JP2016096977A - Optical sensor module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical sensor module that suppresses a variation in optical distance/characteristics of a light receiving element and a light emitting element, reduces an impact of noise attributable to a body motion, and improves stability.SOLUTION: An optical sensor module 1A includes a base plate 20, a light emitting element 12 disposed on the surface of the base plate 20, a light receiving element 14 disposed on the surface of the base plate 20, separated from the light emitting element 12, and a light guide layer arranged on the reverse face facing the surface of the base plate 20, is caused to come into contact with a body surface of a human or an animal, receives transmitted light which is the light emitted from the light emitting element 12 through the light guide layer and transmitting the body, and detects the strength of the transmitted light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present embodiment relates to an optical sensor module.

  When information related to the human body is acquired by a sensor, a motion sensor that captures movement and an optical sensor that obtains information using light are used other than those used in medical practice and blood glucose meters that directly measure blood itself.

  The pulse wave sensor can measure the blood flow in the capillary using an optical sensor that contacts the body surface. The pulse wave sensor can measure the pulse rate and pulse fluctuation from the fluctuation of blood flow due to the heartbeat. In the measurement using an optical sensor, blood oxygen saturation using light of two different wavelengths is used in addition to the pulse.

JP 2012-19926 A JP 2012-19928 A JP 2012-19929 A JP 2012-120773 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0051955

  For sensors related to pulse and blood flow, a method of acquiring an electrical signal generated by the myocardium, such as an electrocardiograph, is used. In an electrocardiogram used for medical examinations, measurement is performed while wearing a 12-pole electrode and resting in a lying posture. Since the potential generated by the myocardium is measured, the surrounding myoelectricity generated when the body is moved becomes noise.

  In order to measure the pulse rate and pulse fluctuation at the time of activity, a simple electrocardiograph (Holter electrocardiograph) such as a bipolar or tripolar or a watch-type heart rate monitor is used. In any case, in order to wear the electrode, it is necessary to wear the measuring instrument main body and the electrode. In order to obtain an accurate electrocardiogram, a Holter electrocardiograph needs to attach an electrode to a specific part of the chest, and even a watch-type one can be worn as a chest strap. In any case, there are strength of restraint, difficulty in movement, and troublesome attachment and detachment in order to perform measurement over a long period of time.

  2. Description of the Related Art Pulse wave sensors using pulse wave measurement (photoelectric pulse wave) using the characteristic that hemoglobin in blood absorbs light are used. Although an electrocardiogram or the like cannot be obtained, a pulse or pulse fluctuation can be measured by bringing an optical sensor into contact with the body surface.

  The photoelectric pulse wave sensor can measure a pulse wave on an arbitrary body surface, although the signal intensity is strong and weak, and thus can be worn for a long time without a sense of restraint as a wearable sensor.

  On the other hand, photoelectric pulse wave sensors for measuring pulse waves are affected by noise caused by body movement. Information such as pulsation is obtained from the pulsating component of light absorbed by blood, but moving the part wearing the sensor causes changes in the optical distance and leakage of light from the outside. Obstructs the acquisition of complex pulse wave signals.

  For this reason, noise removal is a factor that affects the characteristics in order to acquire pulse waves with the optical pulse wave sensor. Various methods have been proposed for noise reduction measures.

  The motion sensor is used in combination to determine the movement applied to the sensor and reflect it in pulse extraction, and the stability of the contact surface to the body is used. There are also efforts to overcome it.

  In order to reduce the influence of noise caused by body movement, the following points become problems. First, there is insufficient light quantity to obtain a signal, second, fluctuations in the optical distance / characteristics of the light receiving element / light emitting element, and third, conditions for the data analysis method.

  The present embodiment is to provide an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and has improved stability. .

  According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a substrate, a light emitting element disposed on the surface of the substrate, a light receiving element disposed on the surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the light emitting element, A light guide layer disposed on the back surface opposite to the front surface of the substrate, and the light receiving element receives the reflected light that is reflected from the light emitting element through the light guide layer and returned to the object. An optical sensor module for detecting the intensity of the reflected light is provided.

  According to another aspect of the present embodiment, a substrate, a light emitting element disposed on the surface of the substrate, a light receiving element disposed on the surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the light emitting element, A light guide layer disposed on the back surface of the substrate facing the front surface, contacting the surface of a human or animal body, and light emitted from the light emitting element through the light guide layer is transmitted through the body. An optical sensor module that receives the transmitted light and detects the intensity of the transmitted light is provided.

  According to another aspect of the present embodiment, a substrate, a light emitting element disposed on the surface of the substrate, a light receiving element disposed on the surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the light emitting element, A light guide disposed in the substrate, contacting the surface of a human or animal body, receiving light transmitted from the light emitting element through the light guide through the body, and transmitting the light. An optical sensor module for detecting light intensity is provided.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability. Can do.

The typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on a 1st comparative example. (A) Typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on a 2nd comparative example, (c) Typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on a 3rd comparative example. (A) Typical cross-section figure for operation | movement description of the optical sensor module which concerns on a 2nd comparative example, (b) Typical plane block diagram corresponding to Fig.3 (a). The typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram taken along line II in FIG. 4. In the structure of FIG. 5, the typical cross-section figure of a comparative example in case there is no light guide layer. The typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. In the optical sensor module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the typical plane block diagram seen from the surface side which contact | connects a human body. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram taken along line II-II in FIG. 7. The typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. In the optical sensor module which concerns on 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the typical plane block diagram seen from the surface side which contact | connects a human body. FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 10. The typical cross-section figure of the flexible substrate applicable to the optical sensor module which concerns on 4th Embodiment, and the light guide layer arrange | positioned on a flexible substrate. The typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The typical cross-section figure which follows the IV-IV line of FIG. The typical cross-section figure of the optical sensor module which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The typical cross-section figure of the optical sensor module which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The typical cross-section figure of the optical sensor module which concerns on 7th Embodiment. The typical cross-section figure of the light guide applicable to the optical sensor module which concerns on 8th Embodiment. The typical plane block diagram of the optical sensor module which concerns on 8th Embodiment. FIG. 21 is a schematic sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 20.

  Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the planar dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each layer, and the like are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings.

  In addition, the embodiment described below exemplifies an apparatus and method for embodying the technical idea, and does not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the component parts as follows. . This embodiment can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

(Comparative example)
A schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module 1A according to the first comparative example is expressed as shown in FIG. 1, and a schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module 1A according to the second comparative example is shown in FIG. The schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module 1A according to the third comparative example is expressed as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical sensor module 1A according to the first comparative example is arranged around a light receiving element (PD: Photodetector) 14 on a printed circuit board (PCB) 20, and the PD 14 A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged so as to surround the periphery. In the example of FIG. 1, eight LEDs are arranged and are represented by 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ ,..., 12 ₈ (LED1, LED2,..., LED8).

A plurality of LEDs 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ ,..., 12 ₈ (LED1, LED2,..., LED8) are arranged around the PD 14 to compensate for the insufficient light quantity of the PD 14 and to the PD 14 with the same amount of light from the surrounding Can be irradiated. Therefore, it can be applied to a photoelectric pulse wave sensor or the like to improve the operation stability.

  Further, in the optical sensor module 1A according to the second comparative example, the PD 14 and the LED 12 are arranged adjacent to each other on the substrate 20, as shown in FIG.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the optical sensor module 1A according to the third comparative example is arranged on the substrate 20 with the PD 14 at the center and four LEDs 12 _1. 12 ₂ ... 12 ₄ (LED1, LED2,... LED4) are arranged.

  The second comparative example and the third comparative example can be reduced in cost because the number of parts is reduced as compared with the first comparative example. Further, since the number of LEDs used is reduced, low power consumption operation is possible.

  Here, the operation of the optical sensor module 1A according to the second comparative example having a simple configuration will be described as an example.

  A schematic cross-sectional structure for explaining the operation of the optical sensor module 1A according to the second comparative example is represented as shown in FIG. 3A, and a schematic plan configuration corresponding to FIG. It is expressed as shown in 3 (b). As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical sensor module 1A according to the second comparative example has a configuration in which the LEDs 12 and the PD 14 are integrally formed by an insulating layer 16. Further, the LED 12 and the PD 14 are disposed face down so that the light emitting surface of the LED 12 and the light receiving surface of the PD 14 are disposed on the surface that contacts the human body 18.

However, the problem is that the LED 12 is a point light source. Since the LED 12 in contact with the human body 18 is a point light source, the immediate vicinity of the LED 12 is brightest, and the brightness decreases as the distance from the LED 12 increases. That is, the light intensity distribution P _i from the LED 12 decreases as the distance from the LED 12 as the point light source increases as shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b).

  When the distance between the LED 12 and the PD 14 changes due to body movement, the light amount / brightness (luminance) of the light incident on the PD 14 may vary. Even if the amount of light incident on the PD 14 and the change in brightness (luminance) are slight, the signal component of the pulse wave itself is weak and acts strongly as noise.

  Further, in the first comparative example and the third comparative example, since the periphery of the PD 14 is surrounded by a plurality of LEDs, the light source is merely an assembly of point light sources. For this reason, uniform brightness is not always obtained in the PD 14. In addition, disposing a plurality of LEDs increases the power consumption of the optical sensor module 1A according to the first comparative example and the third comparative example accordingly.

(First embodiment)
The schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. 4, and the schematic cross-sectional structure taken along the line II in FIG. 4 is expressed as shown in FIG. Is done.

  Further, in the configuration of FIG. 5, a schematic cross-sectional structure of a comparative example when the light guide layer 24 is not provided is expressed as shown in FIG. 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment includes a substrate 20, light emitting elements (LEDs) 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B arranged on the surface of the substrate 20, and On the front surface, a light receiving element (PD) 14 disposed apart from the LEDs 12A and 12B and a light guide layer 24 disposed on the back surface facing the surface of the substrate 20 are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the substrate 20 between the LEDs 12A and 12B and the light guide layer 24 is provided with opening windows 22A and 22B in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24. Also good.

  Here, the light emitted from the LEDs 12A and 12B through the light guide layer 24 may be reflected by the PD 14 and the reflected light may be received by the PD 14 to detect the intensity of the reflected light. Further, the wavelength, attenuation ratio, or phase difference of the reflected light may be detected.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment has a similar configuration, is brought into contact with the human body 18 or the animal body surface, and is guided from the light emitting elements 12A and 12B. The intensity of the transmitted light may be detected by receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the body of the light emitted through the optical layer 24. Further, the wavelength, attenuation ratio, or phase difference of transmitted light may be detected.

  In the configuration of FIG. 5, when the light guide layer 24 is not provided, as shown in FIG. 6, when the distance between the LEDs 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B and the PD 14 changes due to body movement, the amount and brightness of light incident on the PD 14. (Luminance) may vary. Even if the amount of light incident on the PD 14 and the change in brightness (luminance) are slight, the signal component of the pulse wave itself is weak and acts strongly as noise. In FIG. 5, since the light source is merely an assembly of point light sources, uniform luminance is not always obtained in the PD 14.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plane that is in contact with the body surface, a light receiving surface, and a light emitting surface. Thus, the entire light emitting surface can emit light with uniform intensity.

  Further, in the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light receiving surface is disposed so as to be surrounded by the light emitting surface, so that the brightness around the light receiving surface is substantially the same. It becomes uniform.

  In the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment, since the light guide layer 24 is provided on the contact surface with the human body, even if the light source is the point light source LEDs 12A and 12B, the brightness uniform on the surface in contact with the human body Is obtained.

  In the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment, a light emitting surface (light guide layer 24) having a relatively large area as compared with the size of the PD 14 is formed in the peripheral part of the PD 14 arranged in the center part. Yes. That is, in the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment, the light source is a surface emitting light source. For this reason, even if the optical distance slightly varies due to body movement, the intensity variation of the light incident on the PD 14 can be suppressed.

  In the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment, the light guide layer 24 has light guide properties with respect to the wavelength of light used by the optical sensor module.

  In the optical sensor module 1 according to the first embodiment, even if the distance between the LEDs 12A and 12B and the PD 14 changes due to body movement, the luminance obtained by the PD 14 does not vary, so noise caused by body movement Can be reduced.

  Further, power consumption can be reduced as compared with the sensor module according to the comparative example.

  According to the first embodiment, an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability is provided. can do.

(Second Embodiment)
A schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module according to the second embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. Further, in the optical sensor module according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a schematic planar configuration viewed from the surface side in contact with the human body is expressed as shown in FIG. Further, a schematic cross-sectional structure taken along line II-II in FIG. 7 is expressed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the optical sensor module 1 according to the second embodiment is separated from the LED 12 </ b> G on the substrate 20, the LED 12 </ b> G disposed on the surface of the substrate 20, and the surface of the substrate 20. And the light guide layer 24 disposed on the back surface facing the front surface of the substrate 20. Here, the LED 12G includes a green light emitting diode, and the optical sensor module 1 according to the second embodiment can measure a pulse wave.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the substrate 20 between the LED 12G and the light guide layer 24 may include an opening window 22G in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24. The LED light of the LED 12G is introduced into the light guide layer 24 through the opening window 22G formed in the substrate 20. In addition, the LED 12G may include a configuration in which a reflection plate 33G is provided at a position facing the opening window 22G to shield extraneous light. The LED 12G and the reflecting plate 33G may be integrally formed by the insulating layer 17.

  Here, the light reflected from the LED 12G through the light guide layer 24 and reflected back to the object may be received by the light receiving element 14 to detect the intensity of the reflected light. Further, the wavelength, attenuation ratio, or phase difference of the reflected light may be detected.

  Moreover, the optical sensor module 1 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is provided with the same structure as shown in FIGS. 7-9, is made to contact the human body 18 and the body surface of an animal, and makes the light guide layer 24 from LED12G. The intensity of the transmitted light may be detected by receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the body. Further, the wavelength, attenuation ratio, or phase difference of transmitted light may be detected.

Furthermore, the optical sensor module 1 according to the second embodiment includes electronic circuit components 26, 27 ₁ , 27 _2, and 27 ₃ disposed on the surface of the substrate 20, as shown in FIGS. May be. The electronic circuit component 26 is, for example, an integrated circuit component such as an LED driver, and the electronic circuit components 27 ₁ , 27 _2, and 27 ₃ may be passive circuit components such as capacitors, resistors, and inductors.

It may also comprise a surface and LED12G-PD 14, the electronic circuit components 26, 27 _1, 27 _2, 27 ₃ by an insulating layer 10 disposed on a substrate 20. A mold resin or the like can be applied to the insulating layer 10.

  Furthermore, the optical sensor module 1 according to the second embodiment has a structure that reduces the influence on the light receiving surface caused by light (external light) incident from the outside of the surface of the optical sensor module that contacts the human body. Also good. That is, in the optical sensor module, the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface are provided with a light shielding wall 32 or a structure having a function equivalent thereto that shields light that directly contacts or leaks light, and passes through the inside of the target object. A structure in which only the received light is received by the light receiving surface may be provided.

  Here, the light shielding wall 32 may be disposed on the substrate 20 as shown in FIGS. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability is provided. can do.

(Third embodiment)
A schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. In addition, in the optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a schematic planar configuration viewed from the side in contact with the human body is expressed as shown in FIG. Further, a schematic cross-sectional structure taken along line III-III in FIG. 10 is expressed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment includes a substrate 20, LEDs 12 IR and 12 R arranged on the surface of the substrate 20, and LEDs 12 IR on the surface of the substrate 20. -PD14 arrange | positioned spaced apart from 12R and the light guide layer 24 arrange | positioned on the back surface facing the surface of the board | substrate 20 are provided. Here, the LED 12IR is an infrared light emitting diode, and 12R is a red light emitting diode. The optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment can measure blood oxygen saturation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the substrate 20 between the LEDs 12IR · 12R and the light guide layer 24 is provided with opening windows 22IR · 22R in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24. Also good. The LED lights of the LEDs 12IR and 12R are introduced into the light guide layer 24 through the opening windows 22IR and 22R formed in the substrate 20. Moreover, LED12IR * 12R may be equipped with the reflecting plate 33IR * 33R in the position facing opening window 22IR * 22R, and may be equipped with the structure which shields extraneous light. In addition, LED12IR * 12R and reflecting plate 33IR * 33R may be integrally formed by the insulating layers 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ .

  Here, the light emitted from the LED through the light guide layer 24 may be reflected by the object and received by the light receiving element 14 to detect the intensity of the reflected light. Further, the wavelength, attenuation ratio, or phase difference of the reflected light may be detected.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration, is brought into contact with the human body 18 or the animal body surface, and the light guide layer from the LEDs 12IR and 12R. It is also possible to detect the intensity of the transmitted light by receiving the transmitted light transmitted through the body of the light emitted through 24. Further, the wavelength, attenuation ratio, or phase difference of transmitted light may be detected.

  Furthermore, the optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment may include an electronic circuit component 26 disposed on the surface of the substrate 20, as shown in FIG. The electronic circuit component 26 may be an integrated circuit component such as an LED driver, for example.

  Moreover, you may provide the insulating layer 10 arrange | positioned on the surface of the board | substrate 20, and LED12IR * 12R * PD14 and the electronic circuit component 26. FIG. A mold resin or the like can be applied to the insulating layer 10.

  The optical sensor module 1 according to the third embodiment has a structure that reduces the influence on the light receiving surface due to light (external light) incident from the outside of the surface of the optical sensor module that contacts the human body. Also good. That is, in the optical sensor module, the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface are provided with a light shielding wall 32 or a structure having a function equivalent thereto that shields light that directly contacts or leaks light, and passes through the inside of the target object. A structure in which only the received light is received by the light receiving surface may be provided.

  Here, the light shielding wall 32 may be disposed on the substrate 20 as shown in FIGS. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  According to the third embodiment, an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability is provided. can do.

(Fourth embodiment)
The substrate 20 may include a flexible material having flexibility.

  The optical sensor module 1 may be formed of a material that does not deform, but is formed of a flexible material having flexibility, deformed according to the surface shape of the object to be measured, and the light intensity on the light receiving surface is You may provide the structure which is hard to receive to the influence of a motion of an object or a shape change.

  A schematic cross-sectional structure of the flexible substrate 36 applicable to the optical sensor module 1 according to the fourth embodiment and the light guide layer 24 disposed on the flexible substrate 36 is expressed as shown in FIG. Here, the flexible substrate 36 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

  A schematic planar configuration of the optical sensor module 1 according to the fourth embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. 14, and a schematic cross-sectional structure taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 14 is expressed as shown in FIG. Is done.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 15, the optical sensor module 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a flexible substrate 36, an LED 12 arranged on the surface of the flexible substrate 36, and a surface of the flexible substrate 36. The PD 14 is disposed separately from the LED 12, and the light guide layer 24 is disposed on the back surface facing the front surface of the flexible substrate 36. Here, LED12 is shown as a point light source in FIG.

  Further, the flexible substrate 36 between the LED 12 and the light guide layer 24 may include an opening window 22 in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24 as shown in FIG. The LED light of the LED 12 is introduced into the light guide layer 24 through the opening window 22 formed in the flexible substrate 36.

  The optical sensor module 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a shielding plate 34 that reduces the influence on the light receiving surface due to light (external light) incident from the outside of the surface of the optical sensor module that contacts the human body. Also good. That is, in the optical sensor module 1, by arranging the shielding plate 34 having the predetermined widths L1 and L2 around the flexible substrate 36, it is possible to reduce the influence of light incident from the outside (external light).

  Furthermore, between the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface, there is provided a light shielding wall 32 that shields the contacting surface or light that directly leaks, and a structure in which only light that has passed through the inside of the target object is received by the light receiving surface. May be.

  Here, the light shielding wall 32 may be arranged in contact with the side wall of the PD 14 as shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

  According to the fourth embodiment, there is provided an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability. can do.

(Fifth embodiment)
A schematic cross-sectional structure of the optical sensor module 1 according to the fifth embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the optical sensor module 1 according to the fifth embodiment includes a flexible substrate 36, LEDs 12 IR and 12 R arranged on the surface of the flexible substrate 36, and LEDs 12 IR and 12 R on the surface of the flexible substrate 36. PD 14 disposed at a distance from 12R, electronic circuit components 26 and 27 disposed on the surface of flexible substrate 36, and light guide layer 24 disposed on the back surface facing the surface of flexible substrate 36. .

  Further, the flexible substrate 36 between the LEDs 12IR and 12R and the light guide layer 24 is provided with opening windows 22IR and 22R in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24, as shown in FIG. May be.

  Here, the LED 12IR is an infrared light emitting diode, and 12R is a red light emitting diode. The optical sensor module 1 according to the fifth embodiment can measure blood oxygen saturation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the flexible substrate 36 between the PD 14 and the light guide layer 24 may include an opening window 22P in order to improve light reception from the light guide layer 24.

  The LED lights of the LEDs 12IR and 12R are introduced into the light guide layer 24 through the opening windows 22IR and 22R formed in the flexible substrate 36, and are received by the PD 14 through the opening window 22P. Other configurations are the same as those of the third to fourth embodiments.

  According to the fifth embodiment, there is provided an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability. can do.

(Sixth embodiment)
A schematic cross-sectional structure of the optical sensor module 1 according to the sixth embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the optical sensor module 1 according to the sixth embodiment is separated from the LED 12 on the surface of the flexible substrate 36, the LED 12 disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate 36, and the flexible substrate 36. And the light guide layer 24 disposed on the back surface facing the front surface of the flexible substrate 36.

  Moreover, the flexible substrate 36 between the LED 12 and the light guide layer 24 may include an opening window 22 in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24 as shown in FIG. The LED light of the LED 12 is introduced into the light guide layer 24 through the opening window 22 formed in the flexible substrate 36.

  The optical sensor module 1 according to the sixth embodiment includes a shielding plate 34M that reduces the influence on the light receiving surface due to light (external light) incident from the outside of the surface of the optical sensor module that contacts the human body. Also good. That is, in the optical sensor module 1, by arranging the shielding plate 34 </ b> M around the flexible substrate 36, it is possible to reduce the influence of light incident from the outside (external light). Here, the shielding plate 34M can be formed of a metal plate, for example, and has an opening window 34T.

  Furthermore, between the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface, there is provided a light shielding wall 32 that shields the contacting surface or light that directly leaks, and a structure in which only light that has passed through the inside of the target object is received by the light receiving surface. May be.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the light shielding wall 32 may be disposed on the light guide layer 24 so as to surround the PD 14 in a plan view. Other configurations are the same as those of the third to fifth embodiments.

  According to the sixth embodiment, an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability is provided. can do.

(Seventh embodiment)
A schematic cross-sectional structure of the optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG.

  The flexible substrate 36, the LED 12 disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate 36, the PD 14 disposed separately from the LED 12 on the surface of the flexible substrate 36, and the rear surface facing the surface of the flexible substrate 36 A light guide layer 24.

  Further, the flexible substrate 36 between the LED 12 and the light guide layer 24 may be provided with an opening window 22 in order to improve the introduction of light into the light guide layer 24 as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the flexible substrate 36 between the PD 14 and the light guide layer 24 may include an opening window 22P in order to improve light reception from the light guide layer 24.

  The LED light of the LED 12 is introduced into the light guide layer 24 through the opening window 22 formed in the flexible substrate 36, and is received by the PD 14 through the opening window 22P.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment includes a cushioning material 40 disposed on the insulating layer 10 and a housing 42 disposed on the cushioning material 40. May be. Here, the housing 42 can incorporate any of a battery, a microcomputer, a memory, and a wireless communication transceiver. Moreover, the housing | casing 42 can be mounted | worn with a human body or a target object wearably.

  The optical sensor module 1 may be formed of a material that does not deform, but is formed of a flexible material having flexibility, deformed according to the surface shape of the object to be measured, and the light intensity on the light receiving surface is You may provide the structure which is hard to receive to the influence of a motion of an object or a shape change.

  The contact surface is provided with a light guide layer 24 having a light guide property with respect to the wavelength of light used by the optical sensor module 1, and the back surface has a structure in which a circuit board on which the PD 14 and the LED 12 are mounted is formed. Also good. Specifically, for example, a flexible printed circuit board 36 is disposed on the back surface, circuit wiring for mounting the PD 14 and the LED 12 is printed on the flexible printed circuit board 36, and the optical sensor module 1 is formed on the contact surface. The light guide layer 24 having a light guide property with respect to the wavelength of light to be used may be integrally formed. For example, a PCB represented by FR4 (Fleme Retardent Type 4) may be applied to the flexible printed circuit board 36. By integrally molding the light guide layer 24, it can be realized at a low cost.

  The optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment can reduce the feeling of wearing, discomfort, and restraint when worn by using a flexible material such as FPC as a wearable sensor.

  Since the optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment is reduced in size and weight, it can be worn without hesitation as a wearable sensor, and information can be obtained unconsciously. For this reason, the operating time can be extended.

  By mounting the optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment on an FPC, a wearable sensor that can be worn on the surface of a human body can be made uncomfortable.

  The optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment can be mounted on a human body using an adhesive tape applied to a bandage or the like.

  Furthermore, the optical sensor module 1 according to the seventh embodiment having flexibility is mounted on another casing 42 or the like via a cushioning material 40, and the casing 42 itself is mounted on a belt, a strap 46, an adhesive tape, or the like. It may be attached to a human body or an object by the method. Other configurations are the same as those of the third to sixth embodiments.

  According to the seventh embodiment, an optical sensor module is provided that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability. can do.

(Eighth embodiment)
A schematic cross-sectional structure of the light guide paths 38 and 44 applicable to the optical sensor module 1 according to the eighth embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. The light guide paths 38 and 44 can be incorporated in the flexible substrate 36, for example. For example, the light guide paths 38 and 44 may be formed by embedding a predetermined member in the flexible substrate 36. The light guide paths 38 and 44 may be formed as regions having different refractive indexes by doping impurities with respect to the flexible substrate 36, for example.

  A schematic plan configuration of the optical sensor module according to the eighth embodiment is expressed as shown in FIG. 20, and a schematic cross-sectional structure taken along line VV of FIG. 20 is expressed as shown in FIG. The

  As shown in FIGS. 20 to 21, the optical sensor module 1 according to the eighth embodiment includes a substrate 20 (36), an LED 12 disposed on the surface of the substrate 20 (36), and the substrate 20 (36 ) On the surface of the LED 14, and the light guides 38 and 44 disposed in the substrate 20 (36). The light emitted from the LED 12 through the light guide paths 38 and 44 is transmitted through the body, and the intensity of the transmitted light is detected.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the light guide paths 38 and 44 may be arranged in a lattice pattern with respect to the substrate 20 (36), for example. The light guide paths 38 and 44 may be randomly arranged with respect to the substrate 20 (36). In addition, the light guide paths 38 and 44 may be arranged in multiple types, limited to two types as described above. Alternatively, as a simple configuration, one type may be formed. The substrate may be flexible or rigid depending on the application.

  The substrate including the light guide path applicable to the optical sensor module 1 according to the eighth embodiment functions in the same manner as the light guide layer 24+ substrate applied to the above first to seventh embodiments. be able to. Therefore, in the optical sensor module 1 according to the first to seventh embodiments, a structure in which a light guide path is provided on the substrate instead of the light guide layer 24 may be adopted.

  According to the eighth embodiment, there is provided an optical sensor module that suppresses fluctuations in optical distance and characteristics of light receiving elements and light emitting elements, reduces the influence of noise caused by body movement, and improves stability. can do.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the optical distance / characteristic variation of the light receiving element / light emitting element is suppressed, the influence of noise caused by body movement is reduced, and the stability is improved. A sensor module can be provided.

[Other embodiments]
As described above, the present embodiment has been described. However, it should be understood that the description and the drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, are illustrative and do not limit the present embodiment. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  As described above, this embodiment includes various embodiments not described here.

  The optical sensor module of the present embodiment can be applied to medical measurement devices, photoelectric pulse wave sensors, blood oxygen saturation measurement devices, and the like, and in particular, these devices can be applied wearably.

1, 1A ... optical sensor module 10,16,17 ... insulating layer 12,12A, 12B, 12R, 12G, 12IR, 12 1, 12 2, 12 3, ..., 12 8 ... light emitting element (LED)
14: Light receiving element (PD)
18 ... Human body (object to be measured)
20 ... Printed circuit board (PCB)
22,22R, 22G, 22IR, 22A, 22B, 34T ... opening window 24 ... light guide layer 26 _1, 27 _2, 27 ₃ ... electronic circuit components 32 ... shielding wall 33R, 33G, 33IR ... reflector (light blocking plate )
34, 34M ... shielding plate 36 ... flexible substrate (flexible printed circuit board (FPC))
38, 44 ... Light guide 40 ... Buffer material 42 ... Housing 46 ... Strap

Claims (22)

A substrate,
A light emitting device disposed on a surface of the substrate;
A light receiving element disposed on the surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the light emitting element;
A light guide layer disposed on the back surface of the substrate facing the front surface, and the light received from the light emitting element through the light guide layer is reflected by the object and returned by the light receiving element. An optical sensor module that receives light and detects the intensity of the reflected light.   The optical sensor module according to claim 1, wherein a wavelength, an attenuation ratio, or a phase difference of the reflected light is detected. A substrate,
A light emitting device disposed on a surface of the substrate;
A light receiving element disposed on the surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the light emitting element;
A light guide layer disposed on the back surface of the substrate facing the front surface, and is brought into contact with the surface of a human or animal body, and light emitted from the light emitting element through the light guide layer is transmitted through the body. An optical sensor module that receives the transmitted light and detects the intensity of the transmitted light.   The optical sensor module according to claim 3, wherein a wavelength, an attenuation ratio, or a phase difference of the transmitted light is detected. The surface in contact with the body surface includes a flat surface, and the surface in contact with the body surface includes a light receiving surface and a light emitting surface,
The optical sensor module according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting surface emits light with uniform intensity as a whole.   The optical sensor module according to claim 3, wherein the light receiving surface is disposed so as to be surrounded by the light emitting surface, and brightness around the light receiving surface is uniform.   7. The optical sensor module according to claim 3, wherein the influence on the light receiving surface due to extraneous light incident from outside the surface in contact with the body surface can be reduced.   The light receiving surface is disposed between the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface, and has a light shielding wall that shields light that leaks directly into the surface of the body, and only the light that has passed through the inside of the target object is received by the light receiving surface. The optical sensor module according to claim 3, wherein the optical sensor module is an optical sensor module.   The optical sensor module according to claim 8, wherein the light shielding wall is disposed in contact with a side wall of the light receiving element.   The optical sensor module according to claim 8, wherein the light shielding wall is disposed on the substrate.   The optical sensor module according to claim 8, wherein the light shielding wall is disposed in the light guide layer. The optical device according to any one of claims 3 to 11, further comprising a shielding plate that is arranged around the light emitting surface and shields extraneous light incident from the outside of the surface in contact with the body surface. Sensor module.   The optical sensor module according to claim 3, wherein the substrate includes a flexible material having flexibility.   The optical sensor module according to claim 13, wherein the substrate includes a flexible printed circuit board.   The optical sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the light guide layer has a light guide property with respect to a wavelength of light used by the optical sensor module.   The optical sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes a green light emitting diode and can measure a pulse wave.   The optical sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element includes a red light emitting diode and an infrared light emitting diode, and is capable of measuring blood oxygen saturation.   The optical sensor module according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating layer disposed on a surface of the substrate and on the light emitting element and the light receiving element. A cushioning material disposed on the insulating layer;
The optical sensor module according to claim 18, further comprising a housing disposed on the buffer material.   The optical sensor module according to claim 19, wherein the casing can contain any of a battery, a microcomputer, a memory, and a transceiver for wireless communication.   21. The optical sensor module according to claim 19, wherein the casing is wearable and can be attached to a human body or an object. A substrate,
A light emitting device disposed on a surface of the substrate;
A light receiving element disposed on the surface of the substrate and spaced apart from the light emitting element;
A light guide path disposed in the substrate, contacting the surface of a human or animal body, receiving light transmitted from the light emitting element through the light guide path through the body, and receiving the transmitted light. An optical sensor module for detecting the intensity of light.

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