounding unit 200 ⁇ / b> B, and wearing tool 210.
  • the amplifier 220, the AD converter 240, the communication unit 260, and the potential generation circuit 270 may be connected to a power source unit (not shown) so as to be supplied with electric power and may be incorporated in the mounting tool 210.
  • FIG. 2 shows such an example. Therefore, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the amplifier 220, the AD converter 240, the communication unit 260, and the potential generation circuit 270 do not appear on the appearance of the earlobe electrode 20.
  • the potential generation circuit 270 is a circuit for generating a voltage for applying a ground potential necessary for measurement of the user's biological signal to the user's body, and includes a DC-DC converter that converts the voltage of the battery included in the power supply unit. .
  • the amplifier 220 is an amplifier circuit that receives the user's earlobe potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A as an input signal, amplifies the input signal, and outputs the amplified signal.
  • the AD converter 240 is an electronic circuit that converts a signal based on the potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A output from the amplifier 220 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal.
  • the communication unit 260 is a wireless communication module that outputs a digital signal output from the AD converter 240 based on the potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A.
  • the communication unit 260 is an example of the second communication unit in the present embodiment, and the digital signal output from the communication unit 260 is an example of the second output signal in the present embodiment.
  • the power supply unit of the earlobe electrode 20 includes a battery, and supplies power necessary for each operation to the amplifier 220, the AD converter 240, the communication unit 260, and the potential generation circuit 270.
  • a DC-DC converter may be included as necessary.
  • the button battery, sheet battery, or pin battery which can be accommodated in the inside of the mounting tool 210 shown by FIG.1 and FIG.3 is mentioned.
  • the information processing device 30 receives the first output signal from the upper ear electrode 10 and the second output signal from the earlobe electrode 20, acquires the user's biological signal based on the first output signal and the second output signal, Present the result to the user or store it as data. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 30 may perform a predetermined analysis on the acquired biological signal and present the result of the analysis to the user.
  • the information processing apparatus 30 that realizes these includes a communication unit 360, an arithmetic processing unit 350, a presentation unit 330, and a storage unit 310.
  • the communication unit 360 is realized using a communication module, and receives the first output signal transmitted from the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the second output signal transmitted from the earlobe electrode 20.
  • the arithmetic processing unit 350 is realized using a processor, and includes a biological signal calculation unit 355 that calculates a difference between the first output signal and the second output signal and acquires the difference as a user's biological signal.
  • the biological signal calculation unit 355 outputs the acquired biological signal as biological data and records it in the storage unit 310 or presents it to the user via the presentation unit 330.
  • the biological signal calculation unit 355 is realized by the processor executing a predetermined application program.
  • the presentation unit 330 is realized using, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and presents the biological data output from the arithmetic processing unit 350 to the user.
  • a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display presents the biological data output from the arithmetic processing unit 350 to the user.
  • the storage unit 310 is realized by using a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and records biometric data output from the arithmetic processing unit 350.
  • Such an information processing device 30 is realized by a portable information device such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a smart watch, and is carried by a user who wears the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20, and the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe. It communicates with the electrode 20 at any time.
  • the user can use the information processing apparatus 30 to view the current state or past record of his / her biological signal through a screen displayed by a predetermined application program executed on the information processing apparatus 30.
  • the application program may further include a biological signal analysis function, and a user's state that can be understood by analyzing the biological signal may be presented to the user through the screen.
  • Examples of the state of the user here include tension-relaxation, arousal-sleepiness.
  • the application program determines whether it is in a state suitable for some kind of behavior such as studying or sleeping, and evaluates the possibility of occurrence of some physical symptom related to brain waves such as epilepsy, and presents the result. May be.
  • the portable information device used as the information processing apparatus 30 may not be a highly versatile terminal device such as a smartphone, but may be a portable game machine or a dedicated portable or wearable information terminal. .
  • the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 includes a rod-like support 110 and an on-ear detection unit 100 made of a conductor.
  • the upper ear electrode 10 is fixed on the upper side of the user's auricle with the support 110 sandwiched between the auricle and the temporal region.
  • the in-ear detection unit 100 is supported by the support 110 between the support 110 and the user's temporal region and comes into contact with the temporal region.
  • Such an over-the-ear electrode 10 is provided as an electrode for acquiring a biological signal such as an electroencephalogram that can be worn for a long time with a light wearing feeling. Further, since the above-the-ear electrode 10 does not block the ear hole at the time of wearing, the user does not cause inconvenience due to insufficient hearing while living daily life. Furthermore, the size or shape of the auricle electrode 10 that can be worn is more relaxed than the conventional electrode that is applied to or around the conventional auricle to obtain a biological signal. Therefore, even if there are few variations in size or shape, it is possible to deal with the ears of many users.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 may further include a communication unit 160 that receives power supplied from a battery as a power source in the support 110.
  • the communication unit 160 obtains, as the input signal, a signal obtained by performing amplification and digital conversion processing on a signal based on the potential of the user's temporal region detected and output by the above-the-ear detection unit 100, Transmit to the outside as the first output signal.
  • the biological signal acquired by the above-the-ear electrode 10 can be processed or stored as the biological data in a device outside the above-the-ear electrode 10.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 may constitute a biosignal acquisition electrode together with the earlobe electrode 20.
  • the earlobe electrode 20 acquires the second input signal based on the earlobe potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A and the earlobe detection unit 200A made of a conductor that is separated from the support 110 and contacts the earlobe of the user's pinna.
  • a second communication unit that transmits the second output signal to the outside.
  • Such an electrode for biosignal acquisition does not block the ear hole when worn, so that the user does not cause inconvenience due to insufficient hearing while living daily life.
  • the size or shape of the auricle electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 is less restrictive than the conventional electrode that receives a biological signal by being applied to the auricle or its periphery. Therefore, even if there are few variations in size or shape, it is possible to deal with the ears of many users.
  • the biosignal acquisition electrode including the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 may constitute the biosignal measurement system 1 together with the biosignal calculation unit 355.
  • the biological signal calculation unit 355 calculates the difference between the first output signal from the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the second output signal from the earlobe electrode 20, and acquires the user's biological signal based on this difference.
  • a user of such a biological signal measurement system wears the upper ear electrode 10 like a person who wears glasses all the time while waking up, and has a daily life that is almost the same as when the upper ear electrode 10 is not worn. It is possible to take a record of one's own biological signal while sending it, and to use the record on the portable information terminal as necessary. Thereby, the information based on the objective parameter
  • FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams showing one of the modifications of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 according to the embodiment.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 may further include a latching portion.
  • the latching portion extends from the inner side of the auricle to the outer side of the auricle beyond the outer edge of the auricle, so that the upper ear electrode 10 Hang on the pinna.
  • FIG. 5A shows a hook-type hook 130A including a narrow band-shaped member.
  • FIG. 5B shows a wide cover-type latching portion 130B.
  • the shapes and quantities of the latching portions 130A and 130B are for illustrative purposes, and the shapes and quantities of the latching portions that the over-the-ear electrode 10 can have are not limited thereto. For example, it may be wider than the latching portion 130A of FIG. 5A.
  • the over-the-ear electrode 10 may include a latching portion that is wider than the latching portion 130A and is similar to the shape of the latching portion 130B, or may include a plurality of latching portions 130A.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 can be avoided to some extent by a user's movement. Or, for the wearing of the over-the-brain electrode 10 by the user, it is difficult to fix the over-the-border electrode 10 simply by pinching it between the auricle and the temporal head due to the size, shape, or positional relationship of the auricle or the temporal region. Can respond.
  • the weight of the upper ear electrode 10 inevitably increases in comparison with the absence of the hook portion, the size, thickness, material, and mounting position of the hook portion are the same as the wearing of the upper ear electrode 10. It is designed not to greatly deteriorate the feeling.
  • Examples of the material for the latching portion include those used for the support 110 described above. However, the material may not be the same as that of the support 110.
  • the position of the latching portion in the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B as long as it can prevent the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 from falling from the pinna.
  • the hooking portion may be detachable from the above-the-ear electrode 10 so that it can be arbitrarily attached by the user, for example, when playing sports. It may also be provided as an option for users who want to make the above-the-ear electrode 10 on the pinna more stable.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the modification of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 according to the embodiment.
  • the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 shown in FIG.
  • the support body 110 of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 and the mounting tool 210 of the earlobe electrode 20 are separate in this modification, and the earlobe detection unit 200A is separated from the above-the-ear detection unit 100. It is common.
  • the cable 250 includes wiring for exchanging electric power and / or signals between the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20.
  • at least a part of the battery, the power supply unit, the amplifier, the AD converter, and the communication unit in the earlobe electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 is concentrated on one of the earlobe electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20. May be.
  • the upper ear electrode 10 may not include a power supply unit, and power to the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 may be supplied from the power supply unit of the earlobe electrode 20.
  • the upper ear electrode 10 includes a power supply unit, but does not include a battery, but obtains electric power from the battery in the remote earlobe electrode 20 via the cable 250, and the power supply unit converts the voltage of the electric power to the ear electrode. You may supply to each component in the upper electrode 10.
  • the in-ear electrode 10 includes only the support 110 and the in-ear detection unit 100, and a signal output from the in-the-ear detection unit 100 is sent to the earlobe electrode 20 via the cable 250, The signal may be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 30 through amplification and AD conversion processing at the earlobe electrode 20.
  • the earlobe electrode 20 may be attached to the earlobe by means other than the clip-like mounting tool 210 as described above.
  • the whole may be attached to the earlobe in a configuration such as a piercing or earring of an accessory, and a part of the part in contact with the earlobe may be the earlobe detection unit 200A, and the other part may be the body grounding part 200B.
  • Other components such as the amplifier 220 may be provided in a decorative part that the earlobe electrode 20 further includes, or may be centralized within the upper ear electrode 10 connected by the cable 250.
  • the potential generation circuit 270 may be disposed in the above-the-ear electrode 10 and connected to the body ground unit 200 ⁇ / b> B with the cable 250.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 is a part of the temple of the smart glasses, and information processing It may be realized integrally with the device 30. In this case, wireless communication between the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the information processing apparatus 30 is unnecessary, and the signal output from the AD converter 140 may be input to the arithmetic processing unit 350 through a signal line.
  • the support 110 is symmetrical with respect to a certain surface including the long axis of the rod-like shape, and can be worn on the left and right auricles without distinction. Things are shown. Such a shape is also an example used in the description of the present invention, and the shape of the support for the above-mentioned ear electrode according to the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the support may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the above-mentioned surface, which is better to fit on either the left or right pinna. Further, in FIGS.
  • the shape of the in-ear detection unit 100 is symmetrical with respect to the above surface so as to be able to contact the temporal region on either the left or right auricle.
  • the support 110 may be asymmetric with respect to this surface.
  • the in-ear detection unit 100 is shown in a shape that contacts the user's skin on one continuous surface. You may touch. The same applies to the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body ground unit 200B.
  • the over-the-ear electrode 10 is shown on the user's left ear, but for example, the ear is on both the right and left ears.
  • the upper electrode 10 may be worn.
  • the information processing apparatus 30 can also use the difference between the biological signals acquired from the left and right temporal regions of the user.
  • the earlobe electrode 20 as an electrode for detecting the reference potential may be attached to either the left or right earlobe.
  • wireless communication between the communication units 160, 260, and 360 is, for example, Bluetooth. (Registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or a wireless communication system for a short distance such as a wireless LAN may be used, but is not limited thereto.
  • the information processing apparatus 30 may be realized by one or more computers that are remote from the user and connected via a communication network such as the Internet.
  • the communication units 160 and 260 are communication modules corresponding to various communication methods used for data communication with a mobile phone for communication with the information processing apparatus 30.
  • the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 may include components other than those shown in FIG.
  • a noise filter circuit may be provided.
  • you may provide a control part and a buffer memory.
  • Biosignal measurement system 10 Upper ear electrode (electrode for biosignal acquisition) 20 Earlobe electrode 100 Ear detection unit (first detection unit) 110 support body 160, 260, 360 communication part 200A earlobe detection part (second detection part) 355 Biological signal calculation unit

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Psychiatry (AREA)
  • Psychology (AREA)
  • Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)

Abstract

This biological signal acquisition electrode (10) is equipped with: a rod-shaped support body (110), the side surfaces of which are sandwiched by the auricle and the temporal portion of a user thereby securing the same at the upper side of the auricle; and a first detection unit (100) comprising an electroconductive body supported by the support body (110) between the temporal portion and the support body (110) secured at the upper side of the auricle, and in contact with the temporal portion.

Description

生体信号取得用電極、生体信号取得用電極対及び生体信号測定システムBiological signal acquisition electrode, biological signal acquisition electrode pair, and biological signal measurement system
　本発明は、ユーザに装用される生体信号取得用の電極に関する。 The present invention relates to a biosignal acquisition electrode worn by a user.
　人が装用可能な器具を用いることで、医療機関の外来の診療時間外でも、つまり場所又は時間の強い制約を受けずに生体信号の測定を可能にする技術が提案されている。例えば耳に掛けられる本体、外耳道に接触させて用いられる電極を備える生体信号測定装置が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１を参照）。 A technique has been proposed that enables the measurement of a biological signal by using an instrument that can be worn by a person, even outside the medical examination time of a medical institution, that is, without being restricted by location or time. For example, a biological signal measuring device including a body that is put on an ear and an electrode that is used in contact with the ear canal has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２０１０－２１３９２７号公報JP 2010-213927 A
　人の耳介の大きさ及び形状、並びに外耳道と耳朶との位置関係には個人差がある。そのため、上記の従来の生体信号測定装置では、長時間にわたって快適に装用可能なものを多くのユーザに提供するには、サイズ又は形状のバリエーションを広く揃えたり、カスタマイズに対応したりする必要がある。 There are individual differences in the size and shape of the human pinna and the positional relationship between the ear canal and the earlobe. For this reason, in order to provide a large number of users with a device that can be worn comfortably for a long time, the conventional biological signal measurement device described above needs to have a wide range of size or shape variations or support customization. .
　本発明は、サイズ又は形状のバリエーションがより少なくても、より多くのユーザにとって装用中の負荷を抑えた生体信号取得用電極等を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a biosignal acquisition electrode or the like that suppresses a load during wearing for a larger number of users even if there are fewer variations in size or shape.
　上記課題を解決するために、本発明に係る生体信号取得用電極は、ユーザの耳介と側頭部とで側面を挟み込まれて前記耳介の上側で固定される棒状の支持体と、前記耳介の上側で固定されている前記支持体と前記側頭部との間で前記支持体に支持されて前記側頭部に接触する導電体からなる第一検出部とを備える。 In order to solve the above problems, a biosignal acquisition electrode according to the present invention includes a rod-like support body that is sandwiched between a user's pinna and a temporal region and fixed on the upper side of the pinna, A first detection unit made of a conductor that is supported by the support and is in contact with the temporal region between the support that is fixed on the upper side of the auricle and the temporal region;
　また、本発明に係る生体信号取得用電極対は、電源から電力の供給を受ける第一通信部を前記支持体の内部にさらに備え、前記第一通信部は、第一検出部が検出する前記側頭部の電位に基づく第一入力信号を取得し、第一出力信号として外部に送信する上記の生体信号取得用電極と、前記支持体と離隔し、前記耳介の耳朶に接触させる導電体からなる第二検出部、及び前記第二検出部が検出する前記耳朶の電位に基づく第二入力信号を取得し、第二出力信号として外部に送信する第二通信部を備える耳朶電極とを備える。 The biological signal acquisition electrode pair according to the present invention further includes a first communication unit that receives supply of power from a power source inside the support, and the first communication unit detects the first detection unit. The biological signal acquisition electrode that acquires a first input signal based on the potential of the temporal region and transmits the first output signal to the outside as a first output signal, and a conductor that is separated from the support and is in contact with the earlobe of the auricle An earlobe electrode including a second communication unit configured to acquire a second input signal based on a potential of the earlobe detected by the second detection unit and transmit the second input signal to the outside as a second output signal .
　また、本発明に係る生体信号測定システムは、上記の生体信号取得用電極対と、前記第一出力信号と前記第二出力信号との差分に基づいて前記ユーザの生体信号として取得する生体信号算出部とを備える。 In addition, the biological signal measurement system according to the present invention is a biological signal calculation acquired as the biological signal of the user based on the biological signal acquisition electrode pair and a difference between the first output signal and the second output signal. A part.
　本発明に係る生体信号取得用電極は、サイズ又は形状のバリエーションが少なくても、より多くのユーザにとって装用中の負荷が抑えられている。 The biosignal acquisition electrode according to the present invention has a reduced load during wearing for more users even if there are few variations in size or shape.
図１は、実施の形態に係る生体信号取得用電極をユーザが装用している状態の例を示す模式図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a user wears the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment. 図２は、実施の形態に係る生体信号取得用電極の外観を説明するための図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment. 図３は、実施の形態に係る生体信号取得用電極及び耳朶電極それぞれの検出部のユーザの皮膚の上での位置を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the positions of the detection units of the biosignal acquisition electrode and the earlobe electrode according to the embodiment on the skin of the user. 図４は、実施の形態に係る生体信号取得用電極を備える生体信号測定システムの機能構成例を示すブロック図である。FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the biological signal measurement system including the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment. 図５Ａは、実施の形態に係る上記の生体信号取得用電極の変形例のひとつを示す図である。FIG. 5A is a diagram showing one modification of the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment. 図５Ｂは、実施の形態に係る上記の生体信号取得用電極の変形例の他のひとつを示す図である。FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of the variation of the above-described biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment. 図６は、実施の形態に係る上記の生体信号取得用電極の変形例のさらに他のひとつを示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another modification of the biological signal acquisition electrode according to the embodiment.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。以下に説明する実施の形態は本発明の一具体例を示すものである。したがって、以下で示される数値、形状、材料、構成要素、構成要素の配置位置及び接続形態等は説明のための一例であって、本発明を限定する趣旨ではない。よって、以下の実施の形態における構成要素のうち、独立請求項に記載されていない構成要素については、任意の構成要素として説明される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection forms of the constituent elements shown below are merely examples for explanation, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in the independent claims are described as arbitrary constituent elements.
　また、各図は模式図であり、必ずしも厳密に図示されたものではない。また、各図において、実質的に同一の構成に対しては同一の符号を付しており、共通点についての説明は適宜省略又は簡略化する。 Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown strictly. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the substantially same structure, The description about a common point is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.
　（実施の形態）
　図１は、本実施の形態に係る生体信号取得用電極をユーザが装用している状態の例を示す模式図である。生体信号取得用電極の本実施の形態における例である耳上電極１０は、図１に示されるように、耳上でユーザの耳介と側頭部とで挟み込まれるように装用される。耳上電極１０は、ユーザの耳朶に装用される耳朶電極２０とあわせて用いられる。 (Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a user wears the biosignal acquisition electrode according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 which is an example of the biosignal acquisition electrode in this embodiment is worn so as to be sandwiched between the user's pinna and the temporal region on the ear. The upper ear electrode 10 is used together with the earlobe electrode 20 worn on the user's earlobe.
　図２は、耳上電極１０の外観を説明するための図である。耳上電極１０は、支持体１１０と耳上検出部１００とを備える。 FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the appearance of the above-the-ear electrode 10. The above-the-ear electrode 10 includes a support body 110 and an above-the-ear detection unit 100.
　支持体１１０は、図２に示されるように円柱状であり、図１に示されるように、ユーザの耳介と側頭部とで側面を挟み込まれて耳介の上側で固定されることで耳上電極１０の装用を可能にする。なお、支持体１１０の図示のような円柱状の形状は一例であり、支持体１１０は棒状であればよい。ここでいう棒状とは、円柱の他、角柱、錐体、紡錘形状若しくはこれらの任意の組み合わせの中間的な形状、又はその他の長尺の立体的形状を指す。また、支持体１１０の太さ又は厚さは、鉛筆等の一般的な棒状の筆記具のように、多くの人が耳介と側頭部とで挟んで固定できる程度である。また、支持体１１０の長さは頭部のすぐ近くで装用されたときにユーザの動きを妨げたりしない程度の大きさに収められる。ただし、後述する他の部材の支持又は内蔵が可能であり、耳上電極１０が耳介の上で安定する程度に耳介及び側頭部との接触面積を確保できる程度の長さは有する。また、支持体１１０の材料としては、全体又は少なくとも表面が、長時間触れていても人の皮膚にほとんど刺激のないものであればよく、例えば眼鏡のフレーム又は鼻当てに用いられる各種の樹脂類が例として挙げられる。支持体１１０の表面には、耳介の上から滑り落ちにくくするような凹凸の加工が施されていてもよい。 The support body 110 has a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the side surface is sandwiched between the user's auricle and the temporal region and is fixed on the upper side of the auricle. The wearing of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 is made possible. Note that the columnar shape of the support 110 as shown in the figure is an example, and the support 110 may be a rod shape. The rod-like shape herein refers to a cylinder, a prism, a cone, a spindle shape, an intermediate shape of any combination thereof, or other long three-dimensional shapes. Further, the thickness or thickness of the support 110 is such that many people can pinch and fix the pinna between the auricle and the temporal region like a general stick-shaped writing instrument such as a pencil. Further, the length of the support 110 is set to a size that does not hinder the movement of the user when worn in the immediate vicinity of the head. However, other members described later can be supported or built in, and have a length that can secure a contact area with the auricle and the temporal region to such an extent that the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 is stabilized on the auricle. The material of the support 110 may be any material as long as the entire surface or at least the surface of the support 110 has little irritation to human skin even if it is touched for a long time. For example, various resins used for a frame of glasses or a nose pad Is given as an example. The surface of the support 110 may be provided with irregularities that make it difficult to slide off from the auricle.
　耳上検出部１００は、図２に示されるように、耳介の上側で固定されている支持体１１０と側頭部との間で当該側頭部に接触する位置に、支持体１１０の側面に沿って広がるように支持体１１０に支持される。耳上検出部１００は、ユーザの側頭部の皮膚上で電位を検出して脳波を示す生体信号を取得するための導電体からなる。ここでの導電体の例としては銀及び塩化銀が挙げられるがこれらに限定されず、人の皮膚に刺激のないものであれば、その他の金属、若しくは導電性ゴムその他の各種の導電体、又は導電性の溶媒を含ませたスポンジ等の導電物体も含まれる。なお、耳上電極１０の使用時には、皮膚への接触性を向上するためのゲル又はペーストが併用されてもよい。耳上検出部１００は本実施の形態における第一検出部の例である。 As shown in FIG. 2, the upper ear detection unit 100 is located on the side surface of the support body 110 at a position in contact with the temporal region between the support body 110 fixed on the upper side of the pinna and the temporal region. Is supported by the support 110 so as to spread along the line. The ear detection unit 100 is made of a conductor for detecting a potential on the skin of the user's temporal region and acquiring a biological signal indicating an electroencephalogram. Examples of the conductors here include silver and silver chloride, but are not limited to these, as long as they do not irritate human skin, other metals, or conductive rubber and other various conductors, Alternatively, a conductive object such as a sponge containing a conductive solvent is also included. It should be noted that when the above-the-ear electrode 10 is used, a gel or paste for improving contact with the skin may be used in combination. The ear detection unit 100 is an example of the first detection unit in the present embodiment.
　耳上電極１０とあわせて用いられる耳朶電極２０は、耳上電極１０で検出される上記の電位に対する基準電位を検出するためにユーザの耳朶に接触させる電極である。図３は、本実施の形態に係る耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０それぞれの、ユーザの皮膚上で電位を検出する検出部のユーザの皮膚の上での位置を説明するための図である。なお、図３の右側にある円の囲みの中の図は、耳朶電極２０が装着されたユーザの左耳の裏側の様子を示す。 The earlobe electrode 20 used together with the above-the-ear electrode 10 is an electrode that is brought into contact with the user's earlobe in order to detect a reference potential with respect to the above-mentioned potential detected by the above-the-ear electrode 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the positions on the user's skin of the detection unit for detecting the potential on the user's skin, of each of the ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 according to the present embodiment. In addition, the figure in the circle | round | yen box on the right side of FIG. 3 shows the mode of the back side of the user's left ear where the earlobe electrode 20 was mounted | worn.
　上述のとおり、耳上電極１０の耳上検出部１００はユーザの側頭部の皮膚と接触する。耳朶電極２０は、耳朶検出部２００Ａと、身体アース部２００Ｂと、装着具２１０とを備える。耳朶検出部２００Ａは、本実施の形態における第二検出部の例であり。第一検出部と同様の導電体からなる。また、身体アース部２００Ｂも第一検出部と同様の導電体からなる。本実施の形態における装着具２１０は洗濯バサミのような機構を備え、耳朶検出部２００Ａ及び身体アース部２００Ｂは、装着具２１０の先端部分の内側の対向する二面に位置する。装着具２１０でユーザの耳朶を挟むと、耳朶検出部２００Ａと身体アース部２００Ｂとがそれぞれユーザの耳朶の前側と後側とで皮膚に接触する。このように、装着具２１０は支持体１１０とは別体であり、耳朶検出部２００Ａ及び身体アース部２００Ｂを耳上検出部１００から離隔する。 As described above, the in-ear detection unit 100 of the in-ear electrode 10 is in contact with the skin of the user's temporal region. The earlobe electrode 20 includes an earlobe detection unit 200A, a body earthing unit 200B, and a wearing tool 210. The earlobe detection unit 200A is an example of a second detection unit in the present embodiment. It consists of the same conductor as a 1st detection part. The body grounding part 200B is also made of the same conductor as the first detection part. The wearing tool 210 according to the present embodiment includes a mechanism such as a clothespin, and the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body grounding part 200B are located on two opposing surfaces inside the distal end portion of the wearing tool 210. When the user's earlobe is pinched by the wearing tool 210, the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body grounding unit 200B come into contact with the skin on the front side and the rear side of the user's earlobe, respectively. As described above, the wearing tool 210 is separate from the support 110 and separates the earlobe detection unit 200 </ b> A and the body ground unit 200 </ b> B from the above-the-ear detection unit 100.
　なお、耳上検出部１００、耳朶検出部２００Ａ及び身体アース部２００Ｂは、その皮膚との接触面積が大きいほど接触インピーダンスが下がるため、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０を含む装置又はシステムの性能向上につながる。ただし、図２又は図３に示される耳上検出部１００、耳朶検出部２００Ａ及び身体アース部２００Ｂの大きさ及び形状は例であり、本発明を限定するものではない。また、耳朶検出部２００Ａと身体アース部２００Ｂとは場所が入れ替わってもよい。 In addition, since the contact impedance of the ear detection unit 100, the earlobe detection unit 200A, and the body grounding unit 200B decreases as the contact area with the skin increases, the performance of the device or system including the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 is improved. Leads to. However, the sizes and shapes of the above-the-ear detection unit 100, the earlobe detection unit 200A, and the body grounding unit 200B shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 are examples and do not limit the present invention. Further, the location of the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body ground unit 200B may be interchanged.
　図４は、耳上電極１０を含む生体信号測定システムの機能構成例を示すブロック図である。本実施の形態に係る生体信号測定システム１は、耳上電極１０と、耳朶電極２０と、情報処理装置３０とを備える。 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the biological signal measurement system including the in-ear electrode 10. The biological signal measurement system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an above-the-ear electrode 10, an earlobe electrode 20, and an information processing device 30.
　耳上電極１０は、上述の耳上検出部１００及び支持体１１０に加えて、さらに増幅器１２０、アナログ－デジタル変換器（以下及び図中ではＡＤ変換器と表記する）１４０、及び通信部１６０を備える。なお、増幅器１２０、ＡＤ変換器１４０、及び通信部１６０は、電力の供給を受けるように電源部（図示なし）と接続されて支持体１１０に収容されてもよく、図１から図３が示すのはそのような例である。したがって図１から図３では、増幅器１２０、ＡＤ変換器１４０、及び通信部１６０は耳上電極１０の外観には現れていない。 In addition to the above-mentioned ear detection unit 100 and support 110, the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 further includes an amplifier 120, an analog-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an AD converter) 140, and a communication unit 160. Prepare. Note that the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 may be connected to a power supply unit (not shown) so as to be supplied with electric power and accommodated in the support 110, as shown in FIGS. Is such an example. Accordingly, in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 do not appear on the appearance of the above-the-ear electrode 10.
　増幅器１２０は、耳上検出部１００が検出した電位を入力信号として受け取り、この入力信号を増幅した信号を出力する増幅回路である。 The amplifier 120 is an amplifier circuit that receives the potential detected by the in-ear detection unit 100 as an input signal and outputs a signal obtained by amplifying the input signal.
　ＡＤ変換器１４０は、増幅器１２０から出力された、耳上検出部１００が検出した電位に基づく信号をデジタルの信号に変換して出力する電子回路である。 The AD converter 140 is an electronic circuit that converts a signal based on the potential detected by the above-mentioned ear detection unit 100 and output from the amplifier 120 into a digital signal.
　通信部１６０は、ＡＤ変換器１４０から出力された、耳上検出部１００が検出した電位に基づくデジタル信号を出力する無線通信モジュールである。通信部１６０は本実施の形態における第一通信部の例であり、通信部１６０から出力されるデジタル信号は本実施の形態における第一出力信号の例である。 The communication unit 160 is a wireless communication module that outputs a digital signal output from the AD converter 140 and based on the potential detected by the above-the-ear detection unit 100. The communication unit 160 is an example of the first communication unit in the present embodiment, and the digital signal output from the communication unit 160 is an example of the first output signal in the present embodiment.
　電源部は電池に接続され、増幅器１２０、ＡＤ変換器１４０、及び通信部１６０に、上記の各動作に必要な電力をこの電池から供給する。仕様に応じてＤＣ－ＤＣコンバータを含んでもよい。なお、ここでの電池の例としては、図１から図３までに示される支持体１１０の内部に収容可能なボタン電池、シート電池、又はピン電池が挙げられる。 The power supply unit is connected to a battery, and supplies power necessary for each operation to the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 from the battery. A DC-DC converter may be included depending on the specification. In addition, as an example of a battery here, the button battery, sheet battery, or pin battery which can be accommodated in the inside of the support body 110 shown by FIGS. 1-3 is mentioned.
　耳朶電極２０は、上述の耳朶検出部２００Ａ、身体アース部２００Ｂ、及び装着具２１０に加えて、さらに増幅器２２０、ＡＤ変換器２４０、通信部２６０、及び電位生成回路２７０を備える。なお、増幅器２２０、ＡＤ変換器２４０、通信部２６０、及び電位生成回路２７０は、電力の供給を受けるように電源部（図示なし）と接続されて装着具２１０に内蔵されてもよく、図１及び図２が示すのはそのような例である。したがって図１及び図２では、増幅器２２０、ＡＤ変換器２４０、通信部２６０、及び電位生成回路２７０は耳朶電極２０の外観には現れていない。 The earlobe electrode 20 includes an amplifier 220, an AD converter 240, a communication unit 260, and a potential generation circuit 270 in addition to the above-described earlobe detection unit 200 </ b> A, body grounding unit 200 </ b> B, and wearing tool 210. The amplifier 220, the AD converter 240, the communication unit 260, and the potential generation circuit 270 may be connected to a power source unit (not shown) so as to be supplied with electric power and may be incorporated in the mounting tool 210. And FIG. 2 shows such an example. Therefore, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the amplifier 220, the AD converter 240, the communication unit 260, and the potential generation circuit 270 do not appear on the appearance of the earlobe electrode 20.
　電位生成回路２７０は、ユーザの生体信号の計測に必要なアース電位をユーザの身体に印加する電圧を生成するための回路であり、電源部が含む電池の電圧を変換するＤＣ－ＤＣコンバータを含む。 The potential generation circuit 270 is a circuit for generating a voltage for applying a ground potential necessary for measurement of the user's biological signal to the user's body, and includes a DC-DC converter that converts the voltage of the battery included in the power supply unit. .
　増幅器２２０は、耳朶検出部２００Ａが検出したユーザの耳朶の電位を入力信号として受け取り、この入力信号を増幅して出力する増幅回路である。 The amplifier 220 is an amplifier circuit that receives the user's earlobe potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A as an input signal, amplifies the input signal, and outputs the amplified signal.
　ＡＤ変換器２４０は、増幅器２２０から出力された、耳朶検出部２００Ａが検出した電位に基づく信号をデジタルの信号に変換して出力する電子回路である。 The AD converter 240 is an electronic circuit that converts a signal based on the potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A output from the amplifier 220 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal.
　通信部２６０は、ＡＤ変換器２４０から出力された、耳朶検出部２００Ａが検出した電位に基づくデジタル信号を出力する無線通信モジュールである。通信部２６０は本実施の形態における第二通信部の例であり、通信部２６０から出力されるデジタル信号は本実施の形態における第二出力信号の例である。 The communication unit 260 is a wireless communication module that outputs a digital signal output from the AD converter 240 based on the potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A. The communication unit 260 is an example of the second communication unit in the present embodiment, and the digital signal output from the communication unit 260 is an example of the second output signal in the present embodiment.
　耳朶電極２０の電源部は電池を含み、増幅器２２０、ＡＤ変換器２４０、及び通信部２６０及び電位生成回路２７０に、上記の各動作に必要な電力を供給する。必要に応じてＤＣ－ＤＣコンバータを含んでもよい。なお、ここでの電池の例としては、図１及び図３に示される装着具２１０の内部に収容可能なボタン電池、シート電池、又はピン電池が挙げられる。 The power supply unit of the earlobe electrode 20 includes a battery, and supplies power necessary for each operation to the amplifier 220, the AD converter 240, the communication unit 260, and the potential generation circuit 270. A DC-DC converter may be included as necessary. In addition, as an example of a battery here, the button battery, sheet battery, or pin battery which can be accommodated in the inside of the mounting tool 210 shown by FIG.1 and FIG.3 is mentioned.
　情報処理装置３０は、耳上電極１０から第一出力信号を、耳朶電極２０から第二出力信号を受信し、第一出力信号及び第二出力信号に基づいてユーザの生体信号を取得し、その結果をユーザに提示したり、データとして保管したりする。または、情報処理装置３０は、取得した生体信号に所定の分析を行って、その分析の結果をユーザに提示してもよい。これらを実現する情報処理装置３０は、通信部３６０、演算処理部３５０、提示部３３０、及び記憶部３１０を備える。 The information processing device 30 receives the first output signal from the upper ear electrode 10 and the second output signal from the earlobe electrode 20, acquires the user's biological signal based on the first output signal and the second output signal, Present the result to the user or store it as data. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 30 may perform a predetermined analysis on the acquired biological signal and present the result of the analysis to the user. The information processing apparatus 30 that realizes these includes a communication unit 360, an arithmetic processing unit 350, a presentation unit 330, and a storage unit 310.
　通信部３６０は通信モジュールを用いて実現され、耳上電極１０から送信される第一出力信号及び耳朶電極２０から送信される第二出力信号を受信する。 The communication unit 360 is realized using a communication module, and receives the first output signal transmitted from the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the second output signal transmitted from the earlobe electrode 20.
　演算処理部３５０はプロセッサを用いて実現され、第一出力信号と第二出力信号との差分を算出してユーザの生体信号として取得する生体信号算出部３５５を備える。また、生体信号算出部３５５は取得した生体信号を生体データと出力して、記憶部３１０に記録したり、提示部３３０を介してユーザに提示したりする。生体信号算出部３５５はプロセッサが所定のアプリケーションプログラムを実行することで実現される。 The arithmetic processing unit 350 is realized using a processor, and includes a biological signal calculation unit 355 that calculates a difference between the first output signal and the second output signal and acquires the difference as a user's biological signal. In addition, the biological signal calculation unit 355 outputs the acquired biological signal as biological data and records it in the storage unit 310 or presents it to the user via the presentation unit 330. The biological signal calculation unit 355 is realized by the processor executing a predetermined application program.
　提示部３３０は、例えば液晶又は有機ＥＬ（Electro-Luminescence）のディスプレイを用いて実現され、演算処理部３５０から出力される生体データをユーザに提示する。 The presentation unit 330 is realized using, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and presents the biological data output from the arithmetic processing unit 350 to the user.
　記憶部３１０は、例えばハードディスク又はフラッシュメモリ等の記憶媒体を用いて実現され、演算処理部３５０から出力される生体データを記録する。 The storage unit 310 is realized by using a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and records biometric data output from the arithmetic processing unit 350.
　このような情報処理装置３０は、例えばスマートフォン、タブレットＰＣ、スマートウォッチ等の携帯情報機器で実現されて、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０を装用するユーザによって携帯されて、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０と随時通信する。ユーザは例えば情報処理装置３０を用いて、情報処理装置３０上で実行される所定のアプリケーションプログラムによって表示される画面を通じて自己の生体信号の現在の状態又は過去の記録を見ることができる。また、このアプリケーションプログラムには、生体信号の分析機能がさらに備わっていていてもよく、生体信号を分析することで分かるユーザの状態が画面を通じてユーザに提示されてもよい。ここでいうユーザの状態の例としては、緊張度－リラックス度、覚醒－眠気が挙げられる。または、アプリケーションプログラムによって勉強又は睡眠など何らかの行動に適した状態であるか否かの判定、てんかんなどの脳波に関わる何らかの身体症状の兆候の発生の可能性の評価等がなされて、その結果が提示されてもよい。なお、情報処理装置３０として使用される携帯情報機器はスマートフォンのような汎用性の高い端末機器でなくてもよく、携帯型のゲーム機、又は専用の携帯型若しくはウェアラブル情報端末であってもよい。 Such an information processing device 30 is realized by a portable information device such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a smart watch, and is carried by a user who wears the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20, and the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe. It communicates with the electrode 20 at any time. For example, the user can use the information processing apparatus 30 to view the current state or past record of his / her biological signal through a screen displayed by a predetermined application program executed on the information processing apparatus 30. In addition, the application program may further include a biological signal analysis function, and a user's state that can be understood by analyzing the biological signal may be presented to the user through the screen. Examples of the state of the user here include tension-relaxation, arousal-sleepiness. Or, the application program determines whether it is in a state suitable for some kind of behavior such as studying or sleeping, and evaluates the possibility of occurrence of some physical symptom related to brain waves such as epilepsy, and presents the result. May be. Note that the portable information device used as the information processing apparatus 30 may not be a highly versatile terminal device such as a smartphone, but may be a portable game machine or a dedicated portable or wearable information terminal. .
　上記のとおり説明した本実施の形態に係る耳上電極１０は、棒状の支持体１１０と、導電体からなる耳上検出部１００とを備える。耳上電極１０は、支持体１１０が耳介と側頭部とで側面を挟み込まれてユーザの耳介の上側で固定される。このとき耳上検出部１００は、支持体１１０とユーザの側頭部との間で支持体１１０に支持されて側頭部に接触する。 The above-mentioned ear electrode 10 according to the present embodiment as described above includes a rod-like support 110 and an on-ear detection unit 100 made of a conductor. The upper ear electrode 10 is fixed on the upper side of the user's auricle with the support 110 sandwiched between the auricle and the temporal region. At this time, the in-ear detection unit 100 is supported by the support 110 between the support 110 and the user's temporal region and comes into contact with the temporal region.
　このような耳上電極１０は、軽い装用感で長時間装用可能な、脳波等の生体信号を取得するための電極として提供される。また、耳上電極１０は、装用時に耳穴を塞がないため、ユーザは日常生活を送りながら不十分な聞こえに起因する不便を生じさせない。さらに耳上電極１０は、装用可能な耳介の大きさ又は形状の制約が、従来の耳介又はその周辺に当てられて生体信号を取得する電極よりも緩い。したがって、サイズ又は形状のバリエーションが少なくても、多くのユーザの耳介に対応することができる。 Such an over-the-ear electrode 10 is provided as an electrode for acquiring a biological signal such as an electroencephalogram that can be worn for a long time with a light wearing feeling. Further, since the above-the-ear electrode 10 does not block the ear hole at the time of wearing, the user does not cause inconvenience due to insufficient hearing while living daily life. Furthermore, the size or shape of the auricle electrode 10 that can be worn is more relaxed than the conventional electrode that is applied to or around the conventional auricle to obtain a biological signal. Therefore, even if there are few variations in size or shape, it is possible to deal with the ears of many users.
　また、耳上電極１０は、電源である電池から電力の供給を受ける通信部１６０を支持体１１０の内部にさらに備えてもよい。通信部１６０は、耳上検出部１００が検出して出力するユーザの側頭部の電位に基づく信号に対して増幅及びデジタル変換の処理がなされて得られた信号を当該入力信号として取得し、第一出力信号として外部に送信する。 In addition, the above-the-ear electrode 10 may further include a communication unit 160 that receives power supplied from a battery as a power source in the support 110. The communication unit 160 obtains, as the input signal, a signal obtained by performing amplification and digital conversion processing on a signal based on the potential of the user's temporal region detected and output by the above-the-ear detection unit 100, Transmit to the outside as the first output signal.
　これにより、耳上電極１０で取得された生体信号を、耳上電極１０の外部の機器において生体データとして処理又は記憶させることができる。 Thereby, the biological signal acquired by the above-the-ear electrode 10 can be processed or stored as the biological data in a device outside the above-the-ear electrode 10.
　また、耳上電極１０は、耳朶電極２０とともに生体信号取得用電極を構成してもよい。耳朶電極２０には、支持体１１０と離隔し、ユーザの耳介の耳朶に接触させる導電体からなる耳朶検出部２００Ａと、耳朶検出部２００Ａが検出する耳朶の電位に基づく第二入力信号を取得し、第二出力信号として外部に送信する第二通信部とが含まれる。 Further, the above-the-ear electrode 10 may constitute a biosignal acquisition electrode together with the earlobe electrode 20. The earlobe electrode 20 acquires the second input signal based on the earlobe potential detected by the earlobe detection unit 200A and the earlobe detection unit 200A made of a conductor that is separated from the support 110 and contacts the earlobe of the user's pinna. And a second communication unit that transmits the second output signal to the outside.
　このような生体信号取得用電極は、装用時に耳穴を塞がないため、ユーザは日常生活を送りながら不十分な聞こえに起因する不便を生じさせない。また、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０は、装用可能な耳介の大きさ又は形状の制約が、従来の耳介又はその周辺に当てられて生体信号を取得する電極よりも緩い。したがって、サイズ又は形状のバリエーションが少なくても、多くのユーザの耳介に対応することができる。 Such an electrode for biosignal acquisition does not block the ear hole when worn, so that the user does not cause inconvenience due to insufficient hearing while living daily life. In addition, the size or shape of the auricle electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 is less restrictive than the conventional electrode that receives a biological signal by being applied to the auricle or its periphery. Therefore, even if there are few variations in size or shape, it is possible to deal with the ears of many users.
　また、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０を含む生体信号取得用電極は、生体信号算出部３５５とともに、生体信号測定システム１を構成してもよい。生体信号算出部３５５は、耳上電極１０からの第一出力信号と耳朶電極２０からの第二出力信号との差分を算出し、この差分に基づいてユーザの生体信号を取得する。 Moreover, the biosignal acquisition electrode including the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 may constitute the biosignal measurement system 1 together with the biosignal calculation unit 355. The biological signal calculation unit 355 calculates the difference between the first output signal from the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the second output signal from the earlobe electrode 20, and acquires the user's biological signal based on this difference.
　このような生体信号測定システムのユーザは、例えば起きている間は眼鏡をずっと掛けている人のように耳上電極１０を装用し、耳上電極１０を装用しないときとほぼ変わらない日常生活を送りながら自己の生体信号の記録を取ることができ、また、自己の携帯情報端末上で必要に応じてその記録を利用することができる。これにより、自己の心身の状態に関する客観的な指標に基づく情報を得ることができ、効率的な活動又は健康の管理に役立てることができる。 A user of such a biological signal measurement system wears the upper ear electrode 10 like a person who wears glasses all the time while waking up, and has a daily life that is almost the same as when the upper ear electrode 10 is not worn. It is possible to take a record of one's own biological signal while sending it, and to use the record on the portable information terminal as necessary. Thereby, the information based on the objective parameter | index regarding the state of one's mind and body can be obtained, and it can be used for efficient activity or health management.
　（変形例）
　耳上電極及びこれを含む生体信号測定システムについて、実施の形態に基づいて上記のとおり説明したが、本発明は、上記の実施の形態に限定されるものではない。次に、上記の実施の形態の変形例をいくつか挙げる。 (Modification)
Although the above-mentioned ear electrode and the biological signal measurement system including the electrode have been described based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Next, some modifications of the above embodiment will be described.
　図５Ａ及び図５Ｂは、それぞれ実施の形態に係る上記の耳上電極１０の変形例のひとつを示す図である。 FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams showing one of the modifications of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 according to the embodiment.
　図５Ａ及び図５Ｂに示されるように、耳上電極１０はさらに掛止部を備えてもよい。掛止部は、支持体１１０がユーザによって装着され耳介の上側で固定されている時に、その耳介の内側から耳輪の外縁を越えて耳介の外側まで延在して、耳上電極１０を耳介に掛止させる。なお、本明細書での上側、内側、外側等の方向を示す表現は、解剖学で用いられる意味で用いられている。図５Ａに示されるのは、幅の細い帯状の部材を含むフック型の掛止部１３０Ａである。図５Ｂに示されるのは、幅の広いカバー型の掛止部１３０Ｂである。 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the above-the-ear electrode 10 may further include a latching portion. When the support 110 is worn by the user and fixed on the upper side of the auricle, the latching portion extends from the inner side of the auricle to the outer side of the auricle beyond the outer edge of the auricle, so that the upper ear electrode 10 Hang on the pinna. In the present specification, expressions indicating directions such as the upper side, the inner side, and the outer side are used in the meaning used in anatomy. FIG. 5A shows a hook-type hook 130A including a narrow band-shaped member. FIG. 5B shows a wide cover-type latching portion 130B.
　なお、掛止部１３０Ａ及び掛止部１３０Ｂの形状及び数量は例示を目的とするものであり、耳上電極１０が備え得る掛止部の形状及び数量はこれに限定されない。例えば図５Ａの掛止部１３０Ａよりは幅広であってもよい。耳上電極１０は、掛止部１３０Ａよりも幅広で掛止部１３０Ｂの形状に近い掛止部を備えてもよいし、掛止部１３０Ａを複数備えてもよい。 Note that the shapes and quantities of the latching portions 130A and 130B are for illustrative purposes, and the shapes and quantities of the latching portions that the over-the-ear electrode 10 can have are not limited thereto. For example, it may be wider than the latching portion 130A of FIG. 5A. The over-the-ear electrode 10 may include a latching portion that is wider than the latching portion 130A and is similar to the shape of the latching portion 130B, or may include a plurality of latching portions 130A.
　このような掛止部を備えることで、耳上電極１０はユーザの動きによる落下をある程度免れることができる。または、耳介又は側頭部の大きさ、形状、又は位置関係のせいで、耳介と側頭部とで挟むだけでは耳上電極１０の固定が難しいユーザによる耳上電極１０の装用にさらに対応することができる。 By providing such a latching portion, the above-the-ear electrode 10 can be avoided to some extent by a user's movement. Or, for the wearing of the over-the-brain electrode 10 by the user, it is difficult to fix the over-the-border electrode 10 simply by pinching it between the auricle and the temporal head due to the size, shape, or positional relationship of the auricle or the temporal region. Can respond.
　なお、掛止部があることで、ないときにくらべて耳上電極１０の重量は必然的に増加するため、掛止部の大きさ、厚み、材料、取付位置は、耳上電極１０の装用感を大きく悪化させないよう設計される。 In addition, since the weight of the upper ear electrode 10 inevitably increases in comparison with the absence of the hook portion, the size, thickness, material, and mounting position of the hook portion are the same as the wearing of the upper ear electrode 10. It is designed not to greatly deteriorate the feeling.
　掛止部の材料としては、上述の支持体１１０に用いられるようなものが挙げられる。ただし、支持体１１０と共通の材料でなくてもよい。 Examples of the material for the latching portion include those used for the support 110 described above. However, the material may not be the same as that of the support 110.
　また、耳上電極１０における掛止部の位置は、耳上電極１０の耳介からの落下を防ぐことができればよく、図５Ａ又は図５Ｂに示される位置に限定されない。 Further, the position of the latching portion in the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B as long as it can prevent the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 from falling from the pinna.
　また掛止部は、例えばスポーツをするとき等、ユーザの任意で装着できるよう、耳上電極１０に着脱可能であってもよい。また、耳介の上の耳上電極１０をより安定させたいユーザのためのオプションとして提供されてもよい。 Also, the hooking portion may be detachable from the above-the-ear electrode 10 so that it can be arbitrarily attached by the user, for example, when playing sports. It may also be provided as an option for users who want to make the above-the-ear electrode 10 on the pinna more stable.
　図６は、実施の形態に係る上記の耳上電極１０の変形例の他のひとつを示す図である。 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the modification of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 according to the embodiment.
　図６に示される耳上電極１０は、実施の形態に係る耳上電極１０と異なり、ケーブル２５０で接続されている。ただし、耳上電極１０の支持体１１０と耳朶電極２０の装着具２１０とは本変形例でも別体であり、耳朶検出部２００Ａは耳上検出部１００と離隔している点も実施の形態と共通である。 Unlike the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 according to the embodiment, the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 shown in FIG. However, the support body 110 of the above-mentioned ear electrode 10 and the mounting tool 210 of the earlobe electrode 20 are separate in this modification, and the earlobe detection unit 200A is separated from the above-the-ear detection unit 100. It is common.
　ケーブル２５０は、耳上電極１０と耳朶電極２０との間で電力若しくは信号又はその両方をやり取りするための配線を含む。そして、実施の形態では耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０の中にあった電池、電源部、増幅器、ＡＤ変換器及び通信部の少なくとも一部が、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０の一方に集約されてもよい。 The cable 250 includes wiring for exchanging electric power and / or signals between the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20. In the embodiment, at least a part of the battery, the power supply unit, the amplifier, the AD converter, and the communication unit in the earlobe electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 is concentrated on one of the earlobe electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20. May be.
　一例としては、耳上電極１０は電源部を備えず、増幅器１２０、ＡＤ変換器１４０、及び通信部１６０への電力は、耳朶電極２０の電源部から供給されてもよい。または、耳上電極１０は電源部を備えるものの電池を内蔵せず、離隔した耳朶電極２０内にある電池からケーブル２５０を介して電力を取得し、電源部ではこの電力の電圧を変換して耳上電極１０内の各構成要素に供給してもよい。また別の例として、耳上電極１０は、支持体１１０及び耳上検出部１００のみを備え、耳上検出部１００から出力される信号は、ケーブル２５０を介して耳朶電極２０に送られて、耳朶電極２０にて増幅及びＡＤ変換の処理を経て情報処理装置３０へと送信されてもよい。 As an example, the upper ear electrode 10 may not include a power supply unit, and power to the amplifier 120, the AD converter 140, and the communication unit 160 may be supplied from the power supply unit of the earlobe electrode 20. Alternatively, the upper ear electrode 10 includes a power supply unit, but does not include a battery, but obtains electric power from the battery in the remote earlobe electrode 20 via the cable 250, and the power supply unit converts the voltage of the electric power to the ear electrode. You may supply to each component in the upper electrode 10. FIG. As another example, the in-ear electrode 10 includes only the support 110 and the in-ear detection unit 100, and a signal output from the in-the-ear detection unit 100 is sent to the earlobe electrode 20 via the cable 250, The signal may be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 30 through amplification and AD conversion processing at the earlobe electrode 20.
　このような構成であっても、ケーブル２５０が、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０の配置の耳介への配置の自由度を損なわない程度に長ければ、上述する生体信号取得用電極の利点は損なわれない。 Even if it is such a structure, if the cable 250 is long enough not to impair the degree of freedom of arrangement of the upper ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 to the auricle, the advantages of the biological signal acquisition electrode described above can be obtained. Not damaged.
　また、耳朶電極２０は上述のようなクリップ様の装着具２１０以外の手段で耳朶に取り付けられてもよい。例えば、全体は装身具のピアス又はイヤリングのような構成で耳朶に装着され、その耳朶に接する部分の一部が耳朶検出部２００Ａであり、他の一部が身体アース部２００Ｂであってもよい。増幅器２２０等の他の構成要素は、耳朶電極２０がさらに備える装飾的な部品の中に備えられてもよいし、ケーブル２５０で接続される耳上電極１０内部に集約されてもよい。また、電位生成回路２７０も耳上電極１０内に配置されてケーブル２５０で身体アース部２００Ｂと接続されてもよい。 Further, the earlobe electrode 20 may be attached to the earlobe by means other than the clip-like mounting tool 210 as described above. For example, the whole may be attached to the earlobe in a configuration such as a piercing or earring of an accessory, and a part of the part in contact with the earlobe may be the earlobe detection unit 200A, and the other part may be the body grounding part 200B. Other components such as the amplifier 220 may be provided in a decorative part that the earlobe electrode 20 further includes, or may be centralized within the upper ear electrode 10 connected by the cable 250. Also, the potential generation circuit 270 may be disposed in the above-the-ear electrode 10 and connected to the body ground unit 200 </ b> B with the cable 250.
　また、情報処理装置３０が一般的な眼鏡と同様の方法で装用されるスマートグラスを用いて実現される場合には、耳上電極１０はそのスマートグラスのテンプルの一部であって、情報処理装置３０と一体的に実現されてもよい。この場合、耳上電極１０と情報処理装置３０との間の無線通信は不要であり、ＡＤ変換器１４０が出力する信号は、信号線によって演算処理部３５０に入力されてもよい。 Further, when the information processing apparatus 30 is realized by using smart glasses worn in the same manner as general glasses, the above-the-ear electrode 10 is a part of the temple of the smart glasses, and information processing It may be realized integrally with the device 30. In this case, wireless communication between the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the information processing apparatus 30 is unnecessary, and the signal output from the AD converter 140 may be input to the arithmetic processing unit 350 through a signal line.
　また、図１から図３、図５Ａ及び図５Ｂでは、支持体１１０は、その棒状の形状の長軸を含むある面に対して対称で、左右の耳介上に区別なく装用が可能な形状のものが示されている。このような形状も本発明の説明に用いた一例であって、本発明に係る耳上電極の支持体の形状はこれに限定されない。支持体は左右どちらか一方の耳介の上により納まりのよい、上記の面に対して非対称な形状であってもよい。また、図１から図３、図５Ａ及び図５Ｂでは、耳上検出部１００の形状は左右いずれの耳介上でも側頭部に接触可能なように上記の面に対して対称な形状であるが、支持体１１０が左右の耳介いずれか一方での装用に適した形状である場合には、この面に対して非対称であってもよい。 Also, in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5A and 5B, the support 110 is symmetrical with respect to a certain surface including the long axis of the rod-like shape, and can be worn on the left and right auricles without distinction. Things are shown. Such a shape is also an example used in the description of the present invention, and the shape of the support for the above-mentioned ear electrode according to the present invention is not limited to this. The support may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the above-mentioned surface, which is better to fit on either the left or right pinna. Further, in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5A and 5B, the shape of the in-ear detection unit 100 is symmetrical with respect to the above surface so as to be able to contact the temporal region on either the left or right auricle. However, when the support 110 has a shape suitable for wearing on either the left or right pinna, it may be asymmetric with respect to this surface.
　また、図１から図３並びに図５Ａ及び図５Ｂでは、耳上検出部１００は、連続する一面でユーザの皮膚と接触する形状が示されているが、複数に分かれた面でユーザの皮膚と接触してもよい。耳朶検出部２００Ａ及び身体アース部２００Ｂについてもそれぞれ同様である。 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5A and 5B, the in-ear detection unit 100 is shown in a shape that contacts the user's skin on one continuous surface. You may touch. The same applies to the earlobe detection unit 200A and the body ground unit 200B.
　また、図１から図３、図５Ａ及び図５Ｂでは、耳上電極１０はユーザの左耳の上にあるもののみ示されるが、例えば右耳と左耳との両方の耳介の上に耳上電極１０が装用されてもよい。この場合、情報処理装置３０では、ユーザの左右の側頭部それぞれから取得した生体信号の差分も利用することができる。なお、の基準電位を検出するための電極である耳朶電極２０は、この場合も左右の耳朶いずれか一方に装着されればよい。 Also, in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5A and 5B, only the over-the-ear electrode 10 is shown on the user's left ear, but for example, the ear is on both the right and left ears. The upper electrode 10 may be worn. In this case, the information processing apparatus 30 can also use the difference between the biological signals acquired from the left and right temporal regions of the user. In this case, the earlobe electrode 20 as an electrode for detecting the reference potential may be attached to either the left or right earlobe.
　また、上記の生体信号測定システム１では、耳上電極１０、耳朶電極２０及び情報処理装置３０の間の距離が比較的近いため、通信部１６０、２６０、及び３６０間での無線通信は例えばＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ（登録商標）、ＺｉｇＢｅｅ（登録商標）又は無線ＬＡＮといった近距離用の無線通信方式を用い得るが、これに限定されない。例えば情報処理装置３０は、ユーザから遠隔にあってインターネット等の通信網を介して接続される１台以上のコンピュータで実現されてもよい。この場合、通信部１６０及び２６０は、情報処理装置３０との通信のために、携帯電話でのデータ通信に用いられる各種の通信方式に対応した通信モジュールである。 Further, in the above-described biological signal measurement system 1, since the distances between the upper ear electrode 10, the earlobe electrode 20, and the information processing device 30 are relatively short, wireless communication between the communication units 160, 260, and 360 is, for example, Bluetooth. (Registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or a wireless communication system for a short distance such as a wireless LAN may be used, but is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing apparatus 30 may be realized by one or more computers that are remote from the user and connected via a communication network such as the Internet. In this case, the communication units 160 and 260 are communication modules corresponding to various communication methods used for data communication with a mobile phone for communication with the information processing apparatus 30.
　また、耳上電極１０及び耳朶電極２０は、図４に示される以外の構成要素を備えてもよい。例えばノイズフィルタ回路を備えてもよい。また、制御部及びバッファメモリを備えてもよい。 Moreover, the above-the-ear electrode 10 and the earlobe electrode 20 may include components other than those shown in FIG. For example, a noise filter circuit may be provided. Moreover, you may provide a control part and a buffer memory.
　その他、実施の形態に対して当業者が思いつく各種変形を施して得られる形態や、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で各実施の形態における構成要素及び機能を任意に組み合わせることで実現される形態も本発明に含まれる。 Other forms obtained by subjecting the embodiments to various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.
　１　　生体信号測定システム
　１０　耳上電極（生体信号取得用電極）
　２０　耳朶電極
　１００　耳上検出部（第一検出部）
　１１０　支持体
　１６０、２６０、３６０　通信部
　２００Ａ　耳朶検出部（第二検出部）
　３５５　生体信号算出部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Biosignal measurement system 10 Upper ear electrode (electrode for biosignal acquisition)
20 Earlobe electrode 100 Ear detection unit (first detection unit)
110 support body 160, 260, 360 communication part 200A earlobe detection part (second detection part)
355 Biological signal calculation unit

Claims (5)

  1. 　ユーザの耳介と側頭部とで側面を挟み込まれて前記耳介の上側で固定される棒状の支持体と、
    　前記耳介の上側で固定されている前記支持体と前記側頭部との間で前記支持体に支持されて前記側頭部に接触する導電体からなる第一検出部とを備える
    　生体信号取得用電極。     A rod-like support that is sandwiched between the user's pinna and the temporal region and fixed on the upper side of the pinna;
    Biological signal acquisition comprising: a first detection unit made of a conductor that is supported by the support and is in contact with the temporal region between the support fixed on the upper side of the pinna and the temporal region Electrode.
  2. 　さらに、前記支持体又は前記第一検出部から、前記支持体が前記耳介の上側で固定されているときに前記耳介の耳輪の外縁を越えて前記耳介の外側まで延在する掛止部を備える
    　請求項１に記載の生体信号取得用電極。     Further, the latch extending from the support or the first detection unit to the outside of the auricle over the outer edge of the auricle when the support is fixed on the upper side of the auricle. The biological signal acquisition electrode according to claim 1.
  3. 　電源から電力の供給を受ける第一通信部を前記支持体の内部にさらに備え、
    　前記第一通信部は、第一検出部が検出する前記側頭部の電位に基づく第一入力信号を取得し、第一出力信号として外部に送信する
    　請求項１又は２に記載の生体信号取得用電極。     A first communication unit that receives power from a power source is further provided inside the support,
    The biological signal acquisition according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit acquires a first input signal based on the potential of the temporal region detected by the first detection unit, and transmits the first input signal to the outside as a first output signal. Electrode.
  4. 　請求項３に記載の生体信号取得用電極と、
    　前記支持体と離隔し、前記耳介の耳朶に接触させる導電体からなる第二検出部、及び前記第二検出部が検出する前記耳朶の電位に基づく第二入力信号を取得し、第二出力信号として外部に送信する第二通信部を備える耳朶電極とを備える
    　生体信号取得用電極対。     The biosignal acquisition electrode according to claim 3,
    A second detection unit made of a conductor separated from the support and brought into contact with the earlobe of the auricle, and a second input signal based on the potential of the earlobe detected by the second detection unit is acquired, and the second output A biological signal acquisition electrode pair, comprising: an earlobe electrode including a second communication unit that transmits the signal to the outside.
  5. 　請求項４に記載の生体信号取得用電極対と、
    　前記第一出力信号と前記第二出力信号との差分に基づいて前記ユーザの生体信号を取得する生体信号算出部とを備える
    　生体信号測定システム。     The biological signal acquisition electrode pair according to claim 4,
    A biological signal measurement system comprising: a biological signal calculation unit that acquires the user's biological signal based on a difference between the first output signal and the second output signal.
PCT/JP2019/016798 2018-05-24 2019-04-19 Biological signal acquisition electrode, biological signal acquisition electrode pair, and biological signal measurement system WO2019225244A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020521108A JPWO2019225244A1 (en) 2018-05-24 2019-04-19 Electrodes for acquiring biological signals, electrode pairs for acquiring biological signals, and biological signal measurement system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2018099906 2018-05-24
JP2018-099906 2018-05-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019225244A1 true WO2019225244A1 (en) 2019-11-28

Family

ID=68616374

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2019/016798 WO2019225244A1 (en) 2018-05-24 2019-04-19 Biological signal acquisition electrode, biological signal acquisition electrode pair, and biological signal measurement system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JPWO2019225244A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019225244A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021256489A1 (en) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Biological signal measurement device and biological signal measurement system
WO2023238327A1 (en) * 2022-06-09 2023-12-14 日本電信電話株式会社 Biosignal measurement system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060094974A1 (en) * 2004-11-02 2006-05-04 Cain Robert C Systems and methods for detecting brain waves
JP2011005176A (en) * 2009-06-29 2011-01-13 Sony Corp Auricle-installed device and bio-signal measurement apparatus
CN204072066U (en) * 2014-05-13 2015-01-07 北京泰乐华科技有限公司 A kind of intelligent health Test earphone

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2506756A1 (en) * 2009-12-02 2012-10-10 Widex A/S Method and apparatus for alerting a person carrying an eeg assembly
US20180014741A1 (en) * 2015-01-26 2018-01-18 Chang-An Chou Wearable physiological monitoring device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060094974A1 (en) * 2004-11-02 2006-05-04 Cain Robert C Systems and methods for detecting brain waves
JP2011005176A (en) * 2009-06-29 2011-01-13 Sony Corp Auricle-installed device and bio-signal measurement apparatus
CN204072066U (en) * 2014-05-13 2015-01-07 北京泰乐华科技有限公司 A kind of intelligent health Test earphone

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021256489A1 (en) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Biological signal measurement device and biological signal measurement system
WO2023238327A1 (en) * 2022-06-09 2023-12-14 日本電信電話株式会社 Biosignal measurement system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPWO2019225244A1 (en) 2021-06-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Bleichner et al. Concealed, unobtrusive ear-centered EEG acquisition: cEEGrids for transparent EEG
JP6104035B2 (en) Earphone and eye movement estimation device
US8565852B2 (en) Auricle-installed device and bio-signal measurement apparatus
KR102361026B1 (en) Bioelectrical signal measuring apparatus
US20220218280A1 (en) Biological information monitoring system
Looney et al. Ear-EEG: user-centered and wearable BCI
US11297448B2 (en) Portable system for gathering and processing data from EEG, EOG, and/or imaging sensors
KR102518671B1 (en) Electronic apparatus and the control method thereof
TW201626951A (en) Wearable physiological monitoring device and system
US20240122526A1 (en) Minimal material ear sensor system
WO2019225244A1 (en) Biological signal acquisition electrode, biological signal acquisition electrode pair, and biological signal measurement system
JP2019201995A (en) Electrode for acquiring biological signal and biological signal measuring system
US20220104769A1 (en) Biological information monitoring system
US20180103858A1 (en) Earbud electrocardiogram monitor and associated systems and methods
Kaongoen et al. The future of wearable EEG: A review of ear-EEG technology and its applications
CN110353670B (en) Ear-hanging type electroencephalogram signal acquisition device
JP2018503481A (en) Headset for acquiring biosignals
Looney et al. Ear-EEG: Continuous brain monitoring
US20210177352A1 (en) In-ear and around-the-ear electroencephalography system with floating electrodes and method thereof
JP2018186934A (en) Biological signal detection device and brain wave measurement method
US20230148963A1 (en) Multi-body earpiece
Nguyen et al. LIBS: a low-cost in-ear bioelectrical sensing solution for healthcare applications
Roh et al. A 259.6$\mu {\rm W} $ HRV-EEG Processor With Nonlinear Chaotic Analysis During Mental Tasks
TW201726054A (en) Wearable physiology monitoring device capable of determining the mentality of a user from EOG signals and by analyzing heart rate information
WO2021256489A1 (en) Biological signal measurement device and biological signal measurement system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19807302

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020521108

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19807302

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1