JP2022082356A - Biological signal measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a biological signal measuring device capable of accurately detecting biological signals from a head part by suppressing the biological signal measuring device to the head part from being unintentionally removed.SOLUTION: A biological signal measurement device 3 includes: a first electrode 11 acquiring a brain wave potential for measuring brain waves appearing on the upper side of an auricle from a head part; a first band 51 wound around the head part and fixing the first electrode 11 to the head part by pressing the first electrode 11 against the head part on the upper side of the auricle; and an ear hooking part 40 hooked on the auricle. The ear hooking part 40 extends to the lower side of the auricle along the shape of the auricle from the first electrode 11 when hooking the ear hooking part 40 on the auricle to be worn.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

The present disclosure relates to a biological signal measuring device worn by a user.

Conventional Patent Document 1 discloses an electrode array that measures a biopotential signal from the skin surface. The electrode array consists of a pair of ear loops configured to fit around the human patient's ear, a flexible web placed on the human patient's forehead and connected between the pair of ear loops, and the human patient's skin surface. It is configured to be placed with respect to and has multiple electrodes connected to a flexible web.

Special Table 2009-509579A

When the biological signal measuring device as a conventional electrode array is attached to the user's head, the biological signal measuring device is held on the head by hooking a pair of ear loops on the auricle. Since the holding force of the biological signal measuring device with respect to the head mainly depends on only a pair of ear loops, the biological signal measuring device may be removed from the head due to shaking of the head or the like. In addition, when the user sleeps with the biological signal measuring device attached to the head, the biological signal measuring device is removed from the head due to the movement of the head, and it becomes impossible to detect the brain waves appearing on the head. It may end up. Therefore, there is a demand for a biological signal measuring device having a higher holding force for the head than before.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a biological signal measuring device capable of accurately detecting a biological signal from the head by suppressing the unintentional removal of the biological signal measuring device from the head. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, in the biometric signal measuring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first electrode for acquiring the brain wave potential for measuring the brain wave appearing on the upper side of the auricle and the head are used. The first band is wound around the ear and pressed against the upper head of the auricle to connect the first band to the head and the first band to fix the first electrode to the auricle. The ear hook portion is provided with an ear hook portion that is hooked on the ear hook, and when the ear hook portion is hooked on the auricle and attached, the ear hook portion extends from the first electrode to the lower side of the auricle along the shape of the auricle. There is.

The biological signal measuring device according to the present disclosure can more reliably detect the biological signal from the head by suppressing the biological signal measuring device from being unintentionally removed from the head. ..

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a state on the left side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing a biological signal measuring device in line AA of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the user is wearing the biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an electrode holder, a pair of ear hooks, wiring, and a second detection unit of the biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the biological signal measuring device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing a biological signal measuring device according to another modification. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing another biological signal measuring device according to another modification. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing a biological signal measuring device according to another modification. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a state on the left side of a user wearing a biological signal measuring device according to another modification. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a biological signal measuring device according to another modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as arbitrary components.

In the following, terms indicating the relationship between elements such as orthogonality, and the form or shape of elements such as hook-shaped, annular, strip-shaped, string-shaped, C-shaped, J-shaped, disk-shaped, or circular-shaped are used. The term used means not only to express a strict meaning but also to include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about several percent.

It should be noted that each figure is a schematic view and is not necessarily exactly shown. Further, in each figure, the same reference numerals may be given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration: Biological signal measurement system 1>
The configuration of the biological signal measurement system 1 including the biological signal measurement device 3 and the biological signal measurement device 3 according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device 3 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the first detection unit 10 of the biological signal measuring device 3 is connected to the head on the right side of the user. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a state on the left side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B shows a state in which a second detection unit 20 including a second electrode 21 of the biological signal measuring device 3 is connected to the head on the left side of the user. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the biological signal measuring device 3 according to the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the head is described as including the left auricle and the right auricle.

As shown in FIG. 2, the biological signal measurement system 1 includes a biological signal measurement device 3, a second detection unit 20 that is electrically connected to the biological signal measurement device 3 via a wiring 42 or the like, and a second detection unit. The amplifier 22 corresponding to the 20th, an AD (Analog-Digital) converter 23, and an information processing apparatus 70 are provided.

The biological signal measuring device 3 is fixed to the head by being wrapped around the user's head, and is attached to the head by being hooked on the user's left auricle and right auricle. The biological signal measuring device 3 can measure the biological signal of the user by being attached to the head of the user. The biological signal includes a signal indicating a user's brain wave.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the biological signal measuring device 3 on the line AA of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the user is wearing the biological signal measuring device 3 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the biological signal measuring device 3 includes a band main body 50, an electrode holder 5, a pair of ear hooks 40, a wiring 41, and a detection circuit 30. The biological signal measuring device 3 may not selectively include the second detection unit 20 and the detection circuit 30. That is, the second detection unit 20 and the detection circuit 30 are not essential components of the biological signal measuring device 3.

The band body 50 is an elastic fastening member that can be attached to the head by being wrapped around the user's head. The band body 50 has an annular shape, a band shape, or a string shape. The length of the band main body 50 when wrapped around the head may be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the head.

The band body 50 has a first band 51 and a second band 52.

The first band 51 is wound around the head and presses the first electrode 11 against the head on the upper side of the auricle to fix the first electrode 11 to the head. The first band 51 has an annular shape, a band shape, or a string shape. The electrode holder 5 and the ear hook portion 40 are fixed to the first band 51. That is, the first band 51 is connected to the electrode holder 5 and the ear hook portion 40 so that the first electrode 11 and the ear hook portion 40 of the electrode holder 5 are not separated from the head and the pinna. The ear hook portion 40 is fixed.

As shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first band 51 holds the first elastic body 51a for pressing the first electrode 11 against the head above the pinna and the first elastic body 51a. It has one main body portion 51b.

The first elastic body 51a is an annular, band-shaped, or string-shaped elastic member that can be wound around the head, and is woven into the first main body portion 51b. The first elastic body 51a is rubber, a spring, or the like. When the band main body 50 is attached to the head of the first elastic body 51a, the first band 51 can be attached to the head by contracting the first main body portion 51b due to stress. Since the first elastic body 51a overlaps with the first detection unit 10 and is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first detection unit 10 in the first band 51, when the band body 50 is attached to the head, The first detection unit 10 can be pressed against the head above the pinna. The first elastic body 51a is shown by one broken line in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but is not limited to one. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of first elastic bodies 51a may be woven into the first main body portion 51b.

The second band 52 extends so as to connect the lower portion of the pinna in the ear hook 40 to the first band 51. The second band 52 is integrally configured with the first band 51. Therefore, the second band 52 expands and contracts so as to follow the expansion and contraction of the first band 51. In the present embodiment, when the band body 50 is attached to the head, the second band 52 is from the portion of the first band 51 corresponding to the vicinity of the frontal region (for example, temple) to the lower portion of the auricle. It extends across and is directly or indirectly connected to the underside of the auricle 40. In the present embodiment, since the first band 51 holds the ear hook portion 40 so as to cover the ear hook portion 40 except for at least the second detection portion 20, the second band 52 is the ear hook portion 40. It is connected to the lower end side. The lower part of the auricle means the part below the center of the auricle.

Since the second band 52 is connected to the lower end side of the ear hook portion 40, when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and worn, the second band 52 attaches the ear hook portion 40 to the first band 51. Can be pulled in the length direction. When the biological signal measuring device 3 is attached to the head, the second band 52 is tilted with respect to the first band 51.

As shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second band 52 is a second elastic body 52a that passes below the pinna and pulls in the length direction of the second band 52 from the lower end side of the ear hook portion 40. And a second main body portion 52b that holds the second elastic body 52a.

The second elastic body 52a is an elastic member extending from the first band 51 to the lower end side of the ear hook portion 40 and having an annular shape, a band shape, or a string shape, and is woven into the first main body portion 51b. There is. The second elastic body 52a is, for example, rubber, a spring, or the like. The second elastic body 52a can pull the ear hook portion 40 in the length direction of the second elastic body 52a by contracting the second main body portion 52b due to stress when the band main body 50 is attached to the head. can. Since the ear hook portion 40 has a shape that follows the shape of the auricle, the second electrode 21 can be pressed against the skin in the lower portion of the auricle. The second elastic body 52a is shown by one broken line in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but is not limited to one. For example, a plurality of second elastic bodies 52a may be woven into the second main body portion 52b.

The electrode holder 5 holds a removable adhesive body 90 between the upper temporal region of the pinna and the first detection unit 10. That is, when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached, the electrode holder 5 comes into contact with and adheres to the skin of the head on the ear, which is the upper side of the auricle. The head above the ear is the temporal region. The electrode holder 5 is fixed to one of the ear hooks 40 of the pair of ear hooks 40. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the case where the electrode holder 5 is fixed to the right ear hook portion 40 (one ear hook portion 40) is exemplified.

The electrode holder 5 has a housing 10a and a first detection unit 10.

The housing 10a is an accommodating body that accommodates the first detection unit 10, a part of the wiring 41, and a part of the adhesive body 90. In the present embodiment, the housing 10a has a flat, substantially disk-shaped shape. The diameter of the housing 10a is larger than the diameter (thickness) orthogonal to the length direction of the ear hook portion 40. The housing 10a may have a function of adsorbing to the skin like a suction cup.

Further, the housing 10a is an elastic body and is arranged along the shape of the skin on the temporal region of the head. The housing 10a is, for example, a resin such as a silicon resin, but it is preferable that the housing 10a does not irritate the user's skin even if it is touched for a long time.

The housing 10a is formed with a recess 10a1 for holding the adhesive body 90. Specifically, the housing 10a is formed with a recess 10a1 for attaching and detaching the adhesive body 90. The recess 10a1 can hold the adhesive body 90 in a predetermined posture when the adhesive body 90 is attached. That is, the adhesive body 90 is fitted in the recess 10a1. The opening surface of the recess 10a1 is formed on the side of the temporal region of the head facing the skin.

Further, a first detection unit 10 is provided at the bottom of the recess 10a1 of the housing 10a. Specifically, the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10 is arranged at the portion corresponding to the bottom portion of the recess 10a1 facing the opening surface, and the first electrode 11 is exposed. When the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached, the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10 has the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10 passing through the adhesive body 90 to the temporal region of the head. It is placed so as to face the skin of the head. That is, the adhesive body 90 is sandwiched between the first detection unit 10 and the skin of the temporal region of the head. The adhesive body 90 has conductivity, and the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10 can detect an electric potential from the skin of the temporal region of the head. For example, the adhesive body 90 is a gel having conductivity.

Since the adhesive body 90 is adhered to the skin of the temporal region of the head, it is preferable that the adhesive body 90 has an adhesiveness to such an extent that the user does not feel uncomfortable when the biological signal measuring device 3 is removed from the ear, and the adhesiveness is high. It is preferable not to be too strong. That is, when the biological signal measuring device 3 is removed from the ear, it is preferable that the adhesive body 90 can be appropriately peeled off from the skin. On the other hand, if the adhesiveness of the adhesive body 90 is insufficient, it becomes difficult to fix the electrode holder 5 to the skin or to make it adhere to the skin, so it is preferable to secure a certain degree of adhesiveness. In the present embodiment, the adhesive body 90 may be a sponge containing a conductive gel, a paste, a conductive rubber, and a conductive solution.

The adhesive body 90 may or may not be included in the configuration of the electrode holder 5. Further, the adhesive body 90 may or may not be included in the configuration of the biological signal measuring device 3 and the biological signal measuring system 1.

In the present embodiment, only the adhesive body 90 is fitted into the recess 10a1 of the housing 10a, but an electrode-attached adhesive body 90 in which the first electrode 11 is arranged in the adhesive body 90 may be used. In this case, by fitting the adhesive body 90 with an electrode into the concave portion 10a1 of the housing 10a, the first electrode 11 provided at the bottom of the concave portion 10a1 and the skin of the head via the adhesive body 90 are electrically connected. To.

In this embodiment, the electrode holder 5 using the adhesive body 90 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electrode holder 5 that does not use the adhesive body 90 may be used. In this case, the recess 10a1 may not be formed in the housing 10a. In such a configuration, the first electrode 11 provided on the housing 10a is in close contact with the skin of the temporal region of the head.

The first detection unit 10 is an on-ear detection unit having the first electrode 11.

The first electrode 11 acquires the electroencephalogram potential for measuring the electroencephalogram appearing on the upper side of the auricle from the head. That is, the first electrode 11 acquires the electroencephalogram potential, which is the potential of the skin on the head above the ear. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 11 is provided on the upper side of one of the left auricle and the right auricle, and is used for measuring an electroencephalogram appearing on the upper side of the one auricle. Obtain the potential from the head.

The first electrode 11 is a conductor that is the temporal region of the head and is arranged on the skin of the head above the ear when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 11 is indirectly arranged on the skin via the adhesive body 90 in order to improve the contact property with the skin. The first electrode 11 may not be arranged via the adhesive body 90 and may be in direct contact with the skin.

The first electrode 11 outputs the first signal indicated by the detected electroencephalogram potential from the communication unit 31 of the detection circuit 30 via the wiring 41.

Examples of the material of the first electrode 11 include, but are not limited to, silver and silver chloride. For example, the first electrode 11 may be another metal or metal compound, a conductive solution, or the like. Any material that is generally considered to be non-irritating to the user's skin may be used, and for example, other metals or metal compounds, conductive rubber, sponges containing a conductive solvent, or the like may be used.

The electrode holder 5 having such a configuration is integrally fixed to one of the auricles 40, and when one of the auricles 40 is caught on the auricle (the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached). When), it is placed in a position that contacts the upper temporal region of the pinna. That is, the housing 10a of the electrode holder 5 is fixed to the one ear hook portion 40 in a state of being integrated with the one ear hook portion 40, and when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached. Is placed so as to face the skin on the upper temporal region of the pinna. In the present embodiment, the electrode holder 5 has a circular shape in a plan view. One ear hook portion 40 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the electrode holder 5 so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral edge. The electrode holder 5 does not have to be integrally fixed to one ear hook portion 40, and may only be connected to one ear hook portion 40 via wiring, a string, or the like.

The pair of ear hooks 40 are held by the pinna by being hooked on the left pinna and the right pinch on a one-to-one basis. That is, the pair of ear hooks 40 are provided on the left auricle and the right auricle, respectively. The pair of ear hooks 40 extend from the first electrode 11 to the lower side of the pinna along the shape of the pinna when the ear hook 40 is hooked on the pinna.

Further, the pair of ear hooks 40 are arranged along the back side of the auricle of the auricle between the back side of the auricle and the temporal region, and are hooked on the auricle. Therefore, the pair of ear hooks 40 have a long rod shape curved along the shape of the pinna, that is, the shape of the helix. The shape of the pair of ear hooks 40 is, for example, a hook shape or an annular shape. The hook shape and the ring shape also include a C character shape and a J character shape. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the shape of the ear hook portion 40 illustrates the case of a hook shape.

The pair of ear hooks 40 are attached to the first band 51 by being connected to or connected to the first band 51. That is, the pair of ear hooks 40 are fixed to the first band 51.

One ear hook portion 40 is formed with a wiring support portion 40a which is a hole or a groove for passing the wiring 41 inside. The wiring support portion 40a of one ear hook portion 40 is formed along the length direction of one ear hook portion 40. On the other hand, the ear hook portion 40 maintains the posture of the wiring 41 and fixes the wiring 41 by arranging the wiring 41 inside the wiring support portion 40a. Therefore, one ear hook portion 40 has a tubular shape.

In the present embodiment, the wiring support portion 40a is formed on one ear hook portion 40, and the wiring support portion 40a is not formed on the other ear hook portion 40 of the pair of ear hook portions 40. .. The wiring support portion 40a may also be formed on the other ear hook portion 40. That is, the pair of ear hooks 40 may have the same structure or different structures.

The pair of ear hooks 40 have a predetermined rigidity so that a predetermined shape such as a hook shape or an annular shape is maintained. The pair of ear hooks 40 have higher rigidity than the wiring 41. The pair of ear hooks 40 are preferably made of a material that does not burden the auricle and easily changes its shape along the shape of the auricle. The pair of ear hooks 40 are made of, for example, a material having cushioning properties. Specifically, the pair of ear hooks 40 are made of a resin such as silicon or rubber.

The wiring 41 is connected to the electrode holder 5. Specifically, one end of the wiring 41 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10, and the other end is electrically connected to the detection circuit 30.

Further, the wiring 41 is arranged along the wiring support portion 40a so as to pass through the inside of one ear hook portion 40. Specifically, the wiring 41 passes from the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10 through the housing 10a to reach the wiring support portion 40a of one ear hook portion 40, and the wiring 41 reaches the wiring support portion 40a of one ear hook portion 40. It is arranged along the length direction of the wiring support portion 40a inside so as to reach the detection circuit 30.

The second detection unit 20 is provided on the ear hook portion 40 of the left auricle or the ear hook portion 40 of the right auricle, and is in contact with an arbitrary portion on the head. In the present embodiment, the second detection unit 20 is arranged so as to come into contact with the lower portion of the auricle when the ear hook portion 40 is hooked on the auricle and worn. The second detection unit 20 does not have to be arranged in the lower part of the auricle, and may be arranged in any place as long as the potential of any place in the head can be detected. In this way, the second detection unit 20 can detect the potential at any position on the head.

In the present embodiment, the second detection unit 20 is arranged at a position separated from the first detection unit 10. Specifically, the second detection unit 20 is fixed to the other ear hook portion 40. As shown in FIG. 1B, the case where the second detection unit 20 is fixed to the left ear hook portion 40 (the other ear hook portion 40) is exemplified. In the present embodiment, the second detection unit 20 is fixed to the other ear hook 40 on the opposite side of the one ear hook 40 to which the first detection unit 10 is fixed. The second detection unit 20 may be fixed to the same ear hook unit 40 together with the first detection unit 10.

The second detection unit 20 has a second electrode 21 that detects a reference potential as the potential.

The second electrode 21 is held on the head. The second electrode 21 is mounted by hooking the biological signal measuring device 3 on the auricle, and is arranged in contact with the skin, which is a lower portion of the auricle.

The second electrode 21 acquires a reference potential for measuring an electroencephalogram from the lower portion of the auricle. That is, the second electrode 21 acquires a reference potential, which is the potential of the skin of the head in the lower portion of the pinna. In the present embodiment, the second electrode 21 is provided on the lower portion of the left auricle and the right auricle on the other auricle opposite to the auricle on which the first electrode 11 is provided. The reference potential that appears in the lower part of the other pinna is obtained from the skin at any point on the head.

The second electrode 21 is not limited to being arranged in the lower portion of the auricle, similarly to the second detection unit 20. The second electrode 21 may be arranged at any location as long as the potential at any location on the head can be detected. Similarly to the second detection unit 20, the second electrode 21 is also arranged on the other ear hook portion 40 on the opposite side of the one ear hook portion 40 on which the first electrode 11 is arranged. In order to keep the second electrode 21 as far away from the first electrode 11, it is preferable that the second electrode 21 is arranged in the lower portion of the pinna. Therefore, when the user wearing the biological signal measuring device 3 is in an upright posture, the second electrode 21 is arranged vertically below the first electrode 11.

The second electrode 21 is a conductor arranged on the skin in the lower portion of the auricle when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached. The lower part of the pinna is the pinna, the temporal region, the papilla, and the like. In this embodiment, the lower portion of the pinna is between the earlobe or earlobe and the temporal region. In the present embodiment, the second electrode 21 is indirectly arranged with respect to the skin via the adhesive body in order to improve the contact with the skin. The second electrode 21 may not be arranged via the adhesive body and may be in direct contact with the skin. The adhesive body may have the same structure as the adhesive body 90 described above.

The second electrode 21 outputs the second signal indicated by the detected reference potential to the amplifier 22 via the wiring 42. The wiring 42 is electrically connected to the detection circuit 30 via the amplifier 22 and the AD converter 23. The wiring 42 may or may not be included in the configuration of the biological signal measurement system 1.

Examples of the material of the second electrode 21 include, but are not limited to, silver and silver chloride. For example, the second electrode 21 may be another metal or metal compound, a conductive solution, or the like. Any material that is generally considered to be non-irritating to the user's skin may be used, and for example, other metals or metal compounds, conductive rubber, sponges containing a conductive solvent, or the like may be used.

The amplifier 22 is electrically connected to the second electrode 21 via the wiring 42, acquires the second signal indicated by the potential detected by the second electrode 21 as an input signal, and amplifies the second signal. It is an amplifier circuit that outputs. The amplifier 22 outputs the amplified second signal to the AD converter 23.

The AD converter 23 is electrically connected to the amplifier 22, and the second signal output from the amplifier 22 and amplified based on the potential detected by the second electrode 21 is analog-digitally converted and converted into a digital second signal. It is an electronic circuit that outputs two signals. The AD converter 23 outputs the converted digital second signal to the signal processing unit 39 of the detection circuit 30.

Each of the second detection unit 20, the amplifier 22, and the AD converter 23 may be selectively included in the configuration of the information processing device 70, for example, and may be selectively included in the biological signal measuring device 3 or the biological signal measuring system. It does not have to be included in the configuration of 1, and is not limited to the present embodiment.

The detection circuit 30 acquires the first signal based on the brain wave potential measured by the first electrode 11, and acquires the second signal based on the reference potential measured by the second electrode 21, and the first signal and the second signal. The user's biological signal is acquired based on the difference between. That is, the detection circuit 30 acquires the first signal based on the brain potential of the upper temporal region of the auricle detected by the first detection unit 10 from the first detection unit 10, and the second detection unit 20 detects it. The biometric signal of the user is acquired by acquiring the second signal based on the reference potential of the lower portion of the auricle from the second detection unit 20. The detection circuit 30 transmits, for example, the measured biological signal to the information processing apparatus 70.

Specifically, the detection circuit 30 includes an amplifier 12, an AD converter 13, a signal processing unit 39, and a communication unit 31. The detection circuit 30 does not have to have the signal processing unit 39, and may be included in any of the configurations of the biological signal measurement system 1.

The amplifier 12 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 via the wiring 41, acquires the first signal indicated by the potential detected by the first electrode 11 as an input signal, and amplifies the first signal. It is an amplifier circuit that outputs. The amplifier 12 outputs the amplified first signal to the AD converter 13.

The AD converter 13 is electrically connected to the amplifier 12, and the first signal output from the amplifier 12 and amplified based on the potential detected by the first electrode 11 is analog-digitally converted and converted into a digital first signal. It is an electronic circuit that outputs a signal. The AD converter 13 outputs the converted digital first signal to the signal processing unit 39.

The signal processing unit 39 is electrically connected to the AD converter 13, the AD converter 23, and the communication unit 31. The signal processing unit 39 measured and measured the potential difference between the potential indicated by the first signal and the potential indicated by the second signal between the first signal of the first detection unit 10 and the second signal of the second detection unit 20. The potential difference is measured as a biological signal. Specifically, the signal processing unit 39 acquires the first digital signal from the amplifier 12 and the AD converter 13 corresponding to the first detection unit 10, and the amplifier 22 and the AD converter corresponding to the second detection unit 20. A second digital signal is acquired from 23, the potential difference between the two signals is measured, and the measured potential difference is measured as a biological signal. The signal processing unit 39 transmits the measured biological signal to the information processing device 70 via the communication unit 31.

The detection circuit 30 is provided, for example, at the end of the wiring 41 opposite to the end on the electrode holder 5 side. The detection circuit 30 may be provided in the electrode holder 5, the ear hook portion 40, or the band main body 50. The location of the detection circuit 30 is not limited to the embodiment of the present embodiment.

The communication unit 31 is a wired communication module or a wireless communication module that outputs a biological signal to the information processing device 70 output from the signal processing unit 39 of the detection circuit 30.

The amplifier 12, the AD converter 13, the signal processing unit 39, and the communication unit 31 may be electrically connected to a power supply unit (not shown) so as to receive electric power. Further, the amplifier 22 and the AD converter 23 may also be electrically connected to a power supply unit (not shown) so as to receive power supply. The power supply unit is connected to, for example, a battery, and supplies electric power required for each operation to the amplifier 12, the AD converter 13, and the communication unit 31 from the battery. For example, the battery is a button battery, a sheet battery, a pin battery, or the like that can be accommodated in the housing 10a or the like.

The information processing device 70 includes a calculation processing unit 71 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a presentation unit 72 that presents biometric data as a processing result to the user, and a presentation unit 72. It has a communication unit 73 capable of wired or wireless communication, and a storage unit 74 for recording biometric data.

The information processing device 70 receives the biological signal transmitted from the biological signal measuring device 3, and processes the biological signal by executing a program in which the received biological signal is stored in the RAM. The RAM may temporarily store the data generated by the processing of the CPU. The program may be stored in ROM. When the arithmetic processing unit 71 acquires the biological signal, it analyzes and processes it. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 71 extracts a biological signal having a predetermined frequency component. The predetermined frequency component is, for example, 10 Hz in the case of measurement of an electroencephalogram. When the arithmetic processing unit 71 acquires a biological signal or the like, the arithmetic processing unit 71 performs a predetermined process for executing the application. The predetermined processing is, for example, game progress in the application, recording in the health management application, data management, display, questioning in the learning application, scoring, result display, and the like. Further, the arithmetic processing unit 71 outputs the user's biological information indicated by the biological signal via the presentation unit 72 such as the display unit and the acoustic unit in order to feed back the processing result of processing the biological signal to the user. As a result, the image and sound corresponding to the biological signal are output from the presentation unit 72.

The storage unit 74 is realized by using a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and records biometric data output from the arithmetic processing unit 71.

<Action effect>
The operation and effect of the biological signal measuring device 3 and the biological signal measuring system 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

As described above, the biometric signal measuring device 3 in the present embodiment goes around the head with the first electrode 11 for acquiring the electroencephalogram potential for measuring the electroencephalogram appearing on the upper side of the ear. By being wound and pressing the first electrode 11 against the head above the ear, the first band 51 that fixes the first electrode 11 to the head and the first band 51 are connected and hooked on the ear. It is provided with an ear hook portion 40. When the ear hook portion 40 is hooked on the pinna and worn, the ear hook portion 40 extends from the first electrode 11 to the lower side of the pinna along the shape of the pinna.

According to this, when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached, when the ear hook portion 40 is hooked on the auricle, the first electrode 11 is arranged on the upper head of the auricle. Further, since the first band 51 is wound around the head, the first band 51 can press the first electrode 11 against the head on the upper side of the auricle. As a result, the first electrode 11 can acquire the electroencephalographic potential that appears on the head above the pinna.

Further, since the ear hook portion 40 extends from the first electrode 11 to the lower side of the pinna along the shape of the pinna, even if the first band 51 is pulled, it can be hooked on the pinna. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the biological signal measuring device 3 from being removed from the head due to shaking of the head or the like. In particular, even if the user sleeps with the biological signal measuring device 3 attached to the head, the ear hook portion 40 is caught in the auricle, so that the biological signal measuring device 3 is prevented from being removed from the head. be able to.

That is, since the biological signal measuring device 3 can suppress the vertical deviation with respect to the head, the first electrode 11 is brought into close contact with the skin of the head on the upper side of the auricle by the first band 51 and the ear hook portion 40. be able to. In this way, since the posture of the first electrode 11 is maintained, the first electrode 11 can be positioned on the upper head of the auricle.

Further, in some conventional biological signal measuring devices, the user's brain wave is measured by arranging the first electrode at a position corresponding to the frontal region of the user's head. However, in this case, when the user's eyes blink, the blink of the eyes may be detected as an electroencephalogram. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by arranging the first electrode 11 on the upper head of the pinna, which is a position away from the eyes, the influence of blinking of the eyes can be reduced as much as possible.

Therefore, the biological signal measuring device 3 can more reliably detect the biological signal from the head by suppressing the biological signal measuring device 3 from being unintentionally removed from the head. ..

In particular, since the wiring 41 and the first electrode 11 electrically connected to the first electrode 11 can be fixed by the first band 51, the fluctuation of the first electrode 11 and the generation of noise due to the fluctuation of the wiring 41 are generated. It can be suppressed.

Further, the biological signal measuring device 3 in the present embodiment includes a second electrode 21 that acquires a reference potential for measuring an electroencephalogram from the head.

According to this, the potential acquired by the second electrode 21 is used as a reference potential, and the potential acquired by the reference potential and the first electrode 11 is used to accurately detect the electroencephalogram as a biological signal based on the potential difference between the electroencephalogram potential and the electroencephalogram potential. Can be done.

Further, in the biological signal measuring device 3 of the present embodiment, the ear hooks 40 are provided on the left auricle and the right auricle, respectively. The second electrode 21 is provided on the ear hook 40 of the left pinna or the ear hook 40 of the right pinna. Then, the second electrode 21 comes into contact with the lower portion of the auricle when the ear hook portion 40 is hooked on the auricle and attached.

According to this, the second electrode 21 can be moved away from the first electrode 11. Therefore, since the potential difference between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 21 can be increased, the brain wave as a biological signal can be detected with high accuracy.

Further, in the biological signal measuring device 3 of the present embodiment, the ear hooks 40 are provided on the left auricle and the right auricle, respectively. Further, the first electrode 11 is provided on the upper side of one of the left auricle and the right auricle. The second electrode 21 is provided on the lower portion of the left auricle and the right auricle on the other auricle on the opposite side of the auricle on which the first electrode 11 is provided.

According to this, the second electrode 21 can be moved as far as possible from the first electrode 11. Therefore, since the potential difference between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 21 can be made larger, the brain wave as a biological signal can be detected more accurately.

Further, in the biological signal measuring device 3 according to the present embodiment, the first signal based on the brain wave potential measured by the first electrode 11 is acquired, and the second signal based on the reference potential measured by the second electrode 21 is acquired. The detection circuit 30 is provided to acquire the biometric signal of the user based on the difference between the first signal and the second signal.

According to this, the biological signal can be detected more accurately. Further, for example, if the detection circuit 30 and the first electrode 11 of the first detection unit 10 or the second electrode 21 of the second detection unit 20 are integrally arranged, the user can use the biological signal measuring device 3 in the auricle. When it is hooked and attached, the load on the user is unlikely to increase.

Further, the biological signal measuring device 3 in the present embodiment includes a second band 52 that connects the lower portion of the pinna in the ear hook portion 40 and the first band 51.

According to this, when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached, the ear hook portion 40 can be pulled in the length direction of the first band 51. Therefore, since the ear hook portion 40 can be arranged along the shape of the auricle, the second electrode 21 can be pressed against the skin in the lower portion of the auricle. That is, since the second band 52 can bring the second electrode 21 into close contact with the skin in the lower portion of the auricle, the contact impedance can be lowered as much as possible, that is, the contact impedance can be secured. As a result, the posture of the second electrode 21 is maintained, so that the second electrode 21 can be positioned at the lower portion of the auricle.

Further, when the biological signal measuring device 3 in the present embodiment is attached to the head, the second band 52 is tilted with respect to the first band 51.

According to this, when the biological signal measuring device 3 is hooked on the auricle and attached, the second band 52 diagonally upwards the ear hook portion 40 in the length direction of the second band 52, that is, with respect to the first band 51. Can be pulled in the direction. Since the ear hook portion 40 can be arranged along the shape of the auricle so as to be pressed against the auricle, the second electrode 21 can be more reliably pressed against the skin in the lower portion of the auricle. .. That is, the second band 52 can more reliably adhere the second electrode 21 to the skin in the lower portion of the auricle. As a result, the posture of the second electrode 21 is maintained, so that the second electrode 21 can be positioned at the lower portion of the auricle.

(Embodiment 2)
<Structure>
The biological signal measurement system 1a according to the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the biological signal measurement system 1a differs from the embodiment in that it includes a pulse wave detection unit 80, a sensor unit, an amplifier 82, and an AD converter 83. The configuration of the biological signal measuring device 3a of the biological signal measuring system 1a of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the biological signal measuring device of the biological signal measuring system of the embodiment, and the same configuration is designated by the same reference numeral. A detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device 3a according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the biological signal measuring device 3a according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pulse wave detection unit 80 measures the pulse wave by being pressed against the head by the first band 51. Specifically, the pulse wave detection unit 80 is arranged in the portion of the first band 51 corresponding to the frontal region of the head, and is arranged inside the first band 51 wrapped around the head to form the head. It is fixed to the part and is in direct contact with the head. As a result, the pulse wave detection unit 80 can detect the pulse wave as a biological signal by measuring the blood flow rate of the user by the sensor unit. In the present embodiment, the pulse wave detection unit 80 can be held by the first band 51 even when the first band 51 is not wrapped around the head. For example, the pulse wave detection unit 80 is attached to the first band 51 by being inserted into a pocket formed in the first band 51. The biological signal in the present embodiment further includes a signal indicating a pulse wave.

The pulse wave detection unit 80 has a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes a light source 81a that emits light of a predetermined wavelength toward the skin of the user, and a photodetector 81b that can detect light of this wavelength. The light source 81a emits infrared light, red light, or green light, for which the degree of reflection or absorption in the living body is used as light having a wavelength suitable for measuring changes in blood flow, for example, an LED (Light-emitting Diode). Is realized using. The photodetector 81b is realized by using a photodiode or a phototransistor that receives light of the type emitted by the light source 81a and outputs an electric signal according to the intensity of the received light. The photodetector 81b photoelectrically converts the received light and outputs an electric signal according to the intensity of the light. This electrical signal indicates a fluctuation in the blood flow of the user or a heartbeat, and is also referred to as a blood flow signal below. The output blood flow signal is amplified by the amplifier 82 electrically connected to the pulse wave detection unit 80, and is input to the AD converter 83 electrically connected to the amplifier 82. The AD converter 83 is an electronic circuit that converts an electric signal output from the amplifier 82 into analog-digital and outputs it. The electric signal output from the AD converter 83 is input to the signal processing unit 39 of the detection circuit 30. The signal processing unit 39 generates a biological signal indicating a pulse wave based on the measured blood flow volume by performing predetermined signal processing, and the generated biological signal is transmitted to the information processing device 70 via the communication unit 31. Output.

Although not shown, the pulse wave detection unit 80 may include an amplifier 82 and an AD converter 83 in addition to the sensor unit. Further, the detection circuit 30 may further include an amplifier 82 and an AD converter 83.

The light source 81a and the photodetector 81b of the pulse wave detection unit 80 are exposed to the head so that light can pass through. The light source 81a is arranged so as to emit light toward the skin of the head. The photodetector 81b is arranged so that the light source 81a emits light and receives the light reflected in the head. The photodetector 81b outputs an electric signal according to the intensity of the received light. Since the intensity of light reflected in the head changes depending on the blood flow volume in the blood vessels that changes over time according to the pulsation of the user's heart, the biometric signal measuring device 3a has this light intensity. The changes are used, for example, to measure the user's heart rate. That is, the pulse wave detection unit 80 of the present embodiment functions as a so-called reflection type pulse wave meter. In the biological signal measuring device 3a, the pulse wave detection unit 80 and the second electrode 21 are integrally held, so that the size can be made compact.

The arrangement of the light source 81a and the photodetector 81b of the pulse wave detection unit 80 and the second electrode 21 is not limited to the above example. The pulse wave detection unit 80 may be a transmission type. Further, the pulse wave detection unit 80 may be arranged at a predetermined position on the head other than the frontal region on the head.

<Action effect>
The operation and effect of the biological signal measuring device 3a according to the embodiment will be described.

As described above, the biological signal measuring device 3a according to the present embodiment includes a pulse wave detecting unit 80 that measures a pulse wave by being pressed against the head by the first band 51.

According to this, it becomes possible to measure a plurality of types of biological signals for the user.

Also in this embodiment, the same action and effect as described above are obtained.

(Other deformation examples, etc.)
Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the first and second embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the first and second embodiments.

For example, in the biological signal measuring device 3b according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of insertion holes 53 for exposing the left and right auricles on the head to the outside are formed in the band main body 50. It may have been done. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device 3b according to another modification. Each of the pair of insertion holes 53 may be formed by being surrounded by the first band 51 and the second band 52. Further, the biological signal measuring device 3b in the present embodiment includes a band main body 50 having a first band 51 and a second band 52, and the first band 51 and the second band 52 are integrally configured. The band body 50 is formed with a pair of insertion holes 53 for exposing the left and right auricles on the head to the outside. According to this, since the left auricle and the right auricle can be inserted into each of the pair of insertion holes 53 and exposed to the outside, the band body 50 is also caught by the auricle. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the biological signal measuring device 3b from being removed from the head.

Further, in the biological signal measuring device 3c according to the first and second embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the band main body 50 does not have to have the second band. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing another biological signal measuring device 3c according to another modification. Even in this case, since the first band 51 is wound around the head, the first band 51 can press the first electrode 11 against the upper head of the pinna and the ear hook portion 40. Can get caught in the pinna. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the biological signal measuring device 3c from being removed from the head.

Further, in the biological signal measuring apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10, the detection circuit 30d is attached to the first band 51. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state on the right side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device 3d according to another modification. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a state on the left side of a user wearing the biological signal measuring device 3d according to another modification. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a biological signal measuring device 3d according to another modification. In the case of the first embodiment, the detection circuit 30d may be arranged at a position corresponding to the frontal region of the head. In the case of the second embodiment, the detection circuit 30d may be attached to the first band 51 together with the pulse wave detection unit 80 of FIG. 5 and may be arranged at a position corresponding to the frontal region of the head. In these cases, the biological signal measuring device 3d may include a band main body 50, an electrode holder 5, a pair of ear hooks 40, a wiring 41, a detection circuit 30d, and a second detection unit 20. .. The detection circuit 30d may include an amplifier 12, an AD converter 13, an amplifier 22, an AD converter 23, a signal processing unit 39, and a communication unit 31. Further, the wiring 41 reaches the first electrode 11 from the detection circuit 30d via the first band 51 and the ear hook portion 40, and the wiring 42 reaches the first electrode 11 from the detection circuit 30d via the first band 51 and the ear hook portion 40. It may reach 2 electrodes 21. In such a biological signal measuring device 3d according to the present embodiment, the detection circuit 30d may be attached to the first band 51. According to this, since the detection circuit 30d can be arranged and attached in the vacant space of the first band 51, a plurality of components in the biological signal measuring device 3d can be put together into one. In particular, by providing the pulse wave detection unit 80 together with the detection circuit 30d, it is possible to combine a plurality of components of the biological signal measuring device 3d into one.

Further, in the biological signal measuring device according to the first and second embodiments, the second detection unit 20 may be integrally fixed to the ear hook unit 40. According to this, since the second detection unit 20 and the ear hook portion 40 are integrated, when the ear hook portion 40 is hooked on the pinna, the first detection unit 10 is arranged on the upper side of the pinna at that time. Moreover, the second detection unit 20 can be arranged in the earlobe below the pinna. Therefore, it can be easily attached to the user's auricle.

Further, in the biological signal measuring device according to the first and second embodiments, the second detection unit 20 may be provided so as to be separable from the ear hook unit 40. According to this, since the second detection unit 20 can be separated from the ear hook portion 40, the second detection unit 20 can be freely arranged with respect to the ear hook portion 40.

Further, in the biological signal measuring apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, the detection circuit 30 may be arranged in one of the ear hooks 40 of the pair of ear hooks 40, and the housing of the electrode holder 5 may be arranged. It may be contained in the body. Further, the first detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 20 may be provided so as to be separable from the ear hook unit 40. Separability means that it is mechanically connected to the ear hook portion 40 and is electrically connected to the wirings 41 and 42, so that the first detection unit 10 and the first detection unit 10 and the first are electrically connected. 2 The detection unit 20 may be held by the ear hook portion 40 so that the position with respect to the ear hook portion 40 can be relatively displaced. In these cases, the information processing device 70 and the biological signal measuring device may be connected so as to be capable of wireless communication. Therefore, wiring between the biological signal measuring device and the information processing device 70 becomes unnecessary.

Further, each configuration included in the biological signal measuring device or the like according to the first and second embodiments is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip so as to include a part or all of them.

Further, the integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

In the first and second embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

In addition, the numbers used above are all exemplified for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplified numbers.

In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks can be realized as one functional block, one functional block can be divided into multiple, and some functions can be transferred to other functional blocks. You may. Further, the functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed by a single hardware or software in parallel or in a time division manner.

Further, the order in which each step in the flowchart is executed is for exemplifying the present disclosure in detail, and may be an order other than the above. Further, a part of the above steps may be executed simultaneously with other steps (parallel).

In addition, a form obtained by applying each kind of modification that a person skilled in the art can think of to the first and second embodiments, and the components and functions of the first and second embodiments are arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiment realized by this is also included in the present disclosure.

3, 3b, 3c, 3d Biological signal measuring device 11 1st electrode 21 2nd electrode 30, 30d Detection circuit 40 Ear hook 50 Band body 51 1st band 52 2nd band 53 Insertion hole 80 Pulse wave detector

Claims (10)

The first electrode that acquires the electroencephalogram potential for measuring the electroencephalogram appearing on the upper side of the auricle from the head, and
A first band that is wound around the head and presses the first electrode against the upper head of the pinna to fix the first electrode to the head.
It is provided with an ear hook that is connected to the first band and is hooked on the pinna.
The ear hook is a biological signal measuring device that extends from the first electrode to the lower side of the pinna along the shape of the pinna when the ear hook is hooked on the pinna. The biological signal measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a second electrode that acquires a reference potential for measuring an electroencephalogram from the head. The ear hooks are provided on the left auricle and the right auricle, respectively.
The second electrode is
It is provided on the auricle of the left auricle or the auricle of the right auricle.
The biological signal measuring device according to claim 2, wherein when the ear hook portion is hooked on the pinna and attached, the biological signal measuring device comes into contact with the lower portion of the pinna. The first electrode is provided on the upper side of one of the left auricle and the right auricle.
The third aspect of claim 3, wherein the second electrode is provided on the lower portion of the left auricle and the right auricle on the other auricle on the opposite side of the auricle on which the first electrode is provided. Biometric signal measuring device. The first signal based on the brain wave potential measured by the first electrode is acquired, and the second signal based on the reference potential measured by the second electrode is acquired, and the difference between the first signal and the second signal. The biological signal measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a detection circuit for acquiring a user's biological signal based on the above. The biological signal measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the detection circuit is attached to the first band. The biological signal measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second band connecting the lower portion of the pinna in the ear hook portion and the first band. The biological signal measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the second band is tilted with respect to the first band when the biological signal measuring device is attached to the head. It has a band body having the first band and the second band, and the first band and the second band are integrally formed.
The biological signal measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the band body is formed with a pair of insertion holes for exposing the left and right auricles on the head to the outside. The biological signal measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a pulse wave detecting unit that measures a pulse wave by being pressed against the head by the first band.

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