JP2003052652A - Biophotonic measurement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biophotonic measurement apparatus without being influenced by a sensing position. SOLUTION: The biophotonic measurement apparatus comprises a luminescent variable lens 16 disposed between an organism and a light emitting unit 7, and a variable control means 12 for variably setting an emitting angle range of a light emitted from the unit 7 under the control of the control means. The apparatus can set the sensing position for the purpose of setting a range in which the light having a suitable intensity can be emitted from the unit. The apparatus may comprise a receiving variable lens disposed between the organism and the light emitting unit, and the variable control means for variably setting a light receiving angle range for receiving the light by a photodetector under the control of the control means. Thus, the apparatus can set the sensing position for the purpose of setting the range in which the light having a suitable intensity can be received by the photodetector.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a living body light measuring device for measuring living body information by emitting light from a light emitting portion to the inside of a living body and receiving light scattered inside the living body at a light receiving portion. The present invention relates to a living body light measuring device capable of surely measuring a target detection position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as typified by a pulse wave meter and a pulse rate meter, light such as near-infrared rays is emitted from a light emitting portion into the inside of a living body, and light scattered from a target detection position such as a blood vessel. There is provided a device for receiving biological light by a light receiving unit and measuring biological information such as a pulse wave.

[0003]

However, the target detection position of a blood vessel or the like inside a living body is not always appropriate because of a variation in the mounting state of the light emitting part or the light receiving part or individual differences. It was not always located in the angular range. For example, as shown in the diagram showing the detection state of FIG. 12, the target detection position inside the living body 102 is outside the light emission angle range L of the light emitting unit 100 (point a), or the light receiving unit 101 receives light. It was outside the angle range R (point b). The target detection position inside the living body 102 is within the light emission angle range L and the light reception angle range R,
Light emitted from the light emitting unit 100 is scattered at a target detection position, attenuates until the light receiving unit 101 receives the scattered light, and does not reach the intensity that can be received by the light receiving unit 101. Or it was a position away from the light receiving unit 101 (point c).

Therefore, the present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a living body light measuring apparatus capable of detection without being influenced by the detection position. To do.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a living body light measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a light emitting section for emitting light inside a living body, and light emitted from the light emitting section is scattered inside the living body. In the living body light measuring device having a light receiving portion for receiving light by the light emission, a light emitting variable lens arranged between the living body and the light emitting portion to change a light emitting angle range of light emitted from the light emitting portion, and the light emitting portion. And a variable control means for controlling a light emission angle range which is variable by a variable lens. As a result, even if the target detection position is in a range where the light emitting unit cannot emit light of an appropriate intensity,
By changing the emission angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting portion by controlling the light emission variable lens by the variable control means, the target detection position can be set within a range in which the light emitting portion can emit light of appropriate intensity. Is possible.

Further, a light emitting portion for emitting light inside the living body,
In a living body light measuring device having a light receiving unit that receives light generated by scattering the light emitted from the light emitting unit inside the living body, the living body light measuring apparatus is disposed between the living body and the light receiving unit and scattered inside the living body. The light receiving variable lens for changing the light receiving angle range for receiving the light according to the above, and the variable control means for controlling the light receiving angle range changed by the light receiving variable lens are provided. As a result, even if there is a target detection position in a range where the light receiving section cannot receive light of an appropriate intensity, the variable control means controls the light receiving variable lens to receive light in the light receiving section. By varying, it becomes possible to set a target detection position within a range where the light receiving section can receive light of an appropriate intensity.

Further, a light emitting section for emitting light inside the living body,
In a living body light measurement device having a light receiving unit that receives light due to light emitted from the light emitting unit being scattered inside the living body, in the light emitted from the light emitting unit disposed between the living body and the light emitting unit. A light emission variable lens for changing a light emission angle range, a light reception variable lens arranged between the living body and the light receiving unit for changing a light reception angle range for receiving light by scattering inside the living body, and the light emission It is characterized by comprising a variable control means for controlling a light emitting angle range variable by the variable lens and a light receiving angle range variable by the light receiving variable lens. As a result, even if there is a target detection position in a range where the light emitting section cannot emit light of an appropriate intensity and a range where the light receiving section cannot receive light of an appropriate intensity, the light emission variable lens can be adjusted by the variable control means. And a range in which light having an appropriate intensity can be emitted from the light emitting unit by controlling the variable light receiving lens to change the light emitting angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting unit and the light receiving angle range for receiving light at the light receiving unit. Also, it becomes possible to set the target detection position within the range where the light receiving section can receive light of appropriate intensity.

Further, the variable control means is controlled so that the light received by the light receiving section has a light intensity that can be always received. As a result, even if the target detection position inside the living body fluctuates during measurement, it is possible to always receive light.

Further, it is characterized in that it is provided with a modulating means for modulating a light signal emitted from the light emitting portion and a demodulating means for demodulating a light signal received by the light receiving portion. As a result, it is possible to cut out noise generated due to displacement of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the device is worn on the body.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the biological light measuring device according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 shows a diagram showing a detection state. As shown in FIG. 1, the biological light measuring device according to the first embodiment is roughly divided into a light emitting system unit 1, a light receiving system unit 2, a variable system unit 3, a signal control processing unit 4, and an output unit 5. Constitute.

The light emitting system section 1 outputs a signal for driving the light emitting section 7 based on a control signal from the signal control processing section 4, and a living body 21 by the signal from the light source driving section 6. And a light emitting unit 7 that emits light having a wavelength with high response intensity to an object to be detected (for example, oxyhemoglobin in blood). A light emitting diode is used for the light emitting unit 7, for example.

The variable system section 3 includes a D / A conversion section 13 for converting a digital signal output as a control signal from the variable control means 12 of the signal control processing section 4 into an analog signal, and the D / A conversion section 13.
A modulation unit 14 that modulates the analog signal from the A / A conversion unit 13, a control signal amplification unit 15 that amplifies the analog signal modulated by the modulation unit 14, and the control signal amplification unit 1
And a light emission variable lens 16 for changing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 in accordance with a control signal from the light emitting unit 7. It should be noted that the variable light emission lens 16 is, as shown in FIG.
1 and the light emitting unit 7. In addition, the modulation means 14
For example, a known modulation circuit is used. Further, for the variable light emission lens 16, for example, a liquid crystal microlens is used.

The light receiving system section 2 is located at a target detection position (position where the target of detection is present) inside the living body 21 where light having a wavelength of high response intensity is emitted from the light emitting section 7 to the target of detection. Light receiving unit 8 that receives light of a wavelength due to scattering
A detection signal amplifying section 9 for amplifying an analog signal based on the light received by the light receiving section 8, demodulation means 10 for demodulating the analog signal from the detection signal amplification section 9, and demodulation means 10 for demodulation. A / which converts an analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it to the variable control means 12 of the signal control processing unit
And a D conversion unit 11. For the light receiving unit 8, for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor is used. A known demodulation circuit is used for the demodulation means 10, for example.

The signal control processing unit 4 is an A / D converter for the light receiving system unit 2.
Based on the detection signal from the conversion unit 11, a signal for controlling the light emission angle range L by the light emission variable lens 16 is set to D / A of the variable system unit 3 so that the light received by the light reception unit 8 has a light intensity that can always be received. The variable control means 12 for outputting to the conversion unit 13 is provided and the operation and control of the operation of the entire apparatus are performed. A microcomputer is used for the signal control processing unit 4, for example.

The output unit 5 is provided by the signal control processing unit 4
The biological information calculated based on the detected signal is output. For example, a display device is used.

Next, FIGS. 3 to 5 are flow charts showing a flow of a series of operations of the biological light measuring apparatus according to the present invention. Then, FIG. 3 is a step in the flow of controlling the light emission angle range within the range of light intensity that can be received by the light receiving portion, and FIG. 4 is a control within the range of light intensity that can be received and is an appropriate light emission angle range. FIG. 5 shows steps of a flow of processing, and FIG. 5 shows steps of a flow of control processing for always setting a light emission angle range that is within a range of light intensity that can be received.

First, when the biological light measuring device is started, as shown in FIG. 2, the light emission part 7 disposed at a specific portion of the living body 21 is passed through the light emission variable lens 16 together with the light emission variable lens 16 and the light receiving part 8. Then, light having a wavelength with a high response intensity is emitted to a target to be detected at a specific portion of the living body 21 (step 1). At this time, the light emitting unit 7 operates based on the driving signal output from the light source driving unit 6 based on the control signal from the signal control processing unit 4.

Subsequently, the variable control means 12 outputs a control signal for maximizing the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting section 7. This output control signal is D / A
After passing through the conversion unit 13, the modulation unit 14, and the control signal amplification unit 15, the light emission variable lens 16 is loaded. Then, in the light emission variable lens 16, the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is changed to the maximum (step 2).

Then, the light emitted from the light emitting section 7 and having a wavelength with a high response intensity to the object to be detected passes through the light emission variable lens 16 arranged between the light emitting section 7 and the living body 21, and the living body The light travels into the inside of the living body 21 and is scattered at the target detection position inside the living body 21 (the position where the target of detection is present). Then, the light receiving section 8 receives the light of the scattered wavelength. The detection signal thus obtained is detected by the detection signal amplifier 9,
After being demodulated by the demodulating means 10 and the A / D converter 11, the signal is processed by the signal control processor 4 (step 3).

Before describing the next step, the relationship between the light receiving intensity of the light receiving portion and the light emitting angle range of the light emitting variable lens will be described with reference to the graph of FIG.
The relationship between the output value from the A / D converter and the received light intensity of the light receiver will be described in detail with reference to the graph of FIG. 7.

In the graph of FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents the light receiving intensity of the light receiving portion 8, and the horizontal axis represents the light emitting angle range L by the light emitting variable lens 16.
Represents First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the target detection position inside the living body 21 (the position where the target is the detection target) is the light emission angle range L of the light emission variable lens 16 or the light reception angle of the light receiving unit 8. Variable light emission lens 1 within range R
6 (light emitting portion 7) or a position (point X) away from the light receiving portion 8, the light receiving intensity of the light receiving portion 8 is small and has a value on the curve near the Au point. Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the light emission variable lens 16 narrows the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7, thereby increasing the amount of light received at the point X and scattering. Since the light quantity also increases, the light receiving intensity of the light receiving unit 8 increases, and At
It is the value on the curve of points. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is narrowed, the amount of light received at the point X decreases and the amount of light scattered thereby also decreases. The received light intensity of the portion 8 becomes small and becomes a value on the curve of the Ae point.
No light is received at point X.

In the graph of FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents the A / D converter 11
The horizontal axis represents the received light intensity of the light receiving unit 8. First, when the light receiving intensity of the light receiving unit 8 is A1 or less, A
The output from the / D converter 11 becomes the minimum output value Wmin.
Further, when it is A2 or more, the output from the A / D converter 11 becomes the maximum output value Wmax. Furthermore, A1 is exceeded and A
When it is less than 2, the output value is in accordance with the light receiving intensity of the light receiving unit 8.

Here, the explanation is returned to the continuation of step 3.
The variable control means 12 determines whether or not the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 11 is the minimum output value Wmin (step 4). Then, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 11 is the minimum output value Wmin (step 4
If Yes, the variable control means 12 further determines whether or not the light emission variable lens 16 can be changed in a direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting section 7 (step 5).

Subsequently, when the light emission variable lens 16 can change the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 in the direction of narrowing (Yes in step 5), the light emission angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is changed. The variable control means 12 outputs a control signal for narrowing L. This control signal is taken into the light emission variable lens 16 via the D / A converter 13, the modulator 14, and the control signal amplifier 15. Then, in the variable light emission lens 16, the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is changed in the direction of narrowing and the process returns to step 3 (step 6). Further, when the step is repeated and the light emission variable lens 16 cannot change the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 in the direction of being narrowed (step 5
If No, the process ends because it is outside the light receiving range (step 7).

In step 4, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 11 is not the minimum output value Wmin (No in step 4), the variable control means 12 sets A
The output of the detection signal from the / D converter 11 is the maximum output value Wma
It is determined whether it is x (step 8). And A / D
When the output of the detection signal from the conversion unit 11 is the maximum output value Wmax (Yes in step 8), the variable control means 1
In step 2, it is determined whether or not the light emission variable lens 16 can be changed in a direction of expanding the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 (step 9).

Subsequently, when the light emission variable lens 16 can be varied in a direction of expanding the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 (Yes in step 9), the light emission angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is increased. The variable control means 12 outputs a control signal for increasing L. This control signal is taken into the light emission variable lens 16 via the D / A converter 13, the modulator 14, and the control signal amplifier 15. Then, in the light emission variable lens 16, the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is changed in a direction of widening and the process returns to step 3 (step 10). Further, when the step is repeated and it becomes impossible to change the light emission variable lens 16 in the direction of expanding the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 (No in step 9), it means that the light is out of the light receiving range. Ends (step 11).

When the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 11 is not the maximum output value Wmax in step 8 (No in step 8), the variable control means 12 controls the A / D converter at this time. The output of the detection signal from 11 is stored as data D1 (step 12), and this data D1 is further stored as data D2 '(step 1).
3).

Subsequently, the light emission variable lens 16 is changed in the direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 7 (step 14), and the light receiving portion 8 receives the light (step 1).
5).

Subsequently, the variable control means 12 outputs the output of the detection signal from the A / D conversion section 11 at this time to the data D.
2 and compares it with the data D2 '(step 16). If data D2> data D2 'is not satisfied (No in step 16), data D2 is updated as data D2' (step 17). Also, data D2> data D
If it is 2 '(Yes in step 16), it is determined whether or not the variable light emission lens 16 can be changed in a direction of narrowing the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 (step 18).

Next, when the variable light emission lens 16 can be changed in the direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emission unit 7 (Yes in step 18), the variable control means 12 outputs the data D2. The data is updated as data D2 'and the process returns to step 14. (Step 19).

Subsequently, when the variable light emission lens 16 cannot be changed in the direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 7 (No in step 18) or after step 17, the variable control means 12 is used. In step 20, the data D2 is compared with the data D1 (step 20). If data D2> data D1 is not satisfied (No in step 20)
Ends because it is not normal data (step 21). If data D2> data D1 (Yes in step 20), the light receiving unit 8 receives light (step 22).

Then, in the variable control means 12, A /
The output of the detection signal from the D conversion unit 11 is the minimum output value Wmin
Is determined (step 23). And A / D
When the output of the detection signal from the conversion unit 11 is the minimum output value Wmin (Yes in step 23), the light emission variable lens 16 is changed so as to narrow the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emission unit 7. Return to step 22 (step 2
4). If the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 11 is not the minimum output value Wmin (No in step 23), is the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 11 the maximum output value Wmax? Is determined (step 25).

Subsequently, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D conversion unit 11 is the maximum output value Wmax (Yes in step 25), the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emission unit 7 is reached.
The variable light-emission lens 16 is changed in the direction to widen the position, and the process returns to step 22 (step 26). In addition, the A / D conversion unit 11
If the output of the detection signal from is not the maximum output value Wmax (No in step 25), the latest captured data is output to the output unit 5, the process returns to step 22, and the processing procedure is repeated (step 27). ).

As described above, in the biological light measuring device according to the first embodiment, the variable light emission lens 16 and the light receiving portion 8 are used.
At the same time, light having a wavelength with a high response intensity is emitted from the light emitting unit 7 arranged at a specific portion of the living body 21 to the specific portion of the living body 21 via the light emission variable lens 16 and the purpose inside the living body 21. Based on the data received by the light receiving unit 8 of the light having the wavelength scattered at the detection position (the position where the object to be detected is), the variable control unit 12 causes the variable light emitting lens 1 to operate.
By controlling 6 to vary the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7, it is possible to set a target detection position within a range in which the light emitting unit 7 can emit light with an appropriate intensity. Become.

Further, as described in the step in FIG. 5, the variable control means 12 controls the light emission variable lens 16 so as to follow the increase and decrease of the data from the light receiving portion 8 and the light emitting portion 7.
Since the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the
Even if the target detection position inside 1 fluctuates during measurement, it is possible to always receive light.

Further, the analog signal from the D / A converter 13 is modulated by the modulator 14 and then emitted by the light emitting unit 7, and received by the light receiving unit 8 and amplified by the detection signal amplifying unit 9. Since the signal is demodulated by the demodulation means 10, it is possible to cut the noise generated due to the displacement of the light emitting unit 7 and the light receiving unit 8 when the device is attached to the living body.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the biological light measuring device according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 9 shows a diagram showing a detection state. As shown in FIG. 8, the biological light measuring device according to the second embodiment is roughly classified into a light emitting system unit 31, a light receiving system unit 32, a variable system unit 33, a signal control processing unit 34, and an output unit 3.
It is composed of 5 and.

The light emitting system section 31 is composed of a light source driving section 36 and a light emitting section 37, and has the same function as the light emitting system section 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

The variable system section 33 includes a D / A conversion section 43 for converting a digital signal output as a control signal from the variable control means 42 of the signal control processing section 34 into an analog signal, and the D / A conversion section 43. Of the analog signal, the control signal amplifier 45 for amplifying the analog signal modulated by the modulator 44, and the scattering of the control signal from the control signal amplifier 45 inside the living body 51. And a light receiving variable lens 46 for changing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light. The variable light receiving lens 46 is arranged between the living body 51 and the light receiving unit 38, as shown in FIG. Further, as the modulation means 44, for example, a known modulation circuit is used. Further, the light receiving variable lens 46
For example, a liquid crystal microlens is used for this.

The light receiving system section 32 comprises a light receiving section 38, a detection signal amplifying section 39, a demodulating means 40 and an A / D converting section 41, and has the same function as the light receiving system section 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted.

The signal control processing section 34 has a function of A of the light receiving system section 32.
Based on the detection signal from the / D conversion unit 41, the light receiving unit 38
The variable control means 42 for outputting a signal for controlling the light receiving angle range R by the light receiving variable lens 46 to the D / A conversion part 43 of the variable system part 33 so that the light received by the optical system can be always received. Controls and calculates the entire operation. A microcomputer is used for the signal control processing unit 34, for example.

The output section 35 has the same function as the output section 5 of the first embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

Next, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a series of operations of the biological light measuring device according to the second embodiment will be described by replacing the light emitting angle range with the light receiving angle range. FIG. 3 is a step of a flow of controlling the light receiving angle range within a range of light intensity that can be received by the light receiving unit, and FIG. 4 is a flow of a control processing of controlling the light receiving angle range within a range of the light receiving intensity which is appropriate. Step, Figure 5
Indicates the steps of the flow of control processing that is always within the range of the intensity of light that can be received and is within a proper range of the light receiving angle.

The relationship between the light receiving intensity of the light receiving section and the light receiving angle range by the light receiving variable lens is the same as that of the graph of FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment in which the horizontal axis is replaced with the light receiving angle range. Is.

First, when the living body light measuring apparatus is started, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting section 37 is arranged at a specific portion of the living body 51 together with the light receiving variable lens 46 and the light receiving section 38.
Emits light having a wavelength with high response intensity to a target to be detected to a specific part of the living body (step 1). At this time, the light emitting unit 37 operates based on the drive signal output from the light source drive unit 36 based on the control signal from the signal control processing unit 34.

Then, the variable control means 42 outputs a control signal for maximizing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light generated by the light emitted from the light emitting section 37 being scattered inside the living body 51. . This output control signal is
D / A converter 43, modulator 44, control signal amplifier 45
After that, the light is received by the variable light receiving lens 46. And
In the variable light receiving lens 46, the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the light emitted from the light emitting unit 37 being scattered inside the living body 51 is changed to the maximum (step 2).

Subsequently, the light having a wavelength with a high response intensity emitted from the light emitting portion 37 to the object to be detected advances to the inside of the living body 51, and the target detection position (object to be detected) inside the living body 51. Is scattered at a certain position, for example, the Y point). Then, the light of the scattered wavelength passes through the light receiving variable lens 46 arranged between the living body 51 and the light receiving unit 38,
The light is received by the light receiving unit 38. The detection signal thus obtained is taken into the signal control processing unit 34 via the detection signal amplification unit 39, demodulation means 40, and A / D conversion unit 41 (step 3).

Subsequently, the variable control means 42 of the signal control processing unit 34 determines whether or not the output of the detection signal from the A / D conversion unit 41 is the minimum output value Wmin (step 4). When the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 41 is the minimum output value Wmin (Yes in step 4)
First, it is determined whether or not the light receiving variable lens 46 can be changed in a direction in which the light receiving angle range R for receiving light due to scattering inside the living body 51 is narrowed (step 5).

Subsequently, when the variable light receiving lens 46 can be varied in a direction in which the light receiving angle range R for receiving light due to scattering inside the living body 51 can be narrowed (Yes in step 5).
In s), the control signal is output by the variable control means 42 so as to narrow the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51. This control signal is taken into the light receiving variable lens 46 via the D / A converter 43, the modulator 44, and the control signal amplifier 45. Then, in the variable light receiving lens 46, the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51 is changed in the direction of narrowing, and the process returns to step 3 (step 6). Further, when the steps are repeated and the light receiving variable lens 46 cannot be changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside the living body 51 (No in step 5), the light receiving range is obtained. It ends because it is outside (step 7).

In step 4, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 41 is not the minimum output value Wmin (No in step 4), the variable control means 42 sets A
The output of the detection signal from the / D converter 41 is the maximum output value Wma
It is determined whether it is x (step 8). And A / D
When the output of the detection signal from the conversion unit 41 is the maximum output value Wmax (Yes in step 8), the variable control means 4
In 2, it is determined whether or not the light receiving variable lens 46 can be changed in a direction of widening the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside the living body 51 (step 9).

Next, when the light receiving variable lens 46 can be changed in a direction to widen the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51 (Yes in step 9).
In s), the light receiving variable lens 46 is changed in a direction to widen the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside the living body 51, and the process returns to step 3 (step 10).
Further, when the steps are repeated and it becomes impossible to change the light receiving variable lens 46 in the direction of widening the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside the living body 51 (No in step 9), , And ends because it is out of the light receiving range (step 11).

When the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 41 is not the maximum output value Wmax in step 8 (No in step 8), the variable control means 42 uses the A / D converter at this time. The output of the detection signal from 41 is stored as data D1 (step 12), and this data D1 is further stored as data D2 '(step 1).
3).

Then, the light receiving variable lens 46 is changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51 (step 14), and the light receiving portion 3
Light is received at 8 (step 15).

Subsequently, in the variable control means 42, the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 41 at this time is output as the data D.
2 and compares it with the data D2 '(step 16). If data D2> data D2 'is not satisfied (No in step 16), data D2 is updated as data D2' (step 17). Also, data D2> data D
If it is 2 '(Yes in step 16), the living body 5
It is determined whether or not the variable light receiving lens 46 can be changed in a direction in which the light receiving angle range R for receiving light due to scattering inside 1 is narrowed (step 18).

Subsequently, when the light receiving variable lens 46 can be changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51 (Yes in step 18), the variable control is performed. In the means 42, the data D2 is updated as the data D2 'and the process returns to the step 14. (Step 19).

Subsequently, when the variable light receiving lens cannot be changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51 (No in step 18) or after step 17. The variable control means 42 compares the data D2 with the data D1 (step 20). If data D2> data D1 is not satisfied (No in step 20), the process ends because it is not normal data (step 21). Also, data D
If 2> data D1 (Yes in step 20), the light receiving unit 38 receives light (step 22).

Then, in the variable control means 42, A /
The output of the detection signal from the D converter 41 is the minimum output value Wmin.
Is determined (step 23). And A / D
When the output of the detection signal from the conversion unit 41 is the minimum output value Wmin (Yes in step 23), the received light is variable in the direction in which the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside the living body 51 is narrowed. The lens 46 is changed and the process returns to step 22 (step 24). In addition, the A / D converter 4
When the output of the detection signal from 1 is not the minimum output value Wmin (No in step 23), it is determined whether the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 41 is the maximum output value Wmax (step 25). .

Next, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 41 is the maximum output value Wmax (Yes in step 25), the light reception for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 51 is received. The light receiving variable lens 46 is changed in the direction of expanding the angular range R, and the process returns to step 22 (step 2).
6). When the output of the detection signal from the A / D conversion unit 41 is not the maximum output value Wmax (No in step 25), the latest captured data is output to the output unit 35 and the process returns to step 22. The processing procedure is repeated (step 27).

As described above, in the biological light measuring device according to the second embodiment, the variable light receiving lens 46 and the light emitting section 3 are used.
7 emits light having a wavelength with high response intensity to the target to be detected from the light emitting unit 37 arranged at the specific part of the living body 51 to the target to be detected (target for detection) inside the living body 51. The light receiving angle range of the light received from the light receiving unit 38 by controlling the light receiving variable lens 46 based on the data received by the light receiving unit 38 via the light receiving variable lens 46 through the light receiving variable lens 46. R is variable control means 4
By changing the value according to 2, it is possible to set a target detection position within a range in which the light receiving unit 38 can receive light of an appropriate intensity.

Further, as described in the step in FIG. 5, the variable control means 42 controls the variable light receiving lens 46 so that the light receiving angle of the light received by the light receiving portion 38 follows the increase and decrease of the data from the light receiving portion 38. Since the range R is variable, it is possible to always receive light even if the target detection position inside the living body 51 changes during measurement.

Further, the analog signal from the D / A converter 43 is modulated by the modulator 44 and then emitted by the light emitting portion 37, and received by the light receiving portion 38 and amplified by the detection signal amplifying portion 39. Since the signal is demodulated by the demodulation means 40, it is possible to cut the noise generated due to the displacement of the light emitting part 37 and the light receiving part 38 while being attached to the living body.

Next, FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 10 and 1
The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the biological light measuring device according to the present invention. Further, FIG. 11 shows a diagram showing a detection state. As shown in FIG. 10, the biological light measuring device according to the third embodiment is roughly divided into a light emitting system unit 61, a light receiving system unit 62, a variable system unit 63, a signal control processing unit 64, and an output unit 65. Constitute.

The light emitting system section 61 is composed of a light source driving section 66 and a light emitting section 67, and has the same function as the light emitting system section 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

The variable system section 63 has a D / A conversion section 73 and a modulation means 7 having the same structure as the variable system section 3 of the first embodiment.
4, a control signal amplifier 75 and a variable emission lens 76, a D / A converter 77, a modulator 78, a control signal amplifier 79, and a variable light receiving lens which have the same configuration as the variable system unit 33 of the second embodiment. 80 and. The function of each part is also the same, so description thereof will be omitted.

The light receiving system section 62 comprises a light receiving section 68, a detection signal amplifying section 69, a demodulating means 70 and an A / D converting section 71, and has the same function as the light receiving system section 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted.

The signal control processing unit 64 is connected to the A of the light receiving system unit 62.
Based on the detection signal from the / D converter 71, the light receiver 68
A signal for controlling the light emission angle range L of the light emission variable lens 76 is supplied to the D / A conversion unit 73 of the variable system unit 63 or the light reception angle of the light reception variable lens 80 so that the light received by the light reception device can always receive light. A variable control means 72 for outputting a signal for controlling the range R to the D / A conversion section 77 of the variable system section 63 is provided and the operation and control of the operation of the entire apparatus are performed. A microcomputer is used as the signal control processing unit 64, for example.

The output section 65 has the same function as the output section 5 of the first embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

Next, in the flow charts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the operation of the living body light measuring system according to the second embodiment will be described by replacing the light emitting angle range with the light emitting angle range and the light receiving angle range. FIG. 3 is a step of a flow for controlling the light emitting angle range and the light receiving angle range within the range of the light receiving unit capable of receiving light, and FIG. 4 is the range of the light receiving intensity which is the proper light emitting angle range and light receiving angle. FIG. 5 shows the steps of the control processing flow for setting the range, and FIG. 5 shows the flow of the control processing for setting the light emitting angle range and the light receiving angle range that are always the range of the intensity capable of receiving light.

Regarding the relationship between the light receiving intensity of the light receiving section and the light emitting angle range of the light emitting variable lens,
The relationship between the light receiving intensity of the light receiving section and the light receiving angle range of the light receiving variable lens is the same as the graph of FIG. 6 shown in the second embodiment.

First, when the living body light measuring apparatus is started, as shown in FIG. 11, the light emitting section 67 arranged at a specific portion of the living body 81 together with the light emitting variable lens 76, the light receiving variable lens 80, and the light receiving section 68. Light having a wavelength with a high response intensity is emitted to a target to be detected at a specific portion 81 (step 1). At this time, the light emitting section 67 is based on the control signal from the signal control processing section 64.
It operates by the signal for driving which is output from.

Then, in the variable control means 72, the light emitting angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting section 67 and the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light generated by the light emitted from the light emitting section 67 being scattered inside the living body. The control signal that maximizes the output is output. This output control signal is
After passing through the A / A converters 73 and 77, the modulators 74 and 78, and the control signal amplifiers 75 and 79, the light emission variable lens 76 and the light reception variable lens 80 are loaded. Then, in the light emission variable lens 76, the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67
On the other hand, in the variable light receiving lens 80, the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the light emitted from the light emitting section 67 being scattered inside the living body is changed to the maximum. (Step 2).

Subsequently, the light emitted from the light emitting section 67, which has a wavelength with a high response intensity, is emitted from the light emitting section 67.
And a living body 81 are passed through a variable light emission lens 76 disposed between the living body 81 and the living body 81, and the inside of the living body 81 is advanced to a target detection position (a position where a target to be detected is, for example, a Z point). ). Then, the light having the scattered wavelengths passes through the variable light receiving lens 80 arranged between the living body 81 and the light receiving unit 68, and is received by the light receiving unit 68.
The detection signal thus obtained is taken into the signal control processing unit 64 via the detection signal amplification unit 69, demodulation means 70, and A / D conversion unit 71 (step 3).

Then, in the variable control means 72, A /
The output of the detection signal from the D converter 71 is the minimum output value Wmin.
Is determined (step 4). When the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is the minimum output value Wmin (Yes in step 4), the variable control means 72 is used.
In the above, the variable light emission lens 76 can change the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67 in a direction to narrow the light emission angle, or the variable light reception lens 80 receives the light by being scattered inside the living body 81. It is determined whether or not the range R can be changed in the direction of narrowing (step 5).

Subsequently, the light emission variable lens 76 is attached to the light emission section 67.
When the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light source can be varied in the direction of narrowing (Yes in step 5), the control signal for changing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67 to the variable control means. It is output by 72. This control signal is taken into the light emission variable lens 76 via the D / A converter 73, the modulator 74, and the control signal amplifier 75. On the other hand, when the light receiving variable lens 80 can be changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving light due to scattering inside the living body 81 (Yes in step 5), the living body 8
The variable control means 72 outputs a control signal for narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering of light inside 1. This control signal is taken into the variable light receiving lens 80 via the D / A converter 77, the modulator 78, and the control signal amplifier 79. Then, the light emission variable lens 76 changes the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67 in a direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L, while the light reception variable lens 80 receives the light by receiving the light scattered inside the living body 81. The angle range R is varied in the direction of narrowing, and the process returns to step 3 (step 6). Further, the steps are repeated, and when the variable light emission lens 76 cannot change the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emission unit 67 in a direction to be narrowed and the variable light reception lens 80 scatters the light inside the living body 81. When the light receiving angle range R for receiving cannot be changed in the direction of narrowing (No in step 5), the process ends because it is outside the light receiving range (step 7).

In step 4, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is not the minimum output value Wmin (No in step 4), the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is the maximum output. It is determined whether the value is Wmax (step 8). When the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is the maximum output value Wmax (Yes in step 8)
In s), the light emission variable lens 76 can be changed in a direction to expand the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67, or the light reception angle range R for receiving light by scattering inside the living body 81. Variable lens for receiving light 8
It is determined whether 0 can be changed (step 9).

Subsequently, when the light emission variable lens 76 can be varied in a direction to widen the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67 (Yes in step 9), the light emission angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67. The variable control means 72 outputs a control signal for increasing L. This control signal is taken into the light emission variable lens 76 via the D / A converter 73, the modulator 74, and the control signal amplifier 75. Then, in the light emission variable lens 76, the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 7 is changed in a direction to widen it. On the other hand, living body 8
In the case where the variable light receiving lens 80 can be varied in the direction of widening the light receiving angle range R for receiving light due to scattering inside 1 (Yes in step 9), the variable light receiving lens 8
The variable control means 72 outputs a control signal for increasing the light receiving angle range R of 0. This control signal is taken into the light emission variable lens 80 via the D / A converter 77, the modulator 78, and the control signal amplifier 79. Then, in the variable light receiving lens 80, the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 81 is changed in a direction to be widened. Then, the process returns to step 3 (step 10). In addition, when the steps are repeated and it becomes impossible to change the light emission variable lens 76 in the direction of widening the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67, and the living body 8
When it becomes impossible to change the light receiving variable lens 80 in the direction in which the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside 1 is expanded (No in step 9),
The process ends because it is outside the light receiving range (step 11).

In step 8, if the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is not the maximum output value Wmax (No in step 8), the A / D converter 71 at this time is detected.
The output of the detection signal from is stored as data D1 (step 12), and this data D1 is further stored as data D2 '(step 13).

Subsequently, the light emission variable lens 76 is narrowed in the direction in which the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting section 67 is narrowed, or the light reception angle range R for receiving the light scattered by the inside of the living body 81 is narrowed. Direction variable lens 80
Is varied (step 14), and the light receiving section 68 receives light (step 15).

Then, in the variable control means 72, the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 at this time is output as the data D.
2 and compares it with the data D2 '(step 16). If data D2> data D2 'is not satisfied (No in step 16), data D2 is updated as data D2' (step 17). Also, data D2> data D
If it is 2 '(Yes in step 16), the light emission variable lens 76 can be changed in a direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67, or
It is determined whether or not the variable light receiving lens 80 can be changed in a direction in which the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 81 is narrowed (step 18).

Subsequently, in the case where the light emission variable lens 76 can be changed in the direction in which the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67 is narrowed, or in order to receive the light scattered by the inside of the living body 81. If the light receiving variable lens 80 can be changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R (Yes in step 18), the data D2 is changed to the data D2.
It updates as 2'and returns to step 14. (Step 1
9).

Subsequently, when the light emission variable lens 76 cannot be changed in the direction of narrowing the light emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting section 67, or the light receiving angle for receiving the light scattered inside the living body 81. When the variable light receiving lens 80 cannot be changed in the direction of narrowing the range R (No in step 18) or after step 17, the data D2 is compared with the data D1 (step 20). If data D2> data D1 is not satisfied (step 2
If the answer is 0, No, it means that the data is not normal (step 21). Also, data D2> data D1
If (Yes in step 20), the light receiving unit 68
The light is received at (step 22).

Then, in the variable control means 72, A /
The output of the detection signal from the D converter 71 is the minimum output value Wmin.
Is determined (step 23). And A / D
When the output of the detection signal from the conversion unit 71 is the minimum output value Wmin (Yes in step 23), the light emission variable lens 76 is changed in the direction of narrowing the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emission unit 67, On the other hand, the light receiving variable lens 80 is changed in the direction of narrowing the light receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to the scattering inside the living body 81, and the process returns to step 22 (step 24). When the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is not the minimum output value Wmin (step 2
In No in 3, it is determined whether the output of the detection signal from the A / D converter 71 is the maximum output value Wmax (step 2).
5).

Subsequently, when the output of the detection signal from the A / D conversion unit 71 is the maximum output value Wmax (Yes in step 25), the direction L of expanding the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emission unit 67 is expanded. The variable light emission lens 76 is changed to
The variable light-receiving lens 80 is changed in the direction in which the light-receiving angle range R for receiving the light due to scattering inside the living body 81 is widened, and the process returns to step 22 (step 26). Also, A
The output of the detection signal from the / D converter 71 is the maximum output value Wma.
If it is not x (No in step 25), the latest fetched data is output, the process returns to step 22, and the processing procedure is repeated (step 27).

As described above, in the living body light measuring apparatus according to the third embodiment, the light emission variable lens 76, the light receiving variable lens 80, and the light receiving unit 68, together with the light emitting unit 67 arranged at a specific portion of the living body 81, are used to change the light emission. Light having a wavelength with high response intensity is emitted to a target to be detected to a specific part of the living body 81 via the lens 76, and scattered at a target detection position (position where the target to be detected is) inside the living body 81. Based on the data received by the light receiving unit 68 via the light receiving variable lens 80 via the variable light receiving unit 80, the variable control unit 72 controls the variable light emitting lens 76 to set the emission angle range L of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 67. By making the variable, it becomes possible to set the target detection position within a range where the light emitting section 67 can emit light of an appropriate intensity, and the light receiving variable lens 80 is controlled to control the light receiving section 68. By varying the acceptance angle range R for receiving light, it is possible to detect a target position in a range capable of receiving light of an appropriate intensity by the light receiving portion 68.

Further, as described in the step in FIG. 5, the variable control means 72 controls the light emission variable lens 76 to emit the light emitted from the light emitting portion 67 in accordance with the increase and decrease of the data from the light receiving portion 68. The angle range L is changed. Also,
By controlling the variable light-receiving lens 80, the light-receiving angle range R of the light received by the light-receiving unit 68 is changed in accordance with the increase and decrease of the data from the light-receiving unit 68. Therefore, even if the target detection position inside the living body 81 changes, it is possible to always receive light.

Further, the analog signal from the D / A converter is modulated by the modulation means and then emitted by the light emitting section 67, and the analog signal received by the light receiving section 68 and amplified by the detection signal amplifying section 69 is obtained. Since it is demodulated by the demodulation means 70, it is possible to cut the noise generated due to the displacement of the light emitting part 67 and the light receiving part 68 when the device is attached to the living body.

[0090]

As described above, the living body light measuring apparatus of the present invention emits light by the variable control means even if the target detection position is in the range where the light emitting section cannot emit light of appropriate intensity. By controlling the variable lens to change the emission angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting unit, it is possible to set the target detection position within the range in which the light emitting unit can emit light of appropriate intensity. It is possible to perform accurate measurement even if the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit have variations in the mounting state or the person to be measured has individual differences.

Further, even if there is a target detection position in a range where the light receiving section cannot receive light of an appropriate intensity, the light receiving variable lens is controlled by the variable control means to receive light at the light receiving section. By changing the angle range, it is possible to set the target detection position within the range where the light receiving part can receive light of appropriate intensity, so there are variations in the mounting state of the light emitting part and the light receiving part. It is possible to measure accurately even if the person to be measured has individual differences.

Further, even if there is a target detection position in a range where the light emitting section cannot emit light of an appropriate intensity and a range where the light receiving section cannot receive light of an appropriate intensity, the variable control means emits light. By controlling the variable lens and the variable light receiving lens to change the light emitting angle range of the light emitted from the light emitting unit and the light receiving angle range for receiving the light at the light receiving unit, it is possible to emit light of appropriate intensity from the light emitting unit. Since it is possible to set the target detection position within the range that can be received and the range where the light receiving section can receive light of appropriate intensity,
There is a large variation in the mounting state of the light emitting part and the light receiving part,
Accurate measurement can be performed even if there are large individual differences among the persons to be measured.

Further, the variable control means performs control such that the light received by the light-receiving portion always has a receivable intensity, so that even if the target detection position inside the living body fluctuates during measurement, it always receives light. Therefore, it is possible to measure more accurately.

Further, by modulating by the modulating means and demodulating by the demodulating means, it is possible to cut the noise generated due to the deviation of the light emitting part and the light receiving part when it is worn on the body, so that more accurate measurement is possible. You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a biological light measurement device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detection state in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation for controlling a light emission angle range within a range of light intensity that can be received by a light receiving unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation of control processing for setting an appropriate light emission angle range within a range of light intensity that can be received.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation of a control process for always setting a range of light intensity that can be received and an appropriate emission angle range.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the light receiving intensity of the light receiving unit and the light emitting angle range of the light emitting variable lens.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the output value from the A / D conversion unit and the received light intensity of the light receiving unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a biological light measurement device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detection state in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a biological light measurement device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detection state in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detection state in the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 31, 61 Light emitting system 2, 32, 62 Light receiving system section 3, 33, 63 Variable system part 4, 34, 64 Signal control processing unit 5, 35, 65 Output section 6, 36, 66 Light source driver 7, 37, 67, 100 Light emitting part 8, 38, 68, 101 Light receiving part 9, 39, 69 Detection signal amplifier 10, 40, 70 Demodulation means 11, 41, 71 A / D converter 12, 42, 72 Variable control means 13, 43, 73, 77 D / A converter 14, 44, 74, 78 Modulation means 15, 45, 75, 79 Control signal amplifier 16,76 Emission variable lens 46, 80 Receiving variable lens 21, 51, 81, 102 living body L emission angle range R light receiving angle range

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2F065 AA01 BB05 BB23 CC16 DD04                       FF41 GG07 GG12 GG18 HH02                       JJ03 JJ18 LL04 NN00 QQ03                 2G059 AA05 BB12 BB13 CC16 EE02                       FF01 GG02 GG06 HH01 JJ11                       KK01 MM01 MM09 MM10 NN01                       PP04                 4C017 AA09 AC28 DD20 FF05                 4C038 KK00 KL05 KL07 KM01 KX04

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A living body light measuring device comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light into a living body; and a light receiving unit that receives light generated by scattering the light emitted from the light emitting unit inside the living body.
A light emission variable lens which is arranged between the living body and the light emission unit and which changes the light emission angle range of the light emitted from the light emission unit, and a variable control means which controls the light emission angle range which is changed by the light emission variable lens. A biological light measuring device characterized by the above. 2. A living body light measuring device comprising: a light emitting section that emits light into the living body; and a light receiving section that receives light generated by scattering the light emitted from the light emitting section inside the living body.
A light receiving variable lens that is arranged between the living body and the light receiving unit and that changes a light receiving angle range for receiving light due to scattering inside the living body, and a light receiving angle range that is changed by the light receiving variable lens are controlled. A living body light measurement device comprising: a variable control means. 3. A living body light measuring device comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light inside a living body; and a light receiving unit that receives light generated by scattering the light emitted from the light emitting unit inside the living body.
A light emission variable lens that is arranged between the living body and the light emitting unit and that changes the light emission angle range of light emitted from the light emitting unit, and is arranged between the living body and the light receiving unit and scattered inside the living body. Light receiving variable lens for changing the light receiving angle range for receiving the light, and variable control means for controlling the light emitting angle range changed by the light emitting variable lens and the light receiving angle range changed by the light receiving variable lens. A bio-light measuring device featuring. 4. The living body light measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the variable control unit controls the light received by the light receiving unit so that the light always has a receivable intensity. apparatus. 5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a modulation unit that modulates a light signal emitted from the light emitting unit and a demodulation unit that demodulates a light signal received by the light receiving unit. The living body light measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.