JP2022088956A - Respiration sound measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a respiration sound measuring device that is brought into a measurement state automatically when worn on the neck of a subject.SOLUTION: A respiration sound measuring device 1 includes: a proximity sensor 53 for detecting that the respiration sound measuring device 1 is mounted on the neck Pn of a subject; a respiration sound acquisition unit that comes in contact with the skin of the front neck Pf of the subject P when the respiration sound measuring device 1 is mounted on the neck Pn of the subject, for acquiring a respiration sound; and a control unit 57. The control unit 57 starts measuring the acquired sound as a respiration sound when the acquired sound from the respiration sound acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined respiration determination criterion after it is detected that the respiration sound measuring device 1 is mounted on the neck Pn of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a neckband type respiratory sound measuring device for measuring a sleep state of a subject.

Sleeping snoring may cause inconvenience to people around you, or may cause apnea from the snoring, resulting in obstructive apnea syndrome. Therefore, a respiratory sound measuring device for measuring the sleep state of a subject is desired.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a microphone is attached around the neck of each patient to record the sound received by the microphone during the sleep of the patient. Patent Document 2 discloses a neckband type sleep state measuring device for grasping a state of a user during sleep.

JP-A-2007-202939 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-201946

By the way, for example, when measuring the respiration during sleep with a breath sound measuring device, it is common to measure by turning the power switch "on" before going to bed and turning the switch "off" when waking up. However, it is possible that you forget to turn the switch "on" before going to bed, or you intend to turn the switch "on" but it is not "on" and you cannot measure breathing at bedtime. In particular, since the neckband type sleep state measuring device is attached to the neck (neck) of the subject, there is a problem that the on state of the switch cannot be visually confirmed after the device is attached to the neck.

Further, the breath sound measuring device is required to be small and lightweight from the viewpoint of alleviating the discomfort when the subject is worn, and it is preferable that the battery that can be mounted is small. On the other hand, it is desired that it can be used for a long time with one charge. Then, when the breath sound measuring device is not used, it is desired to shift from the measurement state to the low power consumption mode such as the sleep state as soon as possible. However, in the case of a configuration provided with a power switch (for example, a slide type or a push type), there is a risk of forgetting to turn the switch "off" when waking up.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and when the subject is worn on the neck, the measurement state is automatically set, and the measurement can be performed even though the subject is not worn on the neck. It is an object of the present invention to provide a breath sound measuring device that does not exist.

In one aspect of the present invention, the breathing sound measuring device is attached to the neck of the subject for a neckband type respiratory sound measuring device worn along the outer periphery of the neck of the subject (neck of the subject). A wearing state detection sensor that detects this, a breathing sound acquisition unit that abuts on the skin of the subject's anterior neck when the breathing sound measuring device is attached to the subject's neck, and a breathing sound acquisition unit that acquires the breathing sound, and the breathing. After it is detected that the sound measuring device is attached to the neck of the subject, when the acquired sound from the breathing sound acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined breathing criterion, the measurement of the acquired sound as the breathing sound is started. It is equipped with a control unit.

According to this aspect, when the respiratory sound measuring device is attached to the subject's neck and it is determined that the respiratory sound is acquired, the respiratory sound measurement is automatically started, so that the subject is in the measurement state. It is possible to prevent the situation where the person forgets to turn on the switch and cannot measure the breath sounds, and the breath sounds can be measured while sleeping. Furthermore, after it is detected that it is worn, the measurement of the breath sound is started after the sound acquired from the breath sound acquisition unit meets the predetermined breath sound judgment criteria, so that it is worn around the neck. I don't make any measurements even though I don't have one.

In the breath sound measuring device of the above aspect, the control unit has detected that the breath sound measuring device is not attached to the subject's neck when the breath sound acquisition unit is operating in the measurement mode. In this case, the breath sound acquisition unit may be set to the standby mode.

This can reduce unnecessary power consumption and prevent unnecessary measurement such as continuing to measure the sound acquired by the microphone even when the breath sound measuring device is not attached to the subject's neck. can.

According to the breath sound measuring device of the present invention, when the subject is worn on the neck of the subject, the measurement state is automatically set, so that the convenience of the subject can be enhanced. Furthermore, after it is detected that it is worn, the measurement of the breath sound is started after the sound acquired from the breath sound acquisition unit meets the predetermined breath sound judgment criteria, so that it is worn around the neck. I don't make any measurements even though I don't have one.

Schematic diagram showing the wearing state of the breath sound measuring device Perspective view of the breath sound measuring device from diagonally above right The figure which shows the wearing state of the breath sound measuring device Block diagram showing a configuration example of a breath sound measuring device Flow chart showing the breath sound measurement operation by the breath sound measuring device Flow chart showing the breath sound measurement operation by the breath sound measuring device The figure for demonstrating an example of the breathing judgment of a breath sound measuring device. The figure for demonstrating another example of the breath sound determination of a breath sound measuring device. Flow chart showing the breath sound measurement operation by the breath sound measuring device A flowchart showing the manual power on / off process of the breath sound measuring device. Flow chart showing the operation of the breath sound measuring device by operating the power button

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention, its applications or its uses.

<Structure of breath sound measuring device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is attached to the subject's cervical Pn (hereinafter, simply referred to as cervical Pn) by the subject P before going to bed, and the airflow sound of inspiration and exhalation during sleep (hereinafter, simply referred to as cervical Pn). , Simply called breath sounds).

In the following description, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are defined with reference to the wearing state of the respiratory sound measuring device 1 of the subject P. Further, the front (chest) side of the subject P is defined as the front side, and the back side is defined as the back side. Further, the "subject side" is defined based on the wearing state of the breath sound measuring device 1, and the subject side is defined as "inside" and the opposite side is defined as "outside" when explaining the neckband 30 and the measuring unit 40. May be explained. Further, the surface of the respiratory sound measuring device 1 on the Pn side of the subject's neck is referred to as "inner surface 11 of the respiratory sound measuring device 1". That is, the "inner surface 11 of the breath sound measuring device 1" is a concept including the inner surface 411 of the accommodation case 41 described later in addition to the inner surface of the neckband 30.

The breath sound measuring device 1 is a neckband type device, and is configured so that the subject can wear it with one hand along the circumferential direction of the neck. Specifically, the respiratory sound measuring device 1 has a configuration in which a neckband 30 and a measuring unit 40 for measuring breath sounds are connected by a hinge portion 60 having a well-known structure.

The breath sound measuring device 1 is configured such that the opening angle θ between the open ends in the deployed state exceeds 90 when viewed from the center thereof. In other words, the outer shape of the respiratory sound measuring device 1 in the deployed state (see FIG. 3) is configured to be less than 270 degrees with respect to the virtual circle extending in the circumferential direction along the outer shape. In FIG. 3, AX indicates a rotation axis.

Here, the expanded position is a position where the measuring unit 40 is opened to the maximum outward, and at the expanded position, the inner surface 11 of the respiratory sound measuring device 1 becomes substantially flat, and the respiratory sound measuring device 1 becomes substantially flat. It becomes an arc shape as a whole.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the breath sound measuring device 1 is in a bent position. The bent position is a position where the measuring unit 40 is bent inward with respect to the neckband 30. The movable range between the unfolded position and the bent position is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 40 degrees. If there is a rotation range of about 40 degrees, it is possible to handle a wide range of body shapes of the subject P.

Further, the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with an external terminal device 80 (see FIG. 1). The method of two-way communication is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be directly connected by a short-range radio compliant with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be connected via a network such as an Internet line. ..

The neckband 30 is formed in an arc shape (for example, a substantially C shape) along the subject's neck Pn, for example. The neckband 30 is worn by (1) subject P spreading both open ends of the breath sound measuring device 1 to both sides with both hands, or pressing with one hand from the back side of the neck Pn toward the neck Pn. (2) Elasticity for sandwiching the neck Pn from the outside in the circumferential direction so that at least a part of the inner surface 11 of the breath sound measuring device 1 is in close contact with the neck Pn when the subject P releases the hand. It is preferable that it has a force and (3) a strength that can withstand continuous use. As long as the above conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied, the specific structure and constituent material of the neckband 30 are not particularly limited. For example, as the neckband 30, an elastic structure in which a leaf spring is surrounded by an elastomer resin can be adopted, or an elastic polypropylene resin can be adopted.

FIG. 4 shows a block configuration diagram of the measuring unit 40. The measuring unit 40 has a storage case 41 in which a storage space is formed inside. In the accommodation space of the accommodation case 41, a substrate (not shown) on which electronic components such as an acceleration sensor 51, a microphone 52, a proximity sensor 53, a vibrator 50, a monitor lamp 55, a communication module 56, and a microprocessor are mounted, and electronic components are provided. A battery 59 that supplies power to the battery 59 is housed in the battery 59. The microprocessor has, for example, a CPU, a memory, and the like. The memory stores a program executed by the CPU and stores breath sound data acquired by the microphone 52. The CPU controls the operation of the breath sound measuring device 1 based on, for example, a program stored in the memory. The CPU is an example of the control unit 57 that controls the overall operation of the breath sound measuring device 1. The memory is an example of the storage unit 58 for storing the breath sounds data acquired by the microphone 52.

The measuring unit 40 is provided with a contact portion 70 projecting from the inner surface 411 of the accommodation case 41 toward the subject side. A sound guide 71 for introducing the breath sounds of the subject P is formed at the tip of the contact portion 70, and a ring-shaped contact surface 72 is formed so as to surround the sound guide. The contact surface 72 comes into contact with the neck Pn of the subject P when the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is attached. The sound guide port 71 has a tapered shape whose inner diameter gradually narrows toward the microphone 52 (not shown in FIG. 2) built in the measuring unit 40. The contact portion 70 may be freely supported by the measuring unit 40 and may be urged in the protruding direction by an elastic member 78 such as a spring attached to the measuring unit 40. The respiratory sound acquisition unit is for contacting the skin of the anterior neck Pf of the subject P to acquire the respiratory sound when the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is attached to the subject P, for example, the contact. It is composed of a unit 70 and a microphone 52.

A rectangular opening 42 is formed on the inner surface 411 of the storage case 41 in the circumferential direction and at substantially the center of the upper and lower sides. When the proximity sensor 53 is a photo sensor, the opening 42 is used as a measurement window for passing the measurement light of the photo sensor. The proximity sensor 53 irradiates the measurement light toward the inside of the breath sound measurement device 1, and detects that the breath sound measurement device 1 is attached to the subject's neck Pn based on the reflected light. The proximity sensor 53 is an example of a mounting state detection sensor. The mounting state detection sensor is not limited to the proximity sensor 53. For example, as the wearing state detection sensor, various contact sensors that detect contact with the skin of the subject may be used, or a temperature sensor that measures the body temperature of the subject's neck Pn may be used. Further, as the wearing state detection sensor, a sensor (for example, a strain sensor or the like) that detects the degree of expansion of the neckband or the hinge portion 60 may be provided.

A push button type power button 54 and a monitor lamp 55 are provided on the side surface (upper surface) of the storage case 41. The subject can turn on / off the power of the breath sound measuring device 1 by pressing the power button 54. The monitor lamp 55 displays the power on / off state, communication state, charging state, etc. of the breath sound measuring device 1. Further, although not shown, a connector for communicating with an external device and charging the battery may be provided on the side surface of the housing case 41.

The acceleration sensor 51 is for detecting the body position / movement of the subject, and a well-known structure can be adopted. The body position / movement of the subject detected by the acceleration sensor 51 may be transmitted to the terminal device 80 and displayed on the display screen 81 (see FIG. 4) with the breath sounds data aligned with the time axis. By doing so, the subject can be informed of the position / movement during the snoring or apnea state.

The vibrator 50 vibrates under the control of the control unit 57. The specific operation will be described later. For example, when the subject P is in an apneic state or when the subject P is snoring loudly, vibration is transmitted to the subject's neck Pn to change the posture. Although not shown, the vibrator 50 is attached so as to be in close contact with the storage case 41 from the viewpoint of facilitating transmission of vibration to the subject's neck Pn.

The communication module 56 is a well-known wireless / wired module, and is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the communication module 82 (see FIG. 4) of the terminal device 80.

<Measurement of breath sounds>
The respiratory sound measuring device 1 of the present embodiment does not perform unnecessary measurement when it is not attached to the neck Pn of the subject P, and automatically enters the measurement state when it is attached to the neck of the subject. It is configured as follows. That is, after confirming that the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is attached to the neck Pn of the subject P and that the respiratory sound can be acquired, the actual breath sound measurement is started. ing.

-Judgment operation of wearing state-
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a determination operation of the wearing state of the breath sound measuring device 1 performed before the breath sound measuring device 1 measures the breath sound.

In step S1, when the power button 54 is pressed and held while the power of the breath sound measuring device 1 is off, the breath sound measuring device 1 is activated and the standby mode is set so that the breath sound acquisition operation is not performed (step S2). In the standby mode, for example, the proximity sensor 53 is turned on so that the wearing state can be detected, while the configuration related to the acquisition of respiratory sound data such as the microphone 52 is turned off.

In the next step S3, the proximity sensor 53 confirms whether or not the breath sound measuring device 1 is attached in a predetermined first cycle (for example, a cycle of 20 seconds). Then, when it is detected that the breath sound measuring device 1 is attached to the neck Pn of the subject P (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to the next step S4.

In step S4, the proximity sensor 53 confirms whether or not the breath sound measuring device 1 is continuously attached in a predetermined second cycle (for example, 50 ms cycle) shorter than the first cycle. Then, when it is detected in step S4 that the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is detached from the neck Pn of the subject P (NO in step S41), the process returns to step S3.

In this step S4, the configuration (for example, the microphone 52) required to acquire the breath sounds of the subject P is turned on and controlled, and the “respiratory sounds” for acquiring the breath sounds for a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) via the microphone 52 are “breath sounds”. Acquisition process ”is executed (step S42).

When the "respiratory sound acquisition process" in step S4 is completed (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to the "respiratory determination process" in step S6. FIG. 6 shows an example of the “breathing determination process”.

In steps S61 and S62 of FIG. 6, the control unit 57 serves as a breath sound determination unit for determining whether or not the “determination value condition” for determining whether the acquired sound acquired in step S4 is a breath sound is satisfied. Function. The "judgment value condition" can be arbitrarily set and is not particularly limited, but for example, it is determined whether or not the period in which the acquired sound acquired by the microphone 52 exceeds a predetermined threshold is a predetermined cycle. do.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the temporal change of the acquired sound acquired in step S4. The "judgment value condition" is, for example, (1) the number of times that the predetermined threshold value (100 in FIG. 7) is exceeded and the number of times that the value is lower than the predetermined number of times (for example, about 3 times each), and is set as an "error range". (2) The time widths of the times t11 to t13 exceeding the threshold value are within the predetermined error range, and (3) the time widths of the times t21 to t23 below the predetermined threshold value are each within the predetermined error range. Three conditions are set. In the control unit 57, for example, when all the above conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied, or when (1) and (2) or (1) and (3) are satisfied, the microphone 52 acquires the sound. It is determined that the acquired sound is a breath sound (step S63). Then, a YES determination is made in the next step S7, and the respiratory sound measuring device 1 starts measuring the respiratory sound (step S8). When the measurement of the respiratory sound is started, the vibrator 50 may be vibrated to notify the subject P that the measurement of the respiratory sound has been started.

On the other hand, when the above condition (1) is not satisfied (NO in step S61) or when the predetermined error range does not fall within the predetermined error range with respect to the above conditions (2) to (3) (NO in step S62). It is determined that the acquired sound acquired by the microphone 52 is not a breath sound (step S64). Then, in the next step S7, a NO determination is made, and in step S4, an additional "respiratory sound acquisition process" is executed.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which a NO determination is made in step S7 and the second “respiratory sound acquisition process” is executed. In this case, for example, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 8, in the “respiratory determination process” of step S6, the microphone 52 uses the acquired sound acquired in the first history and the second “respiratory sound acquisition process”. It is determined whether or not the acquired sound acquired in is a breath sound. In this way, by using the history of the previous measurement or using the measurement data of two times, it becomes easy to determine whether or not the sound is a breath sound.

-Respiratory sound measurement operation-
FIG. 9 shows an example of the measurement operation of the respiratory sound in step S8 of FIG.

When the measurement of the respiratory sound is started in step S8, the control unit 57 performs the measurement process of the respiratory sound acquired by the microphone 52 (step S81). This breath sound measurement process is continuously executed until the measurement is completed.

In parallel with the measurement of the respiratory sound, the control unit 57 detects the position of the subject P based on the acceleration data obtained from the acceleration sensor 51 at predetermined time intervals (step S82). Further, the control unit 57 determines the presence or absence of snoring based on the volume of the voice data (respiratory sound) acquired by the microphone 52 at predetermined time intervals in parallel with the measurement of the breath sound, and also during sleep. The presence or absence of apnea is determined (steps S83, S84).

FIG. 10 shows an example of the result of measuring the breath sounds of the subject using the breath sounds measuring device 1. The upper part of FIG. 10 shows the measured waveform of the voice data acquired from the microphone 52. In the measurement waveform of FIG. 10, the horizontal axis is the measurement time and the vertical axis is the volume of the breath sound. Further, the lower part of FIG. 10 shows the result of determining the sleep state in the respiratory sound measuring device 1 based on the volume of the respiratory sound.

The control unit 57 determines that snoring occurs, for example, when the volume of the breath sounds acquired from the microphone 52 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value Vt1. Further, the control unit 57 determines that the person is apnea when the volume of the breath sounds acquired from the microphone 52 is less than the second threshold value Vt2, and the space between the first threshold value Vt1 and the second threshold value Vt2 is normal. It is determined that the person is in a sleeping state (good sleep).

In the next step S85, the control unit 57 determines the vibration of the vibrator 50. For example, the control unit 57 proceeds to step S86 and vibrates the vibrator 50 when the conditions are met based on the vibration mode sent from the terminal device 80 and the determination result of snoring and apnea. For example, when the vibration mode is set to vibrate at the time of snoring determination, the control unit 57 vibrates the vibrator when it is determined that there is snoring.

Then, the control unit 57 saves the determination results of the body position, snoring, and apnea and the measurement data of each sensor at predetermined time intervals (step S87). The storage destination is not particularly limited, but is stored in, for example, a storage unit 58 built in the respiratory sound measuring device 1. Further, data is transmitted to the terminal device 80 or the like via the communication module 56 at predetermined time intervals and stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the terminal device 80, or the measurement result is displayed on the display screen 81 of the terminal device 80. It may be displayed in.

Then, when a predetermined measurement time elapses or it is detected that the breath sound measurement device 1 is detached from the neck Pn of the subject P, a YES determination is made in step S88, and the control unit 57 determines the breath sound measurement device. Turn off the power of 1 and end the process. Further, when the breath sound measuring device 1 comes off the subject's neck or the power button 54 is pressed and held during the measurement of the breath sound, the determination result up to that point and the measurement data by each sensor are stored in the storage unit 58. The power of the breath sound measuring device 1 is turned off, and the process is completed.

As described above, in the breathing sound measuring device 1 of the present embodiment, the proximity sensor 53 for detecting that the breathing sound measuring device 1 is attached to the subject's neck Pn, and the breathing sound measuring device 1 are the subject's neck Pn. The subject P is provided with a contact portion 70 that comes into contact with the skin of the anterior neck Pf of the subject P, a microphone 52 that acquires a breathing sound, and a control unit 57. When it is detected that the breath sound measuring device 1 is attached to the subject's neck Pn, the control unit 57 performs a normal operation of acquiring the breath sound from the standby mode in which the microphone 52 does not acquire the breath sound. Activate to mode. When the acquired sound acquired by the microphone 52 in the normal operation mode satisfies a predetermined respiratory determination criterion, the control unit 57 starts measurement as the respiratory sound of the subject P. The respiratory sound data of the subject measured by the control unit 57 is stored in the storage unit 58.

With such a configuration, when the respiratory sound measuring device 1 is attached to the subject's neck Pn, the standby mode is automatically changed to the measurement mode, and the measurement of the respiratory sound of the subject P can be started. .. As a result, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the subject P forgets to turn on the switch to enter the measurement state and cannot measure the breath sounds, and the breath sounds can be reliably measured while sleeping.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 57 detects that the breath sound measuring device 1 is not attached to the subject's neck Pn when the microphone 52 is operating in the measurement mode. Is set to standby mode.

In this way, since the proximity sensor 53 constantly monitors whether the breath sound measuring device 1 is worn on the neck, if the breath sound measuring device 1 is not worn on the neck, the measurement is stopped and the standby mode (standby). State) can be made. As a result, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced, and unnecessary measurement such as measuring the sound acquired by the microphone 52 even when the microphone 52 is not attached can be prevented.

As described above, an embodiment has been described as an example of the technique of the present disclosure. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may have the following configurations.

For example, in addition to the operation of the above embodiment, the measurement of the breath sound may be started by operating the power button 54. FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation of the breath sound measuring device 1 by operating the power button 54.

In FIG. 11, when the power button 54 is pressed and held while the power of the breath sound measuring device 1 is off (step S11), the breath sound measuring device 1 is activated (step S12), and the standby mode is set (step S13). ..

In the next step S14, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy: registered trademark), which is a communication module 56 of the breath sound measuring device 1, is turned on. Then, communication with the communication module 82 on the terminal device 80 side becomes possible, and for example, the setting information set on the setting screen of the terminal device 80 is transmitted from the terminal device 80 to the breath sound measuring device 1.

Then, when the power button 54 is pressed and held for a long time, the communication module 56 is turned off to enter the standby state, and the process proceeds to step S3 in FIG. Then, in the process of FIG. 5, as described above, after confirming the wearing by the proximity sensor 53 and confirming whether the acquired sound of the microphone 52 satisfies the predetermined breathing determination criteria, the measurement of the breathing sound of the subject P is started. ..

Then, when the power button 54 is pressed and held again after that, the flow returns to step S13, and the breath sound measuring device 1 is in the standby state. Even when it is detected in step S8 that the breath sound measuring device 1 is removed from the subject's neck, the flow returns to step S13.

The present invention is useful mainly as a device for measuring the breath sounds of a subject at home or the like.

1 Respiratory sound measuring device 53 Photo sensor (wearing state detection sensor)
30 Mounting unit 40 Measuring unit 60 Hinge unit 62 Energizing means

Claims (3)

A neckband-type breath sound measuring device worn along the outer circumference of the subject's neck.
A wearing state detection sensor that detects that the breath sound measuring device is worn on the neck of the subject, and
When the breath sound measuring device is attached to the neck of the subject, the breath sound acquisition unit that abuts on the skin of the front neck of the subject to acquire the breath sound, and the breath sound acquisition unit.
After it is detected that the breath sound measuring device is attached to the neck of the subject, when the acquired sound from the breath sound acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined breath sound determination criterion, the measurement of the acquired sound as the breath sound is performed. With a control unit to start,
A respiratory sound measuring device characterized by this. When the control unit is operating in the measurement mode in which the breath sound acquisition unit acquires the breath sounds, and it is detected that the breath sounds measurement device is not attached to the subject's neck, the breath sounds are detected. The respiratory sound measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit is put into a standby mode. Further equipped with a power switch for turning on / off the power of the breath sound measuring device,
The breath sound measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the power switch is turned on, the breath sound acquisition unit is activated as a standby mode.

Images