JP2009273611A - Bioinformation detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bioinformation detecting device having a bioinformation detecting means and a power supply voltage feed means. <P>SOLUTION: This bioinformation detecting device, having a piezoelectric element converting a pressure fluctuation caused by the body motion of a subject into an electric signal, is provided with the bioinformation detecting means inputting the electric signal and detecting bioinformation, a power supply means accumulating electric energy generated in the piezoelectric element with the body motion of the subject and supplying a DC power supply voltage, and a switch means periodically cutting off the connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a biological information detection apparatus that includes a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of a subject into an electrical signal, and that utilizes the positive piezoelectric effect or the reverse piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element, and a heartbeat / respiration using the biological information detection apparatus. -It is related with a thermometer, a pedometer, a body part motion detection apparatus, and a sleep depth (sleep stage) detection apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a biological information detection apparatus including a piezoelectric sensor. The gist of the present invention is that by mounting a flexible ring-shaped piezoelectric sensor around a predetermined part of a living body, a body motion signal based on the heartbeat of the living body and a breathing of the living body from an output signal of the piezoelectric sensor. At least one of a body motion signal based on the body motion signal and a body motion signal based on the motion of the living body is detected as biological information.

  A portable device that attaches a piezo film or piezo cable to a part of the body, effectively uses the kinetic energy of a human walking, and supplies power to various portable electrical devices, portable information terminals, or commercial secondary batteries. Patent Document 2 discloses a walking power generation device.

JP 2002-102186 A JP 2004-96980 A

The prior art has the following problems.
(1) In the invention described in Patent Document 1, there is no disclosure regarding a power supply, a buzzer function, and a switch function in the case of portable use, and miniaturization is difficult. Furthermore, it is difficult to add a temperature measurement function.

(2) In the invention described in Patent Document 2, power generation is merely performed using kinetic energy during human walking, and no biological information detection function is provided.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a biological information detection apparatus having the following functions 1 to 5.
1. Biometric information detection, power supply voltage supply, and buzzer drive functions:
(1) Using the positive piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element, the heartbeat, breathing, and movement of each part of the body of the subject are detected from pressure fluctuations that occur with the body movement of the subject (biological information detection).
(2) Utilizing the positive piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element, mechanical energy generated with body movement of the subject is converted into electrical energy, and the electrical energy is stored to supply a DC power supply voltage (power supply voltage supply).
(3) A buzzer sound is generated by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element using the inverse piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element (buzzer driving).
(4) Using the single piezoelectric element, the above (1) biological information detection, (2) power supply voltage supply, and (3) buzzer driving are enabled.

2. Heart rate / breathing / temperature measurement function:
Effectively utilizing the characteristics of piezoelectric elements, even if the battery, power switch, and dedicated buzzer are reduced from conventional thermometers, it is possible to provide not only body temperature measurement functions but also heart rate and respiratory rate measurement functions simply by adding piezoelectric elements. Realize heart rate, respiration, and thermometer with the same size as a conventional thermometer.
Reduce the number of parts, reduce costs, and save energy so that not only body temperature but also heart rate and respiration rate can be measured with the same size and cost as a conventional thermometer.

(1) Just like a thermometer that measures body temperature by placing it under the armpit, it is possible to measure heart rate and respiratory rate at the same time by sandwiching it under the armpit.
(2) Realize a heart rate / respiration / thermometer with a shape similar to that of a thermometer so that heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature can be measured simultaneously.
(3) Even if there are a plurality of measurement result display items (heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature), the display unit can be shared so that switching display can be performed.
(4) Eliminates the need for a switch dedicated to display switching for switching display.
(5) Reduce the number of parts by sharing a piezoelectric element without preparing a dedicated buzzer that sounds a sound that informs the end of normal measurement or an operation error.
(6) A power supply voltage is supplied using electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric element due to the body movement of the subject, finger operation, etc., and the battery is not used. Energy is saved by using mechanical energy that was wasted.

3. Step counting function:
(1) In addition to measuring the number of steps / running / momentum and detecting the type of exercise (“slow walking”, “running fast”, etc.) similar to conventional pedometers, biological information such as heart rate and respiratory rate can be simultaneously Measure and make it possible to measure changes in biological information that accompany walking and running.
(2) Electricity is generated by effectively using kinetic energy at the time of human walking, and the electric power consumed by the pedometer itself is supplied. The surplus is stored in the secondary battery so that it can be used for other purposes.
(3) Use maintenance-free sensors.
(4) High voltage output with respect to pressure fluctuations, high voltage resistance, sensor made of material with excellent flexibility, workability, impact resistance, water resistance, scientific stability Is used.
(5) Use a sensor that does not contain lead. Piezoelectric ceramics contain a lead component.

4). Body part motion detection function:
(1) To enable detection without restraining the subject's body (unconstrained detection).
(2) Simultaneously with detection of movement of each part of the body, biological information such as heart rate and respiratory rate is simultaneously measured so that the relationship between the movement of each part of the body and the biological information can be clarified.
(3) Electric power is generated by effectively using the kinetic energy generated in accordance with the movement of each part of the human body, and the power consumed by the body part motion detection device itself is supplied by itself. The surplus is stored in the secondary battery so that it can be used for other purposes.
(4) Use maintenance-free sensors.
(5) A sensor made of a material that has high voltage output against pressure fluctuation, has high voltage resistance, and has excellent flexibility, workability, impact resistance, water resistance, and scientific stability. Is used.
(6) Use a sensor that does not contain lead. Piezoelectric ceramics contain a lead component.

5. Sleep depth (sleep stage) detection function:
(1) To enable detection without restraining the subject's body (unconstrained detection).
(2) The detection accuracy of the sleep depth (sleep stage) is improved by simultaneously detecting not only the information regarding the heart rate and respiratory rate of the subject at bedtime, but also the movements of each part of the body.
(3) Electricity is generated by effectively using the kinetic energy generated with the movement of each part of the body at the time of human sleep, and the power consumed by the sleep depth (sleep stage) detection device itself is supplied by itself. The surplus is stored in the secondary battery so that it can be used for other purposes.
(4) Use maintenance-free sensors.
(5) A sensor made of a material that has high voltage output against pressure fluctuation, has high voltage resistance, and has excellent flexibility, workability, impact resistance, water resistance, and scientific stability. Is used.
(6) Use a sensor that does not contain lead. Piezoelectric ceramics contain a lead component.

In order to achieve such a subject, the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) In a biological information detection apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of a subject into electrical signals,
Biological information detection means for detecting biological information by inputting the electrical signal;
Power supply means for storing the electric energy generated in the piezoelectric element with the body movement of the subject and supplying a DC power supply voltage;
A biological information detection apparatus comprising: switch means for periodically disconnecting the connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means for a predetermined period.

(2) In a biological information detection apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of a subject into electrical signals,
Biological information detection means for detecting biological information by inputting the electrical signal;
Buzzer driving means for generating a buzzer sound by vibrating the piezoelectric element based on a buzzer driving signal input from the outside;
Switch means for periodically interrupting the connection between the piezoelectric element and the buzzer driving means for a predetermined period;
A biological information detection device comprising:

(3) In a biological information detection apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of a subject into electrical signals,
Biological information detection means for detecting biological information by inputting the electrical signal;
Power supply means for storing the electric energy generated in the piezoelectric element with the body movement of the subject and supplying a DC power supply voltage;
Buzzer driving means for generating a buzzer sound by vibrating the piezoelectric element based on a buzzer driving signal input from the outside;
Switch means for periodically and periodically disconnecting the connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means and the buzzer driving means;
A biological information detection device comprising:

(4) The switch means acquires a clock signal included in the buzzer driving means or the power supply means, and periodically and periodically establishes a connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means and the buzzer driving means. The biological information detection apparatus according to (2) or (3), wherein the period is cut off.

(5) A plurality of the piezoelectric elements are provided, and the power supply means inputs the electrical signals of the plurality of piezoelectric elements in a lump through the rectifying means and inputs them. The biological information detection apparatus according to any one of the above.

(6) The biological information detecting means detects and extracts at least one of a heartbeat signal, a respiratory signal, and an operation information signal of the subject, according to any one of (1) to (5) Biological information detection device.

(7) The living body information detecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein a projection for receiving the body movement of the subject is provided on one electrode of the piezoelectric element.

(8) The living body information detecting apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), further including at least one of a measuring means for the heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature of the subject.

(9) The biological information detection apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), further including a movement detection unit that detects movement of each part of the body of the subject.

(10) The biological information detection apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), further including a sleep depth detection unit that detects a sleep depth of the subject.

(11) The biological information detection apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), further including a step count measuring unit built in a shoe sole or insole worn by the subject.

According to the configuration of the present invention, the following effects 1 to 5 can be expected.
1. Biological information detection function:
(1) By utilizing the positive piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element, it is possible to detect the heartbeat, respiration, and movement of each part of the body from the pressure fluctuations generated with the body movement of the subject (biological information detection).
(2) By utilizing the positive piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element, mechanical energy generated with the body movement of the subject can be converted into electric energy, and the electric energy can be stored to supply a DC power supply voltage (power supply voltage supply).
(3) A buzzer sound can be generated by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element using the inverse piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric element (buzzer driving).
(4) Using one piezoelectric element, (1) biological information detection, (2) power supply voltage supply, and (3) buzzer driving are possible.

2. Heart rate / breathing / temperature measurement function:
(1) Since a piezoelectric element is used as a pressure fluctuation sensor, it is small, has a simple circuit configuration, and has low power.
(2) Just like a thermometer that measures body temperature under the armpit, it can easily measure the heart rate and respiratory rate at the same time by sandwiching it under the armpit.
(3) Since the shape is similar to a thermometer, the heart rate and the respiratory rate can be measured simultaneously when measuring the body temperature, which is convenient.
(4) Since the switching display can be performed, the display unit can be shared even if there are a plurality of measurement result display items (heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature).
(5) There is no need for a display switching switch for switching display.
(6) Since the piezoelectric element is shared, there is no need for a dedicated buzzer that sounds a sound to notify the normal end of measurement, an operation error, or the like.
(7) Since the protrusion protruding outside the main body cover case is directly attached to one electrode of the piezoelectric element, the body movement of the subject is directly received, and the loss of sensitivity can be reduced.
(8) Since the shape of the protrusion protruding outside the main body cover case is round, the touch is good for the subject.
(9) A power supply voltage is supplied using electrical energy generated in the piezoelectric element due to the body movement of the subject, finger operation, etc., so that the battery is not used. Energy can be saved by using mechanical energy that was wasted.

3. Step counting function:
(1) In addition to measuring the number of steps / running / momentum and detecting the type of exercise (“slow walking”, “running fast”, etc.) similar to conventional pedometers, biological information such as heart rate and respiratory rate can be simultaneously Measurements can be made to measure changes in biological information associated with walking and running.
(2) Electricity is generated by effectively using kinetic energy at the time of human walking, and the electric power consumed by the pedometer itself is supplied. The surplus is stored in the secondary battery and can be used for other purposes.
(3) The sensor is maintenance-free.
(4) The sensor used has a high voltage output against pressure fluctuations, has high voltage resistance, and has excellent flexibility, workability, impact resistance, water resistance, and scientific stability. ing.
(5) The sensor used is lead-free.

4). Body part motion detection function (1) Detection is possible without restraining the subject's body (unconstrained detection possible).
(2) Simultaneously with detection of movement of each part of the body, biological information such as heart rate and respiration rate can be simultaneously measured, and the relationship between the movement of each part of the body and the biological information can be clarified.
(3) Electric power is generated by effectively using the kinetic energy generated in accordance with the movement of each part of the human body, and the power consumed by the body part motion detection device itself is supplied by itself. The surplus is stored in the secondary battery and can be used for other purposes.
(4) The sensor is maintenance-free.
(5) The sensor used has a high voltage output against pressure fluctuation, has high voltage resistance, and has excellent flexibility, workability, impact resistance, water resistance, and scientific stability. ing.
(6) The sensor used is lead-free.

5. Sleep depth (sleep stage) detection function:
(1) It can be detected without restraining the subject's body (unconstrained detection possible).
(2) The detection accuracy of the sleep depth (sleep stage) can be improved by simultaneously detecting not only the information on the heart rate and respiratory rate of the subject at bedtime, but also the movements of each part of the body.
(3) Electricity is generated by effectively using the kinetic energy generated with the movement of each part of the body at the time of human sleep, and the power consumed by the sleep depth (sleep stage) detection device itself is supplied by itself. The surplus is stored in the secondary battery and can be used for other purposes.
(4) The sensor is maintenance-free.
(5) The sensor used has a high voltage output against pressure fluctuation, has high voltage resistance, and has excellent flexibility, workability, impact resistance, water resistance, and scientific stability. ing.
(6) The sensor used is lead-free.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a biological information detection apparatus to which the present invention is applied. This embodiment includes the constituent elements of the invention described in claim 3, and the biological information detection apparatus 10 includes a piezoelectric element 20, a biological information detection means 30, a power supply means 40, and a buzzer driving means 50. Has been.

  The piezoelectric element 20 has a function of converting an applied force into a voltage or converting a voltage into a force. The piezoelectric element 20 converts the pressure applied by the body movement of the subject into a voltage signal, and outputs the voltage signal to the biological information detection unit 30 and the power supply unit 40. In addition, the piezoelectric element 20 receives an electrical signal from the buzzer driving means 50, causes mechanical vibration, and generates a buzzer sound.

  The biological information detection means 30 detects the subject's heartbeat signal S1, respiration signal S2, and motion information signal S3 from the voltage signal output from the piezoelectric element 20. The power supply means 40 stores the electrical energy output from the piezoelectric element 20 and supplies the DC power supply voltage Vcc.

  A DC power supply voltage Vcc is supplied as a power supply voltage for the biological information detecting means 30 and the buzzer driving means 50. The buzzer driving means 50 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element 20 according to a buzzer driving signal BZ given as an input, and generates a buzzer sound.

  The power supply means 40 and the buzzer driving means 50 include switch means 401 and 501 respectively. These switch means periodically disconnect the connection with the piezoelectric element 20 for a predetermined time. For synchronous driving, in the embodiment, a signal for controlling opening / closing of the switch means 501 of the buzzer driving means 50 is used as a clock CL for controlling opening / closing of the switch means 401 of the power supply means 40.

  The output impedance of the piezoelectric element 20 is very high. Accordingly, since the biological information cannot be detected in a state where the low-input impedance power supply means 40 and the low-output impedance buzzer driving means 50 are connected, a periodic cutoff period is provided by the switch means 401 and 501, and this cutoff is performed. During the period, the biological information detecting means 30 discretely acquires biological information signals from the piezoelectric elements 20.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the biological information detection unit 30 includes a band-pass filter of 100 Hz or less that extracts biological information. A signal having a voltage application / discharge repetition frequency of about 4 kHz does not pass through and does not affect the operation of extracting biological information.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing another embodiment of the biological information detection apparatus to which the present invention is applied. A difference in configuration from the embodiment of FIG. 1 is that the output of the piezoelectric element 20 is subjected to full-wave rectification by the rectification means 60 and then applied to the biological information detection means 30 and the power supply means 40.

  The buzzer driving means 50 is directly connected to the piezoelectric element 20 as in FIG. 1 and applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element according to the buzzer driving signal BZ to generate a buzzer sound.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing still another embodiment of the biological information detection apparatus to which the present invention is applied. This embodiment is characterized in that a plurality (two in the drawing) of piezoelectric elements 21 and 22 are provided. In this embodiment, no buzzer driving means is provided.

  Biological information detection means 31 and 32 for directly obtaining outputs of the piezoelectric elements 21 and 22, rectification means 61 and 62 for full-wave rectification of the outputs of the piezoelectric elements 21 and 22, and outputs of these rectification means are connected together and input. It comprises a single power supply means 40.

  In the power supply means 40, the switch means 401 that periodically cuts off the connection with the rectifying means 61, 62 is controlled to be opened and closed by the switch driving means 402, and the charging capacitor 403 is charged with the direct current from the rectifying means 61, 62. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the connection state of the buzzer driving means, the power supply means, and the biological information detection means to the piezoelectric element. 4A shows the output of the buzzer driving means 50, FIG. 4B shows the input of the power supply means 40, and FIG. 4C shows the input timing of the biological information detection means 30.

  The input of the power supply means 40 is periodically connected to and disconnected from the piezoelectric element 20 by the switch means 401 as shown in FIG. 4B, and is charged in a discrete manner during the connection period. Biological information detection is performed discretely as in (C).

  The output of the buzzer driving means in FIG. 4 (A) is synchronized with the charging and shutoff of the input of the power supply means 40 in FIG. 4 (B), and the voltage application to the piezoelectric element 20 is performed during the first half of the charging period of the power supply means input. And discharge in the second half period.

  As described above, since the output impedance of the piezoelectric element 20 is high, when the living body information detecting unit 30 detects the living body information from the output voltage of the piezoelectric element 20, the piezoelectric element is connected with other means having low input impedance or output impedance. It is necessary to interrupt (electrically insulate) the circuit connection between them.

  As described above, when the biological information is not detected, the output of the buzzer driving unit 50 and the input of the power supply unit 40 are connected to the piezoelectric element 20. Within the connected time, the buzzer driving means 50 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element 20 and then discharges the electrical energy stored in the piezoelectric element. Further, the power supply means 40 charges the charging capacitor 403 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the biological information detection unit 30 connected to the piezoelectric element 20. The biological information detection unit 30 extracts and separates the heartbeat signal S1, the respiration signal S2, and the motion information signal S3 from the output voltage from the piezoelectric element 20 through three types of bandpass filter units 301, 302, and 303 having different frequency characteristics. .

  The pass frequency band of these band pass filters for extracting / separating biological information is 100 Hz or less, the repetition frequency of charging / cutoff of the power supply means 40 is about 2 kHz, and the repetition frequency of voltage application / discharge of the buzzer driving means 50 is about 4 kHz. This signal does not pass through and does not affect the extraction / separation operation of biological information.

  FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the buzzer driving means 50 connected to the piezoelectric element 20. The buzzer driving means 50 includes a semiconductor relay (or semiconductor switch) 501 forming a switching means, an oscillation circuit 502, a frequency dividing circuit 503, an AND circuit A504, an AND circuit B505, a driving circuit 506, and a discharging resistor 507.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart of signals in the buzzer driving means 50 shown in FIG. 7A shows the buzzer drive signal BZ waveform, FIG. 7B shows the output of the oscillation circuit 502, FIG. 7C shows the output of the frequency dividing circuit 503, FIG. 7D shows the output of the AND circuit A504, and FIG. 7E shows the AND circuit B505. (F) shows the output of the drive circuit 506, and (G) shows the output waveform of the buzzer drive means 40 applied to the piezoelectric element 20.

  The output of the oscillation circuit 502 is divided by the frequency dividing circuit 503. The AND circuit A504 outputs the frequency divider output signal as an AND circuit A output signal only when the buzzer drive signal BZ is H.

  An output signal of the AND circuit A 504 is given to the AND circuit B 505 and the semiconductor relay 501. The AND circuit B505 takes an AND (logical product) of the output signal of the AND circuit A504 and the output signal of the oscillation circuit 502, and outputs the result as an output signal of the AND circuit B505. The drive circuit 506 applies a voltage (H level voltage) only when the output signal of the AND circuit B505 is H, and turns off the output voltage otherwise.

  The contact of the semiconductor relay 501 is closed when the output of the AND circuit A 504 is H, and the output of the drive circuit 506 is output to the piezoelectric element 20. When the output signal of the oscillation circuit 502 is H, an H level voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 20, and when the output signal of the oscillation circuit 502 is L, the electric energy stored in the piezoelectric element 20 is passed through the discharge resistor R507. Discharged. When the output of the AND circuit A504 is L, the contact of the semiconductor relay 501 is opened, so that the circuit connection with the piezoelectric element 20 is interrupted.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply means. The power supply means 40 is a first charge pump that outputs a semiconductor relay (or semiconductor switch) 401, an oscillation circuit 402, an AND circuit 403, diodes D1 to D4, a charging capacitor C404, and a DC power supply voltage Vcc1 that form a switch means. A DC / DC converter 405 and a second charge pump DC / DC converter 406 that outputs a DC power supply voltage Vcc2 are included.

  The operation input voltage of the second charge pump DC / DC converter 406 is higher than the operation input voltage of the first charge pump DC / DC converter 405. The second charge pump DC / DC converter 406 is necessary when supplying a direct-current power supply voltage other than the biological information detection device and the main body circuit, for example, when charging a commercial secondary battery, but may be unnecessary. .

  When no charge is stored in charging capacitor C404, output voltages of charge pump DC / DC converter 405 and charge pump DC / DC converter 406 are not generated (L level). Therefore, the gate of the AND circuit 403 is closed and the output becomes L.

  Therefore, the contact of the semiconductor relay 401 is closed. At this time, when pressure is applied to the piezoelectric element 20 and converted into a voltage, the voltage is full-wave rectified by the diodes D1 to D4, and the electric charge is stored in the capacitor C404.

  When the electric charge is stored and the voltage between both electrodes of the capacitor C404 reaches a certain value, the charge pump DC / DC converter 405 starts operation and starts supplying the DC power supply voltage Vcc1.

  When the DC power supply voltage Vcc1 becomes H level, the gate of the AND circuit 403 is opened and the clock signal from the oscillation circuit 402 is output. When the output of the oscillation circuit 402 is H level, that is, when the output of the AND circuit 403 is H level, the contact of the semiconductor relay 401 is opened, and the circuit is cut off.

  Next, when the clock signal is at L level, that is, when the output of the AND circuit 403 is at L level, the contact of the semiconductor relay 401 is closed and the circuit is in a connected state. Accordingly, the circuit periodically repeats the cutoff state and the connection state with respect to the piezoelectric element 20.

  The operation start voltage of the charge pump DC / DC converter 406 is higher than the operation start voltage of the charge pump DC / DC converter 405. Therefore, when charge is accumulated in the capacitor C404 and the voltage between both electrodes of the capacitor C404 becomes high, the charge pump DC / DC converter 405 starts to operate first, and then the charge pump DC / DC converter 406 starts. Start operation.

  Conversely, when the capacitor C404 is discharged, the charge pump DC / DC converter 406 stops operating first, and then the charge pump DC / DC converter 405 stops operating.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing another configuration example of the power supply means. A difference from the embodiment of FIG. 8 is an example in which the charging circuit to the capacitor C404 is cut off by the PNP transistor Tr instead of the semiconductor relay of FIG.

  When the output of the AND circuit 403 is at L level, the base potential of the transistor Tr is lower than the emitter potential, so that the transistor is turned on and the charging circuit is connected. Conversely, when the output of the AND circuit 403 is at the H level, the base potential of the transistor is higher than the emitter potential, so that the transistor is turned off and the charging circuit is cut off.

  FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a connection example among the piezoelectric element 20, the buzzer driving means 50 and the power supply means 40. To synchronize the output of the buzzer driving means 50 and the input of the power supply means 40 and disconnect (electrically insulate) the connection with the piezoelectric element 20, the frequency dividing of the buzzer driving means 50 as the clock CL of the power supply means 40. The output of the circuit 503 is acquired and input to the AND circuit 403 via the inverter 407.

  FIG. 11 is an external view and a cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of the piezoelectric element. FIG. 11A shows an external view of a heartbeat / respiration / thermometer. A temperature sensing part with a built-in temperature sensor, a protrusion fixed to the outer electrode of the piezoelectric element, and a display part for switching and displaying heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature are shown.

  The display content can be switched by pressing the protruding portion with a finger. When the heart rate / respiration / thermometer is sandwiched between the subject's armpits and the temperature sensor is measuring the temperature, at the same time, the protrusion fixed to the outer electrode of the piezoelectric element causes pressure fluctuations associated with the body movement of the subject to To tell.

  FIG. 11B shows an example using piezoelectric ceramics as a piezoelectric element. The attachment state of the projection part fixed to the outer electrode of piezoelectric ceramics is shown. The protruding portion protrudes from the surrounding main body cover case, and has a structure that is susceptible to pressure fluctuations accompanying the body movement of the subject.

  A sticker is affixed to the protruding portion and the surrounding body cover case. After measuring heart rate, respiration, and body temperature, prevent the disinfectant from entering the interior when immersed in disinfectant to disinfect the heart rate, respiration, and thermometer.

  FIG. 11C shows an example in which a polymer piezoelectric element such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is used as the piezoelectric element. The example which attached the projection part to one electrode of a polymer piezoelectric element is shown. In the figure, an example in which a plurality of polymer piezoelectric element sheets are diffracted and stacked is shown, but there is also a method in which a plurality of the same polymer piezoelectric element sheets are stacked.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a biological information detection apparatus including a heartbeat / respiration / body temperature measurement unit. Elements added to the biological information detection apparatus 10 are composed of a temperature sensor means 70, a body temperature measurement means 80, a heart rate measurement means 90, a respiration rate measurement means 100, a finger operation information detection means 110, a display means 120, and a control means 130. Is done.

  The biological information detection apparatus 10 includes a piezoelectric element 20, a biological information detection unit 30, a buzzer driving unit 50, and a power supply unit 40. As the piezoelectric element 20, an example using piezoelectric ceramics is shown. When the buzzer is not driven, it is also possible to use a polymer piezoelectric element polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the piezoelectric element. The display unit 120 includes a display control unit 121 and a display unit 122.

  Functions of elements added to the biological information detection apparatus 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 will be described. The temperature sensor means 70 uses a thermistor as a sensor and converts the temperature of the subject's armpit or the like into a resistance value. The body temperature measuring unit 80 calculates the body temperature of the subject from the temperature information converted into the resistance value, and outputs the measured body temperature data to the display unit 120. In addition, the controller 130 is notified that the body temperature measurement has been completed normally or an error (abnormality) has occurred.

  The heart rate measuring means 90 measures the heart rate from the heart rate signal S1 that is an output from the biological information detecting means 30. The measured heart rate data is output to the display means 120. In addition, the control unit 130 is notified that the heart rate measurement has ended normally or an error (abnormality) has occurred.

  The respiration rate measuring means 100 measures the respiration rate from the respiration signal S2 that is an output from the biological information detection means 30. The measured respiratory rate data is output to the display means 120. Further, the control means 130 is notified that the respiration rate measurement has ended normally or an error (abnormality) has occurred.

  The finger operation information detection unit 110 detects the operation information of the finger by the hand of the subject from the operation information signal S3 which is an output from the biological information detection unit 30. When an operation pressed by a finger is detected, it is output to the control means 130 as a display switching signal.

  The display unit 120 selects body temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate based on the display control signal from the control unit 130, and displays the selected data on the display unit 120. The display form is digitally displayed on an LCD or the like.

  The control unit 130 selects and displays display data based on information indicating whether the measurement operations from the body temperature measuring unit 80, the heart rate measuring unit 90, and the respiration rate measuring unit 100 have been normally completed and a display switching signal. Information such as the normal end of measurement and the occurrence of a measurement error to be notified to the subject is output to the buzzer driving means 50 corresponding to the information to the buzzer driving means 50. Inform information.

  FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a biological information detection apparatus including a pedometer measurement unit. Elements added to the biological information detection apparatus 10 include a heart rate measurement unit 90, a respiration rate measurement unit 100, a step count measurement unit 140, a storage unit 150, a display unit 120, a communication unit 160, and a secondary battery 210.

  The biological information detection apparatus 10 includes a piezoelectric element 20, a biological information detection unit 30, and a power supply unit 40. As the piezoelectric element 20, an example using a polymer piezoelectric element polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is shown. The power supply means 40 stores the electrical energy output from the piezoelectric element 20 and supplies the DC power supply voltage Vcc1 to the body circuit of the biological information detection device and the DC power supply voltage Vcc2 to the secondary battery 210.

  The operations of the heart rate measuring means 90 and the respiration rate measuring means 100 are the same as in FIG. 12, and the measured data is passed to the display means 120, and the normal end or error data is notified to the control means (not shown). The step count measuring means 140 measures the number of steps from the operation information signal S3 that is an output from the biological information detecting means 30.

  The storage unit 150 acquires and stores information on the heart rate, the respiratory rate, and the number of steps from the heart rate measuring unit 90, the respiration rate measuring unit 100, and the step number measuring unit 140. The display unit 120 digitally displays the heart rate, the respiratory rate, and the step count stored in the storage unit 150 on an LCD or the like.

  The communication unit 160 displays the heart rate, respiration rate, and step count information stored in the storage unit 150 via a wired or wireless communication network 170 or 180, such as a display 180 or a personal computer attached to a pedestrian's body or shoes. 200. The secondary battery 210 stores electrical energy output from the power supply means 40.

  FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a biological information detection apparatus including a motion detection unit for each part of the body. A difference from FIG. 13 is that a motion detection unit 220 that detects the motion of each part of the body from the motion information signal S3 output from the biological information detection unit 30 is provided. The output of the motion detection means 220 is transferred to and stored in the storage means 150. The operation of the other components is the same as in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a biological information detection apparatus including a sleep depth (sleep stage) detection unit. The difference from FIG. 14 is that the heart rate from the heart rate measuring means 90, the respiration rate from the respiration rate measuring means 100, and the body part movement information from the motion detecting means 220 are inputted, and the sleep depth of the subject (sleep stage) ) To calculate the sleep depth (sleep stage) detection means 230. The output of the sleep depth (sleep stage) detection means 230 is passed to the storage means 150 and stored therein. The operation of the other components is the same as in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the biological information detection apparatus 10 is configured to include the power supply unit 40. However, a configuration including the piezoelectric element 20, the biological information detection 30, and the buzzer driving unit 50 is also possible. In the case of this configuration, a DC power source requires a power source built in the battery or supplied from the outside.

It is a functional block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the biometric information detection apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a functional block diagram which shows other embodiment of the biometric information detection apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a functional block diagram which shows other embodiment of the biometric information detection apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a timing chart which shows the connection state of the buzzer drive means with respect to a piezoelectric element, a power supply means, and a biological information detection means. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the biometric information detection means connected to a piezoelectric element. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of the buzzer drive means connected to a piezoelectric element. It is a timing chart of the signal in the buzzer drive means connected to a piezoelectric element. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of a power supply means. It is a functional block diagram which shows the other structural example of a power supply means. It is a circuit diagram which shows the example of a connection between a piezoelectric element, a buzzer drive means, and a power supply means. It is the external view and sectional drawing which show the attachment state of a piezoelectric element. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the biometric information detection apparatus provided with the measurement means of a heartbeat, respiration, and body temperature. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the biometric information detection apparatus provided with the step count measurement means. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the biometric information detection apparatus provided with the motion detection means of each part of the body. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the biometric information detection apparatus provided with the sleep depth (sleep stage) detection means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Biological information detection apparatus 20 Piezoelectric element 30 Biological information detection means 40 Power supply means 401 Switch means 50 Buzzer drive means 501 Switch means CL clock BZ Buzzer drive signal

Claims (11)

In the biological information detection apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of the subject into electrical signals,
Biological information detection means for detecting biological information by inputting the electrical signal;
Power supply means for storing the electric energy generated in the piezoelectric element with the body movement of the subject and supplying a DC power supply voltage;
A biological information detection apparatus comprising: switch means for periodically disconnecting the connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means for a predetermined period. In the biological information detection apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of the subject into electrical signals,
Biological information detection means for detecting biological information by inputting the electrical signal;
Buzzer driving means for generating a buzzer sound by vibrating the piezoelectric element based on a buzzer driving signal input from the outside;
Switch means for periodically interrupting the connection between the piezoelectric element and the buzzer driving means for a predetermined period;
A biological information detection device comprising: In the biological information detection apparatus comprising a piezoelectric element that converts pressure fluctuations associated with body movement of the subject into electrical signals,
Biological information detection means for detecting biological information by inputting the electrical signal;
Power supply means for storing the electric energy generated in the piezoelectric element with the body movement of the subject and supplying a DC power supply voltage;
Buzzer driving means for generating a buzzer sound by vibrating the piezoelectric element based on a buzzer driving signal input from the outside;
Switch means for periodically and periodically disconnecting the connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means and the buzzer driving means;
A biological information detection device comprising:   The switch means acquires a clock signal provided in the buzzer driving means or the power supply means, and periodically and periodically disconnects the connection between the piezoelectric element and the power supply means and the buzzer driving means. The living body information detecting device according to claim 2 or 3 characterized by things.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the piezoelectric elements, wherein the power supply unit inputs and inputs electrical signals of the plurality of piezoelectric elements collectively through a rectifying unit. Biological information detection device.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological information detection unit detects and extracts at least one of a heartbeat signal, a respiratory signal, and an operation information signal of the subject.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a projection for receiving the body movement of the subject is provided on one electrode of the piezoelectric element.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one measuring means for the subject's heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movement detection unit that detects movement of each part of the body of the subject.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sleep depth detection unit that detects a sleep depth of the subject.   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step counting unit built in a shoe sole or insole worn by the subject.

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