JP2017079911A - Gel sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gel sensor capable of detecting lactic acid a plurality of times by one time replacement of stimulation-responsive gel 21 when detecting lactic acid contained in sweat a plurality of times.SOLUTION: A gel sensor includes: stimulation-responsive gel 21 having gelatinous first gel 21a to seventh gel 21g that absorb sweat 24 and respond to lactic acid contained in the sweat 24; a discharge pump 14 for conveying the sweat 24 to the stimulation-responsive gel 21; and a rotary dial 12 that switches the places where the discharge pump 14 installs the sweat 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a gel sensor.

  Living muscles contain pyruvic acid. Pyruvate is converted to lactic acid when the muscles are anaerobic. And if the tissue near the sweat glands runs out of oxygen when the muscles exercise, the lactic acid level in the sweat increases. Then, by detecting the lactic acid level in sweat, it is possible to detect whether or not oxygen supply to the muscle is sufficient. Exercise improves muscle endurance. The relationship between lactic acid level in sweat and exercise intensity at this time has been studied.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a detection device that detects a substance located on the skin surface. According to this, the detection device includes a reaction unit group having a plurality of reaction units that react with lactic acid in sweat, and a liquid transport unit that moves sweat from the skin to the reaction unit. The liquid transport part has a mechanism for changing the speed at which sweat is moved to the reaction part. Several reaction parts differ in the time which reacts with sweat. Thereby, after a measurement start, sweat can be analyzed several times at a predetermined time interval, and a change with time can be investigated.

  And the reaction part reacts with lactic acid, and electrical characteristics such as dielectric constant and conductivity change. The detection device can take out the transition in which the lactic acid value changes as an electrical signal.

Special table 2015-513104 gazette

  In the detection apparatus of Patent Document 1, sweat is supplied to each reaction unit with a predetermined time difference. In order to detect lactic acid contained in the sweat, the sweat is permeated into the reaction part. And if a some reaction part starts a detection, sweat will be sequentially supplied to all the reaction parts. Once the detection of lactic acid was started, all reaction sites were used. The reaction part after reacting with sweat is difficult to use continuously. Therefore, it was necessary to remove the used reaction part and replace it with an unused reaction part each time lactic acid was detected. Accordingly, there has been a demand for a gel sensor that can detect a plurality of times by exchanging the reaction part once when a plurality of predetermined substances contained in the test liquid are detected.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
In the gel sensor according to this application example, a reaction unit group including a plurality of gel-like reaction units that absorb a test liquid and react with a predetermined component of the test liquid; and the test liquid in the reaction unit A liquid transporting section for transporting and a switching section for switching the reaction section where the liquid transporting section installs the liquid to be inspected are provided.

  According to this application example, the gel sensor includes a reaction unit group, a liquid transport unit, and a switching unit. The reaction part group has a plurality of reaction parts. The liquid transport unit transports the liquid to be inspected to the reaction unit. The reaction part absorbs the liquid to be inspected and reacts with a predetermined component of the liquid to be inspected. The switching unit switches the reaction unit where the liquid transport unit installs the liquid to be inspected.

  The reaction part that has been reacted once contains the liquid to be inspected, so it is difficult to reuse. When there is an unreacted reaction part in the reaction part group, the switching part switches the reaction part in which the test liquid is installed to the unreacted reaction part. Thereby, reaction to the predetermined component of a to-be-tested liquid can be performed in multiple times.

[Application Example 2]
In the gel sensor according to the application example described above, the gel sensor includes a storage unit that stores the liquid to be inspected that is transported by the liquid transport unit, and the switching unit uses the storage unit as a place where the liquid transport unit installs the test liquid. It is characterized by switching.

  According to this application example, the gel sensor includes the storage unit. The storage part stores the liquid to be inspected transported by the liquid transport part. The switching unit switches the place where the liquid transport unit installs the liquid to be inspected to the storage unit. Therefore, when it is desired to remove the liquid to be inspected present in the liquid transport part, the switching part switches the place where the liquid to be inspected is installed to the storage part. And the to-be-tested liquid which exists in the inside of a liquid transport part can be moved to a storage part. As a result, the inside of the liquid transport part can be cleaned.

[Application Example 3]
In the gel sensor according to the application example, the reaction unit is disposed so as to surround the liquid transport unit, and the switching unit relatively rotates the reaction unit and the liquid transport unit.

  According to this application example, the reaction unit is disposed so as to surround the liquid transport unit. And a switching part rotates a reaction part and a liquid transport part relatively. Therefore, the switching unit can switch the reaction unit in which the liquid to be inspected is installed only by rotating one of the reaction unit and the liquid transport unit. As a result, the switching unit can have a simple structure.

[Application Example 4]
In the gel sensor according to the application example described above, the liquid transport unit includes a recess having a flexible wall, and the volume of the recess is increased or decreased to transport the liquid to be inspected positioned in the recess.

  According to this application example, the liquid transport unit includes the recess. Since the wall of the recess is flexible, the volume of the recess can be increased or decreased. When the inspection liquid is located in the recess, the inspection liquid can be transported by increasing or decreasing the volume of the recess. Therefore, the liquid transport unit can transport the liquid to be inspected with a simple structure.

[Application Example 5]
In the gel sensor according to the application example, the reaction unit and the liquid transport unit are detachable.

  According to this application example, the reaction part and the liquid transport part are detachable. By attaching and detaching and replacing the reaction part and the liquid transport part, the reaction part can be brought into an unreacted state. Furthermore, even when a liquid to be inspected that has deteriorated over time adheres to the liquid transport part, the liquid transport part can be brought into a state in which the liquid to be inspected does not adhere.

[Application Example 6]
In the gel sensor according to the application example, the reaction unit includes a window that changes color in response to a predetermined component of the liquid to be inspected and from which the color of the reaction unit can be seen.

  According to this application example, the color of the reaction unit changes in response to a predetermined component of the liquid to be inspected. The gel sensor has a window through which the color of the reaction part can be seen. Therefore, it is possible to easily visually check the degree of reaction of the reaction part.

[Application Example 7]
In the gel sensor according to the application example described above, a sample of the color tone of the reaction portion is displayed on the window.

  According to this application example, a sample of the color tone of the reaction unit is displayed on the window. Therefore, the extent to which the reaction part is reacting can be evaluated by comparing with the sample of the color tone.

[Application Example 8]
In the gel sensor according to the application example, a conversion unit that converts the change in the reaction unit into a data signal, a calculation unit that calculates the amount of a specific substance contained in the test liquid from the data signal output from the conversion unit, It is characterized by providing.

  According to this application example, the gel sensor includes a conversion unit and a calculation unit. The reaction part changes according to the amount of the specific substance contained in the liquid to be inspected. The conversion unit detects a change in the reaction unit and converts it into a data signal. The calculation unit calculates the amount of the specific substance contained in the test liquid from the data signal. Therefore, the gel sensor can quantitatively measure the amount of the specific substance contained in the test liquid.

[Application Example 9]
In the gel sensor according to the application example, the conversion unit includes a color sensor that detects a color tone of the reaction unit.

  According to this application example, the conversion unit includes the color tone sensor, and the color tone sensor detects the color tone of the reaction unit. Therefore, the conversion unit can convert the change in the reaction unit into a data signal.

[Application Example 10]
In the gel sensor according to the application example, the conversion unit includes a conductivity sensor that detects the conductivity of the reaction unit.

  According to this application example, the conversion unit includes the conductivity sensor, and the conductivity sensor detects the conductivity of the reaction unit. Therefore, the conversion unit can convert the change in the reaction unit into a data signal.

[Application Example 11]
In the gel sensor according to the application example described above, the reaction part is a film, and the conductivity sensor includes electrodes installed on opposing surfaces of the film.

  According to this application example, since the reaction part is a film, it has a thin and wide shape. The conductivity sensor has electrodes, and the electrodes are installed on the opposing surfaces of the membrane. Therefore, the electrode can have a wider area than when it is installed in the thickness direction. Since the electrodes are wide, the conductivity sensor can detect the conductivity of the reaction part at a low voltage.

The schematic diagram for demonstrating the example of installation of the lactic-acid-value measuring apparatus in connection with 1st Embodiment. The schematic plan view which shows the structure of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The schematic plan view which shows the structure of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The schematic side view for demonstrating the opening / closing structure of a back cover. The schematic sectional side view for demonstrating the structure of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The schematic sectional side view for demonstrating the structure of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The schematic plane sectional view for demonstrating the structure of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The flowchart of the lactic acid value measuring method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. The schematic sectional side view for demonstrating the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus in connection with 2nd Embodiment. The electric control block diagram of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The typical sectional side view for demonstrating the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. The electric control block diagram of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. The electric control block diagram of the glucose measuring device concerning 4th Embodiment. The electric control block diagram of the glucose measuring device concerning 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each member in each drawing is illustrated with a different scale for each member in order to make the size recognizable on each drawing.

(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, a characteristic example of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus and a lactic acid value measuring method for measuring a lactic acid value using a lactic acid value measuring apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. A lactic acid value measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an installation example of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, a lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 as a gel sensor is installed on the wrist of a subject 2 as a subject. The lactic acid value measuring device 1 is a medical measuring device that measures the lactic acid value of lactic acid as a specific substance contained in the sweat of the subject 2 and is a medical device. The lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 measures the sweat that comes out of the wrist.

  2 and 3 are schematic plan views showing the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. 2 shows the surface of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 has a shape similar to that of a wristwatch. The lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 includes an exterior part 3. Fixed bands 4 are installed on the left and right sides of the exterior part 3 in the figure, and the fixed bands 4 fix the lactate measuring device 1 to a measured part such as a wrist or an arm of the subject 2. A magic tape (registered trademark) is used for the fixed band 4. In the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1, the direction in which the fixed band 4 extends is defined as the Y direction, and the direction in which the arm of the subject 2 extends is defined as the X direction. A direction in which the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 faces the wrist of the subject 2 is defined as a Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other.

  The surface 3 a of the exterior portion 3 is a surface that faces outward when the patient 3 is attached to the subject 2. A first through hole 5 is provided in the center of the surface 3 a of the exterior part 3. A second through hole 6 as a window is provided on the −X direction side of the first through hole 5, and a third through hole 7 is provided on the −Y direction side of the first through hole 5. A discharge button 8 protrudes from the first through hole 5. The inside of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 can be observed from the second through hole 6 and the third through hole 7.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a back cover 9 is installed on the back surface 3 b side of the exterior part 3, and a fourth through hole 9 a is installed in the back cover 9. The sensor module 10 is installed inside the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1, and the sensor module 10 is exposed from the fourth through hole 9a. The sensor module 10 is used so as to face the skin of the subject 2. The sensor module 10 is a device that detects lactic acid as a predetermined component contained in sweat that comes from the skin of the subject 2. In the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1, the skin is the surface to be inspected and the sweat is the liquid to be inspected. The sensor module 10 is a module containing a gel-like drug that reacts with lactic acid.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 is configured by stacking a back cover 9, a sensor module 10, and a front case 11 in this order from the Z direction side. The outer cover 3 is constituted by the back cover 9 and the front case 11. The sensor module 10 is housed in the exterior part 3.

  The back cover 9 is a plate-like member, and is a member that contacts and contacts the skin of the subject 2. The back cover 9 is provided with a circular fourth through hole 9a in the center, and a part of the sensor module 10 is exposed from the fourth through hole 9a. A hinge 9 b is installed on the X direction side of the back cover 9. One of the hinges 9b is connected to the front case 11. A concave portion 9 c is provided on the side surface of the back cover 9 on the −X direction side. The recess 9c is used when the back cover 9 is kept closed.

  A rotating dial 12 and a guide wheel 13 are installed on the surface on the −Z direction side of the back cover 9. There is one rotary dial 12 and three guide wheels 13 are installed. The shaft 12 a of the rotary dial 12 and the shaft 13 a of the guide wheel 13 extend in the Z direction and are sandwiched between the back cover 9 and the front case 11.

  The sensor module 10 includes a discharge pump 14 and a reaction unit 15 as a liquid transport unit. The outer periphery of the rotary dial 12 and the guide wheel 13 is in contact with the outer periphery of the reaction unit 15, and the rotary dial 12 and the guide wheel 13 guide the reaction unit 15 to be rotatable. When the rotary dial 12 is rotated, the reaction unit 15 is rotated. The rotary dial 12 is a rotating device that rotates the reaction unit 15.

  The surface on the + Z direction side of the discharge pump 14 is exposed from the fourth through hole 9a. The discharge pump 14 faces the skin of the subject 2. A skirt portion 16 is installed on the + Z direction side of the discharge pump 14. The skirt portion 16 has a conical cylinder shape and is formed of an elastic member. Further, a bottomed cylindrical discharge button 8 is installed on the −Z direction side of the skirt portion 16, and a hole extending in the Z direction is installed inside the discharge button 8. When the discharge button 8 is pushed in the Z direction, the skirt portion 16 is deformed and the discharge button 8 moves in the Z direction.

  A discharge pipe 17 connected to the discharge button 8 and extending in the plane direction of the back cover 9 is installed in the middle of the discharge button 8 in the Z direction. The hole in the discharge button 8 and the hole in the discharge pipe 17 communicate with each other.

  The reaction unit 15 includes a bottomed cylindrical container 18. The container 18 is divided into eight rooms by a partition wall 18a. Stimulation responsive gel 21 as a reaction unit is installed in seven of the eight rooms, and storage unit 22 is installed in one room.

  The stimulus-responsive gel 21 is a gel containing a drug that reacts with lactic acid contained in sweat. Although the constituent material of the stimulus responsive gel 21 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, for example, the stimuli-responsive gel 21 is composed of a material including a polymer material having a crosslinked structure and a solvent. The polymer material has become a drug that reacts to sweat.

  As a polymeric material which comprises the stimulus responsive gel 21, what was obtained by making a monomer, a polymerization initiator, a crosslinking agent etc. react is used, for example. A monomer is also referred to as a monomer.

  Examples of the monomer include acrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, N, N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, various quaternary salts, and acryloyl. Morpholine, N, N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate quaternary salts, acrylic acid, various alkyl acrylates, methacrylic acid, various alkyl methacrylates, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol monomethacrylate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, acrylonitrile, styrene, polyethylene glycol Diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, poly Lopylene glycol diacrylate, 2,2-bis [4- (acryloxydiethoxy) phenyl] propane, 2,2-bis [4- (acryloxypolyethoxy) phenyl] propane, 2-hydroxy-1-acryloxy-3 -Methacryloxypropane, 2,2-bis [4- (acryloxypolypropoxy) phenyl] propane, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol di Methacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate, polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxy-1,3-dimethacryloxypropane 2,2-bis [4- (methacryloxyethoxy) phenyl] propane, 2,2-bis [4- (methacryloxyethoxydiethoxy) phenyl] propane, 2,2-bis [4- (methacryloxyethoxypolyethoxy) ) Phenyl] propane, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, tetramethylolmethane trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, tetramethylolmethane triacrylate, tetramethylolmethane tetraacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide, N, N′-methylenebismethacrylamide, diethylene glycol diallyl ether, divinylbenzene and the like can be mentioned.

  As a monomer for detecting lactic acid, 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid, vinylphenylboronic acid, acryloyloxyphenylboronic acid, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), ethylenebisacrylamide, N-hydroxyethylacrylamide, etc. are suitable. Can be used. Specifically, as the monomer, one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid, vinylphenylboronic acid and acryloyloxyphenylboronic acid, and N-isopropylacrylamide ( NIPAAm), ethylenebisacrylamide and N-hydroxyethylacrylamide are preferably used in combination with one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of NIPAAm), ethylenebisacrylamide and N-hydroxyethylacrylamide.

  As a polymerization initiator, it can select suitably by the polymerization mode, for example. Specifically, hydrogen peroxide, persulfate such as potassium persulfate, sodium persulfate, ammonium persulfate and the like, and azo initiator such as 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) 2 hydrochloric acid are used as polymerization initiators. Salt, 2,2'-azobis (N, N'-dimethyleneisobutylamidine) dihydrochloride, 2,2'-azobis {2-methyl-N- [1,1, -bis (hydroxymethyl) -2- Hydroxyethyl] propionamide}, 2,2′-azobis [2- (2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride, 4,4′-azobis (4-cyanovaleric acid), 2,2′- Azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis (2,4′-dimethylvaleronitrile), benzophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethane-1-one, 1-hydroxycyclo Xylphenylketone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphonoxide, 1- [4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) -phenyl] -2- Compounds that generate radicals by ultraviolet light, such as hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propan-1-one, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, isopropylthioxanthone, 1-chloro-4-propoxythioxanthone, 2- (3-dimethylamino -2-hydroxypropoxy) -3,4-dimethyl-9H-thioxanthone-9-one mesochloride, 2-methyl-1 [4- (methylthio) phenyl] -2-morpholinopropane-1, 2-benzyl-2- Dimethylamino-1- (4-morpholinophenyl) -butanone-1, bi (Cyclopentadienyl) -bis (2,6-difluoro-3- (pyr-1-yl) titanium, 1,3-di (t-butylperoxycarbonyl) benzene and 3,3 ′, 4,4′- Use a compound that generates a radical by light having a wavelength of 360 nm or more, such as a substance in which a peroxyester such as tetra- (t-butylperoxycarbonyl) benzophenone is mixed with a thiopyrylium salt, a merocyanine, a quinoline, or a stilquinoline dye. Hydrogen peroxide or persulfate can also be used as a redox initiator by combining a reducing substance such as sulfite and L-ascorbic acid and an amine salt.

  As the crosslinking agent, a compound having two or more polymerizable functional groups can be used. Specifically, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, glycerin, polyoxyethylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, polyglycerin. N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide, N, N-methylene-bis-N-vinylacetamide, N, N-butylene-bis-N-vinylacetamide, tolylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, allylated starch, allylated Use of cellulose, diallyl phthalate, tetraallyloxyethane, pentaerythritol triallyl ether, trimethylolpropane triallyl ether, diethylene glycol diallyl ether, triallyl trimellitate, etc. Kill.

  The stimulus-responsive gel may include a plurality of different polymer materials. The content of the polymer material in the stimulus-responsive gel is preferably 0.7% by mass or more and 36.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 2.4% by mass or more and 27.0% by mass or less. .

  By making the stimulus-responsive gel 21 contain a solvent, the polymer material can be suitably gelled. As the solvent, various organic solvents and inorganic solvents can be used. More specifically, the solvent is, for example, water; various alcohols such as methanol and ethanol; ketones such as acetone; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether; amides such as dimethylformamide; n-pentane, n-hexane, Examples include chain aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-heptane and n-octane; alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane; aromatics such as benzene, toluene and xylene, and the like, particularly those containing water. Is preferred.

  The stimulus-responsive gel 21 may include a plurality of different components as solvents. The content of the solvent in the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is preferably 30% by mass to 95% by mass, and more preferably 50% by mass to 90% by mass.

  Although the magnitude | size of the stimulus responsive gel 21 is not specifically limited, In this embodiment, the diameter of the stimulus responsive gel 21 is 20 mm, for example, and the thickness of the stimulus responsive gel 21 is 1000 micrometers. The container 18 is used when the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is manufactured. A monomer, a polymerization initiator, a cross-linking agent, and the like are introduced into the container 18 and reacted. The thickness of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 can be accurately formed by accurately measuring the amount of material to be input.

  The stimulus-responsive gel 21 has a polymer chain. Many boronic acid groups are installed in this polymer chain. When lactic acid does not penetrate into the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the boronic acid groups are bonded to each other and the polymer chains are in close proximity. Thereby, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is in a contracted state. When lactic acid penetrates into the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the boronic acid group and lactic acid are combined. When the stimulus-responsive gel 21 reacts with lactic acid, the polymer chain is dissociated, so that the volume of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 expands. Since the form of the stimulus responsive gel 21 changes, the conductivity of the stimulus responsive gel 21 changes.

  Further, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 contains fine particles having a high reflectance. When lactic acid is taken into the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the structural color and the change of the structural color due to the colloidal crystals are easily visually recognized. For this reason, detection of a lactic acid level can be performed more easily. Further, the lactic acid value can be easily and accurately estimated by the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. In the present embodiment, for example, when the lactic acid value contained in the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is small, the color is blue, and when the lactic acid value increases, the color changes to red.

  Fine particles are composed of inorganic materials such as silica and titanium oxide; polystyrene, polyester, polyimide, polyolefin, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethersulfone, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride Organic materials, etc. are mentioned. The fine particles are preferably silica fine particles. Thereby, the stability of the shape of the fine particles can be made particularly excellent, and the durability and reliability of the stimulus-responsive gel can be made particularly excellent. Silica fine particles are relatively easy to obtain as monodispersed fine particles having a sharp particle size distribution, and are advantageous from the viewpoint of stable production and supply of stimuli-responsive gel.

  The shape of the fine particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably spherical. Thereby, the structural color or the change of the structural color due to the colloidal crystal is easily visually recognized, and the specific component can be detected more easily. The average particle diameter of the fine particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, and more preferably 20 nm or more and 500 nm or less.

  Thereby, when the specific component is taken into the stimulus-responsive gel, the structural color or the change in the structural color due to the colloidal crystal is more easily visually recognized, so that the specific component can be detected more easily. Moreover, since the structural color due to the colloidal crystal is more easily visually recognized, the specific component can be quantified more easily and accurately by the color tone.

  The average particle diameter is an average particle diameter based on volume. For example, a sample is added to methanol, and a dispersion liquid dispersed for 3 minutes with an ultrasonic disperser is measured with a Coulter counter particle size distribution analyzer. At this time, the average particle diameter of the sample can be determined by measurement using an aperture of 50 μm.

  The stimulus-responsive gel 21 may include different types of fine particles. The content of the fine particles in the stimulus responsive gel is preferably 1.6% by mass or more and 36% by mass or less, and more preferably 4.0% by mass or more and 24% by mass or less.

  The reservoir 22 has water absorption. The material constituting the storage unit 22 is not particularly limited as long as it absorbs moisture. For example, a polymer water-absorbing polymer can be used for the reservoir 22. Examples of the polymer water-absorbing polymer include starch-acrylic acid copolymer cross-linked product, polyacrylate cross-linked product, self-cross-linked polyacrylic acid salt, saponified acrylate ester-vinyl acetate copolymer cross-linked product, isobutylene, Maleic anhydride copolymer cross-linked products, polysulfonate cross-linked products, modified cellulose derivatives, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and the like can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use a sodium polyacrylate resin containing acrylate or acrylic acid that can absorb and retain a large amount of liquid by ionic osmotic pressure as a main monomer component of the polymer.

  A through hole 18b extending in the Z direction is provided at the center of the container 18. The discharge button 8 is inserted into the through hole 18b, and the through hole 18b guides the discharge button 8 in the Z direction. In the drawing, the discharge pipe 17 is drawn on the + Z direction side of the container 18. The discharge button 8 protrudes to the −Z direction side from the through hole 18 b, and the discharge pipe 17 is positioned on the −Z direction side of the container 18.

  A ring-shaped display board 18c is installed around the through hole 18b. On the display board 18c, numbers from "1" to "8" are written corresponding to eight rooms. Numbers “1” to “7” indicate locations where the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is installed, and numbers “8” indicate the reservoir 22.

  A front case 11 is installed on the −Z direction side of the container 18. The first through hole 5 of the front case 11 is disposed so as to be coaxial with the through hole 18b. The discharge button 8 passes through the through hole 18 b and the first through hole 5. The discharge button 8 projects from the first through hole 5.

  The 2nd through-hole 6 is located in the place facing the display board 18c and the stimulus responsive gel 21. FIG. Then, the operator can confirm the numbers displayed on the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the display board 18c through the second through-hole 6. The third through-hole 7 is located at a location facing the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the discharge pipe 17. Then, the operator can confirm that sweat is discharged from the discharge pipe 17 to the stimulus-responsive gel 21 through the third through hole 7.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic side view for explaining the open / close structure of the back cover. As shown in FIG. 5, the back cover 9 opens and closes around a hinge 9b. When the back cover 9 is opened, the entire sensor module 10 is exposed. Then, the operator can attach and detach the sensor module 10. On the −X direction side of the front case 11, an open / close knob 23 is installed so as to be movable in the X direction. The opening / closing knob 23 is biased in the + X direction by a spring (not shown). On the + X direction side of the opening / closing knob 23, a convex portion 23a where two surfaces intersect is provided.

  The back cover 9 is closed with the hinge 9b as an axis. At this time, the convex portion 23 a of the opening / closing knob 23 is inserted into the concave portion 9 c of the back cover 9. Thereby, the open / close knob 23 can maintain the state where the back cover 9 is closed.

  In the sensor module 10, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the discharge pump 14 are detachable. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 can be brought into an unreacted state by attaching and detaching and exchanging the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the discharge pump 14. Further, even when sweat that has deteriorated over time adheres to the discharge pump 14, it is possible to make the state where no sweat adheres to the discharge pump 14.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic side sectional view for explaining the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge pump 14 is provided with a recess 14a on the + Z direction side. The wall of the recess 14a is made of an elastic material and is flexible. The recess 14 a is connected to the flow path 14 b installed inside the discharge button 8 and the discharge pipe 17.

  A step 16 a is provided on the outer periphery of the skirt portion 16 of the discharge pump 14. A step 9f that engages with the step 16a is provided in the fourth through hole 9a. Then, the step 16a and the step 9f are combined. Thus, when the operator presses the discharge button 8, the discharge pump 14 is restricted from moving in the + Z direction side from the back cover 9.

  The surface of the subject 2 when the back cover 9 comes into contact with the subject 2 is defined as a surface to be inspected 2a. The surface 2a to be inspected is the surface of the skin on which the sweat glands 2b are installed. The recess 14a has a conical shape that opens to the + Z direction side. When the sweat 24 as the liquid to be inspected comes out from the sweat gland 2b, a part of the sweat 24 accumulates in the recess 14a. The diameter of the flow path 14b connected to the recess 14a is such that capillary action occurs. As a result, the sweat 24 accumulated in the recess 14a travels through the flow path 14b.

  The flow path 14b is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The hydrophilic treatment is a treatment in which a compound containing a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, or the like that is well compatible with water molecules is applied to the channel 14b. The hydrophilic treatment for the flow path 14b is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. For example, in this embodiment, the process which apply | coats the solution containing a silane coupling agent to the flow path 14b, and dries is given. Sweat contacts the flow path 14b. At this time, capillary action acts on the flow path 14b and sweat moves through the flow path 14b.

  A rotating dial 12 and a guide wheel 13 are installed between the back cover 9 and the front case 11. In the rotary dial 12, the shaft 12 a is supported by the back cover 9 and the front case 11, and in the guide wheel 13, the shaft 13 a is supported by the back cover 9 and the front case 11. Thereby, the rotary dial 12 and the guide wheel 13 are rotated. The rotary dial 12 and the guide wheel 13 and the outer periphery of the container 18 are in contact with each other and pressed against each other. When the operator rotates the rotary dial 12, the container 18 rotates. Thereby, the reaction unit 15 rotates around the discharge button 8.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic side sectional view for explaining the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, when the operator presses the discharge button 8, the skirt portion 16 is deformed and the volume of the concave portion 14a is reduced. Thereby, the sweat 24 in the recessed part 14a is discharged to the stimulus responsive gel 21 from the discharge port 14c through the flow path 14b.

  The sweat 24 discharged to the stimulus responsive gel 21 penetrates into the stimulus responsive gel 21 and reacts with the stimulus responsive gel 21. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 expands by reacting with lactic acid. Since the stimulus-responsive gel 21 contains fine particles, the structural color changes. In this embodiment, for example, the blue color tone changes to the red color tone according to the progress of the reaction. When the concentration of lactic acid contained in sweat is low, the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is blue, and when the concentration of lactic acid contained in sweat is high, the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is red.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic plan sectional view for explaining the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the container 18 is partitioned into eight rooms by a partition wall 18a. And the number which shows the number of each room is displayed on the display board 18c. A stimulus-responsive gel 21 is installed in the room corresponding to the numbers “1” to “7”. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 at the place corresponding to the number “1” is defined as a first gel 21a. Similarly, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 at locations corresponding to the numbers “2” to “7” is referred to as a second gel 21b to a seventh gel 21g, respectively.

  Each stimulus-responsive gel 21 of the first gel 21a to the seventh gel 21g corresponds to a reaction part. And the stimulus responsive gel 21 combining the first gel 21a to the seventh gel 21g corresponds to the reaction part group. A storage unit 22 is installed in a room corresponding to the number “8”.

  The outer periphery of the container 18 has a cylindrical shape and is guided by the guide wheel 13 and the rotary dial 12. By rotating the rotary dial 12, the operator can switch the location facing the discharge port 14c. Then, one of the first gel 21a to the seventh gel 21g can be moved to the place facing the discharge port 14c to transport the sweat 24 to the stimulus responsive gel 21. The guide wheel 13, the rotary dial 12, and the container 18 correspond to a switching unit. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 is disposed so as to surround the discharge pump 14. The switching unit relatively rotates the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the discharge pump 14. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 located at a location facing the discharge port 14c can be switched by the switching unit.

  Furthermore, the operator can move one stimulus-responsive gel 21 among the first gel 21 a to the seventh gel 21 g to a place facing the second through hole 6 by rotating the rotary dial 12. The operator can observe the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 through the second through hole 6.

  Next, a biological information acquisition method using the above-described lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for measuring a lactic acid value. 10-16 is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the biometric information acquisition method. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, step S1 corresponds to a discarding process. This step is a step of transporting the sweat 24 in the flow path 14b to the storage portion 22. Thereby, the sweat 24 in the flow path 14b is discarded in the storage part 22. Next, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S2 is a sweating process. This step is a step of causing the subject 2 to generate heat and producing sweat 24 from the sweat glands 2b. Next, the process proceeds to step S3. Step S3 is a charging process. In this step, sweat 24 is put into the stimulus-responsive gel 21. In this step, the lactic acid contained in the sweat 24 is reacted with the stimulus-responsive gel 21. Step S4 is a confirmation process. This step is a step in which the operator confirms the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 that has reacted with lactic acid. The process of acquiring biometric information is completed by the above process.

  Next, the biological information acquisition method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16 in association with the steps shown in FIG. 10 and 11 are diagrams corresponding to the discarding step of step S1. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in step S <b> 1, the operator operates the rotary dial 12 to rotate the container 18. Then, the location where the rotary dial 12 faces the discharge port 14 c is switched to the storage unit 22.

  Next, the operator presses the discharge button 8. Thereby, the skirt part 16 deform | transforms and the volume in the recessed part 14a reduces. And the air in the recessed part 14a is exhausted from the discharge outlet 14c through the flow path 14b. A part of the sweat 24 collected during the previous measurement may remain in the flow path 14b. When exhausting from the discharge port 14c, the sweat 24 remaining in the flow path 14b is discharged from the discharge port 14c. The discharged sweat 24 is absorbed by the storage unit 22. Therefore, even if the sweat 24 remains in the flow path 14b, it can be excluded from the flow path 14b.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to the sweating process of step S2. As shown in FIG. 12, in step S2, the subject 2 moves and generates heat. The exercise increases the body temperature of the subject 2. And sweat 24 comes out of sweat gland 2b. A recessed portion 14a of the discharge pump 14 is installed on the inspection surface 2a so as to face the inspection surface 2a. And the sweat 24 is stored in the recessed part 14a. Capillary action acts on the discharge button 8 and the discharge pipe 17, and the sweat 24 moves into the flow path 14b.

  13 to 15 are diagrams corresponding to the charging process in step S3. As shown in FIG. 13, in step S3, the operator operates the rotary dial 12 to rotate the container 18. The first gel 21a is in an unused state, and the lactic acid level is inspected using the first gel 21a. And the place which opposes the discharge outlet 14c is switched to the 1st gel 21a.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the operator presses the discharge button 8. Thereby, the skirt part 16 deform | transforms and the volume in the recessed part 14a reduces. And the sweat 24 in the recessed part 14a is conveyed to the 1st gel 21a from the discharge outlet 14c through the flow path 14b. When the sweat 24 is transported from the discharge port 14c, the sweat 24 that has advanced into the flow path 14b is also transported from the discharge port 14c to the first gel 21a.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the operator operates the rotary dial 12 to rotate the container 18. And the place which opposes the 2nd through-hole 6 is switched to the 1st gel 21a. And leave it as it is. During this time, the first gel 21 a reacts with lactic acid contained in the sweat 24. As a result, the structural color of the first gel 21a changes according to the lactic acid value.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to the confirmation step of step S4. As shown in FIG. 16, in step S <b> 4, the operator observes the color tone of the first gel 21 a from the second through hole 6. A part of the display plate 18 c can be seen from the second through hole 6. The number “1” indicating the first gel 21a can be confirmed on the display board 18c. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the stimulus-responsive gel 21 visible from the second through-hole 6 is the first gel 21a.

  A color sample 25 is installed near the second through hole 6. The color tone sample 25 displays a color tone corresponding to the lactic acid value. A lactic acid value scale 25 a indicating a lactic acid value corresponding to the color tone is provided near the color tone sample 25. The operator compares the color tone of the first gel 21a with the sample 25 of the color tone. Then, the lactic acid value of the first gel 21a is evaluated using the color sample 25 and the lactic acid value scale 25a. The process of acquiring biometric information is completed by the above process.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 includes the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the discharge pump 14, and the rotary dial 12. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 has a first gel 21a to a seventh gel 21g. Then, the discharge pump 14 transports the sweat 24 to the stimulus-responsive gel 21. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 absorbs the sweat 24 and reacts with the lactic acid of the sweat 24. The rotary dial 12 switches the stimulus-responsive gel 21 on which the discharge pump 14 installs the sweat 24.

  The reaction part that has been reacted once contains sweat 24 and is difficult to reuse. It is assumed that there is an unreacted stimulus-responsive gel 21 in the first gel 21a to the seventh gel 21g. At this time, the place where the operator installs the sweat 24 is switched to the unreacted stimulus-responsive gel 21 by operating the rotary dial 12. The unreacted state indicates an unused state in which the reaction with the sweat 24 is not performed. Thereby, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 can perform the reaction of the sweat 24 with lactic acid seven times.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 includes the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 can store the sweat 24 transported by the discharge pump 14. An operator operates the rotary dial 12 to switch the place where the discharge pump 14 installs the sweat 24 to the storage unit 22. When the sweat 24 existing inside the discharge pump 14 is to be removed, the rotary dial 12 is operated to switch the place where the operator installs the sweat 24 to the storage unit 22. Then, the sweat 24 existing inside the discharge pump 14 can be moved to the storage unit 22. As a result, the sweat 24 can be removed from the flow path 14b when there is sweat 24 that has passed through the flow path 14b.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, the first gel 21 a to the seventh gel 21 g are arranged so as to surround the discharge pump 14. The rotary dial 12 rotates the first gel 21 a to the seventh gel 21 g with respect to the discharge pump 14. Therefore, the rotary dial 12 can switch the stimulus-responsive gel 21 on which the sweat 24 is installed. As a result, the structure for switching the place where the sweat 24 is installed can be simplified.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, the discharge pump 14 includes the recess 14a. Since the wall of the recess 14a is flexible, the volume of the recess 14a can be increased or decreased. When the sweat 24 is located in the recess 14a, the sweat 24 can be transported by increasing or decreasing the volume of the recess 14a. Therefore, the discharge pump 14 can transport the sweat 24 with a simple structure.

  (5) According to the present embodiment, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the discharge pump 14 are detachable from the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 can be brought into an unreacted state by attaching and detaching and exchanging the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the discharge pump 14. Furthermore, even when the sweat 24 that has deteriorated over time adheres to the discharge pump 14, the state where the sweat 24 does not adhere to the discharge pump 14 can be achieved.

  (6) According to the present embodiment, the color of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes in response to the lactic acid of the sweat 24. And the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 is provided with the 2nd through-hole 6 in which the color of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 can be seen. Therefore, it is possible to easily visually check the extent to which the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is reacting.

  (7) According to the present embodiment, the color sample 25 of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is displayed around the second through-hole 6. Therefore, the degree to which the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is reacting can be evaluated by comparing with the color sample 25.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a method for detecting a change in the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is different. Note that description of the same points as in the first embodiment is omitted. FIG. 17 is a schematic side sectional view for explaining the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. FIG. 18 is an electric control block diagram of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the lactic acid value measuring device 28 as a gel sensor includes an exterior part 30 including a front case 29 and a back cover 9. Inside the exterior part 30, a discharge pump 14, a reaction unit 31, a rotary dial 12, a guide wheel 13, a support part 32, a circuit board 33 and a display part 34 are provided.

  The reaction unit 31 corresponds to the reaction unit 15 of the first embodiment. The support portion 32 includes a bearing that supports the shaft 12 a of the rotary dial 12 and the shaft 13 a of the guide wheel 13. The circuit board 33 is mounted with a circuit that detects a change in the stimulus-responsive gel 21. The display unit 34 is a part for displaying the detected result. The display unit 34 is driven by a circuit mounted on the circuit board 33.

  The reaction unit 31 includes a container 35, and the container 35 is partitioned by a partition wall 18a in the same manner as the container 18 of the first embodiment. A first electrode 36 as an electrode, a conversion unit, and a conductivity sensor is installed on the bottom surface of the container 35, and the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is installed on the first electrode 36. A part of the first electrode 36 continues to the outer peripheral side of the container 35. On the surface of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 on the −Z side, an electrode, a conversion unit, and a second electrode 37 as a conductivity sensor are installed. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 has a film shape, and a first electrode 36 and a second electrode 37 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. A conductivity sensor is constituted by the first electrode 36, the second electrode 37, and the like.

  A first terminal 38 is provided on the circuit board 33, and an end of the first terminal 38 is in contact with the first electrode 36. Further, the circuit board 33 is provided with a second terminal 39, and the end of the second terminal 39 is in contact with the second electrode 37.

  The display unit 34 is a device that displays the detected lactic acid value and measurement status. The display unit 34 is not particularly limited as long as the electronic data can be displayed as an image, and a liquid crystal display device or an OLED (Organic light-emitting diodes) display device can be used. In the present embodiment, for example, an OLED display device is used for the display unit 34.

  On the + Y direction side of the reaction unit 31, an optical sensor 40 is installed on the support portion 32. The optical sensor 40 includes a light emitting unit 40a and a light receiving unit 40b. A mark is provided on the side surface of the container 35. When the mark is located at a location facing the optical sensor 40, the light receiving unit 40b receives the light reflected by the mark and detects the mark. When the optical sensor 40 detects a mark, a display indicating that the mark has been detected is displayed. Therefore, the operator can confirm the display unit 34 and adjust the reaction unit 31 to a predetermined position.

  FIG. 18 is an electric control block diagram of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. As shown in FIG. 18, the lactic acid value measuring device 28 includes an electric circuit 42 as a control unit that controls the operation of the lactic acid value measuring device 28. The electric circuit 42 includes a CPU 43 (Central Processing Unit) that performs various arithmetic processes as a processor, and a memory 44 that stores various information. The conductivity measuring unit 45, A / D conversion unit 46 (Analog Digital), display unit 34, operation switch 47, communication unit 48, and optical sensor 40 are connected to the CPU 43 via the input / output interface 51 and the data bus 52. .

  The conductivity measuring unit 45 is a part that detects a current flowing between the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 by applying a voltage to the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 installed in the stimulus-responsive gel 21. The conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes according to the lactic acid value of lactic acid contained in the stimulus-responsive gel 21. Therefore, the conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 corresponding to the lactic acid value can be detected by detecting the current flowing through the stimulus-responsive gel 21 by the conductivity measuring unit 45.

  The A / D converter 46 is a part that converts the conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 detected by the conductivity measuring unit 45 into a digital data signal and outputs the digital data signal. The first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37, the conductivity measuring unit 45, the A / D conversion unit 46, and the like constitute a conversion unit.

  The operation switch 47 is a switch for operating the lactate level measuring device 28. The operator operates the operation switch 47 to input various instructions such as a lactate measurement start instruction and measurement conditions.

  The communication unit 48 is a part that communicates with an external device. A communication connector 49 is installed in the communication unit 48, and an external device is connected to the communication connector 49 via a wiring. The communication unit 48 transmits the measured lactic acid value data to the external device through the communication connector 49. Furthermore, measurement conditions are input from an external device.

  The optical sensor 40 is a part that detects the angle of the container 35 with respect to the support part 32. And the signal of which among the 1st gel 21a-7th gel 21g and the storage part 22 is facing the discharge outlet 14c is output. Further, a signal indicating which of the first gel 21 a to the seventh gel 21 g is opposed to the first terminal 38 and the second terminal 39 is output.

  The memory 44 is a concept including a semiconductor memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and an external storage device such as a hard disk and a DVD-ROM. Functionally, a storage area for storing program software 53 in which the operation control procedure of the lactic acid value measuring device 28 is described, and a storage for storing data of the correlation table 54 indicating the relationship between the conductivity and the lactic acid value. An area is set. In addition, a work area for the CPU 43, a storage area that functions as a temporary file, and other various storage areas are set.

  The CPU 43 performs control for measuring the lactic acid value according to the program software stored in the memory 44. As a specific function realization unit, the CPU 43 has a lactic acid value calculation unit 55 as a calculation unit. The lactic acid value calculation unit 55 inputs a conductivity data signal from the A / D conversion unit 46. Then, the lactic acid value is calculated with reference to the value of the data signal and the correlation table 54.

  In addition, the CPU 43 controls the voltage value output from the conductivity measuring unit 45 to the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37. Further, the CPU 43 performs control to output the lactic acid value calculated by the lactic acid value calculation unit 55 to the display unit 34. Further, the CPU 43 controls the operation of the lactic acid value measuring device 28 according to the signal input from the operation switch 47. Further, the CPU 43 drives the communication unit 48 to output a lactic acid value data signal to the external device, and inputs measurement conditions from the external device. Further, the CPU 43 drives the optical sensor 40 and inputs a signal indicating the position of the container 35.

  The first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 in the stimulus responsive gel 21 are connected to the conductivity measuring unit 45. The CPU 43 drives the conductivity measuring unit 45 to apply a voltage between the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37. Then, the conductivity measuring unit 45 detects a current flowing between the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 and outputs it to the A / D conversion unit 46. The A / D converter 46 converts the current value into a data signal that is digital data. Then, the A / D converter 46 outputs a data signal to the CPU 43. The CPU 43 inputs a data signal from the A / D converter 46 and inputs a correlation table 54 from the memory 44. In the correlation table 54, lactate data for the data signal output from the A / D converter 46 is described. In the CPU 43, the lactic acid value calculation unit 55 calculates the lactic acid value using the data signal and the correlation table 54.

  The CPU 43 outputs the measurement result data of the lactic acid value to the display unit 34, and the display unit 34 displays the measurement result of the lactic acid value. The subject 2 looks at the display unit 34 and confirms the lactic acid level in sweat. Further, the CPU 43 outputs data of a graph in which the measurement result of the lactic acid value changes to the display unit 34, and the display unit 34 displays a graph indicating the change in the measurement result of the lactic acid value. The subject 2 looks at the display unit 34 and confirms the transition of the lactic acid level in sweat.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the lactic acid value measuring device 28 includes the conversion unit and the lactic acid value calculation unit 55. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes according to the amount of lactic acid contained in the sweat 24. And a conversion part detects the change of the stimulus responsive gel 21, and converts it into a data signal. The lactic acid value calculation unit 55 calculates the amount of lactic acid contained in the sweat 24 from the data signal. Therefore, the lactic acid value measuring device 28 can quantitatively measure the amount of lactic acid contained in the sweat 24.

  (2) According to this embodiment, the conversion unit includes the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37, and the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 detect the conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. Therefore, the converter can convert the change of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 into a data signal.

  (3) According to this embodiment, since the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is a film, it has a thin and wide shape. The first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 are installed on the opposing surfaces of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. Therefore, the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 can have a larger area than when they are installed in the thickness direction. Since the first electrode 36 and the second electrode 37 are wide, the conductivity measuring unit 45 can accurately detect the conductivity with a low voltage.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, also in the lactic acid value measuring device 28, the rotary dial 12 is operated to switch the place where the operator installs the sweat 24 to the unreacted stimulus-responsive gel 21. Thereby, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 28 can perform the reaction of the sweat 24 with lactic acid seven times.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of a lactic acid value measuring apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a method for detecting a change in the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is different. Note that the description of the same points as in the second embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 19 is a schematic side sectional view for explaining the structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus. FIG. 20 is an electric control block diagram of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the lactic acid value measuring device 58 as a gel sensor includes an exterior part 30 including a front case 29 and a back cover 9. Inside the exterior part 30, a discharge pump 14, a reaction unit 15, a rotary dial 12, a guide wheel 13, a support part 59, a circuit board 60 and a display part 61 are provided.

  A white light source 62 that irradiates the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is installed on the support portion 59. Although the white light source 62 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the white light source 62 is configured by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

  The support portion 59 is provided with a red detection sensor 63, a blue detection sensor 64, and a green detection sensor 65. The red color detection sensor 63, the blue color detection sensor 64, the green color detection sensor 65, and the like constitute a color tone sensor. The red detection sensor 63 includes a phototransistor, a red filter, a condenser lens, and the like. The light that irradiates the red detection sensor 63 passes through the red filter and irradiates the phototransistor. Thereby, the light which irradiates a phototransistor is limited to the light of a red component. Since the phototransistor receives the red component light, the red detection sensor 63 detects the red component light. Similarly, the blue color detection sensor 64 includes a blue filter and detects light of a blue component. The green detection sensor 65 includes a green filter and detects light of a green component.

  The white light source 62 irradiates the stimulus-responsive gel 21 with white light 66. The white light 66 is reflected by the stimulus responsive gel 21. The reflected light 67 reflected by the stimulus responsive gel 21 has a color reflecting the structural color of the stimulus responsive gel 21. The reflected light 67 irradiates the red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65. The red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65 output electrical signals corresponding to red, blue, and green luminances, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the lactic acid value measuring device 58 includes an electric circuit 68 as a control unit that controls the operation of the lactic acid value measuring device 58. The electric circuit 68 includes a CPU 71 that performs various arithmetic processes as a processor, and a memory 72 that stores various information. The light source drive unit 73, the received light amount measurement unit 74, the A / D conversion unit 75, the display unit 61, the operation switch 47, the communication unit 48, and the optical sensor 40 are connected to the CPU 71 via the input / output interface 76 and the data bus 77. Yes.

  The light source driving unit 73 is a part that is connected to the white light source 62 and drives the white light source 62. The light source driving unit 73 is connected to the CPU 71, and the CPU 71 controls the turning on / off of the white light source 62 and the amount of light.

  The received light amount measuring unit 74 is connected to the red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65. Then, the received light amount measurement unit 74 drives the red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65.

  The red detection sensor 63 outputs a signal indicating the luminance of the red component of the reflected light 67 reflected from the surface of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 to the received light amount measurement unit 74. Similarly, the blue detection sensor 64 outputs a signal indicating the luminance of the blue component of the reflected light 67 reflected from the surface of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 to the received light amount measurement unit 74. The green detection sensor 65 outputs a signal indicating the luminance of the green component of the reflected light 67 reflected from the surface of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 to the received light amount measurement unit 74.

  The received light amount measurement unit 74 receives a signal indicating the luminance of each light of red, blue, and green and outputs the signal to the A / D conversion unit 75. The A / D conversion unit 75 outputs data indicating the luminance of each light of red, blue, and green to the CPU 71.

  The memory 72 stores program software 78, a correlation table 79, and the like. The program software 78 describes a control procedure for the operation of the lactate measurement device 58. The correlation table 79 describes data indicating the relationship between the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the lactic acid value.

  The CPU 71 performs control for measuring the lactic acid value in accordance with the program software 78 stored in the memory 72. The CPU 71 includes a color tone detection unit 80 as a specific function implementation unit. The color tone detection unit 80 drives the light source driving unit 73 to turn on the white light source 62. The received light amount measurement unit 74 receives the luminance signals of the respective colors from the red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65 and outputs them to the A / D conversion unit 75. The A / D converter 75 outputs the luminance data of each color to the CPU 71. The color tone detection unit 80 calculates the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 using the luminance data of each color. The red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, the green detection sensor 65, the received light amount measurement unit 74, and the A / D conversion unit 75 correspond to a conversion unit. The red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65 correspond to a color tone sensor.

  In addition, the CPU 71 includes a lactic acid value calculation unit 81 as a specific function realization unit. The lactic acid value calculation unit 81 inputs color tone data of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 from the color tone detection unit 80. Then, the lactate value is calculated with reference to the color tone data of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 and the correlation table 79. The color tone detection unit 80 and the lactic acid value calculation unit 81 correspond to a calculation unit.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 expands in volume in response to lactic acid. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 is mixed with fine particles having high reflectivity. Since the color changes when the volume of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 expands, the degree of reaction can be easily detected.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, the lactic acid value measuring device 58 includes the red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65, and the red detection sensor 63, the blue detection sensor 64, and the green detection sensor 65 are stimulus responses. The color tone of the gel 21 is detected. Therefore, the received light amount measurement unit 74 and the A / D conversion unit 75 can convert the color tone change of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 into a data signal.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, also in the lactic acid value measuring device 58, the rotary dial 12 is operated to switch the place where the operator installs the sweat 24 to the unreacted stimulus-responsive gel 21. Thereby, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 58 can perform the reaction of the sweat 24 with lactic acid seven times.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of the glucose measuring device will be described using the electrical control block diagram of the glucose measuring device in FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the change in conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is detected and the amount of glucose is calculated. Glucose corresponds to the reaction component and specific substance of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. Note that the description of the same points as in the second embodiment will be omitted.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the glucose measuring device 84 as a gel sensor includes an electric circuit 85 as a control unit that controls the operation of the glucose measuring device 84. The electric circuit 85 includes a CPU 86 that performs various arithmetic processes as a processor, and a memory 87 that stores various information.

  The memory 87 functionally stores the storage area for storing the program software 88 in which the control procedure of the operation of the glucose measuring device 84 is described, and the data for the correlation table 89 indicating the relationship between the conductivity and the glucose amount. A storage area is set. When glucose penetrates into the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the boronic acid group and glucose are combined. At this time, the conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes. Accordingly, the conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes in accordance with the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24. Therefore, the CPU 86 is included in the sweat 24 by detecting the conductivity of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. The amount of glucose can be estimated. Correlation table 89 shows the relationship between conductivity and glucose level.

  The CPU 86 performs control for measuring the glucose level according to the program software stored in the memory 87. As a specific function realization unit, the CPU 86 has a glucose amount calculation unit 90 as a calculation unit. The glucose amount calculation unit 90 inputs a conductivity data signal from the A / D conversion unit 46. Then, the amount of glucose is calculated with reference to the value of the data signal and the correlation table 89.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to this embodiment, the glucose measuring device 84 includes the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the conductivity measuring unit 45, the A / D conversion unit 46, and the glucose amount calculating unit 90. The stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes according to the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24. Then, the conductivity measuring unit 45 and the A / D conversion unit 46 detect a change in the stimulus-responsive gel 21, convert it into a data signal, and output it to the glucose amount calculation unit 90. The glucose amount calculation unit 90 calculates the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24 from the data signal. Therefore, the glucose measuring device 84 can measure the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24.

  (2) According to this embodiment, the glucose dial 84 also operates the rotary dial 12 to switch the place where the operator installs the sweat 24 to the unreacted stimulus-responsive gel 21. Thereby, the glucose measuring device 84 can perform the reaction of the sweat 24 with glucose seven times.

  (3) According to this embodiment, the glucose measuring device 84 can always be installed in the subject 2. Thereby, when the subject 2 is a diabetic patient, the physical condition of the subject 2 can be continuously measured.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, an embodiment of the glucose measuring device will be described with reference to an electrical control block diagram of the glucose measuring device in FIG. This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the change in color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is detected and the amount of glucose is calculated. The description of the same points as in the third embodiment will be omitted.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the glucose measuring device 93 as a gel sensor includes an electric circuit 94 as a control unit that controls the operation of the glucose measuring device 93. The electric circuit 94 includes a CPU 95 that performs various arithmetic processes as a processor, and a memory 96 that stores various information.

  The memory 96 functionally stores a storage area for storing program software 97 in which a control procedure of the operation of the glucose measuring device 93 is described, and a storage for storing data of the correlation table 98 indicating the relationship between the color tone and the glucose amount. An area is set.

  The CPU 95 performs control for measuring the amount of glucose according to the program software stored in the memory 96. As a specific function realization unit, the CPU 95 has a color tone detection unit 80. The color tone detection unit 80 receives the luminance data of each color of red, blue, and yellow from the A / D conversion unit 75 and calculates the color tone. In addition, the CPU 95 has a glucose amount calculation unit 99 as a calculation unit. The glucose amount calculation unit 99 inputs color tone data of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 from the color tone detection unit 80. Then, the glucose amount calculation unit 99 calculates the glucose amount with reference to the color tone data and the correlation table 98.

  When glucose penetrates into the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the boronic acid group and glucose are combined. At this time, the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes. The received light amount measurement unit 74 and the A / D conversion unit 75 detect a change in the stimulus-responsive gel 21, convert it into a data signal, and output the data signal to the color tone detection unit 80. The color tone detector 80 calculates the color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 from the data signal and outputs it to the glucose amount calculator 99. The glucose amount calculation unit 99 calculates the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24 from the color tone output from the color tone detection unit 80. Therefore, the glucose measuring device 93 can measure the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24.

As described above, this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the glucose measuring device 93 includes the stimulus-responsive gel 21, the received light amount measuring unit 74, the A / D conversion unit 75, and the glucose amount calculating unit 99. The color tone of the stimulus-responsive gel 21 changes according to the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24. The received light amount measurement unit 74 and the A / D conversion unit 75 detect a change in luminance of each of the red, blue, and green colors of the stimulus responsive gel 21, convert it to a data signal, and output the data signal to the color tone detection unit 80. The color tone detection unit 80 calculates the color tone from the luminance data signal of each color of red, blue, and green and outputs it to the glucose amount calculation unit 99. The glucose amount calculation unit 99 calculates the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24 from the color tone data of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. Therefore, the glucose measuring device 93 can measure the amount of glucose contained in the sweat 24.

  (2) According to this embodiment, the glucose dial 93 also operates the rotary dial 12 to switch the place where the operator installs the sweat 24 to the unreacted stimulus-responsive gel 21. Thereby, the glucose measuring device 93 can perform the reaction of the sweat 24 with glucose seven times.

  (3) According to this embodiment, the glucose measuring device 93 can be always installed in the subject 2. Thereby, when the subject 2 is a diabetic patient, the physical condition of the subject 2 can be continuously measured.

Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and improvements can be added by those having ordinary knowledge in the art within the technical idea of the present invention. A modification will be described below.
(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment to the third embodiment, the lactic acid value in the sweat 24 was measured, and in the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment, the amount of glucose in the sweat 24 was measured. Components other than the lactic acid value and the glucose amount may be measured by changing the components of the stimulus-responsive gel 21. For example, in the medical field, selective separation of cancer cells, blood cells, viruses, bacteria, and proteins may be performed. In addition, in the environmental field, components of allergens such as pollen, poisonous substances, harmful substances, and environmental pollutants may be measured.

(Modification 2)
In the first embodiment, the stimulus-responsive gel 21 is used. However, a hydrogel containing a low molecule to a polymer, particles, and a colloid may be used instead of the stimulus-responsive gel 21.

(Modification 3)
In the first embodiment, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 has a structure that is always installed on the subject 2. It may be deferred on the desk. Then, the sensor module 10 may be prepared for each component to be measured, and the sensor module 10 may be replaced for measurement.

(Modification 4)
In the first embodiment, lactic acid contained in the sweat 24 is detected. The liquid to be inspected may be other than the sweat 24. It may be an industrially produced solution other than blood or body fluid, or a solution collected for analysis. Lactic acid contained in various solutions can be detected. For example, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 can be used for a cell culture monitor. Cultured cells produce lactic acid as a metabolic component. When lactic acid accumulates in the culture solution, the culture solution becomes acidic and the cultured cells are damaged. In the past culture, a solution called phenol red was put in the culture solution, and the pH of the culture solution was confirmed by the color. When it was inclined to be acidic, the original red color became yellow, so the medium was changed by changing the color. By using the sensor module 10 as a culture pH detection method, the influence of phenol red on cells can be suppressed.

  In addition, the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 can be used for a lactic acid fermentation monitor. For pickles and yogurt, lactic acid fermentation is used. Lactic acid fermentation is a form of fermentation that occurs in bacteria and animal cells in the absence of oxygen, and one molecule of glucose is converted to two molecules of lactic acid through lactic acid fermentation. The sensor module 10 detects the lactic acid produced | generated by lactic acid fermentation, can judge the degree of fermentation, and can control the timing which complete | finishes fermentation.

  In addition, the lactic acid level measuring apparatus 1 can be used for a blood glucose level monitor. Glucose concentration in the blood is attracting attention as an indicator of diabetes, and blood tests by puncture are currently performed. However, since it is invasive, non-invasive methods are being studied. Universities and research institutions are studying methods for measuring glucose concentration in tears. The sensor module 10 may be used to detect the glucose concentration in tears. Modifications 2 to 4 can also be applied to the second to fourth embodiments.

(Modification 5)
In the first embodiment, the operator operates the rotary dial 12 to rotate the reaction unit 15. The reaction unit 15 may be fixed to the exterior portion 3 and the rotary dial 12 may rotate the discharge pump 14. And the 2nd through-hole 6 is made into the shape which can see all the stimulus responsive gels 21. FIG. Even in this structure, one of the first gel 21a to the seventh gel 21g can be selected and the sweat 24 can be discharged to the selected stimulus-responsive gel 21.

(Modification 6)
In the first embodiment, the process is completed after the confirmation process in step S4. You may perform the discard process of step S1 after step S4. By removing the sweat 24 in the flow path 14b in the storage part 22, it can suppress that the component of the sweat 24 remains and adheres in the flow path 14b.

(Modification 7)
In the first embodiment, the reaction unit 15 is rotated via the rotary dial 12. A part of the container 18 is exposed from the exterior portion 3 without providing the rotary dial 12. Then, the operator may rotate the reaction unit 15 directly. The structure of the lactic acid value measuring apparatus 1 can be simplified.

  1, 28, 58 ... Lactic acid level measuring device as a gel sensor, 6 ... Second through hole as a window, 12 ... Rotating dial as a switching part, 13 ... Guide wheel as a switching part, 14 ... As a liquid transport part Discharge pump, 14a ... recess, 18 ... container as switching part, 21 ... stimulus-responsive gel as reaction part group, 21a ... first gel as reaction part, 21b ... second gel as reaction part, 21c ... reaction 3rd gel as part, 21d ... 4th gel as reaction part, 21e ... 5th gel as reaction part, 21f ... 6th gel as reaction part, 21g ... 7th gel as reaction part, 22 ... storage 24, sweat as the liquid to be inspected, 25 ... sample of color tone, 36 ... first electrode as the electrode, conversion unit and conductivity sensor, 37 ... second electrode as the electrode, conversion unit and conductivity sensor, 45 ... Conduction as conversion part Rate measuring unit 46... A / D conversion unit as conversion unit 55, 81... Lactic acid value calculation unit as calculation unit 63. Red detection sensor as color tone sensor 64 64 Blue detection sensor as color tone sensor 65 A green color detection sensor as a color sensor, 84, 93 ... a glucose measuring device as a gel sensor, 90, 99 ... a glucose amount calculation unit as a calculation unit.

Claims (11)

A reaction part group having a plurality of gel-like reaction parts that absorb the liquid to be inspected and react with a predetermined component of the liquid to be inspected;
A liquid transport section for transporting the liquid to be inspected to the reaction section;
A gel sensor, comprising: a switching unit that switches the reaction unit in which the liquid transport unit installs the liquid to be inspected. The gel sensor according to claim 1,
A storage section for storing the liquid to be inspected transported by the liquid transport section;
The switching unit switches the place where the liquid transport unit installs the liquid to be tested to the storage unit. The gel sensor according to claim 1 or 2,
The reaction part is disposed around the liquid transport part,
The switching unit relatively rotates the reaction unit and the liquid transport unit. The gel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The liquid transport part comprises a recess having a flexible wall;
A gel sensor characterized in that the liquid to be inspected is transported by increasing or decreasing the volume of the recess. The gel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The gel sensor, wherein the reaction part and the liquid transport part are detachable. The gel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The reaction part changes color in response to a predetermined component of the liquid to be inspected,
A gel sensor comprising a window through which the color of the reaction part can be seen. The gel sensor according to claim 6,
A gel sensor characterized in that a sample of the color tone of the reaction part is displayed on the window. The gel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A conversion unit for converting the change in the reaction unit into a data signal;
A gel sensor comprising: a calculation unit that calculates an amount of a specific substance contained in a test liquid from a data signal output from the conversion unit. The gel sensor according to claim 8,
The gel sensor, wherein the conversion unit includes a color sensor for detecting a color tone of the reaction unit. The gel sensor according to claim 8,
The said conversion part is equipped with the electrical conductivity sensor which detects the electrical conductivity of the said reaction part, The gel sensor characterized by the above-mentioned. The gel sensor according to claim 10,
The gel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the reaction part is a film, and the conductivity sensor includes electrodes disposed on opposite surfaces of the film.

Images