JP2008086392A - Biological information detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological information detecting device which can be used by even a person with a metal allergy and is excellent in economic efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The biological information detecting device is equipped with an electrode part 16 having a pair of sensing electrodes 12, 12 for detecting a potential difference and a first joint 18 electrically connected to the sensing electrodes 12, 12 and a main body part 17 having a second joint 19 electrically connected to the first joint 18 and a detected result processing part 110 for processing the detected result detected by the sensing electrodes 12, 12, and the electrode part 16 and the main body part 17 are mutually coupled in a manner to be detached. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological information detection apparatus, and more particularly to a biological information detection apparatus that detects a potential difference between various parts of a biological body.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a biological information detection apparatus that measures changes in biological information such as myoelectric potential, pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature is known. This biological information detection apparatus is widely used not only as a medical device but also for the purpose of maintaining health and grasping an exercise state.

Such biological information can be detected by, for example, providing a measuring means for measuring a myoelectric potential as a response to an electrical stimulus given to a living body muscle, detecting a potential difference between various parts of the living body, and obtaining it by the measuring means. A technique for acquiring biological information based on the detected myoelectric potential is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In an apparatus for obtaining biological information by detecting a potential difference between various parts of a living body as described in Patent Document 1, a pair of metal electrodes are provided so as to contact the skin of a human body in order to detect the potential difference. In addition, the myoelectric potential or the like is detected by the potential difference between the electrodes.
JP 2000-232A

  However, such a device in which a metal electrode is in direct contact with the human body requires appropriate attention in use for a person who is allergic to metal, and has been a cause of trouble for the user.

In addition, accurate biological information cannot be acquired if the electrode portion deteriorates, but since the electrode portion is in direct contact with the human skin, it is likely to deteriorate due to attachment of sweat or the like during exercise.
For this reason, there is a case where the other part of the apparatus does not function as a device because only the electrode portion is deteriorated even though no failure or the like has occurred, and the entire device has to be replaced, which is economical. There was a problem of lacking.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a biometric information detection device that can be used even by a person having a metal allergy and is excellent in economy. It is what.

The biological information detection device according to the invention of claim 1 (for example, the myoelectric detection device 10 shown in FIGS.
An electrode portion (for example, the electrode portion 16 in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5) and a main body portion (for example, the main body portion 17 in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5) that are detachably connected to each other. Prepared,
The electrode unit includes a pair of detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 12 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) that detect a potential difference, and a first connection unit (for example, FIGS. 3 and 5) that is electrically connected to the detection electrode. 5 first connecting portion 18),
The main body performs processing of a detection result detected by the second connection part (for example, the second connection part 19 in FIGS. 3 and 5) electrically connected to the first connection part and the detection electrode. And a detection result processing unit (for example, the detection result processing unit 110 in FIG. 6).

The invention according to claim 2 is the biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1,
The pair of detection electrodes and the first connection portion are provided on a substrate (for example, the substrate 14 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5), and the substrate is a flexible substrate having flexibility. Yes.

The invention according to claim 3 is the biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The detection electrode is a resin electrode formed of a conductive resin.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the biological information detecting device according to the first to third aspects,
The electrode unit further includes a reference electrode for detecting a reference potential (for example, the reference electrode 13 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5).

The invention according to claim 5 is the biological information detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The reference electrode is a resin electrode formed of a conductive resin.

The invention according to claim 6 is the biological information detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The electrode portion is formed with notches for ventilation (for example, notches 161 and 162 in FIGS. 2B, 3 and 4).

The invention according to claim 7 is the biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1,
The electrode portion includes a first locking portion (for example, the first locking portion 30 in FIGS. 8 and 9) on the side opposite to the side where the first connection portion is provided, and the main body portion has the second connection. A second locking portion (for example, the second locking portion 31 in FIGS. 8 and 9) on the side opposite to the side where the portion is provided,
When the potential difference is detected by the pair of detection electrodes, the electrode portion and the main body portion are disposed so as to overlap each other, and the first connection portion and the second connection portion are electrically connected, The electrode portion and the main body portion are coupled by locking one locking portion to the second locking portion.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the electrode part and the main body part are detachable from each other, the potential difference is detected by the pair of detection electrodes provided in the electrode part, and the electrode part is electrically connected to the electrode part. The detection result detected by the detection electrode in the main body can be processed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the substrate on which the pair of detection electrodes and the first connection portion are provided is a flexible substrate having flexibility, it corresponds to the shape of various measurement sites and the movement of the body. It is possible.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the potential difference can be detected by the detection electrode which is a resin electrode formed of a conductive resin.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the electrode part is also provided with the reference electrode, and the reference potential of the living body can be detected.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the reference potential can be detected by the reference electrode which is a resin electrode formed of a conductive resin.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, sweat on the body surface can be diffused by the ventilation notch formed in the electrode portion.

  According to the invention of claim 7, when detecting the potential difference, the electrode part and the main body part are arranged so as to overlap each other, and the first connection part and the second connection part are electrically connected, By locking the first locking portion to the second locking portion, the electrode portion and the main body portion are coupled, so that the area that contacts the body surface of the biological information detecting device can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, in order to describe a preferred embodiment of the biological information detection apparatus of the present invention, a case where the muscle activity state is measured by detecting the myoelectric potential of the arm as the biological information will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a user wearing a myoelectric detection device 10 as a biological information detection device according to the present invention.
When the myoelectric detection device 10 measures the myoelectric potential of the arm muscle during exercise, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the myoelectric detection device 10 is attached to the biceps brachii muscle of one of the arms. The For example, a wristwatch type control device (not shown) capable of data communication with the myoelectric detection device 10 is attached to the wrist or the like.
In the present embodiment, the case where one myoelectric detection device 10 is provided and the myoelectric potential of the muscles of the arm is measured will be described as an example. It is not limited to. For example, the configuration may be such that the myoelectric detection device 10 is mounted on the biceps of both arms, or the myoelectric detection device 10 is mounted on another body part such as the outer vastus muscle of the quadriceps of the foot. It is good.

At the time of wearing, the user attaches the myoelectric detection device 10 to the surface of the arm capable of measuring the myoelectric potential of the biceps brachii and fixes it with the band 20 or the like. The band 20 may be a separate body from the myoelectric detection device 10 or attached to the myoelectric detection device 10 (in this embodiment, for example, one end of a main body 17 described later) and integrated with the myoelectric detection device 10. May be good.
By mounting the myoelectric detection device 10, a pair of detection electrodes 12 (described later) provided in the myoelectric detection device 10 are arranged so that the extending direction thereof is substantially orthogonal to the length direction of the muscle fibers M. (See FIG. 2 (b)). The user then starts exercise after operating the control device to start measuring myoelectric potential. Alternatively, the user can also start measuring myoelectric potential during exercise.
When such an exercise is performed, the muscles of the arm are repeatedly activated and paused. Therefore, if the activity state and the paused state of the muscle are detected by the myoelectric potential, the muscle activity cycle can be obtained.
[Device configuration]

2A is a side view when the myoelectric detection device 10 is worn on the body, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the myoelectric detection device 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the myoelectric detection device 10 includes an electrode unit 16 that includes electrodes and detects myoelectric potential, and a main body unit 17 that processes a detection result detected by the electrode unit 16. .

  The electrode unit 16 includes a substrate 14, and a pair of detection electrodes 12 for detecting myoelectric potential that are arranged parallel to each other and exposed to the outside from one surface of the substrate 14, and a pair of detection electrodes In order to detect a reference potential with respect to the potential detected by 12, a reference electrode 13 exposed to the outside from one surface of the substrate 14 (the same surface as the surface where the detection electrode 12 is exposed to the outside) is provided. The substrate 14 is a flexible substrate having flexibility.

The detection electrode 12 is a potential difference detection electrode that detects a potential difference between two points on the living body, and is arranged so that the extending direction thereof is substantially orthogonal to the length direction of the muscle fibers M as described above. Yes. The reference electrode 13 is an electrode that detects a reference potential of the body, and is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the pair of detection electrodes 12. The pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13 are made of a conductive resin.
In addition, the shape, arrangement | positioning, etc. of the detection electrode 12 and the reference electrode 13 are not limited to the example of illustration.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the connection between the electrode portion 16 and the main body portion 17.
As shown in FIG. 3, a first connection portion 18 connected to the main body portion 17 is provided at one end of the substrate 14. The first connection portion 18 includes three terminals 181a, 181b, and 181c corresponding to the pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13, respectively, and the terminals 181a, 181b, and 181c are not in contact with each other. 14 is exposed to the outside from one surface (the same surface where the detection electrode 12 and the reference electrode 13 are exposed to the outside). Each of the terminals 181a, 181b, 181c includes, for example, a pair of detection electrodes 12 and a reference electrode inside the substrate 14 such that the terminals 181a and 181c are connected to the pair of detection electrodes 12, and 181b is connected to the reference electrode 13. 13 is connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the substrate 14 is provided with a ventilation notch 161 so as to surround the detection electrode 12. By providing the notch portion 161, the electrode portion 16 can be reduced in weight, and even when sweating due to exercise, sweat is evaporated from the notch portion 161 to suppress an increase in humidity on the body surface (skin S). it can.

  The notch 161 may be provided anywhere as long as the detection electrode 12 and the reference electrode 13 of the substrate 14 are not provided. The position, shape, and size of the notch 161 are illustrated in the illustrated example. It is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of circular notches 162 may be provided in a portion of the substrate 14 where the detection electrode 12 and the reference electrode 13 are not provided.

Next, the main body unit 17 includes a housing 171, and various electronic components (not shown) constituting the detection result processing unit 110 (see FIG. 6) and other functional units are included in the housing 171. It is stored.
The housing 171 is formed of a flexible material. As shown in FIG. 2A, the casing 171 constituting the main body portion 17 and the substrate 14, the detection electrode 12, and the reference electrode 13 constituting the electrode portion 16 are formed of a flexible material. As shown, when the myoelectric detection device 10 is mounted on the body surface (skin S), the entire device can bend along the curve of the mounting portion and can be brought into close contact with the body surface (skin S).

As shown in FIG. 3, a second connection portion 19 connected to the first connection portion 18 of the substrate 14 is formed at one end of the main body portion 17. FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the connection between the electrode portion 16 and the main body portion 17. As shown in FIG. 5, the first connection portion 18 is inserted into the second connection portion 19 so that the first connection is made. Each terminal 181a, 181b, 181c constituting the portion 18 comes into contact with the second connection portion 19, and the pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13 of the electrode portion 16 and the main body portion 17 are electrically connected. ing.
[Control configuration]

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the myoelectric detection device 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the myoelectric detection device 10 includes an electrode unit 16 including a pair of detection electrodes 12 and a reference electrode 13, a detection result processing unit 110, a CPU 120, a transmission / reception unit 130, and a storage unit 140. And a main body portion 17.

  Among these, the detection result processing unit 110 is a functional unit that performs a predetermined process on the detection result by the electrode unit 16, and converts the potential difference detected by the pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13 to low impedance and outputs it. An impedance converter 112; an amplifier 113 that amplifies the signal input from the impedance converter 112 to a predetermined signal level and outputs the signal; and a signal in a predetermined frequency range among the signals input from the amplifier 113 is passed. The filter 114 removes out-of-range frequency components, and the A / D converter 115 that performs A / D conversion on the signal input from the filter 114 and outputs the signal.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the amplifier 113.
As shown in FIG. 7, a series circuit of a resistor 131 and a capacitor 132 is connected to the amplifier 113. With this series circuit, a function for setting a gain when the myoelectric potential input from the pair of detection electrodes 12 is amplified and a high level of removing noise included in the myoelectric potential input from the pair of detection electrodes 12 before amplification. A function as a band-pass filter is realized. The amplifier 113 includes a non-inverting amplifier 143 and a differential amplifier 144. The non-inverting amplifier 143 includes an external resistor 131 and a capacitor 132, operational amplifiers 133 and 134, resistors 135 and 136, and the like. The differential amplifier 144 includes resistors 137, 138, 141, 142 and an operational amplifier 139.

The potential change between the two points detected by the pair of detection electrodes 12 is several tens of μV to several mV, and the myoelectric potential frequency band is 2 to 10 KHz. In general, since the impedance of a living body is very high, impedance conversion is performed by an impedance converter (for example, a voltage follow type circuit) 112. Next, the amplifier (for example, operational amplifier) 113 amplifies the voltage to about 100 times so that the myoelectric waveform can be processed. Various noises are superimposed on the waveform amplified by the amplifier 113. Therefore, the frequency component outside the range to be processed as the myoelectric waveform is removed by the filter 114 in the next stage. Next, the signal (analog signal) input from the filter 114 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter (for example, a 12-bit A / D converter) 115.
Although an analog filter is used as the filter 114 here, a digital filter may be used instead of the analog filter. In this case, the digital filter is provided after the A / D converter 115.

The CPU 120 performs instructions, data transfer, and the like to each functional unit in the myoelectric detection device 10 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 140, data transmitted from the control device, and the like. 10 is controlled. In order to realize this embodiment, the CPU 120 uses the processing result obtained by the detection result processing unit 110 to process the myoelectric potential (detection result) continuously measured by the detection electrode 12 and the reference electrode 13 of the electrode unit 16. Based on this, the muscle activity state (indicator data relating to the biological activity) is calculated, and the muscle activity detection process for transmitting the calculation result to the control device is executed.
In addition, as index data regarding the biological activity calculated by the CPU 120, for example, a rectified average value (ARV), an RMS (Root Mean Square Value), an integral value, an average frequency (MPF: Mean Power Frequency), Although median frequency (Median Frequency) etc. are mentioned, the parameter | index data regarding the biological activity calculated are not limited to what was illustrated here.

  The transmission / reception unit 130 is a functional unit for performing wireless communication with a control device that is an external device. For example, the transmission / reception unit 130 demodulates a signal transmitted from the control device via an antenna (not shown) and outputs the demodulated signal to the CPU 120. The control signal input from the CPU 120 is modulated and transmitted to the control device via the antenna. In the present embodiment, for example, the transmission / reception unit 130 receives a measurement start signal transmitted from the control device and transmits a measurement result to the control device.

  The storage unit 140 is realized by an IC memory such as a ROM or a RAM, an information storage medium such as a hard disk, and a reading device thereof, and stores a program for causing the CPU 120 to control the myoelectric detection device 10. Yes.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
First, when measuring myoelectric potential, the user connects the first connection portion 18 of the electrode portion 16 to the second connection portion 19 of the main body portion 17 to electrically connect the electrode portion 16 and the main body portion 17. When the myoelectric detection device 10 is worn, the user arranges the myoelectric detection device 10 so that the muscle fibers M are substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the pair of detection electrodes 12, and the body is covered with the band 20 or the like. Fix to the surface (skin S). Here, “arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal” is preferably arranged so as to be completely orthogonal to the muscle fibers M. However, since the muscle fibers M themselves are also curved in some places, at least It also includes the case where it is tilted from the orthogonal direction within a range where there is no problem in accuracy in detecting myoelectric potential.

  At this time, since the contact portions of the pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13 are exposed from one surface of the substrate 14, the contact portions 12 and 13 are in close contact with the skin (FIG. 2A). reference).

Thereafter, when a start instruction is input from the control device via the transmission / reception unit 130, the CPU 120 controls the myoelectric detection device 10 by giving instructions to each functional unit in the myoelectric detection device 10, transferring data, and the like. To do. The potential difference (detection result) detected by the electrode unit 16 is subjected to predetermined processing such as impedance conversion, amplification, noise removal, and digital signal conversion by the detection result processing unit 110 of the main body unit 17. Further, the CPU 120 calculates the muscle activity state (index data related to life activity) based on the detection result continuously detected by the electrode unit 17 and subjected to predetermined processing by the detection result processing unit 110, and the calculation result Is transmitted to the control device.
In the control device, the calculation result sent from the myoelectric detection device 10 is notified to the user, for example, by displaying it on a display unit (not shown).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electrode part 16 including the pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13 and the main body part 17 are detachable from each other. When it deteriorates, only the electrode part 16 can be replaced. Thereby, parts other than the electrodes 12 and 13 such as an electronic component provided in the myoelectric detection device 10 are not wasted, and the economic efficiency is improved.

  Moreover, since the board | substrate 14 of the electrode part 16 is a flexible flexible board | substrate, and the housing | casing 171 of the main-body part 17 is formed with the material which has flexibility, the myoelectric detection apparatus 10 was mounted | worn to the body. In particular, the adhesion to the body surface (skin S) is high, and it is difficult to be displaced when worn during exercise, and physical activity is not hindered.

  In addition, since the pair of detection electrodes 12 and the reference electrode 13 are formed of a conductive resin, even if these electrodes 12 and 13 come into contact with the skin of a person having a metal allergy, allergic symptoms do not develop. . Therefore, myoelectric potential can be detected even by a person who has a metal allergy. Furthermore, since the conductive resin is more elastic than metal or the like, it has high adhesion to the skin when the myoelectric detection device 10 is worn on the body, and is difficult to be displaced when worn during exercise. Activity is not hindered.

  Further, when the myoelectric detection device 10 is worn on the body, the detection electrode 12 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the muscle fiber M, so that a potential difference between the two electrodes 12 can be detected.

  Further, since the notched portion 161 for ventilation is provided in the portion of the substrate 14 where the detection electrode 12 and the reference electrode 13 are not disposed, the humidity on the body surface (skin S) is high due to sweating during exercise. Even in such a case, moisture can be diffused from the notch, and the influence of humidity on the electronic component 16 can be prevented.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate.
For example, in the present embodiment, the first connection portion 18 is provided at one end of the substrate 14 of the electrode portion 16, and the first connection portion 18 is connected to the second connection portion 19 of the main body portion 17. Although the case where the portion 17 is arranged in parallel (see FIGS. 3 and 5 etc.) has been described as an example, the electrode portion 16 is electrically connected to the main body portion 17 and is detachable. The arrangement in the case where the electrode part 16 and the main body part 17 are connected is not limited to that exemplified here.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first connecting portion 18 is provided at one end of the substrate 14 of the electrode portion 16, and the first locking portion 30 connected to the main body portion 17 is provided at the other end. In addition, the second connecting portion 19 is provided at one end of the main body portion 17, and the second locking portion 31 connected to the first locking portion 30 of the electrode portion 16 is provided at the other end. When the potential difference is detected by the pair of detection electrodes, the first connection portion 18 is connected to the second connection portion 19 of the main body portion 17 to electrically connect the electrode portion 16 and the main body portion 17. The first locking portion 30 may be locked to the second locking portion 31 so that the electrode portion 16 and the main body portion 17 may be coupled so as to overlap each other.

  Since the electrode part and the main body part are combined so as to be overlapped vertically in this way, the area of the myoelectric detection device 10 that contacts the body surface can be reduced, can be worn more comfortably during exercise, and does not hinder exercise Can be.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

It is a figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the arm with the biological information detection apparatus of embodiment of this invention. (A) is a side view of the myoelectric detection apparatus as a biological information detection apparatus of embodiment of this invention, (b) is a top view of the myoelectric detection apparatus 10 shown to (a). It is explanatory drawing explaining the connection of an electrode part and a main-body part. It is a front view showing schematic structure of the modification of the electrode part shown in FIG. It is a side view of the myoelectric detection apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an overall circuit block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the myoelectric detection device of FIG. 2. It is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of the amplifier with which the myoelectric detection apparatus of FIG. 6 is equipped. It is a front view showing schematic structure of the modification of the electrode part shown in FIG. It is a side view of the myoelectric detection apparatus which mounted | wore the main-body part with the electrode part of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Myoelectric detection device (biological information detection device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Detection electrode 13 Reference electrode 14 Board | substrate 16 Electrode part 17 Main body part 18 1st connection part 19 2nd connection part 20 Band 30 1st latching part 31 2nd latching part 110 Detection result process part 112 Impedance converter 113 Amplifier 114 Filter 115 A / D converter 120 CPU
130 Transmission / Reception Unit 161 Notch 171 Case M Muscle Fiber S Skin (Body Surface)

Claims (7)

An electrode unit and a main body unit that are detachably connected to each other,
The electrode unit includes a pair of detection electrodes for detecting a potential difference, and a first connection unit electrically connected to the detection electrode,
The main body includes a second connection part that is electrically connected to the first connection part, and a detection result processing part that processes a detection result detected by the detection electrode. Biological information detection device.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair of detection electrodes and the first connection portion are provided on a substrate, and the substrate is a flexible substrate having flexibility.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection electrode is a resin electrode formed of a conductive resin.   The biological information detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode unit further includes a reference electrode for detecting a reference potential.   The living body information detecting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reference electrode is a resin electrode formed of a conductive resin.   The living body information detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a notch for ventilation is formed in the electrode part. The electrode portion includes a first locking portion on a side opposite to the side on which the first connection portion is provided, and the main body portion has a second locking on the side opposite to the side on which the second connection portion is provided. Part
When the potential difference is detected by the pair of detection electrodes, the electrode portion and the main body portion are disposed so as to overlap each other, and the first connection portion and the second connection portion are electrically connected, The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrode portion and the main body portion are coupled by locking one locking portion to the second locking portion.

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