JP2022089894A - Biological information detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological information detection system capable of continuing a function of detecting biological information even when a trouble such as malfunction of a sensor occurs.

SOLUTION: The biological information detection system is provided that comprises biological sensors 1 to 4 arranged at least in two points of a first point A and a second point B in a seat on which a person is seated, and that detects biological information in cooperation of the biological sensor 1 at the first point A with the biological sensors 3, 4 at the second point B. In the biological information detection system, at least one biological sensor 1 is arranged at the first point A, and at least two biological sensors 3, 4 are arranged at the second point B, and the at least two biological sensors 3, 4 at the second point B are connected by different systems to the at least one biological sensor 1 at the first point A.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a biological information detection system.

If the health condition of the driver (occupant) who drives the vehicle deteriorates, it may adversely affect the driving of the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to detect the deterioration of the health condition in advance and take some measures. As such a measure, biological information such as blood flow and blood pressure is estimated based on the measurement results of pulse waves and the like by a non-contact blood flow sensor provided so as to be embedded in the seat surface and the back surface of the seat. A technique for grasping the health condition of an occupant is known (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-168177

However, if it becomes difficult to detect biological information for some reason, such as a sensor failure, it may not be possible to ascertain the health status of the occupant.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a biological information detection system capable of continuing the function of detecting biological information even if a trouble such as a sensor failure occurs. do.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 1, biosensors for measuring changes in blood flow are arranged at at least two points, a first point and a second point, among the seats on which a person sits. In a biometric information detection system that detects biometric information by connecting the biosensor at the first point and the biosensor at the second point.
The distance from the biosensor at the first point to the biosensor at the second point is calculated, and the change in blood flow is measured by the biosensor at the first point and the biosensor at the second point. ,
There is at least one biosensor located at the first point.
There are at least two biosensors located at the second point,
The at least two biosensors at the second point are linked to at least one biosensor at the first point by different systems.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the biological information detection system according to claim 1, a plurality of the biological sensors are arranged at the first point.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the biometric information detection system according to the first or second aspect, at least two biosensors at the second point are arranged on the left and right sides of the sheet. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 4 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The seat includes a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion.
One of the first point and the second point is located on the seat cushion, and the other is located on the seat back.

The invention according to claim 5 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The seat includes a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion.
The first point and the second point are characterized in that they are located on either one of the seat cushion and the seat back.

The invention according to claim 6 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
Equipped with a seating sensor that detects the seating of a person,
One of the biosensors arranged at the first point and the biosensors arranged at the second point is characterized in that at least one of them is interlocked with the seating sensor.

The invention according to claim 7 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A self-diagnosis means for self-diagnosing whether or not the connection between the biosensor arranged at the first point and the biosensor located at the second point is broken or not in the different systems. It is characterized by being prepared.

The invention according to claim 8 is provided with an output unit for outputting a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken in the biological information detection system according to claim 7. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 9 is the case where the biological information detection system according to claim 7 or 8 is capable of communicating with the outside and the connection in any one of the different systems is broken. It is characterized by having a communication unit for transmitting the notification of.

The invention according to claim 10 is the biometric information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat is a vehicle seat and supports a person's buttocks and thighs. It is provided with a cushion, a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion, and a headrest provided on the seat back to support a person's head.
The seat cushion is composed of a seat cushion frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat cushion frame, and a skin covering the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad.
The seat back is between a seat back frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat back frame, a skin covering the seat back frame and the cushion pad, and the cushion pad and the skin. It is characterized by being composed of a seat heater provided.

According to the invention of claim 1, even if the connection in one of the different systems is broken, the biosensor at the first point and the biosensor at the second point are connected in the remaining systems. Since it can be maintained, it is possible to continue the function of detecting biological information even if a trouble such as a failure of one of the biological sensors at the second point occurs, and it is possible to grasp the health condition of the person sitting on the seat. ..
Further, there are a plurality of biosensors at the second point, and if each biosensor including the biosensor at the first point is used evenly, the accuracy of detecting biometric information can be easily improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of biosensors are arranged at the first point, even if some trouble occurs in one biosensor at the first point, the remaining biosensors provide biometric information. The function to detect is can be continued.
Further, there are a plurality of biosensors at the first point and a plurality of biosensors at the second point, and if these biosensors are used evenly, the accuracy of detecting biometric information can be easily improved. On the other hand, if a plurality of biosensors at the first point are operated, for example, and the rest are stopped, the power consumption can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, at least two biosensors at the second point can be dispersed to the left and right of the seat, so that a situation in which at least two biosensors at the second point cannot be used at the same time is avoided. It's easy to do.

According to the invention of claim 4, since the biosensor at the first point and the biosensor at the second point can be dispersed on the seat cushion side and the seat back side of the seat, a space where each biosensor can be arranged is secured. It's easy to do.

According to the invention of claim 5, since the biosensor at the first point and the biosensor at the second point can be arranged close to the seat cushion side or the seat back side of the seat, each biosensor can be grouped together. Can be placed.

According to the invention of claim 6, since each biosensor can be operated after detecting the seating of a person on the seat, it is possible to reduce the power consumption.

According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to grasp whether or not it is possible to detect biometric information by the biosensors arranged at the first point and the biosensors arranged at the second point. It will be easier.

According to the invention of claim 8, since the output unit can output a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken, the biological sensor arranged at the first point and the first. It becomes easier for the person sitting on the seat and the people around him to know whether or not the biometric information can be detected by the biometric sensors arranged at two points.

According to the invention of claim 9, since the notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken can be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit, the biosensor arranged at the first point can be transmitted. It will be easier for outsiders to know whether or not the biometric information can be detected by the biosensors located at the second point.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the seat is a vehicle seat, the health condition of the person seated on the vehicle seat can be grasped.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the biological information detection system. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the biological information detection system. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the biological information detection system. It is a figure explaining the structure of the biological information detection system. It is a figure explaining the arrangement example of the biological sensor with respect to a sheet. It is a figure explaining the arrangement example of the biological sensor with respect to the seat cushion. It is a figure explaining the arrangement example of the biological sensor with respect to the seat back. It is a figure explaining the arrangement example of the biological sensor with respect to the seat cushion. It is a figure explaining the arrangement example of the biological sensor with respect to the seat back. It is a perspective view explaining the arrangement example of the biosensor with respect to the seat with built-in a spring member. It is a top view explaining the arrangement example of the biological sensor with respect to the spring member. It is sectional drawing explaining the arrangement example of the biosensor with respect to the seat cushion with built-in a spring member. It is a perspective view explaining the arrangement example of the biosensor with respect to the seat provided with the lumbar support device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although the embodiments described below are provided with various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. do not have.

In the biometric information detection system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, biometric sensors are arranged at at least two points, the first point A and the second point B, among the seats 10 on which a person sits. The purpose is to detect biometric information by connecting the biosensor at one point A and the biosensor at the second point B.
Further, in such a biometric information detection system, in addition to the biosensor at the first point A and the biosensor at the second point B, the control unit 5, the storage unit 6, the input unit 7, the output unit 8, and the communication unit 9 are provided. (See FIG. 4).
The seat 10 is a seat for a vehicle, and in the present embodiment, it is a seat for the driver's seat of a passenger car. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the seat may be a seat other than the driver's seat of a passenger car, a seat in another automobile such as a bus or a truck, or a seat in a vehicle other than an automobile such as a railroad, a ship, or an aircraft. ..

The first point A and the second point B refer to arbitrary parts in the seat 10, and are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the first point A is the seat back 14 of the seat 10. The second point B is the seat cushion 11 of the seat 10.
That is, the first point A and the second point B are two points in the sheet 10 and are positioned apart from each other, and the biometric sensors arranged at the points A and B are also in the sheet 10. It is in a state of being arranged at two places separated from each other.
The first point A may be located on the seat cushion 11, and the second point B may be located on the seat back 14.

There is at least one biosensor located at the first point A and at least two biosensors located at the second point B.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, at least one biosensor located at the first point A includes the first sensor 1. Further, at least two biosensors arranged at the second point B include a third sensor 3 and a fourth sensor 4.
Then, the two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are connected to one biosensor 1 at the first point A by different systems.
Further, in FIG. 1, there are two different systems, in which only one system is normally in an operating state and the rest are stopped as a spare, and the biosensors in the operating system are connected to each other. However, in the unlikely event that it is cut off, the connection between the biosensors in the non-operating system becomes the operating state.

Further, there may be a plurality of biosensors arranged at the first point A.
In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at least one biosensor arranged at the first point A includes the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2. Further, at least two biosensors arranged at the second point B include a third sensor 3 and a fourth sensor 4.
Then, the two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are connected to the two biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A by different systems.
Further, in FIG. 2, there are four different systems, and in a normal state, the two systems shown by the solid line are in the operating state, and the remaining two systems shown by the alternate long and short dash line are stopped as spares. Represents.
Further, FIG. 3 shows an example in which all four different systems shown by solid lines are in an operating state.

It is arbitrary whether the number of biosensors at the first point A is one or multiple. A single biosensor is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost, running cost, and ease of manufacturing, and a plurality of biosensors is advantageous in improving the accuracy of biometric information detection.
Further, the biosensor at the second point B is connected to the biosensor at the first point A by different systems, and all of the different systems are put into operation, or one system is put into operation, and the rest. It is also optional to stop. It is advantageous to improve the accuracy of biometric information detection if all the systems are in the operating state, and it is advantageous in terms of running cost if only one system is in the operating state.
Further, when the number of biosensors at the first point A and the number of biosensors at the second point B are both plural, the number is not limited to two, and may be three or more. As described above, as the number of biosensors used increases, the number of systems connecting the biosensor at the first point A and the biosensor at the second point B also increases accordingly.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the biosensor at the first point A includes the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2, and the biosensor at the second point B includes the biosensor. , The third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 are included.

The sensor arranged at the first point A and the sensor arranged at the second point B are indirectly connected as a part of the system by the control unit 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be connected so as to be in a state of being directly connected by a communication line or a power supply line.

The biological sensors 1 to 4 in the present embodiment are for measuring changes in blood flow to measure pulse waves, are non-contact type that detect human biological information by electromagnetic waves, and are skin in the area to be measured. Blood flow at a position facing the surface can be measured.
The electromagnetic wave means an electromagnetic wave in a broad sense including radio waves and microwaves of about 100 MHz, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, etc., and is suitable as long as it does not adversely affect the human body. Electromagnetic waves are used.
Such electromagnetic waves are characterized in that they do not easily pass through various metals such as iron, copper, and aluminum. Therefore, the biosensors 1 to 4 in the present embodiment are arranged at positions with respect to the sheet 10 so as to avoid members (which may interfere with the passage of electromagnetic waves). In particular, it is desirable that the electromagnetic wave is provided on the seating surface side of the member that interferes with the currency.

When the biosensor at the first point A and the biosensor at the second point B are arranged at two positions in the seat 10 so as to be separated from each other, the position of the heart of the person sitting on the seat 10 (heart). Since the distance between the biosensor at the first point A and the biosensor at the second point B can be calculated from the position (presumed to be), it is preferable for measuring the pulse wave.

As shown in FIG. 4, the biometric information detection system includes a control unit 5, a storage unit 6, and an input unit 7 in addition to the biosensors 1 to 4 provided at the first point A and the second point B of the sheet 10. , An output unit 8 and a communication unit 9.
The control unit 5, the storage unit 6, the input unit 7, the output unit 8, and the communication unit 9 do not necessarily have to be provided on the sheet 10, but may be provided around the sheet 10. Since the seat 10 in the present embodiment is a seat for the driver's seat of a passenger car as described above, it may be provided around the driver's seat or may be provided in the passenger car.

The control unit 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and performs various operations for detecting biological information. That is, based on the control by the control unit 5, the operation of each unit constituting the biological information detection system can be executed.

The storage unit 6 is composed of, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory, and a hard disk drive, and stores various programs and various data necessary for detecting biometric information.
The various programs stored in the storage unit 6 include various programs such as a biometric information calculation program, a biometric information detection program, a self-diagnosis program, a notification program, and a communication program. Various programs are executed by the control unit 5 and exert their functions.

The input unit 7 is for inputting various data to the system, and may be an input means such as a button or a touch panel attached to a housing of a device installed around the sheet 10, or may be connected. It may be various input devices connected by an interface. Various settings of the system can be made by such an input unit 7.

The output unit 8 is for outputting the detection result of biological information by the system, and is a display for displaying various images, characters, etc., a voice output means (speaker) for outputting voice, and a light emitting means (LED:) for emitting light. There are various things such as light emitting diode) and a vibrator that causes vibration.

The communication unit 9 connects the biometric information detection system to a communication network (computer network) such as the Internet or LAN (Local Area Network) so as to be able to communicate, and data can be transmitted / received via the communication unit 9. It has become like.

Explaining various programs stored in the storage unit 6, first, the biometric information calculation program was obtained by measuring with the biosensors 1 to 4 provided at the first point A and the second point B of the sheet 10. This is a program for calculating and obtaining the blood pressure (arterial pressure) of a person sitting on the seat 10 by using the data related to the blood flow state.

The biometric information detection program is a program that measures the pulse wave of a person sitting on the seat 10 from the detection result of biometric information by the biometric sensor at the first point A and the detection result of the biometric information by the biometric sensor at the second point B. be.
In this program, the operating / non-operating state of the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A and the operating / non-operating state of the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are also set. be able to.
That is, the biosensor at the second point B is connected to the biosensor at the first point A by different systems, and all of the different systems are put into operation, or one system is put into operation, and the rest. It is possible to set in the program whether to stop or not. Therefore, in normal times, each biosensor operates as set in the biometric information detection program.
In addition, if only one system is in operation and the rest are stopped, and the connection between the biosensors in the operating system is broken, the biosensors in the non-operating system are connected to each other. It may be a program that activates the connection of.
In addition, if all of the different systems are in operation and the connection between the biosensors in one of the systems is interrupted, the connection between the biosensors in the remaining systems will be continuously put into operation. good. It suffices if the connection between the biosensors in at least one system is continued.
Further, it may be a program that appropriately selects and executes the above operation, or may be a program that is selected by inputting information from the input unit 7 and executes the operation.

In the self-diagnosis program, is the connection between the biosensors 1 and 2 located at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 located at the second point B broken or not in different systems? Is for self-diagnosis.
In the self-diagnosis method, for example, when the biosensor is a radio wave type pulse wave sensor and the reflection type pulse wave measurement is performed, the biosensor emits an electromagnetic wave of a test pattern and reflects it back. There are various methods such as a self-diagnosis method for confirming whether or not the incoming electromagnetic wave is correct, and a method for confirming whether or not the frequency of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the biological sensor is as set by the microcomputer. It is assumed that the self-diagnosis program is programmed by appropriately adopting the method suitable for the biosensor adopted in the system among such various methods.

The notification program is for outputting a notification from the output unit 8 when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken.
As described above, the output unit 8 is a display, a speaker, an LED, a vibrator, or the like, and the output unit 8 outputs a notification. When the output unit 8 is a display, it is notified by an image or characters, when it is a speaker, it is notified by voice, when it is an LED, it is notified by light (blinking or lighting), and when it is a vibrator, it is notified by vibration. do. Further, the notification may be output by combining these various output units 8.
If the notification is output from the output unit 8, not only the person seated in the seat 10 but also the person riding in the passenger car on which the seat 10 is mounted can be made to grasp the health condition of the person seated in the seat 10. can.

The communication program is for transmitting a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken to the outside via the communication unit 9.
As described above, the communication unit 9 connects the biometric information detection system to a communication network (computer network) such as the Internet or LAN (Local Area Network) so as to be communicable, and is connected to an external communication network. Data related to notification can be transmitted to devices (servers, etc.) and terminals (smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.) of the Internet.
The external device or terminal may be owned by, for example, a dealer of a passenger car equipped with the seat 10, a medical institution, or a person or a family member sitting on the seat 10. May be owned by.
If the notification data is transmitted to the outside, the outside person can also grasp the health condition of the person sitting on the seat 10.

Subsequently, the sheet 10 provided with the biosensors 1 to 4 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the seat 10 in the present embodiment has the above-mentioned seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and the above-mentioned seat back 14 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11 and serves as a backrest. And a headrest 17 provided on the seat back 14 to support a person's head.

The seat cushion 11 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad 12 provided on the seat cushion frame, and a skin 13 covering the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad 12.
The seat cushion 11 of the present embodiment further includes a seat heater 20 provided between the cushion pad 12 and the skin 13.
The seat heater 20 is a planar heating element that heats the seat cushion 11, and is a planar base material 21 made of polyester cloth or the like, and a metal heater wire 22 (adhesively fixed to the base material 21). It is mainly composed of (also called heating wire). The heater wire 22 includes a front heater wire 22a located in the front compartment on the upper surface of the cushion pad 12, a central heater wire 22b located in the central compartment, a rear heater wire 22c located in the rear compartment, and a front heater wire 22c. The heater wire 22a, the central heater wire 22b, and the rear heater wire 22c are connected to each other, and the groove heater wire 23 is inserted into the groove 12a formed in the cushion pad 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). ).

The seat back 14 is mainly composed of a seat back frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad 15 provided on the seat back frame, and a skin 16 covering the seat back frame and the cushion pad 15.
The seat back 14 of the present embodiment further includes a seat heater 30 provided between the cushion pad 15 and the skin 16.
Similarly, the seat heater 30 in the seat back 14 is mainly composed of a base material 31 and a heater wire 32. The heater wire 32 includes an upper heater wire 32a located in the upper section on the front surface of the cushion pad 15, a central heater wire 32b located in the central section, and a lower heater wire 32c located in the lower section. The heater wire 32a, the central heater wire 32b, and the lower heater wire 32c are connected to each other, and the groove heater wire 33 is inserted into the groove 15a formed in the cushion pad 15 (see FIGS. 7 and 9). ).

As described above, the first point A is the seat back 14 in the seat 10, and the second point B is the seat cushion 11 of the seat 10. Therefore, the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 are arranged on the seat back 14, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 are arranged on the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided so as to be embedded in the cushion pads 12 and 15 inside the epidermis 13 and 14.

The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 are arranged on the side of the seat back 14 closer to the seating surface than the seat heater 30 and on the center side, and are provided side by side.
The third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 are arranged on the side of the seat cushion 11 closer to the seating surface than the seat heater 20, and are distributed to the left and right. That is, it is arranged corresponding to the left and right thighs of the person seated on the seat 10.

In the case of the seat cushion 11, the seating surface of the seat 10 refers to the surface in contact with the buttocks and thighs of a person, and in the case of the seat back 14, the surface in contact with the back (chest side, lumbar side) of the person. Point to. Therefore, the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 can be arranged according to the position of the human heart, and it becomes easy to grasp the blood flow state of the thoracic aorta. Further, the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 can be arranged corresponding to the position of the thigh, which makes it easy to grasp the blood flow state of the popliteal artery.

The seat 10 in the present embodiment may be provided in a vehicle capable of switching between automatic driving and manual driving. Further, in order to improve safety, each biosensor 1 to 4 may be used in combination with a camera (not shown) that captures the state of a person sitting on the seat 10. If each biosensor 1 to 4 is used in combination with a camera, whether or not a person who is seated but has no hands on the steering wheel is not only in poor health, but also simply asleep. Can be determined.
Further, a microphone that collects the voice of a person sitting on the seat 10 may be adopted, and the presence or absence of consciousness may be confirmed by using the biosensors 1 to 4 in combination with the microphone. That is, the person sitting on the seat 10 is urged to speak, and if there is no response, it can be determined that he / she is unconscious.

By using the data related to the blood flow state measured by the biological sensors 1 to 4, for example, blood pressure, heart rate (pulse rate), respiratory rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), etc., sheet 10 It is possible to deal with the acquisition of various biometric information of a person sitting in the heart. Depending on the type of biosensor used, the stress level and blood vessel age can be acquired in an applied manner.

According to the present embodiment as described above, at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are connected to at least one biosensor 1 at the first point A by different systems. Even if the connection in one of the different systems is broken, the biosensor 1 at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B can be maintained in the remaining system. This makes it possible to continue the function of detecting biometric information even if a trouble such as a failure of either biosensor 3 (4) occurs at the second point B, and the person sitting on the seat 10 can continue the function. You can grasp your health condition. That is, it is possible to exert a so-called fail-safe function in consideration of an emergency.
Further, there are a plurality of biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B, and if the biosensors 1 to 4 including the biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A are used evenly, the accuracy of detecting the biometric information is accurate. Is easy to improve.
Further, since the seat 10 is a vehicle seat, it is possible to grasp the health condition of the person seated on the vehicle seat.
Moreover, it is possible to properly use the connection in different systems depending on whether the person sitting on the seat 10 is an adult or a child, which is excellent in convenience.

Further, since a plurality of biosensors are arranged at the first point A, for example, even if some trouble occurs in one biosensor 1 at the first point A, the function of detecting the biometric information by the remaining biosensors 2. Can be continued.
Further, there are a plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A, and a plurality of biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B. If these biosensors 1 to 4 are used evenly, biometric information can be obtained. The detection accuracy is likely to improve. On the other hand, if one of the plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A is operated and the rest are stopped, the power consumption can be reduced.

Further, since at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the sheet 10, at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are arranged on the left and right sides of the sheet 10. Can be dispersed in. This makes it easy to avoid a situation in which at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B cannot be used at the same time.

Further, since one of the first point A and the second point B is located on the seat cushion 11 and the other is located on the seat back 14, the biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A and the second point The biological sensors 3 and 4 at the point B can be dispersed on the seat cushion 11 side and the seat back 14 side of the seat 10. This makes it easy to secure a space in which each biosensor 1 to 4 can be arranged.

In addition, it is self-diagnosed whether the connections between the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B are broken or not in different systems. Since the self-diagnosis means is provided, is it possible to detect the biometric information by the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B? It becomes easier to grasp whether or not.

Further, since the output unit 8 for outputting the notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken is provided, the notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken is provided. Can be output from the output unit 8. As a result, whether or not the biometric information can be detected by the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B is checked. It becomes easier for the person sitting on the 10 and the people around him to grasp it.

Further, since communication with the outside is possible and the communication unit 9 for transmitting a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken is provided to the outside, any one of the different systems is provided. A notification when the connection in one system is broken can be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit 9. As a result, whether or not the biometric information can be detected by the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B is externally determined. It will be easier for people to understand.

[Modification example]
The embodiment to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, a modified example will be described. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible.

[Modification 1]
In this modification, the seat includes a seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and a seat back 14 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11. The second point B is located on either one of the seat cushion 11 and the seat back 14.
Further, at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B may be distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the seat, and a plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A may also be arranged on the left and right sides of the seat. It may be sorted and arranged.
Further, the biosensors 1 to 4 at the first point A and the second point B may be arranged closer to the left side or the right side of the sheet. When the seat is a seat for the driver's seat of a passenger car, it is desirable that the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged closer to the left side in consideration of the case where the passenger car is side-struck.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the first point A is located at the rear part of the seat cushion 11, that is, the part that supports the buttocks of the person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located in the front part of the seat cushion 11, that is, the part that supports the thigh of the person sitting on the seat.
The biosensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side in the central portion of the rear portion of the seat cushion 11.
The biosensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are distributed and arranged on the left and right in the front portion of the seat cushion 11. That is, it is arranged corresponding to the left and right thighs of the person sitting on the seat.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A are arranged close to each other, but they are arranged apart from each other because they may be arranged at a position supporting the buttocks of a person. May be good.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat back 14. More specifically, the first point A is located in the upper portion of the seat back 14, that is, the portion supporting the chest of the person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located in the lower portion of the seat back 14, that is, the portion supporting the waist of the person sitting on the seat.
The biosensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side in the central portion in the upper portion of the seat back 14.
The biosensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are arranged on the left and right in the lower portion of the seat back 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be arranged side by side in the central portion.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the first point A is located at the rear part of the seat cushion 11, that is, the part that supports the buttocks of the person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located in the front part of the seat cushion 11, that is, the part that supports the thigh of the person sitting on the seat. Further, the first point A and the second point B are located on the left side side of the seat cushion 11.
The biosensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side on the left side of the rear portion of the seat cushion 11.
The biosensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are arranged side by side on the left side of the front portion of the seat cushion 11.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged close to each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat back 14. More specifically, the first point A is located in the upper portion of the seat back 14, that is, the portion supporting the chest of the person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located in the lower portion of the seat back 14, that is, the portion supporting the waist of the person sitting on the seat.
The biosensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side on the left side of the upper portion of the seat back 14.
The biosensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are arranged side by side on the left side of the lower portion of the seat back 14.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged close to each other.

According to this modification, since the first point A and the second point B are located on either one of the seat cushion 11 and the seat back 14, the biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A and The biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B can be arranged closer to the seat cushion 11 side or the seat back 14 side of the seat. As a result, the biosensors 1 to 4 can be arranged together.
Further, since the plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A and at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are arranged separately on the left and right sides of the sheet, the biosensors 1 and 2 are arranged at the first point A. The plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 and at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B can be dispersed to the left and right of the sheet 10. This makes it easy to avoid a situation in which the biosensors 1 to 4 at the first point A and the second point B cannot be used at the same time.
Further, since the biosensors 1 to 4 at the first point A and the second point B are arranged closer to the left side or the right side of the sheet, the impact is received on the side where the biosensors 1 to 4 are not arranged. In such a case, it is easy to avoid a situation in which each of the biosensors 1 to 4 becomes unusable.

[Modification 2]
The first point A in this modification is located on the left side of the seat, and the second point B is located on the right side of the seat. That is, in the above-described embodiment and the first modification, the positional relationship between the first point A and the second point B is distributed in the front-rear direction or the vertical direction of the sheet. The positional relationship between the first point A and the second point B in the above is distributed in the left-right direction.
According to this modification, it is possible to continue the function of detecting biometric information even if a trouble such as a failure of any one biosensor occurs. Variations can be increased in the arrangement of biosensors 1 to 4.

[Modification 3]
The seat 40 in this modification has a built-in seat frame 41 as shown in FIG. The seat frame 41 has a cushion frame 42 that constitutes a seat cushion and a seat back frame 43 that constitutes a seat back.
A cushion pad 42a is provided on each of the cushion frame 42 and the seat back frame 43, and the seat 40 is formed by being further covered with the skin 42b.

The cushion frame 42 includes a pair of side frames 44 that extend long in the front-rear direction and are arranged apart from each other to the left and right, and a pan frame 45 composed of a sheet metal that connects the front ends of the pair of side frames 44 to each other. It is provided with a connecting pipe 46 made of a metal pipe connecting the rear ends of the side frames 44, and is formed in a frame shape in a plan view.
A seat spring 47 is erected between the pan frame 45 and the connecting pipe 46.

The seat spring 47 is composed of four spring members 47A to 47D that extend long in the front-rear direction and are arranged side by side, and resin connecting members 48A to 48C that connect these spring members 47A to 47D to each other.
Each of the spring members 47A to 47D is formed by bending a metal wire, and hook portions 47Aa to 47Da for hooking on the connecting pipe 46 are formed at the rear end thereof, extending forward from the hook portions 47Aa to 47Da and left and right. It bends in a zigzag manner. The front ends of the spring members 47A to 47D are connected to the pan frame 45 as shown in FIG. 10 to prevent the spring members 47A to 47D from being displaced.

The biosensors 1 to 4 are provided with respect to the cushion frame 42. In this modification, the spring members 47A to 47D are members that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged at positions avoiding the spring members 47A to 47D.
More specifically, the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided for the connecting members 48A to 48C as shown in FIG. The position corresponds to the central part of the left and right ischia in the buttocks of a person or the position corresponding to the position of the thigh. In this modified example, the portion corresponding to the central portion of the left and right ischia in the human buttocks (the posterior portion of the cushion frame 42) is set as the first point A, and the portion corresponding to the position of the thigh (the portion corresponding to the position of the thigh). The front part of the cushion frame 42) is the second point B.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged side by side on the left and right.

The connecting members 48A to 48C are arranged so that at least the upper surface thereof is closer to a person than the spring members 47A to 47D, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided on such connecting members 48A to 48C. Therefore, it is less likely to be affected by the spring members 47A to 47D when measuring with the biosensors 1 to 4.
The connecting members 48A to 48C are provided so as to connect the spring members 47A to 47D. In other words, the connecting members 48A to 48C have a plate-shaped portion, and the upper surface of the portion is an installed plate on which the biosensors 1 to 4 are installed.

The biosensors 1 to 4 can be arranged on each of the above connecting members 48A to 48C, but the cushion pad 42a in the seat 40 is located above the portion where the biosensor 1 is arranged. Is formed with a recess 420 capable of accommodating the biosensor 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the recess 420 is formed so as to be recessed on the lower surface of the cushion pad 42a.

Further, as described above, the front ends of the spring members 47A to 47D are connected to the pan frame 45 to prevent the spring members 47A to 47D from being displaced, so that the spring members 47A to 47D are connected to each other. It is also possible to suppress the positional deviation of the biological sensors 1 to 4 provided on the members 48A to 48C.

Further, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be arranged on the pan frame 45 as well. Since the pan frame 45 is made of sheet metal as described above, it is a member that obstructs the passage of electromagnetic waves, and when the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged, it is preferable to arrange them on the upper surface side thereof. That is, the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged at a position closer to a person than a member (pan frame 45) that obstructs the passage of electromagnetic waves.
When the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged on the upper surface of the pan frame 45, it may be a flat portion on the center side of the pan frame 45 or an inclined portion on the peripheral side.
Further, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be arranged at a position farther from the person than the pan frame 45 by using the opening 45a as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be provided so as to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a provided on the cushion frame 42. When the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided so as to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the cushion pad 42a itself may be provided by so-called insert molding in which the biosensors 1 to 4 are formed in an embedded state. When the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided so as to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a, a recess (not shown) for accommodating the biosensors 1 to 4 is formed in the cushion pad 42a to form a living body. Sensors 1 to 4 may be easily installed.

Further, when the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided so as to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the biosensors 1 to 4 are not limited to those by insert molding as described above, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded even after the cushion pad 42a is molded. It is desirable to be able to do it. That is, a form is adopted in which a part of the cushion pad 42a (removing portion 422 in FIG. 12) is configured to be removable, and a recess 421 for accommodating the biosensors 1 to 4 is formed at a position corresponding to the removing portion 422. May be good.
That is, when the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided so as to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the removal portion 422 is removed, the biosensor 1 is housed in the recess 421, and the removal portion 422 is fitted and returned to the original state. The sensor 1 can be embedded in the cushion pad 42a.
In this modification, the removal portion 422 is removable from the lower surface side of the cushion pad 42a, but may be removable from the upper surface side.
Further, in the cushion pad 42a, in addition to the biosensors 1 to 4, a harness for electrically connecting the biosensors 1 to 4 and an external device (for example, a power generation element, a storage device, a control device, etc.) (FIG. It is assumed that a space is formed in which wiring (not shown) can be performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a seating sensor 423 for detecting the seating of a person on the seat 40 may be provided in the cushion pad 42a.
Then, at least one of the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B is interlocked with the seating sensor 423. That is, when at least one of the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B is detected by the seating sensor 423 when a person is seated. It is set to work.

As shown in FIG. 10, the seat back frame 43 is provided so as to be bridged between a pair of side frames 43a that extend vertically and are arranged apart from each other and the upper ends of the pair of side frames 43a. The upper frame 43b and the plate-shaped lower member 43c provided so as to be bridged between the lower ends of the pair of side frames 43a are provided. Further, between the upper frame 43b and the lower member 43c, a seat spring 43d made of a plurality of spring members is provided so as to be bridged between the pair of side frames 43a.
The plurality of spring members constituting the seat spring 43d extend to the left and right and bend in a zigzag manner up and down.
The biosensors 1 to 4 can be provided on the seat back frame 43 configured as described above, as on the cushion frame 42 side described above.
That is, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be provided for either one or both of the pair of side frames 43a. In that case, it may be attached to the inner surface of the side frame 43a or may be attached to the outer surface.
Further, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be provided on the front surface of the lower member 43c.
Further, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be provided on the seat spring 43d. In that case, similarly to the cushion frame 42 side described above, it may be arranged in a connecting member (not shown) connecting the spring members in the seat spring 43d, or when there is a difference in roughness between the spring members. May be arranged in a place where the density of each spring member is coarse.
Although not shown, a cushion pad is also provided on the front side of the seat back frame 43. Similar to the cushion frame 42 side described above, the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded in the cushion pad. It may be provided.

According to this modification, the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A are arranged side by side, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged side by side. Of course, when it is arranged, it has the effect of being able to continue the function of detecting biometric information even if a trouble such as a failure of any one biosensor occurs. Variations can be increased in the arrangement of biosensors 1 to 4.
Further, since the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged at positions with respect to the sheet 40 avoiding the members 47A to 47D that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves among the members constituting the sheet 40, the members that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. With 47A to 47D, the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by the biological sensor 1 is less likely to be disturbed, and it becomes easier to accurately detect biological information.
Further, since the biosensor 1 provided on the cushion frame 42 is arranged corresponding to the central portion of the left and right ischia in the human buttocks, the biosensor 1 can be arranged at a position where the ischium does not hit, and when the seat is seated. Does not compromise the comfort of the. Further, since the biosensors 3 and 4 provided on the cushion frame 42 are arranged corresponding to the positions of the thighs, the blood flow state of the popliteal artery can be grasped. Therefore, it is easier to detect biological information than, for example, when detecting biological information using a small blood vessel having a small blood flow.
Further, a resin-made mounted plate (connecting member 48A) attached so as to be arranged at a position closer to a person than the members 47A to 47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. Since the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged in ~ 48C), even if the biosensors 1 to 4 are placed in the vicinity of the members 47A to 47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of the electromagnetic wave, the members that obstruct the passage of the electromagnetic wave. It is less susceptible to the effects of 47A to 47D and 43d.
Further, the cushion pad 42a in the seat 40 is configured so that a part (removal portion 422) of the cushion pad 42a can be removed, and a recess 421 that accommodates the biosensors 1 to 4 at a position corresponding to the part 422. Therefore, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the biometric sensors 1 to 4 in the seat 40.
Moreover, since the cushion pad 42a in the seat 40 is formed in a state where the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded, the seat 40 is installed with the biosensors 1 to 4 embedded in the cushion pad 42a. It becomes possible to do it, and it is efficient.
Moreover, since at least one of the biosensors 1 and 2 arranged at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 arranged at the second point B is interlocked with the seating sensor 423, the seat 40 is reached. Each biosensor 1 to 4 can be operated after detecting the sitting of the person. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption.

[Modification 4]
The seat 50 in this modification has a built-in seat frame 51 as shown in FIG. The seat frame 51 has a cushion frame 52 that constitutes a seat cushion and a seat back frame 53 that constitutes a seat back.
A cushion pad is provided on each of the cushion frame 52 and the seat back frame 53, and a skin is further covered to form the seat 50.

The seat back frame 53 supports the lumbar support device LS, which is a pressure receiving member. The seat back frame 53 includes a pair of sheet metal frames 54 arranged apart from each other on the left and right, and a pipe frame 55 connected to the upper ends of each of the pair of sheet metal frames 54 and formed by bending a pipe material into a U shape. It is equipped with.
The seat back frame 53 has a connecting member for connecting the lower portions of the sheet metal frame 54 and a lower frame 56 as a support portion, and a cross-linking frame 57 as a cross-linking member for connecting the left and right sides of the pipe frame 55.
The lower frame 56 is a member made of a sheet metal having a cross-sectional shape in which the upper edge and the lower edge extend slightly forward, and the left and right ends are fixed to the left and right inward extending portions of the sheet metal frame 54 by welding. There is.

The lumbar support device LS receives the force that the occupant leans against the seat back and transmits it to the seat back frame 53, and changes the shape of the part that hits the occupant's lumbar region to change the lumbar support state according to the occupant's preference. This device is attached to the seat back frame 53.
The lumbar support device LS includes a resin pressure receiving plate 60 that receives a load from the back of an occupant via a cushion member (not shown), and a support member 61 that supports the pressure receiving plate 60 and changes the shape of the pressure receiving plate 60. A lower hooking portion 62 for fixing the lower portion of the support member 61 (lumbar support device LS) to the lower frame 56, and a wire 63 for fixing the upper end portion of the support member 61 to the bridge frame 57. ..

The biosensors 1 to 4 are provided for the lumbar support device LS. In this modification, the metal parts constituting the support member 61 are members that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged at positions avoiding the metal parts constituting the support member 61. ..
More specifically, the first mounting portion 64 and the second mounting portion 65 for mounting the biosensors 1 to 4 are integrally formed with the resin pressure receiving plate 60 in the lumbar support device LS. In other words, the biosensors 1 to 4 are in a unitized state including the pressure receiving plate 60 in the lumbar support device LS.
The first mounting portion 64 is formed on the upper portion of the pressure receiving plate 60 and functions as the first point A. Two second mounting portions 65 are formed in the lower portion of the pressure receiving plate 60 and function as the second point B. Each of the first mounting portion 64 and the second mounting portion 65 has a recess that can be mounted so as to fit each of the biosensors 1 to 4. The first mounting portion 64 is formed with two recesses arranged side by side on the left and right sides. At the time of use, each biosensor 1 to 4 is fitted into the recess and attached.

According to this modification, it is possible to continue the function of detecting biometric information even if a trouble such as a failure of any one biosensor occurs. Since the parts to which the biosensors 1 to 4 are attached are unitized, they are easy to handle and can be easily attached to the seat 50.

A 1st point B 2nd point 1 1st sensor 2 2nd sensor 3 3rd sensor 4 4th sensor 5 Control unit 6 Storage unit 7 Input unit 8 Output unit 9 Communication unit 10 Seat 11 Seat cushion 14 Seat back

Claims (10)

Of the seats on which a person sits, biosensors that measure changes in blood flow are placed at at least two points, the first point and the second point, and the biosensor at the first point and the living body at the second point. In a biometric information detection system that detects biometric information by connecting it to a sensor
The distance from the biosensor at the first point to the biosensor at the second point is calculated, and the change in blood flow is measured by the biosensor at the first point and the biosensor at the second point. ,
There is at least one biosensor located at the first point.
There are at least two biosensors located at the second point,
A biometric information detection system, wherein at least two biosensors at the second point are connected to at least one biosensor at the first point by different systems. The biometric information detection system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of biosensors are arranged at the first point. The biometric information detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two biosensors at the second point are distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the sheet. The seat includes a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the first point and the second point is located on the seat cushion and the other is located on the seat back. Biometric information detection system. The seat includes a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion.
The biometric information detection according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first point and the second point are located on either one of the seat cushion and the seat back. system. Equipped with a seating sensor that detects the seating of a person,
Any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the biosensor arranged at the first point and the biosensor arranged at the second point is interlocked with the seating sensor. The biometric information detection system described in item 1. It is provided with a self-diagnosis unit for diagnosing whether or not the connection between the biosensor arranged at the first point and the biosensor located at the second point is broken or not in the different systems. The biometric information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the biometric information detection system is characterized. The biometric information detection system according to claim 7, further comprising an output unit that outputs a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken. The invention according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the communication unit is provided to enable communication with the outside and transmit a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken. Biometric information detection system. The seat is a vehicle seat, and includes a seat cushion that supports a person's buttocks and thighs, a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion, and a person's head provided on the seat back. With a headrest to support, and equipped with,
The seat cushion is composed of a seat cushion frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat cushion frame, and a skin covering the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad.
The seat back is between a seat back frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat back frame, a skin covering the seat back frame and the cushion pad, and the cushion pad and the skin. The biometric information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat heater is provided.

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