JP2008206591A - Measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in which conventional measuring instruments cannot easily and precisely measure pressure information in the body. <P>SOLUTION: This measuring instrument 10 disposed in the body is provided with: a sensor section 101 having a receiving means 1011 for receiving pressure, or a measuring object, and a signal acquisition means 1012 for acquiring a detection signal, or a signal corresponding to a physical quantity received by the receiving means 1011; a signal output section 102 for outputting the detection signal; a container 106 having the signal acquisition signal 1012 of the sensor section 101 and the signal output section 102 in its inside with the receiving means 1011 of the sensor section 101 exposed to the outside; and a tubular member 500 attached to the container 106 and being a tubular member communicated with the inside of the container 106, wherein parts of the container 106 other than the part where the tubular member 500 is attached are tightly sealed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring device or the like disposed in a living body.

As a conventional measurement device, there is a urination detection and transmission device that is disposed in the bladder, detects a state parameter related to a physical quantity related to urine, and transmits the detected signal to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional urination detection and transmission device, a capacitance type pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of urine in the bladder is arranged in a sealed outer shell, that is, a container, and this pressure sensor is used. The pressure outside the container was measured. For this reason, in the conventional urination detection and transmission apparatus, the pressure outside the container, that is, the pressure of the urine in the bladder, which is substantially measured by the pressure sensor, is a pressure based on the internal pressure of the container.
JP 2002-369810 A (first page, FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, in a conventional measuring device such as a urine detection device, it is difficult to keep the pressure in the container constant for each measuring device when enclosing the urine state detecting means in a fine container at the time of manufacture. there were. For example, the pressure in the container fluctuates when the container or the like is deformed by heating or the like at the time of sealing. Thus, when the pressure in the container of the measuring device varies and varies, the value of the pressure measured varies depending on the measuring device used, and an accurate measurement result cannot be obtained.

  As a result, the conventional measuring apparatus has a problem that it is difficult to obtain an accurate measurement result.

  In order to solve such a problem, it may be possible to correct the measurement result with the pressure in the container, but in this case, it is necessary to measure the pressure in the container for each measuring device to be used. There was a problem that the processing would be time-consuming.

  Moreover, in order to control the pressure in the container with high accuracy, a high-precision manufacturing apparatus and a complicated manufacturing process are required. However, such a manufacturing apparatus is expensive and if the manufacturing process becomes complicated, Since the cost increases, there is a problem that the cost of the product increases.

  On the other hand, in the conventional measuring apparatus, the detection signal such as pressure and temperature is transmitted from the transmission unit, but in order to place the transmission / reception antenna in a limited space in the minute outer shell, that is, the container, There is a problem that a sufficiently sensitive antenna cannot be provided, and stable signal transmission and reception cannot be performed in a state where the antenna is disposed in a living body. In particular, when the distance between the measuring device and the receiving device that receives a signal transmitted by the measuring device is long, stable signal transmission / reception is difficult.

  A measuring apparatus according to the present invention is a measuring apparatus disposed in a living body, and receives a receiving unit that receives a pressure to be measured, and a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the pressure received by the receiving unit. A sensor unit having a signal acquisition unit, a signal output unit for outputting the detection signal, a signal acquisition unit of the sensor unit, and a signal output unit with the reception unit of the sensor unit exposed to the outside. And a tubular member that is a member attached to the container and communicates with the inside of the container, wherein the container is a portion to which the tubular member is attached. The other part is the measuring device which is sealed.

  With this configuration, the internal pressure in the container of the measurement device can be maintained at the same pressure as the pressure in the external environment of the living body, and variations in measurement results due to the internal pressure in the container between the measurement devices can be suppressed, or the measurement device can be calibrated. Etc. can be easily performed, and information on the pressure in the living body can be easily and accurately measured.

  The length of the measuring device according to the present invention is such that, in the measuring device, the tubular member is such that an end not attached to the container is exposed to the outside in a state where the measuring device is disposed in the living body. This is a measuring device.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily and accurately measure pressure information in the living body.

  The measurement apparatus according to the present invention is the measurement apparatus further including a linear antenna connected to the signal output unit and disposed in the tubular member and extending outside the container.

  With this configuration, wireless communication outside the living body can be stably performed with high sensitivity, and the antenna can be prevented from touching the living body directly so as not to give a sense of incongruity or damage the living body. .

  A measuring device according to the present invention is a measuring device arranged in a living body, and receives a physical quantity to be measured, and a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the physical quantity received by the receiving means. A sensor unit having a signal acquisition unit, a signal output unit for outputting the detection signal to the outside by radio, a container for sealing at least the signal acquisition unit of the sensor unit and the signal output unit, and the signal The measuring device includes a linear antenna connected to an output unit and extending to the outside of the container.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to stably perform wireless communication with a living body with high sensitivity and stability.

  In the measuring device according to the present invention, the antenna has a length such that an end portion not attached to the signal output unit is exposed outside the living body in a state where the measuring device is disposed in the living body. It is a measuring device.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to stably perform wireless communication with a living body with high sensitivity and stability.

  According to the measuring apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately measure pressure information in a living body.

  In addition, according to the measuring apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to stably transmit in-vivo information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a measuring apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a measurement system in the present embodiment. This measurement system includes a measurement device 10 and an information processing device 20. Each device can transmit and receive information wirelessly. The devices are connected to each other by, for example, wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN. However, the means for transmitting and receiving information may be communication means or broadcast means.

  The measuring apparatus 10 includes a sensor unit 101, a signal output unit 102, a power supply unit 103, a receiving unit 104, and a control unit 105. The sensor unit 101 includes a reception unit 1011 and a signal acquisition unit 1012.

  The information processing apparatus 20 includes a signal reception unit 201, a storage unit 202, a control instruction reception unit 203, a transmission unit 204, a processing unit 205, and an output unit 206.

  The measuring device 10 is disposed in the living body. The “living body” means that living things are alive. “Living organisms” refers to animals including humans and plants.

  The sensor unit 101 receives a physical quantity to be measured in the living body, and acquires a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the received physical quantity. The “physical quantity to be measured” in the present embodiment is a pressure. The “physical quantity” is a quantity that expresses a physical property or state, and here is a quantity that expresses a pressure. Specifically, the sensor unit 101 converts the received pressure into an electrical signal. Each sensor that converts pressure into a detection signal is generally known as a pressure sensor, and since the basic structure thereof is known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. As the pressure sensor, for example, a capacitance type pressure sensor is known.

  Here, in particular, a case where the sensor unit 101 includes the reception unit 1011 and the signal acquisition unit 1012 will be described as an example.

  The receiving unit 1011 receives a pressure to be measured in the living body. The accepting unit 1011 changes, for example, the shape and property according to the pressure of the measurement target. The accepting unit 1011 is a part that comes into contact with a living body or a substance existing in the living body if necessary at the time of measurement. For example, in the pressure sensor, the receiving unit 1011 corresponds to a pressure-sensitive diaphragm having a piezoresistance, a silicon vibrator, or the like.

  The signal acquisition unit 1012 acquires a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the pressure received by the reception unit 1011. Specifically, the signal acquisition unit 1012 converts the pressure received by the reception unit 1011 into an electrical signal. For example, the signal acquisition unit 1012 acquires an electrical signal corresponding to a change in shape or property of the reception unit 1011. For example, when the reception unit 1011 is a pressure-sensitive diaphragm having a piezoresistance, the signal acquisition unit 1012 extracts a change in the resistance value of the piezoresistor that changes due to stress acting on the piezoresistor due to the pressure on the diaphragm as an electric signal. . The signal acquisition unit 1012 may include an amplification unit such as an amplifier that amplifies the detection signal.

  The signal output unit 102 outputs the detection signal acquired by the sensor unit 101. The output described here is, for example, wireless transmission. The “outside” described here means the outside of the container 106, and preferably the outside of the living body. Note that the signal output unit 102 may output the detection signal to an information processing device or the like outside the container 106 disposed in the living body. The signal output unit 102 may output the detection signal to the outside in any way. For example, the detection signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 1012 may be transmitted as an analog signal, or the detection signal may be converted into a digital signal and transmitted. Further, the detection signal may be converted into a sound signal such as a pulse sound and output. The signal output unit 102 may include AD conversion means (not shown) that converts the analog detection signal acquired by the sensor unit 101 into a digital signal in order to transmit the detection signal as a digital signal. . Note that the AD conversion means may be included in the sensor unit 101 described above. The signal output unit 102 outputs the detection signal at, for example, a predetermined interval, specifically, a constant interval or an irregular interval. The output interval and the like are appropriately determined and set based on the accuracy of accepting physical quantities, the total time required to accept physical quantities, the battery duration, and the like. The signal output unit 102 can be realized by, for example, driver software for an output device and an output device. For example, the signal output unit 102 is realized by a wireless communication unit, specifically, a communication unit such as a wireless LAN, a short-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth, or a sound output unit. Further, the signal output unit 102 may be realized by wireless broadcasting means. Although the case where the output is wireless transmission has been described here, the signal output unit 102 sends the detection signal to a storage medium (not shown) such as a nonvolatile memory provided in the measurement apparatus 10. The detection signal may be stored in a storage medium. That is, the output here is a concept including sound output, transmission to an external device, accumulation in a storage medium, and the like. Further, the signal output unit 102 may include an antenna or the like (not shown) used when transmitting the detection signal. The signal output unit 102 can be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

  The power supply unit 103 supplies power to the signal acquisition unit 1012 and the signal output unit 102 in the sensor unit 101. Furthermore, power may be supplied to a processing unit or the like in another measuring apparatus 10. The power supply unit 103 can be realized by, for example, a battery, a battery, a switching element, or the like. The battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The battery may be of any type, such as a lithium battery. However, the battery is preferably small and has a long duration for supplying power. When the power consumption of the circuit in the measuring apparatus 10 is sufficiently low, the power supply unit 103 is configured to supply power in a so-called passive RFID tag, and the power is extracted from radio waves transmitted from the outside. Alternatively, it may be supplied to a circuit in the measuring apparatus 10. Note that the configuration of a passive RFID tag that extracts power from radio waves is a well-known technique, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The receiving unit 104 receives a control signal that is a signal for controlling the measuring apparatus 10 transmitted from outside by radio. Here, in particular, a control signal transmitted from the information processing apparatus 20 is received. The control signal will be described later. The receiving unit 104 is preferably a wireless communication unit, but can also be realized by a unit that receives a broadcast. The receiving unit 104 is realized by, for example, a communication unit such as a wireless LAN, a short-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. In addition, the receiving unit 104 may include an antenna or the like used when receiving a control signal. The receiving unit 104 can be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI, for example. Further, the receiving unit 104 and the signal output unit 102 may be integrated in one integrated circuit or the like. In this case, an antenna or the like may be shared.

  The control unit 105 controls the measuring apparatus 10 based on the control signal received by the receiving unit 104. Specifically, the control unit 105 outputs an instruction for controlling the sensor unit 101, the signal output unit 102, the power supply unit 103, and the reception unit 104 in the measurement apparatus 10 based on the control signal. . For example, when the receiving unit 104 receives a control signal for starting the measuring apparatus 10, the control unit 105 instructs the power supply unit 103 to supply power to the sensor unit 101 and the signal output unit 102. Output. The control unit 105 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the control unit 105 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  In addition, a storage unit (not shown) or the like that temporarily accumulates detection signals and outputs the accumulated detection signals from the detection signal output unit 102 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 105 is provided in the measurement apparatus 10. You may do it. As a result, it is possible to save power than when the detection signal is output at a predetermined timing or the like, and the power held by the power supply unit 103 incorporated in the measurement apparatus 10 can be reduced. As a result, the measuring apparatus 10 can be reduced in size. Such an accumulation unit may or may not have a storage medium such as a memory or a hard disk for storing a detection signal or the like. The storage medium may be a nonvolatile storage medium or a volatile storage medium. The storage medium may be a storage medium such as a removable flash memory.

  The information processing apparatus 20 is normally disposed outside the living body. However, part or the whole may be embedded in the living body as necessary.

  The signal receiving unit 201 receives a detection signal. Specifically, the signal receiving unit 201 receives a detection signal transmitted from the measurement apparatus 10 by radio. The signal receiving unit 201 is preferably a wireless communication unit, but can also be realized by a unit that receives a broadcast. The signal receiving unit 201 is realized by, for example, a communication unit such as a wireless LAN, a short-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth. Further, the signal receiving unit 201 may have an antenna or the like used when receiving the detection signal.

  The accumulation unit 202 accumulates the detection signal received by the signal reception unit 201. The storage unit 202 stores the received detection signal in a storage medium such as a memory or a hard disk (not shown). The storage unit 202 may or may not have these storage media. The storage medium may be a non-volatile storage medium or a volatile storage medium. However, “accumulation” described here is a concept including temporary storage of data in a storage medium such as a memory when transmitting and receiving signals.

  The control instruction receiving unit 203 receives a control instruction that is an instruction to control the measuring apparatus 10. The instructions for controlling the measuring device 10 are, for example, an instruction to turn on / off the power of the measuring device 10, an instruction to reset, an instruction to perform calibration, an instruction to display the remaining battery level, and the like. The control instruction input means may be anything such as a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen. The control instruction receiving unit 203 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a numeric keypad or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, and the like.

  The transmission unit 204 transmits a control signal that is a signal for controlling the measurement apparatus 10 based on the control instruction. For example, the transmission unit 204 stores in advance a control signal corresponding to the control instruction in a memory or the like, acquires the control signal corresponding to the control instruction received by the control instruction reception unit 203 from the memory or the like, and the measurement apparatus 10 Send to. The control signal is, for example, a command for the measurement apparatus 10. The transmission unit 204 is preferably a wireless communication unit, but can also be realized by a unit that receives a broadcast. The transmission unit 204 is realized by, for example, a communication unit such as a wireless LAN, a short-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth. Further, the transmission unit 204 may include an antenna or the like used when transmitting the control signal.

  The processing unit 205 performs predetermined processing on the detection signal accumulated by the accumulation unit 202. The predetermined process may be any process. For example, a process for executing a preset analysis program on the detection signal may be performed, a process for determining whether or not the living body is abnormal based on the detection signal may be performed. On the other hand, a process of performing correction or calibration may be used. Specifically, the processing unit 205 may output the detection signals accumulated by the accumulation unit 202 as a graph. Alternatively, for example, it is determined whether or not a detection signal accumulated by the accumulation unit 202 has been output with a pulse having a value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in a predetermined section. The analysis result may be output. The processing unit 205 can be realized usually by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the processing unit 205 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The output unit 206 outputs the detection signal accumulated by the accumulation unit 202 or the detection signal processed by the processing unit 205. The output unit 206 may be considered as including or not including an output device such as a display or a printer. The output unit 206 can be implemented by output device driver software, or output device driver software and an output device. Output is a concept that includes display on a display, output to a printer, transmission to an external device, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the hardware structure of the measuring apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the measuring apparatus 10 shown in FIG. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts.

  The container 106 holds the signal acquisition unit 1012 of the sensor unit 101 and the signal output unit 102 inside with the receiving unit 1011 of the sensor unit 101 exposed to the outside. Here, as an example, the container 106 includes a signal acquisition unit 1012 of the sensor unit 101, a signal output unit 102, a power supply unit 103, a reception unit 104, and a control unit 105. Only the receiving means 1011 of the part 101 is exposed to the outside of the container 106. Further, a first end portion 501 of a tubular member 500 that is a tubular member, that is, a tubular member that communicates with the inside of the container 106, is attached to the lower portion of the container 106 as an example here. . Only the part of the container 106 to which the tubular member 500 is attached is open, and the other part of the container 106 is sealed. That is, the inside and outside of the container 106 communicate with each other only through the inside of the tubular member 500. Thereby, when the container 106 is arrange | positioned in the biological body, it prevents body fluid etc. invading into the container 106. FIG. The receiving unit 1011 of the sensor unit 101 is usually installed to be exposed to the outside of the container 106 because it needs to be in contact with the environment in the living body for in-vivo measurement. For example, the receiving unit 1011 may be exposed along the surface of the container 106, or the receiving unit 1011 may protrude outside the container 106. In the present embodiment, as an example, the lower portion of the container 106, particularly the bottom surface here, is exposed to the outside of the container 106. The periphery of the receiving means 1011 is sealed with the container 106. This sealing means is not limited. The material of the container 106 may be any material as long as the sealing can be maintained. However, since the material is disposed in the living body, a material excellent in corrosion resistance is preferable. In addition, the material of the container 106 is preferably a material that does not hinder transmission / reception of signals. The container 106 may have a structure composed of a single layer or a plurality of layers made of one material, or a structure made of a plurality of layers made of different materials. In addition, the material of the container 106 is preferably a material that is not damaged by an impact or the like in a living body. In addition, since at least the exterior of the container 106 is disposed in the living body, it is preferable that the container 106 be made of a material that can withstand some sterilization, for example, low temperature sterilization. Moreover, since it arrange | positions in the biological body, the material which has biocompatibility is preferable. For example, as the material for the exterior of the container 106, a polymer that has a proven record as a medical instrument, such as polyurethane, polystyrene, or ceramic, is suitable. Here, as shown in the figure, the shape of the container 106 is a cylindrical shape similar to a capsule or the like that encloses a medicine or the like, but may be any shape. The container 106 is preferably shaped according to the application. For example, when the measuring device 10 is inserted into the urethra or the like, the container 106 preferably has a shape that is easy to insert into a tube or the like, for example, an elongated shape such as an elliptical rotating body. Although the size of the container 106 is not limited, it is preferable that the container 106 is small and, if possible, a very small size so as not to place a burden on the living body when inserted into the living body.

  The tubular member 500 is a tubular member that communicates with the inside of the container 106, in other words, a tubular member. The length of the tubular member 500 is preferably a length that allows the second end portion 502 not attached to the container 106 to be exposed to the outside of the living body in a state where the measuring device 10 is disposed in the living body. For example, when the measuring device 10 is disposed on the bladder or the like, it is preferable that the length is longer than the length of the urethra. For example, the length of the tubular member 500 is preferably about 16 to 30 cm for men and about 4 to 15 cm for women. In a state where the measuring device 10 is disposed in the living body, the second end portion 502 of the measuring device 10 is exposed to the outside of the living body, so that the inside of the container 106 of the measuring device 10 and the living body are interposed via the tubular member 500. Since the air freely moves to and from the external environment, the pressure inside the container 106 of the measuring apparatus 10 is the same as the pressure of the external environment of the living body, usually the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, by providing the tubular member 500, the internal pressure in the container 106 can be kept the same as the atmospheric pressure. Further, by pulling the tubular member 500, the measuring device 10 disposed in the living body can be pulled out of the living body. The material of the tubular member 500 is preferably a material that is excellent in flexibility, excellent in corrosion resistance, and biocompatible. The material of the tubular member 500 is preferably thin, high in strength, lightweight, and smooth on the surface. For example, a polymer having a proven record as a medical instrument, such as a tube made of polyurethane or polystyrene, a silicon tube, or the like is preferable. In addition, the outer diameter of the tubular member 500 is preferably such that the tubular member 500 does not give a sense of incongruity when the tubular member 500 is disposed inside or outside the living body, for example, 0.5 mm or less. Is preferred. Moreover, the internal diameter of the tubular member 500 should just be a diameter smaller about 0.1 mm-0.2 mm than an external shape. In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of the tubular member 500 is usually circular, the shape is not limited. Moreover, the attachment method with respect to the container 106 of the tubular member 500 does not matter, such as adhesion. The tubular member 500 and the container 106 may be integrally formed. The tubular member 500 is preferably attached to a location that does not obstruct the reception of pressure by the receiving means 1011.

  When the measuring device 10 is disposed in a liquid in a living body, for example, in a body fluid or urine, the measuring device 10 has a structure that floats in the liquid, that is, a shape, size, and weight for floating. It is preferable to have. “Floating” described here includes the state of floating without sinking in the liquid. For example, the measuring device 10 preferably has a structure in which the specific gravity is less than or equal to the specific gravity of the liquid in the living body, and has a structure in which the specific gravity is less than the specific gravity of the liquid in the living body. More preferred. For example, if the container 106 is hollow and the space in the container is sufficiently wide, the specific gravity becomes light, so that the measuring apparatus 10 can be floated in the liquid. In addition, the space described here is a region where an object such as a processing unit other than gas is not arranged. Further, if the material of the container 106 and the weight of the sensor unit 101, the signal output unit 102, and the power supply unit 103 are sufficiently light, the container 106 may not be hollow. Specifically, the container 106 and the sensor unit 101 Or a gap with the signal output unit 102 or the like. In order to float the measuring apparatus 10 in the liquid in the living body, the specific gravity of the measuring apparatus 10 is preferably 0.9 or less. Further, the weight is preferably light weight, for example 0.6 g or less, so that the living body is not shocked or uncomfortable when the measuring device 10 collides.

  The arrangement of the receiving unit 1011, the signal acquiring unit 1012, the signal output unit 102, the power supply unit 103, the receiving unit 104, and the control unit 105 in the container 106 is not limited. However, when the accepting unit 1011 is exposed to the outside of the container 106 or the like, the arrangement of the accepting unit 1011 is determined by the position on the container 106 to be exposed. Note that the reception unit 1011 and the signal acquisition unit 1012 may be integrated on the same substrate by using, for example, a technique of manufacturing a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). For example, one may be produced on the front surface of the substrate and the other on the back surface of the substrate. Further, circuits such as the AD conversion of the control unit 105 and the signal output unit 102 and the circuit for switching the power supply unit 103 may be integrated on the same substrate as the sensor unit 101. Further, the signal output unit 102 and the receiving unit 104 may be integrated as a communication module in one integrated circuit. Note that how the processing units are integrated can be appropriately changed according to the design.

  In addition, when the measuring device 10 is disposed in a liquid in a living body, as described above, the receiving unit 1011 is displaced from the center of the measuring device 10 after the measuring device 10 is structured to float in the liquid. It is preferable that the center of gravity of the measuring device 10 is positioned closer to the side where the receiving means 1011 is disposed than the center of the measuring device 10. By adopting such a structure, in the liquid, the side on which the receiving unit 1011 of the measuring apparatus 10 is not disposed faces the upper surface of the liquid or floats up from the liquid surface, and the receiving unit 1011 is always disposed in the liquid. Will be. Thereby, the reception unit 1011 can always receive the pressure in the living body via the liquid. In order to obtain such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a sensor unit 101, a signal output unit 102, a power supply unit 103, a receiving unit 104, and a control unit 105 are arranged below the container 106. In addition, a floating bag 30 that is a container in which a gas such as air or helium gas is sealed may be provided on the top of the container 106, or a space 30 in which nothing other than the gas is disposed may be provided. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the receiving means 1011 is provided at the lowermost part of the container 106 and exposed to the outside of the container 106 at the lowermost part.

Next, the operation of the measuring apparatus 10 will be described.
When the receiving unit 104 of the measuring apparatus 10 receives a control signal for turning on the power from the information processing apparatus 20, the control unit 105 performs control for turning on the power of the measuring apparatus 10 based on the control signal. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply unit 103 to the sensor unit 101 and the signal output unit 102. When power is supplied to the sensor unit 101, the signal acquisition unit 1012 converts the in-vivo pressure received by the reception unit 1011 into an electrical signal and acquires a detection signal. The signal output unit 102 transmits the detection signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 1012 to the information processing apparatus 20. The signal output unit 102 may modulate the detection signal and transmit it to the information processing apparatus 20, or may convert the detection signal into a digital signal and transmit it to the information processing apparatus 20. The process of acquiring and transmitting these detection signals is repeated until the power is turned off or the process end interrupt is performed.
Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 20 will be described.

  It is determined whether or not the signal receiving unit 201 has received a detection signal. If the signal is received, the storage unit 202 stores the detection signal received by the signal receiving unit 201 in a storage medium such as a memory. The processing unit 205 performs a predetermined process on the detection signal stored in the storage unit 202, and the output unit 206 outputs the processing result. The predetermined process may include, for example, a process of correcting or calibrating the detection signal at the current atmospheric pressure. Then, the process of determining whether or not the detection signal has been received is performed again. On the other hand, when the signal receiving unit 201 has not received the detection signal, the control instruction receiving unit 203 determines whether or not the control instruction has been received. If not, whether or not the above-described detection signal has been received. Determine again. When the control instruction is received, the transmission unit 204 transmits a control signal corresponding to the control instruction to the measurement apparatus 10, and then determines again whether or not the above-described detection signal has been received. These processes are repeated until the power is turned off or a process end interrupt is performed.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of the measurement system in the present embodiment will be described. A conceptual diagram of the measurement system is shown in FIG. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which the measurement device 10 is a device that measures the intravesical pressure in the human bladder.

  Here, as an example, the measuring device 10 has an appearance of a cylindrical shape with rounded corners similar to that of a drug capsule, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This cylindrical shape is because the measuring device 10 is disposed in the bladder via the urethra, so that the diameter of the measuring device 10 can be made as small as possible so as not to burden the urethra and the like. By being required and having a cylindrical shape, the height can be set freely to some extent, so that the sensor unit 101, the signal output unit 102, the power supply unit 103, etc. can be sufficiently arranged in the container. This is because it is preferable in securing the above. In addition, specifically as a magnitude | size of the container 106, it is preferable that a diameter is 4-8 mm and height is 8-17 mm. A space 30 is provided above the container 106, and the sensor unit 101, the signal output unit 102, the power supply unit 103, the receiving unit 104, and the control unit 105 are disposed on the lower side of the container 106. For this reason, the center of gravity of the measuring apparatus 10 is located below the measuring apparatus 10 where the sensor unit 101 is disposed. The measuring device 10 has gravity and specific gravity so as not to sink into urine. Here, as an example, the weight of the measuring apparatus 10 is about 0.5 gram, the shape and weight of the container, the sensor unit 101, the signal output unit 102, the power supply unit 103, so that the specific gravity is about 0.8. The shapes and weights of the receiving unit 104 and the control unit 105 are adjusted.

  The sensor unit 101 is a pressure sensor for measuring the intravesical pressure. The receiving means 1011 is exposed on the surface of the measuring device 10 in order to measure the pressure.

  First, in order to measure the intravesical pressure, a measuring device 10 sterilized in advance is inserted into the urethra using a catheter or the like, and the measuring device 10 is placed in the bladder. At this time, the second end 502, which is the end of the tubular member 500 that is not connected to the container 106, is made to protrude from the urethra.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the measuring apparatus 10 disposed in the bladder. FIG. 5 shows a cross section near the bladder 51 of the human body 50. As shown in the figure, the measuring device 10 is disposed in the bladder 51. Since the specific gravity of the measuring device 10 is lighter than that of urine, it floats in the urine 52 of the bladder 51 and stays on the top of the bladder 51. For this reason, it can prevent that the measuring apparatus 10 is discharged | emitted from the urethra 53 with urine at the time of urination. Furthermore, since the measuring device 10 has a space 30 in the upper part in the container 106 and the center of gravity is located in the lower part in which the sensor unit 101 is provided, the measuring device 10 is in the bladder 51. It always floats in the urine 52 with the sensor unit 101 down. For this reason, the receiving means 1011 of the sensor unit 101 exposed in the lower part of the measuring apparatus 10 is always in contact with the urine 51 and can receive the pressure transmitted through the urine 51. In the drawing, for convenience of explanation, the scale, aspect ratio, and the like of the measuring apparatus 10 and the human body may be different from the actual ones. The same applies to other drawings.

  Next, the user operates a menu or the like of the information processing apparatus 20 to give a control instruction for turning on the power of the measuring apparatus 10. Based on this control instruction, the transmission unit 204 of the information processing apparatus 20 outputs a control signal that instructs the measurement apparatus 10 to turn on the power.

  The receiving unit 104 and the control unit 105 of the measuring apparatus 10 are normally operated with a weak standby power source that allows signal reception processing and the like, and the power-on transmitted from the transmitting unit 204 of the information processing apparatus 20 is turned on. When the control signal is received, the control unit 105 controls the power supply unit 103 so that main power is supplied from the power supply unit 103 to the sensor unit 101 and the signal output unit 102.

  When power is supplied, the signal acquisition unit 1012 of the sensor unit 101 acquires a detection signal that is a signal obtained by converting the physical quantity received by the reception unit 1011 into an electrical signal. Since the accepting unit 1011 is in contact with urine, when the bladder internal pressure becomes high, the pressure is transmitted to the accepting unit 1011 via the urine, and the accepting unit 1011 accepts that the pressure has increased. Similarly, when the intravesical pressure decreases, the receiving unit 1011 receives that the pressure has decreased. Here, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the internal pressure of the container 106 is the atmospheric pressure because the inside of the container 106 communicates with the external environment of the human body 50 by the tubular member 500 during pressure measurement. Is kept at the same pressure. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform accurate measurement without measuring the pressure in the container 106 for each measuring device 10 and suppressing the variation in the measured value for each measuring device 10 due to the pressure inside the container 106. it can. The signal acquisition unit 1012 acquires a detection signal corresponding to the pressure received by the reception unit 1011. Note that the detection signal may be amplified by an amplifier circuit provided in the signal acquisition unit 1012. Note that the detection signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 1012 at the start of measurement may be calibrated in advance according to the current atmospheric pressure value.

  The signal output unit 102 samples the detection signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 1012 at a predetermined timing, converts the detection signal into a digital signal by an AD conversion circuit (not shown) in the signal output unit 102, and converts the detection signal. The signal is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 20 by radio. Each time the detection signal is converted into a digital signal, the signal output unit 102 may transmit the detection signal to the information processing apparatus 20 or may packetize and transmit a plurality of digitized detection signals. In consideration of the accuracy of the measurement result and the power supply that can be supplied by the power supply unit 103, the number of samplings of the signal output unit 102 is preferably about 10 times per second. In the measurement of the intravesical pressure, in order to diagnose dysuria or the like, measurement data of the intravesical pressure of about 72 hours is usually required. When the measuring apparatus 10 outputs 10 detection signals per second for 72 hours, the power supply unit 103 can be realized by using, for example, a cylindrical lithium battery having a diameter of about 2 mm and a height of about 5 mm. It is.

When the signal receiving unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the detection signal from the measurement device 10, the storage unit 202 stores the received detection signal in a memory or the like. Then, the processing unit 205 reads out the detection signal stored by the storage unit 202, and performs a predetermined process, in this example, a process of constructing data for displaying a graph from the detection signal. Moreover, you may correct | amend a measured value according to the atmospheric pressure at the time of a measurement as needed. Then, the output unit 206 displays a graph based on the detection signal on a display or the like. A display example is as shown in FIG. In the figure, 1 cmH ₂ O = 98.0665 Pa. On the horizontal axis, the unit on the left side of the position indicated by the dotted line is minutes and the unit on the right side is seconds. Here, the number of detection signals received is sequentially counted, and each detection signal is received based on the number of counts and information on a transmission interval at which the measurement apparatus 10 is set to transmit the detection signal. Calculate the reception time. However, the information processing device 20 is provided with a clock or the like (not shown), and the storage unit 202 sequentially acquires information on the reception time when each detection signal is received from the clock and stores the information in the memory or the like. You may do it. In addition, a clock or the like (not shown) is provided in the measurement apparatus 10 so that the measurement apparatus 10 transmits information on a detection time that is a time when the detection signal acquired from the clock or the like is acquired together with the detection signal. In the information processing apparatus 20, the storage unit 202 may store the detection time information together with the detection signal. Note that the processing by the processing unit 205 and the processing output by the output unit 206 may be repeatedly performed at a predetermined timing that is constant or irregular depending on the reception of the detection signal, or the signal receiving unit 201 You may perform when reception is complete | finished or when there exists an instruction | indication from a user.

  When the measurement by the measuring device 10 is finished, when the end portion 502 of the tubular member 500 that is outside the urethra is pulled, the tubular member 500 is pulled, and the measuring device 10 is discharged from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. The Since the tubular member 500 is made of a polymer or the like, a person who has the measuring device 10 in his / her body has almost no sense of incongruity with the tubular member 500 and has a daily life. There is no hindrance in sending.

  Here, the case where the detection signal of the measurement device 10 is wirelessly transmitted to the information processing device 20 has been described. However, the detection signal is accumulated in a flash memory or the like provided in the measurement device 10, and the measurement ends. Later, the detection signal may be acquired by reading information from a flash memory or the like in the measurement apparatus 10.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the measurement device 10 disposed in the living body detects the pressure in the living body and outputs the detection signal corresponding to the detected result. There is no need to insert a wired sensor or the like into the living body for pressure detection. For this reason, it is possible to detect a physical quantity in a state where an operation similar to that in daily life is performed without restricting the operation of the living body.

  Further, by providing the tubular member 500, the inside of the container 106 of the measuring apparatus 10 and the external environment of the living body are communicated with each other so that the pressure inside the container 106 at the time of measurement is the pressure of the external environment of the living body, usually atmospheric pressure. , And can be kept the same, and it is possible to accurately measure information on the pressure in the living body without affecting the measurement result of the variation in internal pressure in the container for each measuring device.

  Further, when the measuring apparatus 10 is manufactured, it is not necessary to control the internal pressure in the container 106 with high accuracy, so that the manufacturing becomes easy and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, since the internal pressure in the container of the measuring device is the same as the atmospheric pressure, correction of the detection signal of the measuring device and calibration of the measuring device at the start of measurement can be easily performed based on the measured value of atmospheric pressure, etc. Therefore, accurate measurement results can be easily obtained.

  Further, since the tubular member 500 is attached to the container 106, a part of the tubular member 500 is taken out of the living body, whereby the measuring device 10 whose measurement has been completed is pulled by the tubular member 500. Therefore, it can be easily discharged outside the living body.

  In the above-described specific example, the case where the measurement system is used for measuring the intravesical pressure has been described. However, the measurement system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described bladder, such as an organ in which liquid accumulates, such as the stomach or In this case, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained. Specifically, the measuring device 10 may be disposed in these organs.

  For example, the measurement device 10 described above may be placed in the uterus. In this way, the intrauterine pressure can be measured.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the measurement apparatus 10 includes the reception unit 104, the control unit 105, and the like as a configuration for receiving a control signal has been described. However, the measurement apparatus 10 is turned on from the outside. If it is not necessary to control, these configurations may be omitted. In addition, these configurations may be omitted, and the measurement apparatus 10 may be provided with a switch for turning on the power supply while keeping the sealed state by the container 106. For example, if the container 106 has flexibility, a switch that can be pushed from the top of the container 106 may be provided.

(Embodiment 2)
The measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the measurement apparatus described in the first embodiment, in which the signal output unit 102 transmits a detection signal wirelessly, and an antenna 600 extending outside the container 106 is provided. The antenna 600 is connected to the signal output unit 102.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the hardware configuration of the measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line III-III in FIG. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 denote the same or corresponding parts.

  The antenna 600 has a linear shape extending from the inside of the container 106 to the outside of the container 106, and the first end 601 of the antenna 600 is connected to the signal output unit 102. Here, in particular, the antenna 600 is disposed along the inside of the tubular member 500 and extends to the outside of the container 106 through the inside of the tubular member 500. The length of the antenna 600 is such a length that the second end 602 that is not connected to the signal output unit 102 of the antenna 600 is exposed outside the living body when the container 106 is disposed in the living body. For example, it is preferably about 20 to 40 cm. The diameter of the antenna 600 is preferably 0.5 mm or less. In particular, when disposed in the tubular member 500, it is necessary to have a thickness that does not block the inside of the tubular member. The antenna 600 may be made of any material such as a conductor such as metal as long as it can be used as a wireless antenna. As the antenna 600, for example, a conductive wire or the like can be used. However, a material excellent in corrosion resistance is preferable. Moreover, it is preferable that it is a soft material so that a user may not feel discomfort etc. in the state inserted in the body.

  Here, it is assumed that the signal output unit 102 transmits a detection signal by radio.

  According to the present embodiment, by providing the linear antenna 600 that extends to the outside of the container 106, the sensitivity of radio wave transmission / reception is improved as compared with the case where the antenna is provided inside the limited container 106. The detection signal acquired by the sensor unit 101 and the reception of the signal from the outside can be stably performed.

  In addition, since the linear antenna 600 is arranged along the inside of the tubular member 500, the antenna 600 can directly touch the living body so as not to give a sense of incongruity or damage the living body. .

  In the second embodiment, any sensor other than the pressure sensor may be used as the sensor unit 101 as long as it receives a physical quantity to be measured and acquires a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the received physical quantity. May be used. The “physical quantities to be measured” described here are pressure, acceleration, sound, light, temperature, pH, substance concentration, flow rate, current, voltage, etc. Point to. A “physical quantity” is a quantity that represents a physical property or state. Here, the “physical quantity” is a quantity expressing, for example, pressure, acceleration, sound, light, temperature, pH, substance concentration, flow rate, current, voltage, and the like. As a specific example, the sensor unit 101 may be a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a flow rate sensor, or the like.

  In such a case, the receiving unit 1011 may receive a physical quantity to be measured. Specifically, the accepting unit 1011 may be anything as long as its shape, properties, etc. change according to the physical quantity to be measured. The accepting unit 1011 is a part that comes into contact with a living body or a substance existing in the living body if necessary at the time of measurement. However, when the measurement does not require contact with a living body or a substance present in the living body, the receiving unit 1011 of the sensor unit 101 does not need to be exposed to the outside of the container 106. The accepting unit 1011 corresponds to, for example, a silicon vibrator in an acceleration sensor.

  In addition, the signal acquisition unit 1012 may acquire a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the physical quantity received by the reception unit 11.

  In the above embodiment, the linear antenna 600 is disposed in the tubular member 500. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the tubular member 500 is omitted, and the linear antenna 600 is directly connected. It may be arranged outside the container 106. In this case, the container 106 may be sealed including the part through which the antenna 600 passes in a state where the antenna 600 extends to the outside of the container 106. In this case, the portion of the antenna 600 that extends to the outside of the container 106 may be made of a material that can be used for the tubular member 500 in order not to touch the living body directly to give a sense of incongruity or damage the living body. It is preferable to coat with.

  In each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means (signal output unit, receiving unit, etc.) existing in one device may be physically realized by one medium. The same applies to other embodiments.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the measuring device according to the present invention is suitable as a device for measuring a physical quantity in a living body, and is particularly useful as a measuring device or the like placed in a liquid in a living body.

Block diagram of the measurement system in the first embodiment Perspective view of the measuring device Cross section of the same measuring device Conceptual diagram The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning in the living body of the measuring device Figure showing the display example Sectional drawing of measuring device in Embodiment 2 Sectional drawing which shows the modification of the measuring apparatus in Embodiment 2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Measuring apparatus 20 Information processing apparatus 30 Floating bag 101 Sensor part 102 Signal output part 103 Power supply part 104 Receiving part 105 Control part 201 Signal receiving part 202 Accumulation part 203 Control instruction reception part 204 Transmission part 205 Processing part 206 Output part 500 Tubular member 600 Antenna 1011 Reception unit 1012 Signal acquisition unit

Claims (5)

A measuring device disposed in a living body,
A sensor unit having a reception unit that receives a pressure to be measured, and a signal acquisition unit that acquires a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the pressure received by the reception unit;
A signal output unit for outputting the detection signal;
With the receiving means of the sensor unit exposed to the outside, a container that holds the signal acquisition unit of the sensor unit and the signal output unit inside,
A member attached to the container, and a tubular member that is a tubular member communicating with the inside of the container;
The said container is a measuring apparatus with which parts other than the part to which the said tubular member is attached are sealed. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the length of the tubular member is a length at which an end portion not attached to the container is exposed outside the living body in a state where the measuring apparatus is disposed in the living body. The measurement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a linear antenna connected to the signal output unit and disposed inside the tubular member and extending outside the container. A measuring device disposed in a living body,
A sensor unit having a reception unit that receives a physical quantity to be measured, and a signal acquisition unit that acquires a detection signal that is a signal corresponding to the physical quantity received by the reception unit;
A signal output unit for outputting the detection signal to the outside wirelessly;
A container for sealing at least the signal acquisition means of the sensor unit and the signal output unit;
A measuring apparatus comprising a linear antenna connected to the signal output unit and extending to the outside of the container. The measurement apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the antenna has a length at which an end portion not attached to the signal output unit is exposed outside the living body in a state where the measurement apparatus is disposed in the living body.

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