JP2018013395A - Deep body thermometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a deep body thermometer capable of precisely finding a deep body temperature Tb of the living body.SOLUTION: A deep body thermometer includes: a heat insulating material 25 having a thermal resistance Ra; a first temperature sensor 21 for detecting a body surface temperature Tt; and a second temperature sensor 22 for detecting an atmospheric temperature Ta. An initial value of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 within the region under the body surface corresponding to the initial value of Tb is found via a computing equation such as Tb=Ta+{(Rt+Ra)/Ra}×(Tt-Ta)} using the initial value of the inputted deep body temperature Tb. Subsequently, the current value of Tb is found by the computing equation using the initial values of Rt, Tt and Ta. With this current value of Tb as a new initial value, a feedback is performed so as to find the value of Rt corresponding to the current value of Tb via the computing equation. Subsequently, a new current value is found by the computing equation using the value of Rt, Tt, and Ta.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a deep body thermometer, and more particularly to a deep body thermometer that non-invasively obtains the temperature of a living body (depth body temperature). The present invention also relates to a system including such a deep thermometer.

Conventionally, as this type of deep thermometer, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-120026), a heat insulating material to be brought into contact with the body surface of a living body, and the body of the heat insulating material A temperature sensor that detects a temperature Tt of a contact surface with respect to the surface as a body surface temperature; and a temperature sensor that detects a temperature Ta of a contact surface (surface opposite to the contact surface) with respect to the atmosphere of the heat insulating material as an atmospheric temperature. The following equation Eq. 1 is used to determine the deep body temperature (core temperature) Tb.
Tb = Ta + {(Rt + Ra) / Ra} × (Tt−Ta) (Eq. 1)
Here, Rt represents the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue under the body surface, and Ra represents the thermal resistance of the heat insulating material. In this document, it is assumed that Rt and Ra are known.

JP 61-120026 JP

  By the way, the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue varies depending on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat of each living body (subject), and also varies depending on the environment such as the atmospheric temperature and the activity state such as sweating. For this reason, the arithmetic expression Eq. If only 1 is used to calculate the deep body temperature Tb, there is a problem that the measurement accuracy is not good. In addition, the change of the thermal resistance of a heat insulating material can be disregarded.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the deep body thermometer which can obtain | require the deep body temperature of a biological body accurately.

  Moreover, the subject of this invention is providing the system containing such a deep body thermometer.

In order to solve the above problems, the deep thermometer of the present invention is
A deep thermometer for non-invasively determining the deep body temperature of a living body,
A heat-insulating material having thermal resistance to be brought into contact with the body surface of the living body;
A first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a contact surface of the heat insulating material with respect to the body surface as a body surface temperature;
A second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the contact surface with respect to the atmosphere opposite to the contact surface of the heat insulating material as an atmospheric temperature;
An input unit for inputting data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature;
Using the input initial value of the deep body temperature,
Tb = Ta + {(Rt + Ra) / Ra} × (Tt−Ta) (Eq. 1)
(However, Tb represents the deep body temperature, Tt represents the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, Ta represents the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, Rt represents the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, and Ra represents the thermal resistance of the heat insulating material.)
The initial value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue below the body surface corresponding to the initial value of the deep body temperature is calculated through the following arithmetic expression, and then the initial value of the determined thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, Using the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, a first calculation for obtaining a current value of the deep body temperature by the calculation formula; and
The current value of the deep body temperature is fed back as a new initial value, and the value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue corresponding to the current value of the deep body temperature is obtained via the arithmetic expression, and then the obtained subcutaneous temperature is determined. Using the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, a new current value of the deep body temperature is calculated by the above equation using the tissue thermal resistance value, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. And a calculation unit that performs a second calculation to be obtained.

  In this specification, the data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature input by the input unit is obtained by the user (including the person to be measured) of the deep body thermometer, the heat insulating material of the deep body thermometer, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature. Data obtained by using the three elements of the sensor (for example, covering the above three elements with the body surface of the person to be measured and a portion other than the body surface) may be acquired, or may be acquired outside the depth thermometer. It may be data.

  “Current” refers to a point in time when the calculation unit is executing processing. That is, “current” progresses momentarily as the processing of the arithmetic unit is executed.

  In a state where the deep thermometer of the present invention is mounted on a living body, a heat insulating material having thermal resistance is brought into contact with the body surface of the living body. The change in thermal resistance of the heat insulating material is negligible. A 1st temperature sensor detects the temperature of the contact surface with respect to the said body surface of the said heat insulating material as body surface temperature. A 2nd temperature sensor detects the temperature of the contact surface with respect to the atmosphere on the opposite side to the said contact surface of the said heat insulating material as atmospheric temperature. In this state, the input unit inputs data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature.

Then, the calculation unit uses the input initial value of the deep body temperature,
Tb = Ta + {(Rt + Ra) / Ra} × (Tt−Ta) (Eq. 1)
The initial value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue below the body surface corresponding to the initial value of the deep body temperature is obtained through the following equation, and then, the obtained initial value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue and the first value Using the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, a first calculation is performed to obtain the current value of the deep body temperature using the calculation formula.

  Next, the calculation unit feeds back the current value of the deep body temperature as a new initial value, and obtains the value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue corresponding to the current value of the deep body temperature through the calculation formula. Subsequently, using the calculated thermal resistance value of the subcutaneous tissue, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, A second calculation for obtaining a new current value of the deep body temperature is performed.

  When operating in this way, the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit reflects the value of the thermal resistance of the immediately preceding subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, according to this deep body thermometer, the deep body temperature of the living body can be obtained with high accuracy.

  In addition, as for the said calculating part, as long as the new initial value of the said deep body temperature is not input by the said input part, it is desirable to repeat a 2nd calculation. Thereby, the present value of the deep body temperature can be obtained repeatedly and continuously.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the deep body thermometer includes an output unit that outputs data representing the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit.

  The deep body thermometer according to an embodiment includes an output unit that outputs data related to the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit.

  “Data related to deep body temperature” is a broad concept including the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit and data related thereto.

  In the deep thermometer of this embodiment, the output unit outputs data related to the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit. Therefore, the user (including the person to be measured) of the deep body thermometer can know the data related to the deep body temperature.

In one embodiment of the thermometer,
A heat flow state determination unit that determines whether or not a state in which the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor has continued for a predetermined period;
When it is determined that the equal state has continued for a predetermined period, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor at the end of the period is used as the initial value of the deep body temperature. And a first initial value setting unit for setting.

  In the depth thermometer of this embodiment, the heat flow state determination unit determines whether or not a state in which the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor has continued for a predetermined period. To do. When a state in which the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor continues for a predetermined period, the heat flow from the deep part of the living body to the atmosphere (or the deep part of the living body from the atmosphere) It is considered that there is no state of heat flow. At that time, the first initial value setting unit sets the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor at the end of the period as the initial value of the deep body temperature. Thereby, even if a user does not input the initial value of the deep body temperature from the outside, or the deep body thermometer does not have special hardware, the initial value of the deep body temperature can be obtained with high accuracy.

In one embodiment of the thermometer,
A covered determination unit that determines whether or not the three elements of the heat insulating material, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface;
When it is determined that the three elements are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface, the temperature is detected by the first temperature sensor or the time change of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. Then, a predicted initial temperature of the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is obtained, and the predicted initial temperature is set as the initial value of the deep body temperature. And a setting unit.

  In the depth thermometer according to this embodiment, the covering determination unit is configured such that the three elements of the heat insulating material, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the three elements are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface, it is considered that the three elements gradually shift to a state where there is no heat flow from the deep part of the living body to the atmosphere. At this time, the second initial value setting unit detects the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature based on the time change of the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The predicted reached temperature of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is obtained, and the predicted reached temperature is set as the initial value of the deep body temperature. Thereby, even if a user does not input the initial value of the deep body temperature from the outside, the initial value of the deep body temperature can be obtained with high accuracy. In addition, since the reached temperature is predicted, the initial value of the reached body temperature, that is, the deep body temperature can be quickly obtained.

  In the depth thermometer according to an embodiment, has a predetermined refresh condition indicating that the calculation unit should start the first calculation using a new initial value of the input deep body temperature satisfied? A refresh condition determining unit for determining whether or not is provided.

  In this specification, “refresh” means that the calculation unit starts the first calculation using the input new initial value of the deep body temperature.

  When the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit becomes abnormal for some reason, the calculation unit performs the first calculation using the input new initial value of the deep body temperature. It should be started (refreshed). Therefore, in the depth thermometer of this embodiment, the refresh condition determination unit indicates that the calculation unit should start the first calculation using the input new initial value of the deep body temperature. It is determined whether or not a predetermined refresh condition is satisfied. Therefore, the refresh determination unit correctly determines whether refresh should be performed.

  In the depth thermometer according to an embodiment, when it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied, the calculation unit should start the first calculation using the input new initial value of the depth body temperature. A refresh request notifying unit for notifying is provided.

  In the depth thermometer according to the embodiment, when it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied, the refresh request notification unit uses the new initial value of the input depth body temperature, and the calculation unit performs the first operation. Notify that the calculation should be started. Therefore, this notification prompts the user to enable refresh. Thereby, for example, the user acquires the initial value of the deep body temperature by using a temperature measurement device (such as a thermometer) different from the deep body thermometer, and transmits data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature via the input unit. Can be entered. As a result, refreshing is performed, and the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit becomes accurate again.

In one embodiment of the thermometer,
A heat flow state determination unit that determines whether or not a state in which the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor has continued for a predetermined period;
When it is determined that the equal state has continued for a predetermined period, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor at the end of the period is used as the initial value of the deep body temperature. A first initial value setting unit to be set;
A covered determination unit that determines whether or not the three elements of the heat insulating material, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface;
When it is determined that the three elements are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface, the temperature is detected by the first temperature sensor or the time change of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. Then, a predicted initial temperature of the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is obtained, and the predicted initial temperature is set as the initial value of the deep body temperature. A setting unit,
When it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied, the input unit inputs an initial value of the deep body temperature set by the first initial value setting unit or the second initial value setting unit.

  In the depth thermometer according to the embodiment, when it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied, the input unit sets the initial value of the depth body temperature set by the first initial value setting unit or the second initial value setting unit. Enter. Therefore, the refresh is performed when the refresh is to be performed, and the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit becomes accurate.

  In the depth thermometer according to an embodiment, as the refresh condition, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is higher than the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and is calculated by the calculation unit. It includes a condition that it is larger than the current value of the deep body temperature.

  From the viewpoint of heat flow, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor being higher than the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor means that there is a heat flow from the body surface toward the atmosphere. On the other hand, that the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is larger than the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit means that there is a heat flow from the body surface toward the deep part of the living body. Therefore, it is considered that these relationships cannot be established at the same time. Therefore, in the deep thermometer of this embodiment, as the refresh condition, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is higher than the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the calculation unit It includes the condition that it is greater than the current value of the determined deep body temperature. Thereby, when abnormality arises from the viewpoint of heat flow, the refresh determination unit reliably determines that the refresh condition is satisfied.

  In the thermometer of one embodiment, the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, the thermal resistance of the heat insulating material, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the calculation unit are obtained. A storage unit for storing the deep body temperature in association with each other at each time is provided.

  In the depth thermometer according to the embodiment, the storage unit includes a thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, a thermal resistance of the heat insulating material, a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, a temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the above The deep body temperature calculated | required by the calculating part is mutually matched and memorize | stored for every time. Therefore, by referring to the storage contents of the storage unit, various data relating to the deep body temperature can be output via the output unit.

  In the depth thermometer of one embodiment, when the current value of the deep body temperature is obtained by the feedback of the calculation unit, and a new initial value of the deep body temperature is input by the input unit, the calculation unit A temperature difference between the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by feedback and the new initial value of the input deep body temperature is obtained, and the value of the deep body temperature stored in the storage unit at each time Is provided with a correction unit that corrects each of them in a direction to eliminate the temperature difference.

  In the depth thermometer of this embodiment, when the current value of the deep body temperature is obtained by the feedback of the calculation unit, and a new initial value of the deep body temperature is input by the input unit, the correction unit A temperature difference between the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the feedback of the calculation unit and the new initial value of the input deep body temperature is obtained, and stored in the storage unit at each time. The value of the deep body temperature is corrected so as to eliminate the temperature difference. Thereby, the corrected value of the deep body temperature reflects the current value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue (corresponding to the input new initial value of the deep body temperature). Therefore, according to this deep body thermometer, the deep body temperature of the living body can be obtained with higher accuracy. The corrected value of the deep body temperature can be stored in the storage unit at each time.

In the deep thermometer of one embodiment, the correction unit is
Via the above calculation formula, find the thermal resistance difference of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue corresponding to the temperature difference,
Correcting the value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue stored at each time in the storage unit in a direction to eliminate the thermal resistance difference of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue,
The corrected value of the deep body temperature at each time is obtained using the value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue after the correction at each time.

  According to the depth thermometer of this embodiment, the value of the corrected depth body temperature for each time can be accurately obtained.

  In the deep body thermometer according to an embodiment, the input unit inputs data representing an initial value of the deep body temperature from the outside by wireless communication.

  Here, “input from the outside” includes a case of direct input by wireless communication from a temperature measurement device (such as a thermometer) different from the depth thermometer and a case of input indirectly via a smartphone or the like. .

  In the deep body thermometer of this embodiment, the input unit inputs data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature from the outside by wireless communication. Therefore, data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature can be easily input.

In another aspect, the system of the invention comprises:
The deep thermometer,
Wireless communication with the deep body thermometer, comprising an information terminal having a display,
The information terminal performs display on the deep body temperature obtained by wireless communication from the deep body thermometer on the display.

  In the system of the present invention, the information terminal displays on the display device the deep body temperature obtained by wireless communication from the deep body thermometer. Therefore, the user can know the information on the deep body temperature by looking at the display of the information terminal.

  In the system of an embodiment, the information terminal includes a display processing unit that performs a process of graphing a temporal transition or a process of graphing a result obtained by statistical processing regarding the deep body temperature. Features.

  In the system according to this embodiment, the display processing unit of the information terminal performs a process of graphing a temporal transition or a process of graphing a result obtained by statistical processing regarding the deep body temperature. As a result, a graph representing a temporal transition of the deep body temperature or a graph representing a result obtained by statistically processing the deep body temperature can be displayed on the display.

In one embodiment, the system further includes:
A temperature measurement device that measures the deep body temperature and outputs data representing the measured deep body temperature by wireless communication,
The input unit of the deep body thermometer inputs the data and sets the initial value of the deep body temperature.

  In the system according to this embodiment, the temperature measurement device measures the deep body temperature and outputs data representing the measured deep body temperature by wireless communication. The input unit of the deep body thermometer inputs the data and sets the initial value of the deep body temperature. Therefore, data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature can be easily input.

  As is clear from the above, according to the deep body thermometer and system of the present invention, the deep body temperature of the living body can be obtained with high accuracy.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the deep thermometer of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the place which looked at the deep body thermometer of FIG. 1 from upper direction. It is a figure which shows the III-III arrow cross section in FIG. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of the control system of the said deep body thermometer. It is a figure which shows the aspect with which the said deep body thermometer was mounted | worn on the body surface. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an equivalent circuit of heat flow between the deep part of the living body and the atmosphere, corresponding to FIG. 5. It is a figure which shows the schematic flow of operation | movement of the said deep body thermometer. It is a figure which shows the flow of the data correction | amendment in operation | movement of the said deep body thermometer. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams showing flows for setting an initial value of the deep body temperature in the deep body thermometer, respectively. It is a figure which shows the flow of the refresh condition determination in the said deep body thermometer. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11D are diagrams schematically illustrating the data correction method using a graph of data temporal transition. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the system containing the said deep body thermometer. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the deep body temperature displayed on the indicator of the smart phone which comprises the said system. It is a figure which shows another example of a display of the deep body temperature displayed on the indicator of the smart phone which comprises the said system. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of the said system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a deep thermometer (the whole is denoted by reference numeral 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely. FIG. 2 shows the deep thermometer 10 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 shows a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. Note that “upper”, “lower”, “upper”, “lower” and the like, which will be described later, are merely names for convenience in describing the outer shape of the deep thermometer 10. The deep body thermometer 10 is used to non-invasively determine the deep body temperature Tb of a living body (a person to be measured), and can be attached to the body surface of the person to be measured (for example, the armpit) in any orientation. .

  As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 3, the deep thermometer 10 has a flat casing 11 having a generally oval planar shape. The longitudinal dimension L (shown in FIG. 2) of the casing 11 is set to, for example, about 4 cm. The dimension W (shown in FIG. 2) in the short direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the casing 11 is set to about 2 cm, for example. Moreover, the height dimension H (shown in FIG. 3) of the casing 11 is set to about 5 mm, for example. The dimensions L, W, and H of the casing 11 are not limited to the illustrated values.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the casing 11 is configured by integrally combining a casing upper portion 12 and a casing lower portion 13 with flat screws 18 and 19. A concave portion 12 c having a rectangular planar shape and opening downward is formed inside the casing upper portion 12. Furthermore, a through hole 12d having a circular plane shape is formed in a portion of the casing upper portion 12 corresponding to the recess 12c. This through hole 12 d opens in the upper surface 11 a of the casing 11.

  On the other hand, a concave portion 13c having a rectangular planar shape and opened upward is formed inside the casing lower portion 13. Furthermore, a recess 13d having a circular planar shape is formed in the center of the recess 13c. As a result, the thickness of the portion of the casing lower portion 13 corresponding to the recess 13d (the portion between the bottom surface of the recess 13d and the lower surface 11b of the casing 11) is relatively thin in order to increase the heat transfer in the thickness direction. For example, it is set to about 1 mm. The diameter of the recess 13d is substantially equal to the diameter of the through hole 12d of the casing upper portion 12, and is set to about 10 mm, for example.

  In the state where the casing upper portion 12 and the casing lower portion 13 are combined, an inner space 11i of the casing 11 is formed by the above-described recess 12c and recess 13c. A cylindrical heat insulating material 25 is accommodated in the internal space 11i so as to be fitted into the concave portion 13d of the casing lower portion 13. In addition, a control system to be described later is mounted in the internal space 11i.

  The lower surface 25b of the heat insulating material 25 is bonded to the flat bottom surface of the recess 13d with an adhesive (not shown) in this example. A first temperature sensor 21 is embedded between the lower surface 25b and the bottom surface of the recess 13d. The upper surface 25a of the heat insulating material 25 faces the space outside the casing 11 in a manner that just closes the through hole 12d of the casing upper portion 12. A second temperature sensor 22 is embedded in the upper surface 25 a of the heat insulating material 25.

  In this example, the material of the casing 11 is generally made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in this example. However, a portion of the casing lower portion 13 corresponding to the recess 13d is made of a material having heat conductivity, in this example, stainless steel (SUS304-2B). In this example, the heat insulating material 25 is made of celluloid, polyethylene, or silicone rubber, and has a certain thermal resistance (represented by a symbol Ra). The first temperature sensor 21 and the second temperature sensor 22 are both a thermistor in this example. However, a thermocouple may be used. In addition, the material of the casing 11 and the heat insulating material 25 is not limited to the illustrated material.

  FIG. 4 shows a block configuration of a control system (mounted in the internal space 11 i of the casing 11) of the deep thermometer 10. In addition to the first temperature sensor 21, the second temperature sensor 22, and the heat insulating material 25 described above, the deep body thermometer 10 includes a control unit 30, a memory 31 as a storage unit, a communication unit 38, a buzzer 37, a battery 39.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its auxiliary circuit, and executes various processes described later. That is, the control unit 30 processes the temperature data output from the first temperature sensor 21 and the second temperature sensor 22, and stores the processed data in the memory 31 or outputs it from the communication unit 38.

  The memory 31 non-temporarily stores data of a program for controlling the depth thermometer 10, setting data for setting various functions of the depth thermometer 10, data of measurement results of the depth thermometer, and the like (described later). (See the data table in Table 1). The memory 31 is used as a work memory when the program is executed.

  The communication unit 38 is controlled by the control unit 30 to transmit predetermined information to an external device as an output unit via the network 900, and receives information from the external device as an input unit via the network 900. Then, the data is transferred to the control unit 30. In this example, communication via the network 900 is wireless communication (for example, BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication, etc.). The network 900 is typically a home LAN (Local Area Network) or a hospital LAN, but is not limited thereto, and may be the Internet.

  In this example, the buzzer 37 generates an alarm sound according to control by the control unit 30.

  The battery 39 is composed of a lithium ion battery (secondary battery) in this example, and supplies power to each part of the deep thermometer 10. In this example, the lithium ion battery can be charged by contactless power transmission (contactless charging).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the deep thermometer 10 is mounted with the lower surface 11 b of the casing 11 in contact with the body surface 90 of the person to be measured and the upper surface 11 a of the casing 11 in contact with the atmosphere 99. Under the body surface 90, there is a deep portion 92 whose temperature (depth body temperature) is to be measured via a subcutaneous tissue (mainly subcutaneous fat) 91. Here, regarding the heat flow, an equivalent circuit as shown in FIG. 6 is established in a steady state. In FIG. 6, Tb represents the deep body temperature, Tt represents the temperature of the body surface 90 (body surface temperature), Ta represents the atmospheric temperature, Rt represents the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue 91, and Ra represents the thermal resistance of the heat insulating material 25. The 1st temperature sensor 21 detects the temperature of the contact surface (lower surface of the casing 11) 11b with respect to the body surface 90 of the heat insulating material 25 as body surface temperature Tt. The second temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature of the contact surface (upper surface) 25a of the heat insulating material 25 with respect to the atmosphere 99 as the atmospheric temperature Ta. Hereinafter, for simplicity, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 21 is expressed as Tt, and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 22 is expressed as Ta.

  The deep thermometer 10 operates according to the flow shown in FIG.

  For example, a user who is a person to be measured preliminarily inserts a commercially available thermometer (apart from the deep thermometer 10) into his / her mouth to measure the deep body temperature Tb, and represents the measured deep body temperature Tb. Are transmitted from an external device (for example, a commercially available personal computer) to the deep thermometer 10 by wireless communication.

Then, in the deep thermometer 10, as shown in step S1 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 causes the communication unit 38 to function as an input unit and inputs the data as the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb.

Next, as shown in step S2 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 works as a calculation unit, and uses the input initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb.
Tb = Ta + {(Rt + Ra) / Ra} × (Tt−Ta) (Eq. 1)
(However, Tb is the deep body temperature, Tt is the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 21, Ta is the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 22, Rt is the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue 91, Ra is the thermal resistance Ra of the heat insulating material 25) (Ra is assumed to be a constant value and known.)
Equation Eq. 1, the initial value Rt ₀ of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 below the body surface 90 corresponding to the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb is calculated. Subsequently, as shown in step S3 in FIG. 7, the control unit 30, the initial value Rt ₀ of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 thus determined, and the current temperature Tt by the first temperature sensor 21 detects, first 2 using the current temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 22, the arithmetic expression Eq. 1 to obtain the current value Tb _i of the deep body temperature Tb. In addition, the calculation in steps S2 to S3 is referred to as “first calculation”. Further, “current” indicates a point in time when the control unit 30 is executing processing. That is, “current” progresses as the control unit 30 executes the process. The parameter i is incremented (increased by 1) as the process flow is repeated (turned).

Next, as shown in step S4 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 operates as a calculation unit, and feeds back the current value Tb _i of the deep body temperature Tb as a new initial value Tb ₀ ′. 1, the value Rt _i of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 corresponding to the current value Tb _i of the deep body temperature Tb is obtained. Subsequently, as shown in step S5 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 determines the value Rt _{i of the} obtained thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91, the current temperature Tt detected by the first temperature sensor 21, and the second Using the current temperature Ta detected by the temperature sensor 22, the arithmetic expression Eq. 1 is used to obtain a new current value Tb _{i + 1} of the deep body temperature Tb. Note that the calculation in steps S4 to S5 is referred to as a “second calculation”.

  Next, as shown in step S <b> 6 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 records the obtained data in a data table set in the memory 31 (see the data table in Table 1 below). Specifically, in this data table, the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91, the thermal resistance Ra of the heat insulating material 25, the temperature Tt detected by the first temperature sensor 21, the temperature Ta detected by the second temperature sensor 22, and The deep body temperature Tb obtained by the control unit 30 is stored in association with each other.

Next, as shown in step S7 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 returns to step S4 to perform the second calculation unless a new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is input (NO in step S7). (Steps S4 to S5) are repeated, and the obtained data is recorded in the data table set in the memory 31 (step S6). In this example, the processes of steps S4 to S6 are repeated every predetermined period (in this example, 1 minute). Note that the repetition cycle is not limited to the exemplified values.

  Thus, in the data table shown in Table 1 below, the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91, the thermal resistance Ra of the heat insulating material 25, the temperature Tt detected by the first temperature sensor 21, and the second temperature sensor 22 detect. The temperature Ta and the obtained deep body temperature Tb are recorded in association with each other at each time, in this example, every minute. Note that the thermal resistance Ra of the heat insulating material 25 is assumed to be a constant value in this example, and can be omitted from the data table of Table 1.

Here, on the front side (leftmost column) of Table 1, the date and time are expressed as, for example, “2016/05/19 07:00”. At the top of Table 1, the data item names “Rt”, “Rt after correction”, “Ra”, “Tt”, “Ta”, “Tb”, and “Tb after correction” are shown together with their respective units. (Note that “Rt after correction” and “Tb after correction” will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. 8 described later). In the table of Table 1, specific numerical values obtained by the flow of FIG. 7 are recorded. In the table of Table 1, parentheses (Rt ₀ ), (Tt ₀ ), (Ta ₀ ), (Tb ₀ ),..., (Rt _i ), (Tt _i ) added below specific numerical values. ), (Ta _i ), (Tb _i ),... Indicate that these numerical values are values of Rt, Tt, Ta, and Tb obtained at each time.
(Table 1) Data table

On the other hand, when a new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is input in step S7 of FIG. 7 (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8 of FIG. 7, and the control unit 30 works as a correction unit. The data recorded in the data table of Table 1 is corrected. When the data correction is completed, the process returns to step S2 in FIG. 7, and the first calculation (steps S2 to S3), the second calculation (steps S4 to S5), and the data recording (step S6) are repeated. Note that starting the first calculation (steps S2 to S3) again using the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the input deep body temperature Tb is referred to as “refresh”.

When operating in this way, the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb determined by the control unit 30 include the values Rt ₀ , Rt _i ,. Reflected. Therefore, according to the deep body thermometer 10, the deep body temperature Tb of the living body can be obtained with high accuracy. Moreover, the present values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb can be obtained repeatedly and continuously.

  In this example, the data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7) is performed as follows according to the flow in FIG.

Here, when a new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is input in step S 7 of FIG. 7, as shown in the “Tb” column in Table 1, the value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb at that time point. , Tb ₁ , Tb ₂ ,..., Tb _i ,..., Tb _n−1 , Tb _n are obtained. FIG. 11A shows a graph C1 showing temporal transition of these values of the deep body temperature Tb. Further, as shown in "Rt" column in Table 1, n number of values _Tb 0 of core temperature _{Tb, Tb 1, Tb 2,} ..., Tb i, ..., corresponding to _{Tb n-1, Tb n} , Rt ₀ , Rt ₁ , Rt ₂ ,..., Rt _i , Rt _{i + 1} ,..., Rt _n−1 , Rt _n are obtained. FIG. 11B shows a graph C2 showing the temporal transition of these values of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91. FIG.

First, as shown in step S11 of FIG. 8, the control unit 30 determines the temperature between the current value Tb _n of the deep body temperature Tb obtained by feedback and the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the input deep body temperature Tb. The difference (Tb ₀ ′ −Tb _n ) is obtained. In this example, it is assumed that Tb ₀ ′> Tb _n as shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in step S12 of FIG. 1, after obtaining the value Rt ₀ ′ of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 corresponding to the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb, it corresponds to the temperature difference (Tb ₀ ′ −Tb _n ). A thermal resistance difference (Rt ₀ ′ −Rt _n ) of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 is obtained. In this example, it is assumed that Rt ₀ ′> Rt _n as shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in step S13 of FIG. 8, the control unit 30 determines the values Rt ₁ , Rt ₂ ,..., Rt _i of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 stored for each time in the data table of Table 1. ,..., Rt _n−1 are corrected in directions to eliminate the thermal resistance difference (Rt ₀ ′ −Rt _n ). In this example,
Rt _i ″ = Rt _i + {(Rt ₀ ′ −Rt _n ) / n} × i (Eq. 2)
(Where i = 1, 2,..., N−1)
Equation Eq. 2, Rt values Rt ₁ ″, Rt ₂ ″,..., Rt _i ″,..., Rt _n−1 ″ of the corrected subcutaneous tissue 91 are obtained. As shown in FIG. 11 (C), this calculation is performed using a graph C2 showing the temporal transition of the value of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 as a result of the thermal resistance difference (Rt ₀ ′ −Rt _n ) at time n. This corresponds to shifting to the graph C2 ″ by proportional distribution.

Next, as shown in step S14 in FIG. 8, the control unit 30, the value _Tb 1 of the core body temperature Tb after correction for each time _{", Tb 2", ...,} Tb i ", ..., Tb n-1" , Rt ₁ ″, Rt ₂ ″, ..., Rt _i ″,..., Rt _n−1 ″, respectively, after the correction for each time. In this example,
Tb _i ″ = Ta _i + Rt _i ″ × (Tt _i −T _{i i} ) (Eq. 3)
(Where i = 1, 2,..., N−1)
Equation Eq. By 3, the value _Tb 1 of the core body temperature Tb after correction for each time _{", Tb 2", ...,} Tb i ", ..., Tb n-1" seek. As shown in FIG. 11D, this calculation is performed by converting a graph C1 showing the temporal transition of the value of the deep body temperature Tb according to the direction of the temperature difference (Tb ₀ ′ −Tb _n ) at time n. This corresponds to shifting to the graph C1 ″.

Thereafter, as shown in step S15 in FIG. 8, the control unit 30 records the corrected data in the data table of Table 1. Specifically, values Rt ₁ ″, Rt ₂ ″,..., Rt _i ″,..., Rt _n−1 ″ of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 after correction for each time are entered in the “Rt after correction” column. Record. In addition, in the "post-correction Tb" column, the value _Tb 1 of the core body temperature Tb after the correction of every time _{", Tb 2", ...,} Tb i ", ..., Tb n-1" to record. Since the initial values Tb ₀ and Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb input from the outside need not be corrected, the values Tb ₀ and Tb ₀ ′ are recorded as they are in the “Tb after correction” column.

In this way, the control unit 30 corrects the data recorded in the data table of Table 1. When the data correction is completed, as described above, the process returns to step S2 in FIG. 7, and the first calculation (steps S2 to S3) (refresh), the second calculation (steps S4 to S5), and the data recording ( Step S6) is repeated. Then, when a new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is input again in step S7 of FIG. 7, the data accumulated in the data table of Table 1 after the previous data correction is corrected according to the flow of FIG. .

Accordingly, the corrected values Tb ₁ ″, Tb ₂ ″,..., Tb _i ″,..., Tb _n−1 ″ of the corrected deep body temperature Tb are the current values Rt ₀ ′ (inputs) of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91. It corresponds to the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb). Therefore, according to the deep body thermometer 10, the deep body temperature Tb of the living body can be obtained with higher accuracy.

In the above example, values Rt ₀ , Rt ₁ , Rt ₂ ,..., Rt _i , Rt _{i + 1} , .., Rt _n−1 , Rt _n of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 are stored in the data table of Table 1. It was to be recorded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the item of the thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue 91 may be omitted from the data table of Table 1. In that case, when a new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is input from the outside, the temperatures Tt ₀ , Tt ₁ , Tt ₂ detected by the first temperature sensor 21 recorded in the data table of Table 1 are used. _{, ..., Tt i, Tt i} + 1, ..., Tt n-1, Tt n, and the temperature _{Ta 0,} Ta _1, Ta ₂ the second temperature sensor 22 _{detects, ..., Ta i, Ta i} + 1, ..., Ta based on _n-1, Ta _n, the value _Rt 1 thermal resistance Rt of the subcutaneous tissue _91, Rt 2, _..., Rt i, ..., determine the _{Rt n-1,} further, the thermal resistance of the corrected subcutaneous tissue 91 Rt values Rt ₁ ″, Rt ₂ ″,..., Rt _i ″,..., Rt _n−1 ″, and corrected deep body temperature Tb values Tb ₁ ″, Tb ₂ ″,…, Tb _i ″,. _n-1 ″ may be obtained.

In this way, various data relating to the deep body temperature Tb can be accumulated in the data table of Table 1. The data stored in the data table of Table 1 (in particular, corrected body temperature Tb values Tb ₁ ″, Tb ₂ ″,..., Tb _i ″,..., Tb _n−1 ″) is communicated by the control unit 30. The unit 38 can function as an output unit and can output to an external device via the network 900. Various output timings are assumed. For example, the output timing is the time when an output request is made for data related to the deep body temperature Tb from an external device. In that case, for data for which data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7) has been completed in the data table of Table 1, data in the “Tb after correction” column is output, while data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7) is performed. ) Is not completed (data obtained after the last refresh is performed), the uncorrected data in the “Tb” column is output.

  Moreover, you may output the data regarding the deep body temperature Tb with a fixed period (for example, every 10 minutes, every 30 minutes, etc.). Moreover, you may output at the timing when the deep body temperature Tb changed suddenly, and the minimum value or maximum value of the deep body temperature Tb were obtained. Further, based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 21 and the change in temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 22, it is detected that the deep thermometer 10 has been removed from the body surface 90 and output at the timing at which it is removed. May be. Thus, the timing which the deep body thermometer 10 outputs the data regarding the deep body temperature Tb can be set variously.

Further, the deep body thermometer 10 outputs data on the deep body temperature Tb (particularly, the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb) in real time without performing data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7). Good. In this case, the user (including the person to be measured) of the deep body thermometer 10 can know data regarding the deep body temperature Tb in real time.

FIG. 9A shows a process of setting an initial value Tb ₀ (or a new initial value Tb ₀ ′) of the deep body temperature Tb by the deep thermometer 10 (the same applies to this paragraph and the next two paragraphs). The flow is illustrated. In this process, as shown in step S101 of FIG. 9A, the control unit 30 works as a heat flow state determination unit, and the temperature Tt detected by the first temperature sensor 21 is the temperature Ta detected by the second temperature sensor 22. It is determined whether or not a state equal to is continued for a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute). When the state where the temperature Tt detected by the first temperature sensor 21 is equal to the temperature Ta detected by the second temperature sensor 22 continues for a certain period (YES in step S101), the heat flow from the deep part 92 of the living body to the atmosphere 99 (or It is considered that there is no heat flow from the atmosphere 99 to the deep part 92 of the living body. At that time, as shown in step S102 of FIG. 9A, the control unit 30 works as the first initial value setting unit, and the temperature Tt (or the second temperature) detected by the first temperature sensor 21 at the end of the period. The temperature Ta) detected by the sensor 22 is set as the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb. Thus, even if the user does not input the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb from the outside, and the deep body thermometer 10 does not include special hardware, the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb can be obtained with high accuracy. It is done.

FIG. 9B illustrates another flow of processing for setting the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb by the deep body thermometer 10. When this processing is performed, it is assumed that a pressure sensor, an impedance sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a photoelectric sensor (not shown) is provided on the upper surface 11a of the casing 11 of the deep thermometer 10, for example. As shown in step S201 in FIG. 9B, the control unit 30 works as a covering determination unit, and based on the output of the sensor, the deep thermometer 10 (the heat insulating material 25, the first temperature sensor 21, and the second It is determined whether or not the temperature sensor 22 is covered with the body surface 90 of the living body and a portion other than the body surface 90. When it is determined that the deep body thermometer 10 is covered with the body surface 90 of the living body and a portion other than the body surface 90 (YES in step S201), as shown in step S202 of FIG. Serves as the second initial value setting unit, and based on the time change of the temperature Tt detected by the first temperature sensor 21 (or the temperature Ta detected by the second temperature sensor 22) by a known method, the first temperature sensor The predicted arrival temperature (predicted arrival temperature) of the temperature Tt detected by 21 (or the temperature Ta detected by the second temperature sensor 22) is obtained. Then, as shown in step S203 of FIG. 9 (B), the sets of the predicted temperature reached an initial value Tb ₀ of core body temperature Tb. Thus, the user without entering the initial value Tb ₀ of core temperature Tb from the outside, the initial value Tb ₀ of deep body temperature Tb is obtained accurately. In addition, since the reached temperature is predicted, the predicted reached temperature, and thus the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb can be obtained quickly.

The user causes the deep thermometer 10 to perform the process of setting the initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb according to the flow of FIG. 9A or 9B, and sets the obtained initial value Tb ₀ of the deep body temperature Tb. It can be used in the processing flow (steps S1 and S7) in FIG. 7 at an arbitrary timing. Further, as described below, the control unit 30 starts the first calculation (steps S2 to S3 in FIG. 7) using the refresh condition, that is, the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the input deep body temperature Tb. The refresh may be performed by determining whether the power condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 10 shows a flow of refresh condition determination in the deep thermometer 10.

  First, as shown in step S401 of FIG. 10, the control unit 30 works as a refresh condition determination unit to determine whether a predetermined refresh condition is satisfied.

In this example, as a refresh condition, the current temperature Tt _i detected by the first temperature sensor 21 is larger than the current temperature T _i detected by the second temperature sensor 22 and the obtained deep body temperature Tb is (in or _{Tb i + 1.} this paragraph, hereinafter the same.) the current value Tb _i condition that is greater than, _i.e., include conditions that Tt i> Ta _i and _Tt i> Tb _i. This, from the viewpoint of heat _flow, it holds Tt i> Ta _i the relationship and _Tt i> Tb _i the relationship and is at the same time, it is considered to be abnormal. Thereby, it is correctly determined whether or not the refresh should be performed.

Next, when it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied (YES in step S401), the control unit 30 works as a refresh request notification unit, and in this example, the buzzer 37 sounds an alarm sound, that is, a refresh request, that is, Using the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the input deep body temperature Tb, the control unit 30 notifies that the first calculation (steps S2 to S3 in FIG. 7) should be started (step S402 in FIG. 10). . For example, it is assumed that an alarm sound for a refresh request is turned on and off twice in a cycle of 1 second.

The notification by this alarm sound prompts the user to enable refresh. Data Thus, the user, for example, this another temperature measuring device and deep thermometer 10 (thermometer, etc.) by _'acquires its core temperature Tb initial value Tb _0' of the initial value Tb 0 of deep body temperature Tb represents the Is input by wireless communication from an external device via the communication unit 38 (YES in step S403 in FIG. 10). As a result, refresh is performed, and the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb obtained by the control unit 30 become accurate again. In addition, the user causes the deep body thermometer 10 to perform the process of setting the initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb according to the flow of FIG. 9A or 9B, and the initial value of the obtained deep body temperature Tb. Tb ₀ ′ can be used in the processing flow shown in FIG. 7 (YES in step S403 in FIG. 10). As a result, refresh is performed, and the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb obtained by the control unit 30 become accurate again.

If the initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is not inputted after the refresh request is made, after waiting for a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes) (YES in step S404 in FIG. 10), the buzzer in this example A measurement error is notified by sounding an alarm sound again at 37 (step S405 in FIG. 10). Thereby, it can prevent that a user continues measuring in the state which the measurement precision of deep body temperature Tb is doubtful.

  It is desirable that the method of sounding an alarm sound for notification of a measurement error is different from the method of sounding an alarm sound for a refresh request. For example, when the alarm sound for refresh request is turned on and off twice in a cycle of 1 second, the alarm sound for notification of measurement error is turned on in a cycle of 2 seconds, for example. , Off shall be repeated 10 times. As a result, the user can clearly recognize that a measurement error has occurred by distinguishing it from the refresh request.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration of a system (the whole is denoted by reference numeral 300) including the above-described deep thermometer 10. This system 300 enables wireless communication between a deep thermometer 10, an electronic thermometer 100 as a temperature measurement device for actually measuring an initial value of the deep body temperature Tb, and a smartphone 200 as an information terminal via a network 900. I have.

  The electronic thermometer 100 is a commercially available one having a pen-shaped outer shape, and includes a main body 100M and a temperature sensor 121 provided so as to protrude in one direction from the main body 100M. A control unit 130, a communication unit 138, and a battery 139 are mounted on the main body 100M. The control unit 130 processes the temperature data output from the temperature sensor 121 and causes the communication unit 138 to output the processed data. The communication unit 138 is configured to be capable of wireless communication (for example, BT communication, BLE communication, etc.) via the network 900. The temperature sensor 121 is a thermistor in this example, but may be a thermocouple.

  The smartphone 200 includes a main body 200M, a control unit 210, a memory 220, an operation unit 230, a display unit 240, a communication unit 280, and a battery 290 mounted on the main body 200M. This smartphone 200 is obtained by installing application software (referred to as a “deep body temperature measurement program”) so that a commercially available smartphone can process information related to deep body temperature measurement.

  The control unit 210 includes a CPU and its auxiliary circuit, controls each unit of the smartphone 200, and executes processing according to programs and data stored in the memory 220. For example, based on an instruction input via the operation unit 230, data input from the communication unit 280 is processed, and the processed data is stored in the memory 220, displayed on the display 240, or the communication unit. Or output via H.280.

  The memory 220 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area necessary for executing the program by the control unit 210, and a ROM (Read Only) for storing a basic program to be executed by the control unit 210. Memory). Further, a semiconductor memory (memory card, SSD (Solid State Drive)) or the like may be used as a storage medium of an auxiliary storage device for assisting the storage area of the memory 220.

  In this example, the operation unit 230 includes a touch panel provided on the display unit 240. A keyboard or other hardware operation device may be included.

  In this example, the display unit 240 includes a display screen made up of an LCD (liquid crystal display element) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display unit 240 displays various images on the display screen according to control by the control unit 210.

  The communication unit 280 performs wireless communication (BT communication, BLE communication, etc.) between the deep thermometer 10 and the electronic thermometer 100 according to control by the control unit 210.

  The system 300 operates as follows as a whole. In addition, the deep thermometer 10 shall be previously mounted | worn with the to-be-measured person's body surface 90 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in step S501 in FIG. 15, first, the user operates the operation unit 230 of the smartphone 200 to start the deep body temperature measurement program. Thereby, the communication unit 280 of the smartphone 200 and the communication unit 138 of the electronic thermometer 100 perform wireless communication pairing, and the smartphone 200 and the electronic thermometer 100 can wirelessly communicate. Moreover, the communication part 280 of the smart phone 200 and the communication part 38 of the deep thermometer 10 perform wireless communication pairing, and the smart phone 200 and the deep thermometer 10 can wirelessly communicate.

  Next, as shown in step S <b> 502 of FIG. 15, the user who is the measurement subject temporarily inserts the temperature sensor 121 of the electronic thermometer 100 into his / her mouth, thereby actually measuring the deep body temperature Tb. The electronic thermometer 100 outputs data (measured data) representing the actually measured deep body temperature Tb to the smartphone 200 via the communication unit 138 by wireless communication.

  Next, as shown in step S503 of FIG. 15, the smartphone 200 receives actual measurement data representing the deep body temperature Tb from the electronic thermometer 100 through the communication unit 280 during the operation of the deep body temperature measurement program. And transfer to the depth thermometer 10.

Next, as shown in step S504 of FIG. 15, the deep thermometer 10, the control unit 30 is made to function the communication unit 38 as an input unit, inputs the data as the initial value Tb ₀ of core body temperature Tb. Therefore, data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature Tb can be easily input. Thereby, the deep body thermometer 10 repeatedly and continuously obtains the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb by the processing flow of FIG. When a new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb is input from the smartphone 200, data correction is performed according to the processing flow of FIG. 8 described above, and the corrected value Tb ₁ ″ of the deep body temperature Tb. Tb ₂ ″,..., Tb _i ″,..., Tb _n−1 ″ are obtained. Further, the above-described refresh is performed using the new initial value Tb ₀ ′ of the deep body temperature Tb, and the accuracy of the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,. Data relating to these deep body temperatures Tb are recorded and stored in the memory 31.

  Next, as shown in step S505 of FIG. 15, in this example, the user requests the deep thermometer 10 to output data related to the deep body temperature Tb through wireless communication from the deep body temperature measurement program of the smartphone 200.

  Next, as shown in step S <b> 506 in FIG. 15, the deep thermometer 10 outputs data related to the deep body temperature Tb to the smartphone 200 at the timing when the output request is made. In that case, for data for which data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7) has been completed in the data table of Table 1, data in the “Tb after correction” column is output, while data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7) is performed. ) Is not completed (data obtained after the last refresh is performed), the uncorrected data in the “Tb” column is output.

  Next, as illustrated in step S <b> 507 in FIG. 15, the smartphone 200 graphs data related to the deep body temperature Tb and displays the graph on the display 240.

  Specifically, in the smartphone 200, the control unit 210 executes a deep body temperature measurement program, works as a display processing unit, and obtains a graph of the temporal transition of the deep body temperature Tb or a statistical process. Process to graph the results. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a graph representing temporal transition of the deep body temperature Tb can be displayed on the display unit 240. Here, FIG. 13 shows the temporal transition of the deep body temperature Tb according to the time of the day. Or the graph showing the result obtained by carrying out the statistical process of the deep body temperature Tb can be displayed on the indicator 240 so that it may illustrate in FIG. Here, FIG. 14 shows the transition of the maximum value (maximum body temperature indicated by the solid line) and the minimum value (maximum body temperature indicated by the broken line) of the deep body temperature Tb for each day over the recent month. As described above, the smartphone 200 performs various displays related to the deep body temperature Tb obtained from the deep body thermometer 10 by wireless communication on the display 240. Therefore, the user can know the information regarding the deep body temperature Tb by looking at the display 240.

In the system 300 described above, the smartphone 200 requests the deep thermometer 10 to output data related to the deep body temperature Tb, and the deep thermometer 10 outputs data related to the deep body temperature Tb to the smartphone 200 at the timing when the output is requested. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The deep body thermometer 10 may output data on the deep body temperature Tb (particularly, the current values Tb _i , Tb _{i + 1} ,... Of the deep body temperature Tb) in real time without performing data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7). In that case, a user (including a person to be measured) of the system 300 can know data on the deep body temperature Tb in real time.

  In the system 300 described above, the data table of Table 1 is set in the memory 31 of the deep thermometer 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The data table shown in Table 1 may be set in the memory 220 of the smartphone 200 instead of the memory 31 of the deep thermometer 10. Further, in that case, the control unit 210 of the smartphone 200 may execute data correction (step S8 in FIG. 7) instead of the control unit 30 of the deep thermometer 10.

  Further, in the above-described system 300, the refresh request (step S402 in FIG. 10) and the measurement error notification (step S405 in FIG. 10) are replaced with or in addition to the ringing of the buzzer 37 of the depth thermometer 10 in the smartphone 200. You may perform by the display on the display 240 (or the sound of a buzzer which is not illustrated, the vibration of a vibrator which is not illustrated). For example, the refresh request is displayed on the display unit 240 of the smartphone 200 as “Please input the initial value of the deep body temperature”. Thus, the user can surely recognize that there is a refresh request. The measurement error notification is displayed as “A measurement error has occurred. Please restart the depth thermometer 10”. Thereby, the user can surely recognize that a measurement error has occurred.

In the system 300 described above, data representing the initial values Tb ₀ and Tb ₀ ′ of the actually measured deep body temperature Tb are indirectly input from the electronic thermometer 100 to the deep body thermometer 10 via the smartphone 200. It is not limited. Data representing the initial values Tb ₀ and Tb ₀ ′ of the actually measured deep body temperature Tb may be directly input from the electronic thermometer 100 to the deep body thermometer 10 by wireless communication.

  In the above-described embodiment, the communication via the network 900 is wireless communication, but is not limited to this. Communication via the network 900 may be wired communication, for example, communication using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

  The above embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The plurality of embodiments described above can be established independently, but combinations of the embodiments are also possible. In addition, various features in different embodiments can be established independently, but the features in different embodiments can be combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Deep thermometer 11 Casing 21 1st temperature sensor 22 2nd temperature sensor 25 Heat insulating material 30,130,210 Control part 31,220 Memory 37 Buzzer 38,138,280 Communication part 100 Electronic thermometer 121 Temperature sensor 200 Smart phone 240 Display 300 system

Claims (15)

A deep thermometer for non-invasively determining the deep body temperature of a living body,
A heat-insulating material having thermal resistance to be brought into contact with the body surface of the living body;
A first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a contact surface of the heat insulating material with respect to the body surface as a body surface temperature;
A second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the contact surface with respect to the atmosphere opposite to the contact surface of the heat insulating material as an atmospheric temperature;
An input unit for inputting data representing the initial value of the deep body temperature;
Using the input initial value of the deep body temperature,
Tb = Ta + {(Rt + Ra) / Ra} × (Tt−Ta)
(However, Tb represents the deep body temperature, Tt represents the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, Ta represents the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, Rt represents the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, and Ra represents the thermal resistance of the heat insulating material.)
The initial value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue below the body surface corresponding to the initial value of the deep body temperature is calculated through the following arithmetic expression, and then the initial value of the determined thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, Using the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, a first calculation for obtaining a current value of the deep body temperature by the calculation formula; and
The current value of the deep body temperature is fed back as a new initial value, and the value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue corresponding to the current value of the deep body temperature is obtained via the arithmetic expression, and then the obtained subcutaneous temperature is determined. Using the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, a new current value of the deep body temperature is calculated by the above equation using the tissue thermal resistance value, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, and the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. A deep body thermometer comprising a calculation unit that performs a second calculation to be obtained. The deep thermometer according to claim 1,
A deep body thermometer comprising an output unit that outputs data related to the deep body temperature obtained by the arithmetic unit. The deep thermometer according to claim 1 or 2,
A heat flow state determination unit that determines whether or not a state in which the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor has continued for a predetermined period;
When it is determined that the equal state has continued for a predetermined period, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor at the end of the period is used as the initial value of the deep body temperature. A deep thermometer comprising a first initial value setting unit for setting. The deep thermometer according to claim 1 or 2,
A covered determination unit that determines whether or not the three elements of the heat insulating material, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface;
When it is determined that the three elements are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface, the temperature is detected by the first temperature sensor or the time change of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. Then, a predicted initial temperature of the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is obtained, and the predicted initial temperature is set as the initial value of the deep body temperature. A deep thermometer comprising a setting unit. The deep thermometer according to claim 1 or 2,
Refresh condition determination that determines whether or not a predetermined refresh condition is satisfied, indicating that the calculation unit should start the first calculation using the input new initial value of the deep body temperature Deep thermometer characterized by having a part. In the deep thermometer according to claim 5,
When it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied, a refresh request notifying unit is provided for notifying that the calculation unit should start the first calculation by using the input new initial value of the deep body temperature. Deep thermometer characterized by that. In the depth thermometer according to claim 5 or 6,
A heat flow state determination unit that determines whether or not a state in which the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor has continued for a predetermined period;
When it is determined that the equal state has continued for a predetermined period, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor at the end of the period is used as the initial value of the deep body temperature. A first initial value setting unit to be set;
A covered determination unit that determines whether or not the three elements of the heat insulating material, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface;
When it is determined that the three elements are covered with the body surface of the living body and a portion other than the body surface, the temperature is detected by the first temperature sensor or the time change of the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. Then, a predicted initial temperature of the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is obtained, and the predicted initial temperature is set as the initial value of the deep body temperature. A setting unit,
When it is determined that the refresh condition is satisfied, the input unit inputs an initial value of the deep body temperature set by the first initial value setting unit or the second initial value setting unit. Thermometer. In the depth thermometer as described in any one of Claim 5-7,
As the refresh condition, the current temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is larger than the current temperature detected by the second temperature sensor and larger than the current value of the deep body temperature obtained by the arithmetic unit. Deep thermometer characterized by including the condition of. In the depth thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue, the thermal resistance of the heat insulating material, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the deep body temperature obtained by the calculation unit are calculated for each time. A deep thermometer comprising a storage unit that stores the data in association with each other. The deep body thermometer according to claim 9,
When the current value of the deep body temperature is determined by the feedback of the calculation unit and a new initial value of the deep body temperature is input by the input unit, the deep body temperature determined by the feedback of the calculation unit The temperature difference between the current value of the body temperature and the new initial value of the input depth body temperature is obtained, and the body temperature value stored in the storage unit at each time is eliminated. A deep thermometer comprising a correction unit that corrects each direction. The deep body thermometer according to claim 10,
The correction unit is
Via the above calculation formula, find the thermal resistance difference of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue corresponding to the temperature difference,
Correcting the value of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue stored at each time in the storage unit in a direction to eliminate the thermal resistance difference of the thermal resistance of the subcutaneous tissue,
A depth thermometer characterized in that the corrected value of the deep body temperature at each time is obtained using the value of the heat resistance of the subcutaneous tissue after the correction at each time. In the depth thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The deep body thermometer, wherein the input unit inputs data representing an initial value of the deep body temperature from outside by wireless communication. Deep thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wireless communication with the deep body thermometer, comprising an information terminal having a display,
The information terminal performs a display on the deep body temperature obtained by wireless communication from the deep body thermometer on the display. The system of claim 13, wherein
The information terminal includes a display processing unit that performs a process of graphing a temporal transition with respect to the deep body temperature or a process of graphing a result obtained by statistical processing. 15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising:
A temperature measurement device that measures the deep body temperature and outputs data representing the measured deep body temperature by wireless communication,
The input unit of the deep body thermometer inputs the data and sets the initial value of the deep body temperature.

Images