JP2003235828A - Body movement detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body movement detector in which a detection sensitivity is high and examinee's feeling in bed is good. <P>SOLUTION: The body movement detector has a detection mat 2 in a planar and rectangular form and a monitor for detecting body movements by measuring pressures applied to this detection mat 2. The detection mat 2 has a main body 21 of the detection mat for placing a subject thereon and a pressure sensitive part 22 provided inside this main body 21 of the detection mat. The length dimension of the detection mat 2 in a lengthwise direction is approximately equal with the length dimension of a bed in a crosswise direction. The pressure sensitive part 22 of a long cylindrical hollow body is located along with the lengthwise direction of the main body 21 of the detection mat and buried approximately in the center of the main body 21 of the detection mat in the direction of the thickness of a soft member 212. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body movement detecting device.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, the number of apnea syndromes that cause an apnea during sleep is increasing, and there is an increasing demand for easily monitoring the breathing of a subject at home or in a hospital. There is also a demand for 24-hour monitoring of body movements of bedridden elderly people and patients after surgery. Therefore, various body movement detecting devices have been proposed.

For example, as described in JP-A-60-29132 and JP-A-58-188008, an air mat is formed by sealing a fluid in an elastically deformable cover. There is a device in which a connecting tube is provided at an end and the connecting tube is connected to a monitor having a pressure sensor (conventional example 1). This device detects a volume change in the air mat due to body movement of the subject as a pressure change by a pressure sensor on the monitor side. Further, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-107154, there is provided a leaf-spring type detection mat including a pressure sensitive portion and upper and lower plates arranged above and below the pressure sensitive portion. There is an apnea detection device provided (conventional example 2). The upper plate of the detection mat is deformed by the movement of the body of the subject, and the pressure change due to this deformation is transmitted to the pressure sensitive portion, and the pressure transmitted to this pressure sensitive portion is detected by the pressure sensor in the monitor. Is.

[0004]

However, in the device having the air mat (conventional example 1), it is necessary to detect the pressure change applied to the entire air mat, and since the volume in the air mat is large, the pressure change due to body movement is small. However, there is a problem that the detection sensitivity is poor. Further, the apnea detection device having a leaf spring type detection mat (conventional example 2) is
When the natural vibration of the upper plate or the vibration of the upper plate due to the wind pressure such as air conditioning occurs, vibration noise may occur and the detection sensitivity may be reduced. Furthermore, since the upper plate is made of a resin plate, a wooden plate, etc., and is hard, it does not feel very comfortable when it is laid down directly on the detection mat. For this reason, normally, a futon or mattress is laid on the upper plate to lie the subject on the floor.
The detection sensitivity will be reduced accordingly. Therefore, there is a demand for a body movement detection device that allows the subject to lie down directly on the detection mat and that has a higher sensitivity and can detect, for example, a heartbeat.

An object of the present invention is to provide a body movement detecting device which has a high detection sensitivity and is comfortable to sleep.

[0006]

Therefore, the present invention aims to achieve the above object by adopting the following constitution. Specifically, the body movement detecting device of the present invention is a body movement detecting device that detects body movements including respiration of a subject, and is synchronized with a body of the detection mat on which the subject is placed and the body movement of the subject. Then, a detection mat configured to have a pressure sensitive portion where a pressure change occurs, pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure inside the pressure sensitive portion, and body movement from the pressure value measured by this pressure measuring means. Body detecting means for detecting, the detection mat main body has a flexible member elastically deformable by body movement of the subject, the pressure-sensitive portion is an elastically deformable hollow body, the detection mat It is characterized in that it is provided inside the flexible member of the main body.

Here, the subject includes not only humans but also animals such as cats and dogs. In addition, the body movement means the movement of the subject, and includes breathing, heartbeat, and the like. The use of the body movement detection device of the present invention is not limited to detection of an apnea state during sleep, for example, monitoring of a bedridden elderly person, monitoring for prevention of wandering of the elderly person, ventilator for inpatient was removed. It can be used to detect things, monitor pets (cats, dogs, etc.) after surgery. Further, the subject may be directly placed on the detection mat, or indirectly on a sheet, a mattress, a futon, or the like.

In the present invention having this structure, the body movement of the subject is measured by measuring the pressure change of the pressure-sensitive portion which is generated in synchronization with the body movement of the subject transmitted through the flexible member of the detection mat body. Since the detection is performed, the detection sensitivity can be increased as compared with the conventional case where the pressure applied to the entire detection mat is measured. Further, since the detection mat of the present invention does not use the upper plate having the spring characteristic unlike the conventional detection mat, the influence of vibration noise and wind pressure does not occur, and the detection sensitivity can be further enhanced. Since the vibration noise does not occur, it is not necessary to provide a noise filter or the like for preventing the detection of the vibration noise in the electric circuit that processes the detection signal, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, since the elastically deformable pressure sensitive portion is provided inside the flexible member of the detection mat main body, if the pressure applied to the pressure sensitive portion and the flexible member is released, the pressure sensitive portion itself is restored. In addition to the force, the restoring force of the flexible member acts on the pressure sensitive portion. Therefore, the pressure-sensitive portion can return to its original shape by utilizing the restoring force of the flexible member, so that the pressure-sensitive portion is not crushed completely. Therefore, a structure for preventing the pressure-sensitive portion from collapsing, for example, a structure for providing a spacer around the pressure-sensitive portion to regulate the amount of collapsing of the pressure-sensitive portion becomes unnecessary, and the labor of manufacturing can be saved. it can. Since the detection mat is composed of a flexible member that is elastically deformable, it has a better sleeping comfort than a conventional leaf spring type detection mat using an upper plate, and it is possible to lie directly on the detection mat.
Further, in the detection mat of the present invention, for example, if the pressure-sensitive portion is arranged substantially at the center in the thickness direction of the detection mat main body, it is not necessary to distinguish between the upper and lower surfaces, and it can be used regardless of the usage surface. , It can be user-friendly.

At this time, it is preferable that the pressure sensitive portion has a long tubular shape. The pressure sensitive portion may be a hollow body such as a disc shape, but if the pressure sensitive portion is a long tubular hollow body, it is possible to arrange the pressure sensitive portion over the entire length of the detection mat. Therefore, even if the subject moves, it is possible to reliably detect the body movement.

The flexible member is preferably polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is generally used for beds and cushions. If the flexible member is polyurethane foam, even if the subject lays directly on the detection mat, good comfort can be obtained, and the cost is low. It can be manufactured.

Further, it is preferable that the pressure sensitive portion is arranged so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the lying posture of the subject. If the pressure-sensitive portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction along the lying posture of the subject, the body movement can be always detected even when the subject turns over. In particular, if the pressure-sensitive portion has a length dimension close to the width of the bed, it becomes possible to reliably detect body movement.

Further, the pressure measuring means has a pressure sensor section for detecting the pressure inside the pressure sensitive section, and the pressure sensor section has a pressure receiving chamber for receiving the pressure from the inside of the pressure sensitive section, A back pressure chamber adjacent to the pressure receiving chamber is provided,
It is preferable that the pressure receiving chamber and the back pressure chamber communicate with the atmosphere through a communication hole having a throttle mechanism.

When the pressure receiving chamber of the pressure sensor unit is sealed, the pressure receiving chamber is affected by external factors such as changes in atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature, changes in the body temperature of the subject, etc., which have a slower pressure response than body movements. The pressure in may rise or fall slowly, and may deviate significantly from atmospheric pressure. In this case, it becomes difficult to detect a subtle pressure change due to body movements such as heartbeat and respiration. On the other hand, by communicating the pressure receiving chamber with the atmosphere through the communication hole having the throttle mechanism, it is possible to always maintain the pressure receiving chamber at the atmospheric pressure even if an external factor occurs. Therefore, it becomes possible to detect a subtle pressure change due to body movements such as heartbeat and respiration.

Further, if the back pressure chamber is simply opened to the atmosphere, the back pressure chamber may be directly affected by the opening and closing of the door of the room in which the body movement detecting device is installed and the atmospheric changes such as air conditioning wind. There is a possibility that detection of body movement will not be performed normally. On the other hand, by making the back pressure chamber also communicate with the atmosphere through the communication hole that has a throttling mechanism, the throttling mechanism of the communication hole acts as a flow resistance for the wind that enters the communication hole, and the back pressure chamber has a direct effect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the body movement from being abnormally detected.

At this time, it is preferable that the throttle mechanism is a porous member having a porous structure provided in the communication hole.
By making the communication hole a hole having a small diameter, it is possible to make a communication hole having a throttle mechanism, but in this case, it is difficult to keep the hole diameter within the tolerance, and the diameter and shape after processing vary. It is difficult to quantitatively limit the air flow rate. If the pore size is too small, it is likely to be affected by external factors, and if it is too large, the body motion detection sensitivity becomes poor. Also, when manufacturing or using the body movement detector, dust, dust, water, oil, etc. may enter the communication hole,
There is a possibility that rust will occur and the air flow rate will decrease, and that the communication holes will also become blocked. On the other hand, if a porous member having a porous structure is provided in the communication hole, even if the diameter of the communication hole is large, the amount of ventilation with the atmosphere can be made constant at all times, and the communication hole is prevented by dust or the like. It is possible to solve the problem of being blocked.

Further, the body movement detecting apparatus of the present invention preferably has a communication means for communicating the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring means to an external device. Here, the communication method may be wireless communication or wire communication. The external device may be a device such as a lightning indicator or a liquid crystal display that can be directly visually recognized, a device such as a buzzer that can be visually recognized, a device such as a printer that displays information by punching, or a personal computer. By using the body movement detecting device having the communication means, the pressure value can be transmitted to the external device, so that the subject is monitored in a place apart from the body movement detecting device, for example, in a room different from the subject. It is also possible to reduce the monitoring burden on the observer.

Further, it is preferable to include a storage means for storing the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring means. By providing the body movement detecting device with a storage unit for storing the pressure value, it is possible to examine not only during the detection of the body movement but also the change of the pressure value after the detection of the body movement. Therefore, depending on the condition of the subject, it is not necessary for the monitor to constantly monitor the pressure value during detection of body movements, and the burden on the monitor can be reduced.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a body movement detecting device 1 of this embodiment. The body movement detecting device 1 has a detection mat 2 having a rectangular shape in a plane and a monitor 3 for measuring the pressure applied to the detection mat 2 to detect body movement. The detection mat 2 and the monitor 3 are connected by a connection pipe 4. In this embodiment, the body movement detecting device 1 is used for detecting apnea, and the subject 7 is an adult human.

The detection mat 2 is placed on a bed 8, a futon or the like, and is placed from the chest of the subject 7 to below the waist. The subject 7 may be placed directly on the detection mat 2 or may be placed indirectly by laying sheets or the like. The length dimension of the detection mat 2 in the longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the length dimension of the bed 8 in the short side direction, and is, for example, 300 mm to 800 mm. The length dimension of the detection mat 2 in the short side direction is, for example, 50 mm to 300 mm, and the thickness dimension of the detection mat 2 is, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the detection mat 2
Has a detection mat main body 21 on which the subject 7 is placed, and a pressure sensitive portion 22 provided inside the detection mat main body 21.
The detection mat main body 21 includes a flexible member 212 that is elastically deformable by the body movement of the subject 7, and a cover member 211 that covers the flexible member 212. The flexible member 212 is an elastically deformable foam, for example, a polyurethane foam such as ether ECS, and has a density of 0.016 to 0.1.
It is about 14 g / cm ³ . The cover member 211 is made of vinyl or cloth. A silicon slip stopper is attached to the surface of the cover member 211 so that the installation position of the detection mat main body 21 is not displaced due to the subject 7 turning over or the like.

The pressure sensitive portion 22 in which a pressure change occurs in synchronization with the body movement of the subject 7 is a long cylindrical hollow body and is elastically deformable. The pressure sensitive portion 22 is formed of, for example, a silicon tube having an outer diameter of 5 mm and an inner diameter of 4 mm. The pressure-sensitive portion 22 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the detection mat main body 21 and is embedded in the flexible member 212 of the detection mat main body 21 substantially at the center in the thickness direction. Since the lengthwise direction of the detection mat 2 is arranged along the short side direction of the bed 8, the pressure sensitive portion 22 is arranged so as to extend in the direction orthogonal to the lying posture of the subject 7. . A cavity for arranging the pressure-sensitive portion 22 along the longitudinal direction of the detection mat body 21 in advance (for example, the diameter dimension is 5.
The pressure sensitive portion 22 is arranged inside the detection mat main body 21 by inserting the pressure sensitive portion 22 into this cavity. An embedding plug 23 is attached to one end of the pressure-sensitive portion 22 to prevent air from leaking from this one end. The connecting pipe 4 is attached to the other end of the pressure-sensitive portion 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, the monitor 3 connected to the detection mat 2 by the connecting pipe 4 includes a pressure measuring means 31 and
Communication means 32, storage means 33, and body movement detection means 34
And a power supply unit 35 for driving the monitor. Although not shown, the monitor 3 has a computing unit such as a CPU and a control unit. The pressure measuring unit 31 includes a pressure sensor unit 311 that detects a pressure change inside the pressure-sensitive unit 22, and a pressure measuring unit 312 that calculates the pressure change detected by the pressure sensor unit 311 every predetermined time and measures the pressure value. Have.

The communication unit 32 has a communication unit 321 for communicating the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring unit 312 of the pressure measuring unit 31 to the external device 6. As a communication method, wired communication may be performed, or the communication unit 321 may be provided with a transmission unit 322 to perform wireless communication. The transmitter 322 may be provided inside the monitor 3 or may be externally attached to the monitor 3. The external device 6 is a personal computer 61
In addition to the above, it is conceivable that an electronic display, a liquid crystal display or the like that can be directly visually recognized, a buzzer or the like that can be visually recognized, or a printer or the like that displays the information by stamping it on paper. When performing wireless communication, the receiving unit 62 that receives data from the transmitting unit 322 is provided as the external device 6.

The storage unit 33 has a storage unit 331 that stores the pressure value measured by the pressure measurement unit 312 of the pressure measurement unit 31. The body movement detecting unit 34 detects the body movement, for example, an apnea state or the like from the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring unit 312, and the body movement detecting unit 341.
The display unit 342 that displays the result detected in step 1 and the alarm unit 343 that notifies the apnea state when the state is detected are configured. The power supply unit 35 is a battery or AC / DC.
It is a converter.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the pressure sensor 311 of the pressure measuring means 31 is connected to the connecting pipe 4 and has the pressure introducing hole 316 formed therein.
13, a pressure receiving chamber 314 that receives the pressure of the pressure sensitive portion 22 introduced from the pressure introducing hole 316, a pressure sensor circuit 317 that is installed in contact with the pressure receiving chamber 314, and a pressure receiving chamber 314.
And a back pressure chamber 315 adjacent thereto. As shown in FIG. 5, a circuit board 36 is attached to the monitor 3 adjacent to the pressure sensor unit 311.

The pressure introduction hole 316 is formed with a communication hole 316A which communicates with the atmosphere. The pressure receiving chamber 314 communicates with the atmosphere through the communication hole 316A. This communication hole 316A has a diaphragm mechanism, and this diaphragm mechanism is a porous member 319A of a porous structure attached to the end of the communication hole 316A on the atmosphere side. This porous member 319A
Examples thereof include Gore-tex (registered trademark) Oleovent filter manufactured by Japan Gore-tex Co., Ltd. Other porous members may be used,
Since the GORE-TEX (registered trademark) Oleovent filter has air permeability and water repellency, it is preferably used as the porous member 319A.

The pressure sensor circuit 317 provided in contact with the pressure receiving chamber 314 is a substrate 3 having an electronic circuit (not shown).
17A and a pressure sensor chip 317B arranged on the substrate 317A and detecting the pressure of the pressure sensitive portion 22. A through hole 317C is formed in the center of the substrate 317A. The pressure sensor chip 317B includes, for example, planar insulators 317E and 31 on the front and back surfaces of a diaphragm 317D in which central portions of the front and back surfaces are recessed as shown in FIG.
7F is integrally provided. Diaphragm 317
D is composed of a silicon single crystal or the like, and has an insulator 3
17E and 317F are made of glass or the like. Insulators 317E and 317F have through holes 317G and 317G, respectively.
317H is formed in the through hole 3 of the insulator 317E.
The pressure from the pressure sensitive portion 22 is introduced from 17G, and the atmospheric pressure is introduced from the through hole 317H of the insulator 317F.
By applying these pressures to the diaphragm 317D,
The diaphragm 317D is deformed, and is taken out as a strain amount or electrostatic capacitance due to this deformation. This distortion amount, electrostatic capacity, etc. are converted into an electric signal by an electronic circuit.

The pressure sensor circuit 317 is provided with a sensor cover 318 for fixing the substrate 317A, and the pressure receiving chamber 31.
4 and the back pressure chamber 315 are sealed. This sensor cover 3
A notch portion 318A is formed in 18. Back pressure chamber 3
Reference numeral 15 has a back pressure chamber main body 315A adjacent to the pressure receiving chamber 314 with the substrate 317A interposed therebetween, and a front chamber 315B communicating with the back pressure chamber main body 315A by a notch 318A. The front chamber 315B of the back pressure chamber 315 communicates with the atmosphere through the same communication hole 316B as the pressure receiving chamber 314, and thus the back pressure chamber body 315A also communicates with the atmosphere. A porous member 319B having a porous structure is attached to the communication hole 316B. The porous member 319B is the porous member 3
It is the same material as 19A.

The operation of detecting the apnea state in the body movement detecting device 1 will be described below. The flexible member 212 of the detection mat main body 21 receives pressure due to body movements such as breathing of the subject 7 placed on the detection mat 2. This pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensitive portion 22, a change in volume inside the pressure sensitive portion 22 occurs, and a pressure change occurs due to this volume change. This pressure change is captured by the pressure sensor unit 311 of the monitor 3 via the connecting pipe 4. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor unit 311 is measured by the pressure measuring unit 312 every predetermined time. The pressure value measured by the pressure measuring unit 312 is
The communication unit 32 may communicate with the external device 6 or may be stored in the storage unit 331 and communicated with the external device 6 by the communication unit 32 after the measurement is completed. Furthermore, the storage unit 3
At the same time as being stored in 31, the communication means 32 may communicate with the external device 6. On the other hand, the pressure value measured by the pressure measurement unit 312 is input to the body movement detection unit 341, and the body movement detection unit 341 determines whether the state is an apnea. When it is determined that the subject is in an apnea state, the display unit 342 displays that the subject is apnea, and the alarm unit 343 outputs an alarm such as blinking of a buzzer or a warning light. In this way, the apnea state of the subject 7 is detected.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. Since the body movement of the subject 7 is detected by measuring the pressure change of the pressure-sensitive portion 22 that is generated in synchronization with the body movement of the subject 7 transmitted via the flexible member 212 of the detection mat body 21, the conventional method is used. As compared with the case where the pressure applied to the entire detection mat is measured as described above, the detection sensitivity can be increased. Further, since the detection mat 2 does not use a springy upper plate unlike the conventional detection mat, the influence of vibration noise and wind pressure does not occur, and the detection sensitivity can be further enhanced. Since the vibration noise does not occur, it is not necessary to provide a noise filter or the like for preventing the detection of the vibration noise in the electric circuit that processes the detection signal, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the detection mat 2
Since the monitor 3 and the monitor 3 are separated from each other, it is not necessary to dispose a sensor or electric wiring inside the detection mat 2, so that the safety can be improved. Further, since no sensor or the like is installed in the detection mat 2, the body movement detecting device 1 does not break down even if an excessive impact is given, and the durability can be high. Further, since the detection mat 2 and the monitor 3 are provided separately, and the monitor 3 is provided with the pressure sensor unit 311, the manufacturing is easier than in the case where the pressure sensor unit and electric wiring are provided in the detection mat. .

Further, since the elastically deformable pressure-sensitive portion 22 is provided inside the flexible member 212 of the detection mat body 21, if the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive portion 22 and the flexible member 212 is released, the pressure-sensitive portion 22 will be sensed. In addition to the restoring force of the pressure portion 22 itself, the restoring force of the flexible member 212 acts on the pressure sensitive portion 22. Therefore, the pressure-sensitive portion 22 can return to its original shape by utilizing the restoring force of the flexible member 212, so that the pressure-sensitive portion 22 does not have to be completely collapsed. Therefore, a structure for preventing the pressure-sensitive portion 22 from being crushed, for example, a structure in which a spacer is provided around the pressure-sensitive portion 22 to regulate the amount of crushing of the pressure-sensitive portion, is unnecessary, and labor for manufacturing is saved. Therefore, the detection mat 2 can be made inexpensive. Furthermore, since such a detection mat 2 is separate from the monitor 3,
The detection mat 2 may be a disposable type.

Since the detection mat 2 is composed of a flexible member 212 which is elastically deformable, the detection mat 2 is more comfortable to sleep than a conventional leaf spring type detection mat using an upper plate, and can be laid directly on the detection mat 2. Will also be possible. Flexible member 21
Since 2 is made of polyurethane foam used for beds, cushions, etc., it is possible to secure the same sleeping comfort as a general bed, etc. Furthermore, the detection mat 2
The thickness is, for example, about 10 mm to 30 mm, and is thin, so that even if the subject 7 sleeps directly on the detection mat 2, there is no discomfort, and the comfort of sleeping can be prevented. Further, since the flexible member 212 is made of polyurethane foam and the polyurethane foam is light, the detection mat 2 can be easily carried by the user. Furthermore, since the polyurethane foam has flexibility, it will not be broken even if the detection mat 2 is dropped during carrying, so that it does not burden the user.

Since the pressure-sensitive portion 22 is arranged substantially at the center in the thickness direction of the detection mat body 21, it is not necessary to distinguish the upper and lower surfaces and the like, and it can be used regardless of the usage surface, which is convenient for the user. Can be When the pressure-sensitive portion 22 has a quadrangular cross section, it needs to be arranged as shown in FIG. 9A. For example, when the pressure-sensitive portion 22 is arranged as shown in FIG. 9B, There is also a risk that the transmission of pressure will be poor and the sensitivity will be reduced. Therefore, when the pressure sensitive portion 22 having a rectangular cross section is used, the installation direction of the pressure sensitive portion with respect to the detection mat body 21 must be selected. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the pressure-sensitive portion 22 has a cylindrical shape, it can be attached regardless of the installation direction,
No effort is required to manufacture the detection mat 2. Furthermore, since the pressure-sensitive portion 22 has a cylindrical shape, the change in volume with respect to the change in pressure becomes linear, and the change in pressure can be accurately captured.

Further, the pressure sensitive portion 22 may be a hollow body having a circular plane shape as shown in FIG. 10 (A) or a rectangular plane shape as shown in FIG. 10 (B). Is a long cylindrical hollow body, it is possible to dispose the pressure sensitive portion 22 over the entire length of the detection mat 2, and it is possible to reliably detect body movement even when the subject 7 moves. become able to. Further, the cylindrical shape can suppress the internal volume inside the pressure sensitive portion 22 to be small, and the sensitivity can be enhanced.

Further, the pressure sensitive portion 22 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the detection mat 2, and the pressure sensitive portion 22 is arranged so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction along the lying posture of the subject 7. Therefore, even if the subject 7 turns over, the body movement can be always detected.

When the pressure receiving chamber 314 of the pressure sensor unit 311 is sealed, it is affected by external factors such as changes in atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature, changes in body temperature of the subject 7 and the like, which have a slower pressure response than body movements. In some cases, the pressure in the pressure receiving chamber 314 may slowly rise or fall and may deviate significantly from the atmospheric pressure. In this case, it becomes difficult to detect a subtle pressure change due to body movements such as heartbeat and respiration. On the other hand, by communicating the pressure receiving chamber 314 with the atmosphere through the communication hole 316A having the throttle mechanism, it is possible to always maintain the pressure inside the pressure receiving chamber 314 at the atmospheric pressure even if an external factor occurs. Therefore, it becomes possible to detect a subtle pressure change due to body movements such as heartbeat and respiration.

Further, if the back pressure chamber 315 is simply opened to the atmosphere, the back pressure chamber 315 is directly affected by the opening and closing of the door of the room in which the body movement detecting device 1 is installed and the atmospheric changes such as the air conditioning wind. In response to this, there is a possibility that the body movement will not be detected normally. On the other hand, when the back pressure chamber 315 is also communicated with the atmosphere through the communication hole 316B having a throttling mechanism, the throttling mechanism of the communication hole 316B serves as flow path resistance such as wind that enters the communication hole 316B, and the back pressure is reduced. Room 315 was directly affected,
It is possible to prevent the detection of the body movement from not being performed normally.

A narrowing mechanism can be provided by forming the communication hole with a small diameter, but in this case, it is difficult to keep the hole diameter within the tolerance, and the diameter and shape after processing will vary. However, it is difficult to quantitatively limit the air flow rate. If the hole diameter is too small, it is easily affected by external factors, and if it is too large, the body movement detection sensitivity becomes poor. In addition, during manufacture or use of the body movement detecting device, dust, dust, water, oil, etc. may enter the communication hole, or rust may occur, reducing the air flow rate and further clogging the communication hole. There is a possibility. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the porous members 319A and 319B having a porous structure are provided in the communication holes 316A and 316B, the communication holes 316 are provided.
Even if the diameters of A and 316B are large, the amount of ventilation with the atmosphere can be made constant at all times, and the problem that the communication hole is clogged with dust or the like can be solved. Further, since the diameter of the communication hole 316A can be increased, it is not necessary to form the communication holes 316A and 316B.

Further, since the body movement detecting device 1 has the communication means 32, it is possible to transmit the pressure value to the external device 6, and the place apart from the body movement detecting device 1, for example, the subject 7. It is also possible to monitor the subject 7 in another room or the like, and it is possible to reduce the monitoring burden on the monitor. Further, by providing the body movement detecting device 1 with the storage unit 33 that stores the pressure value, it is possible to examine not only the body movement detection but also the change in the pressure value after the body movement detection. Therefore, depending on the condition of the subject 7 and the like, the observer does not need to constantly monitor the pressure value while detecting the body movement, and the burden on the observer can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. For example,
In the above-described embodiment, the body movement detecting device 1 is used to detect an apnea state, but in the present invention, for example, monitoring of a bedridden elderly person, monitoring for preventing wandering of the elderly person, and respirator for inpatients. It may be used to detect that the pet has come off and to monitor pets (cats, dogs, etc.) after surgery. Further, the subject 7 is not limited to an adult human being, and may be an infant, or may be an animal such as a cat or a dog.

In the above embodiment, the communication holes 316A, 31
6B includes porous members 319A and 319 as a throttle mechanism.
Although B is provided, the diaphragm mechanism may be provided by forming the communication hole to have a small diameter. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide the porous members 319A and 319B, so that the number of members can be reduced.

Further, although the pressure sensitive portion 22 is a long hollow cylindrical body, it may be a hollow body having another cross-sectional shape such as a quadrangular cross section. However, if the cross section has a quadrangular shape, the mounting direction of the pressure sensitive portion with respect to the detection mat main body 21 is limited,
It takes time to install. On the other hand, by making the pressure-sensitive portion 22 have a cylindrical shape as in the above-described embodiment, the mounting direction of the pressure-sensitive portion 22 is not limited, and the mounting does not require labor. Further, the pressure-sensitive portion may have a planar rectangular shape or a planar circular shape, and may be appropriately determined for implementation. However, the cylindrical shape can reduce the internal volume inside the pressure-sensitive portion,
The sensitivity can be increased.

Further, the pressure sensitive portion 22 is composed of the detection mat body 2
Although it is assumed that the cavity is formed in 1 and the pressure sensitive portion 22 is passed through this cavity, the detection mat main body 21 is cut out as shown in FIG. 11, and the groove 21 for disposing the pressure sensitive portion 22 is formed.
3, the pressure sensitive portion 22 is arranged in the groove 213, and then the sponge lid 214 is fixed thereto by the double-sided tape T, whereby the pressure sensitive portion 22 is arranged inside the detection mat body 21. It may be one. In this way, the groove 2
Since the pressure sensitive portion 22 is installed only by placing the pressure sensitive portion 22 on the pressure sensor 13, the pressure sensitive portion 22 can be easily installed. Also, the groove 213
Since the pressure sensitive portion 22 is installed in the above, there is no fear that the pressure sensitive portion 22 will move.

Although the pressure sensitive portion 22 is arranged so as to extend in the direction orthogonal to the sleeping posture of the subject 7, it may be arranged along the sleeping posture. For example, when the subject is an infant, it is preferable to arrange the subject along the sleeping posture (longitudinal direction of the bed) because the subject does not just turn over but also moves around on the bed during sleep. The possibility of slipping off from the top is reduced, and body movement can be reliably detected. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pressure-sensitive portion 22 is arranged on a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the detection mat main body 21, but not limited to this, it may be arranged in a meandering manner,
Furthermore, they may be arranged in a circular shape.

The flexible member 212 is made of a foam such as polyurethane foam, but is not limited to this, and may be any material that is elastically deformed and has a flexibility that does not cause discomfort when lying directly on it. . Although the storage unit 33 and the communication unit 32 are provided inside the monitor 3, the storage unit and the communication unit may be attached outside the monitor. Further, the body movement detecting means 34 is provided with the alarm portion 343 and the display portion 342. However, depending on the use of the body movement detecting device 1, for example, when the body movement detecting device 34 is used for detecting mild apnea of an adult or the like, these are provided. It does not have to be.

[0047]

EXAMPLE In order to confirm the effect of the present invention, the following comparative experiment was conducted. An experiment was conducted using the body movement detecting device 1 described in the above embodiment. (Example 1) An experiment was conducted on the influence of noise. First, the detection mat 2 was placed on the bed, and the bed was vibrated. Furthermore, the wind was applied by air conditioning. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. (Example 2) The detection mat 2 was placed under the back of the subject 7, and body movement on the left side of the chest was detected while the subject 7 was in the supine position. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. (Example 3) The detection mat 2 was placed under the waist of the subject 7, and the body movement on the left side of the abdomen was detected while the subject 7 was in the lateral recumbent position. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. (Example 4) The detection mat 2 was placed under the back of the subject 7, and the body movement in the center of the chest was detected when the subject 7 was in the supine position. The results are shown in the graph of FIG.

As shown in the graph of FIG. 12, it became clear that there was almost no effect of bed vibration or wind. Further, it was found that the body movement detection sensitivity was high as shown in the graphs of FIGS. 13 to 15. In particular, in the graph of FIG. 15, the heartbeat was clearly detected in the apnea state, and it was possible to reliably detect the state of the subject 7.

Next, a comparative example for confirming the effect of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. In the comparative example, the conventional example 2
The body motion detecting device having the leaf-spring type detection mat of was used. (Comparative Example 1) An experiment was conducted on the influence of noise under the same conditions as in Example 1. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. (Comparative Example 2) Under the same conditions as in Example 2, the body movement on the left side of the chest was detected while the subject 7 was in the supine position. Results are shown in FIG. (Comparative Example 3) Under the same conditions as in Example 3, the body motion on the left side of the abdomen was detected while the subject 7 was in the lateral decubitus position. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. (Comparative Example 4) Under the same conditions as in Example 4, the body movement in the center of the chest was detected while the subject 7 was in the supine position. The results are shown in the graph of FIG.

Comparing Examples 1 to 4 with Comparative Examples 1 to 4, respectively, the Comparative Example is more susceptible to bed vibration and wind than the Example, and the detection sensitivity of the Comparative Example is also higher. I found it bad. In particular, as shown in the graph of FIG. 19, in the comparative example, it was difficult to detect the heartbeat in the apnea state. Therefore, the effect of high detection sensitivity of the body movement detecting device of the present invention was remarkably shown.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a body movement detecting device which has a high detection sensitivity and is comfortable to sleep.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a body movement detecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a detection mat of the body movement detecting device.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and a block diagram of a body movement detecting device.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a monitor of the body movement detecting device.

6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.

7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a pressure sensor circuit of the monitor.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the pressure-sensitive portion of the body movement detecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the pressure sensitive portion of the body movement detecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the detection mat of the body movement detecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Example 1.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Example 2.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Example 3.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Example 4.

16 is a graph showing a change in pressure value over time of Comparative Example 1. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Comparative Example 2.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Comparative Example 3.

FIG. 19 is a graph showing changes in pressure value over time in Comparative Example 4.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Body motion detector 2 Detection mat 3 monitors 4 connecting pipes 6 External equipment 21 Detection mat body 22 Pressure-sensitive part 31 Pressure measuring means 32 communication means 33 storage means 34 Body motion detection means 212 Flexible member 311 Pressure sensor section 314 Pressure receiving chamber 315 Back pressure chamber 316A, 316B communication hole 319A, 319B Porous member

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Noboru Ikeda             Nagano Keiki, 1-30-4 Higashimagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Within the corporation F-term (reference) 4C038 SS09 ST00 SV01 SX01 VA04                       VB40 VC20

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A body movement detecting device for detecting body movements including respiration of a subject, wherein a pressure-sensitive body for detecting a body on which the subject is placed and a pressure change which is synchronized with the body movement of the subject. A detection mat having a section, pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure inside the pressure-sensitive section, and body movement detecting means for detecting body movement from the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring means. The detection mat main body has a flexible member that is elastically deformable by body movement of the subject, and the pressure sensitive portion is a hollow body that is elastically deformable, and is provided inside the flexible member of the detection mat main body. A body movement detecting device characterized by being provided. 2. The body movement detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensing portion has a long tubular shape. 3. The body movement detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member is polyurethane foam. 4. The body movement detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive portion is arranged so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the sleeping posture of the subject. Characteristic body motion detection device. 5. The body movement detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure measuring unit has a pressure sensor unit that detects a pressure inside the pressure-sensitive unit, and the pressure sensor unit includes: Is provided with a pressure receiving chamber that receives pressure from the inside of the pressure sensing portion, and a back pressure chamber that is adjacent to the pressure receiving chamber, and the pressure receiving chamber and the back pressure chamber are connected via a communication hole having a throttle mechanism. A body movement detecting device characterized by communicating with the atmosphere. 6. The body movement detecting device according to claim 5, wherein the diaphragm mechanism is a porous member having a porous structure provided in the communication hole. 7. The body movement detecting device according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for communicating the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring means to an external device. apparatus. 8. The body movement detecting device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the pressure value measured by the pressure measuring unit.