JP4250790B2 - Ear hole thermometer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ear canal thermometer that detects the temperature inside the ear canal without contact.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Thermopile that combines an ear canal thermometer that detects the temperature inside the ear canal without contact, and a combination of a pyroelectric infrared detector and multiple micro thermocouples using a waveguide or condenser lens for the infrared rays emitted from the inside of the ear canal There is a configuration in which the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the inside of the ear canal is detected by being guided to a light receiving surface of an element or the like, and the intensity of the infrared rays is converted into temperature and displayed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The ear hole thermometer having the conventional configuration has a problem that it is difficult to see a display unit for displaying the measurement result. In other words, since the display unit is arranged in the housing part, in order to know the measurement result, it is necessary to remove the ear canal thermometer from the ear and bring it to the front every time for confirmation. For example, when it is desired to measure body temperature immediately after waking up in the morning, the user feels inconvenience because the surroundings are dark.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a voice synthesizing means for informing a measurement value and a timer for outputting a signal at a fixed time , and notifies the measurement value by sound from a speaker every time an output signal of the timer is received, thereby the temperature inside the ear canal It is an ear canal thermometer that can easily and easily measure.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily correct the direction of the probe so that correct measurement can be easily performed by notifying the measurement value by voice from the data obtained so far at regular intervals during temperature measurement. It is an ear hole thermometer.
[0017]
【Example】
Example 1
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ear canal thermometer of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 13 denotes a tympanic membrane in the ear canal that is an object to be measured. The probe 11 used by inserting into the ear canal guides the infrared rays generated from the eardrum 13 to the light collecting means 12 constituted by a concave mirror. The condensing means 12 condenses the infrared rays on the infrared detector 1. The infrared detector 1 detects the condensed infrared light through a light shielding plate 14. The light shielding plate 14 is reciprocated at a position determined by the stopper 17 by a crank mechanism (not shown) that converts the rotational motion of the motor 15 and the motor 15 into a reciprocating linear motion. Therefore, the infrared detector 1 detects infrared rays continuously emitted from the eardrum 13 while the light shielding plate 14 is in a predetermined position. The motor 15 is controlled by the control means 18. Reference numeral 2 denotes a temperature detector attached to the housing of the infrared detector 1, which detects the temperature of the infrared detector 1 itself and transmits this signal to the AD converter 4. The signal from the infrared detector 1 is amplified by the amplifier 3 and transmitted to the AD converter 4 in the same manner. The AD converter 4 converts the transmitted analog signal into a digital signal and transmits it to the temperature conversion means 5. The temperature conversion means 5 calculates the temperature of the eardrum 13 by calculating the temperature data received from the infrared detector 1 and the temperature data received from the temperature detector 2 according to a predetermined arithmetic expression, and this signal is voiced. The information is transmitted to the synthesizing means 6 and the measured value display means 7 for notification and display. The output of the infrared detector 1 has an alternating waveform due to the reciprocating linear motion of the light shielding plate 14. The temperature of the eardrum 13 is proportional to the fourth power of the difference between the amplitude of the signal detected by the infrared detector 1 and the temperature of the infrared detector 1 itself detected by the temperature detector 2. The arithmetic expression provided in the temperature conversion means 5 is set based on this relationship.
[0018]
The voice synthesizer 6 outputs a voice signal of a word such as a numerical value based on the output of the temperature converter 5. The audio signal output from the voice synthesizing unit 6 is amplified to an electric signal large enough to drive the speaker 10 by the audio signal amplifying unit 8 and is emitted from the speaker 10 as audio.
[0019]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below. When the user inserts the probe 11 into the ear canal and turns on a switch (not shown), the control means 18 operates to rotate the motor 15 and the light shielding plate 14 performs a reciprocating linear motion. Infrared rays radiated from the eardrum 13 are transmitted from the probe 11 to the infrared detector 1 through the light collecting means 12 and the light shielding plate 14. Since this infrared ray is connected to the central part of the human body, it represents the temperature of the human body most accurately. The infrared detector 1 transmits an infrared signal indicating the temperature of the human body to the amplifier 3 as an analog signal, and further transmits the infrared signal from the amplifier 3 to the AD converter 4. The AD converter 4 converts this signal and the signal of the temperature detector 2 that detects the temperature of the infrared detector 1 itself into a digital signal and transmits it to the temperature conversion means 5. The temperature conversion means 5 uses, for example, a microcomputer, calculates the human body temperature from these two signals, and transmits this signal to the sound generation means 6 and the measured value display means 7.
[0020]
The voice synthesizer 6 receives the conversion signal from the temperature converter 5 and outputs a word corresponding to the measured value as an electrical signal. For example, when the measured value is 36.5 ° C., the voice signal of the word “sanju”, the word “roku”, the word “ten”, the word “go”, and the word “do” Is output continuously. This audio signal is amplified by the audio signal amplifying unit 8 and is pronounced so as to be heard from the speaker 10 to the measurer.
[0021]
As described above, according to this embodiment, the voice synthesizing unit 6 that receives the signal from the temperature converting unit 5 and generates an electrical voice signal, and the voice signal output from the voice synthesizing unit 6 are amplified and the speaker 10 is connected. The ear hole thermometer is provided with the driving sound signal amplifying means 8 and can know the measurement result by sound.
[0022]
(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of an ear canal thermometer showing the configuration of the present embodiment. (A) is sectional drawing seen from the side surface, (b) is sectional drawing seen from the front. Reference numeral 20 denotes a sensor unit which has the condensing means 12, the light shielding plate 14, the infrared detector 1, the temperature detector 2, the motor 15 and the stopper 17 described in the first embodiment. Reference numeral 21 denotes a case of an ear canal thermometer. Inside the temperature conversion means 5, the AD converter 4, the amplifier 3, the voice synthesis means 6, the voice signal amplification means 8, and the measurement value display means described in the first embodiment. The circuit board 22 on which electronic components having functions such as 7 are mounted is accommodated. Reference numeral 23 denotes a light receiving window through which the sensor unit 20 receives infrared rays, and is made of a silicon glass material. The infrared light incident from the light receiving window 23 strikes the light collecting means 12 and is condensed on the infrared detector 1. Reference numeral 24 denotes a holding portion for fixing the position so that the light receiving window 23 of the sensor unit 20 is correctly positioned at the center position of the probe 11. The holding part 24 includes a waveguide hole 25. The waveguide hole 25 is provided for the purpose of allowing sound waves from the speaker 10 disposed near the circuit board 22 to easily reach the ear hole of the measurer.
[0023]
Therefore, the voice signal synthesized by the voice synthesizing unit 6 described in the first embodiment can easily reach the ear hole of the measurer from the waveguide hole 25.
[0024]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the holding unit 24 that holds the probe 11 has the waveguide hole 25 that guides the sound generated by the speaker 10 to the ear hole, and the measured value with the probe inserted into the ear hole. It is something that can know. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the measurement result can be directly heard by the ear of the person to be measured, the measurement result is not known to surrounding people and can be easily measured even in the dark. Furthermore, since the sound is transmitted only to the inside of the ear canal, it is not necessary to increase the sound, and the amplification degree of the sound signal amplifying means 8 may be a relatively low value.
[0025]
(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 26 is provided on the outside of the probe 11 so as to touch the skin in the ear canal when the probe 11 is inserted into the ear canal. Reference numeral 27 denotes a second electrode disposed on the surface of the case of the ear canal thermometer. Since the second electrode 27 is disposed on the surface of the housing as described above, the palm of the measurer is surely touched during measurement. Between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27, resistance value measuring means 28 for measuring the electric resistance value between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 is provided. The output signal of the resistance value measuring means 28 is transmitted to the non-conduction detecting means 29. Non-conduction detection means 29 determines non-conduction when the resistance value between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 measured by the resistance value measurement means 28 is, for example, 1 MΩ or more. It is.
[0026]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below. As described above, the first electrode 26 touches the skin in the ear hole of the measurer when the probe 11 is inserted into the ear hole of the measurer. The second electrode 27 is in contact with the skin of the palm of a person holding the case of the ear canal thermometer.
[0027]
For example, when considering the case where the mother is measuring the body temperature of a child such as an infant, the resistance value measured by the resistance value measuring means 28 is naturally very high. That is, the resistance between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 measured by the resistance value measuring means 28 is 1 MΩ or more. For this reason, the non-conduction detection means 29 detects that it is a non-passing state. That is, it recognizes that the person to be measured and the person to be measured are different persons. In this embodiment, in this embodiment, the speaker 10 emits sound to the outside of the thermometer. Therefore, the mother can easily know the temperature of the child.
[0028]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by detecting the resistance value between the first electrode 26 attached to the tip of the probe 11 and the second electrode 27 attached to the outside of the thermometer casing, It is determined whether the operator and the person to be measured are different persons, and if they are different persons, the measurement value is notified by voice from the speaker 10 attached so as to emit sound to the outside of the thermometer. An ear hole thermometer capable of easily measuring the temperature inside the ear hole of another person is realized by notifying a measured value by voice from a speaker attached like an ear hole thermometer capable of measuring the temperature inside the ear hole.
[0029]
(Example 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the continuity detecting means 30 is used which determines that the continuity is established if the resistance value between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27 measured by the resistance value measuring means 28 is, for example, 1 MΩ or less. ing.
[0030]
With the above configuration, when the continuity detecting means 30 detects that the person to be measured and the person to be measured are the same person, the speaker 10 passes through the waveguide hole 5 described in FIG. The measurement results are transmitted by voice. Therefore, in this embodiment, an ear-hole thermometer that can know the measurement value while the probe 11 is put in the ear is realized, and the ear-hole thermometer that can easily know the measurement result even in a dark environment. It is what has become.
[0031]
(Example 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, a light receiving unit 32 and a dark state detecting unit 33 are provided. The light receiving unit 32 is constituted by an optical sensor, and detects the brightness outside the housing of the ear canal thermometer. The output of the light receiving unit 32 is transmitted to the dark state detection means 33. The dark state detection means 33 determines whether the surroundings are bright or dark compared with the built-in reference value, and this output is used as the voice synthesis means 6. To communicate.
[0032]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below. When the dark state detection unit 33 transmits a signal that the surrounding state is dark to the voice synthesis unit 6, the voice synthesis unit 6 converts the measured value output from the temperature conversion unit 5 into a voice signal by voice synthesis, and amplifies the voice signal. The signal is transmitted from the means 8 to the subeka 10. Therefore, the speaker 10 transmits body temperature measurement data to the surroundings by voice. When the dark state detection means 33 determines that the surrounding state is bright, the speech synthesis means 6 does not operate. That is, when the surrounding state is bright, the measurement result is displayed only by the measured value display means 7.
[0033]
(Example 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a single frequency generating means 34 is used instead of the speech synthesizing means 6 shown in FIG. The single frequency generating means 34 is constituted by a transmission circuit that generates a single frequency sound.
[0034]
The inside of the ear canal is usually bent, and if not used, the probe tip often hits the wall without facing the inside of the ear canal. In the present embodiment, the single frequency generation means 34 continues to generate a single frequency sound such as “pea” during measurement. When this sound is low, it can be determined that the tip of the probe 11 is in contact with the wall in the ear canal. That is, the measuring person changes the direction of the probe 11 in such a direction that the sound generated by the single frequency generating means 34 can be heard most, thereby avoiding hitting the wall in the ear canal, and from the eardrum connected to the inside of the human body. An ear canal thermometer that can accurately detect the generated infrared rays can be obtained.
[0035]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the single frequency generating means 34 drives the speaker 10 while the infrared detector 1 and the temperature detector 2 are in operation, and the measurer can hear the sound most loudly. By pointing the probe to the ear hole thermometer, the most accurate measurement can be realized.
[0036]
(Example 7)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a timer 35 is connected to the temperature conversion means 5. The timer 35 outputs a signal every fixed time, for example, every second. Each time a signal is output from the timer 35, the temperature conversion means 5 calculates and outputs a measured value from the data obtained so far. The voice synthesizer 6 outputs a voice signal that is a word corresponding to the measured value. Therefore, the measurer can hear the measured value with the ear every second without removing the probe 11 from the ear.
[0037]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the direction in which the highest temperature is notified can be searched while always listening to the measurement value, and the temperature inside the ear canal can be accurately measured.
[0038]
(Example 8)
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the measurement failure detection means 36 is connected to the temperature conversion means 5. The measurement failure detection means 36 determines whether or not the output value of the temperature conversion means 5 is too low compared to the built-in reference value. When the output signal of the measurement failure detection means 36 is a measurement failure, the speech synthesis means 6 of this embodiment generates a word indicating that the measurement is performed again, assuming that the measurement is not very correct.
[0039]
With the above configuration, it is possible to realize an ear canal thermometer that can always perform correct measurement.
[0040]
Example 9
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the high temperature detection means 40 is connected to the speech synthesis means 6. The high temperature detection means 40 measures the temperature of the temperature detector 2, detects whether it is higher than the reference value, and transmits this result to the speech synthesis means 6.
[0041]
If the temperature of the temperature detector 2 becomes too high, the signal level of the signal output from the infrared detector 1 becomes low, and the signal-to-noise ratio decreases. That is, accurate temperature measurement becomes difficult. When the voice synthesizer 6 receives a signal from the high temperature detector 40 that the temperature of the temperature detector 2 is higher than the reference value, the voice synthesizer 6 informs the measurer by voice so as to wait until the temperature of the infrared detector 1 cools. Is. Possible causes for the temperature of the temperature detector 2 to be higher than the reference value include a case where the temperature of the place where the thermometer is stored is too high, or a case where the ear hole thermometer is held too long by hand.
[0042]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the temperature of the place where the ear canal thermometer is stored by the high temperature detecting means 40 is too high, or the ear canal thermometer is held too long by hand, it is in a high temperature state. If this is detected, an ear canal thermometer that can tell the user to wait for a while by voice is realized.
[0043]
(Example 10)
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the temperature change detecting means 41 and the temperature instability detecting means 42 are connected to the voice synthesizing means 6. The temperature change detection means 41 detects a temperature change of the temperature detector 2. The temperature instability detection means 42 differentiates the output of the temperature detector 2 with respect to time, examines the degree of temporal change in temperature, determines whether this value is larger or smaller than a reference value, and uses this result as a voice. This is transmitted to the synthesis means 6.
[0044]
When the temperature is not stable, the infrared detector 1 changes the magnitude of the output signal from time to time. That is, when the ear hole thermometer stored in a cold place is brought into a warm room, the temperature of the infrared detector 1 is in an unstable state. In this embodiment, when the temperature change detecting means 41 and the temperature instability detecting means 42 detect that the temperature of the infrared detector 1 is in an unstable state, the speech synthesis means 6 waits for a little measurement. As such, it is notified.
[0045]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the temperature instability detecting means 42 detects that the temperature of the infrared detector 1 is unstable, it can be instructed to wait a little for measurement, so that more accurate measurement is possible. To achieve an ear canal thermometer.
[0046]
(Example 11)
Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the infrared detector 1 is provided with the first temperature detector 2, and the probe 11 is provided with the second temperature detector 43. Further, the detected temperature of the first temperature detector 2 and the second temperature detector 2 are provided. The temperature difference of the temperature detector 43 is detected by the temperature difference detecting means 44. The output signal of the temperature difference detection means 44 is transmitted to the speech synthesis means 6.
[0047]
Normally, when the temperature of the temperature detector 2 is lower than the temperature in the ear canal, condensation may occur on the surface when the probe 11 is inserted into the ear canal. For this reason, a measured value becomes unstable and accurate body temperature measurement becomes difficult. In the present embodiment, as described above, the temperature difference detecting means 44 detects the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the second temperature detector 43 and the first temperature detector 2, and this temperature difference is less than a predetermined value. While it is larger, it is possible to instruct the voice synthesizing means 6 to wait a little for measurement, thereby realizing an ear canal thermometer capable of performing more accurate measurement.
[0048]
Example 12
Subsequently, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are arranged outside the housing of the ear canal thermometer. Further, a resistance value measuring means 53 is provided between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52, and the resistance value between the electrodes is measured. The output of the resistance value measuring means 53 is connected to the continuity detecting means 54. When the resistance value detected by the resistance value measuring unit 53 is smaller than a predetermined resistance value, the continuity detecting unit 54 causes the timer 56 to start a counting operation assuming that the continuity state is established. When the timer 56 finishes counting the predetermined time, the timer 56 informs the voice synthesizer 6 to release the hand from the case of the ear canal thermometer.
[0049]
The operation of this embodiment will be described below. The resistance value measuring means 53 measures the resistance value between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 arranged outside the housing. In other words, the state in which the resistance value between the electrodes decreases when the measurer grips the casing is detected. When this resistance value is recognized by the continuity detection means 54 to be lower than the reference value, the continuity detection means 54 causes the timer 56 to start counting time. When the toy 56 finishes counting for a predetermined time, the voice synthesizing means 6 notifies that the hand is released from the case of the ear canal thermometer. That is, it notifies that measurement should be performed again. That is, if the ear-hole thermometer case is kept held, the temperature of the infrared detector 1 also increases due to the body temperature. For this reason, as described in Example 10 or Example 11, accurate measurement becomes difficult.
[0050]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, generally, when a thermometer is held by hand for a long time, an internal circuit starts, and when the temperature of the infrared detector 1 becomes too high, the output signal level of the infrared detector 1 becomes small. This makes it difficult to perform more accurate measurements. In the present invention, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to notify the user by voice that the voice synthesizing means 6 has held the thermometer too long by the output of the timer 55, and the temperature rise of the infrared detector 1 can be prevented. , More accurate measurement is possible.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
The invention described in claim 1 is a probe that guides infrared rays generated from the ear canal to the light collecting means, an infrared detector that detects the amount of infrared light collected by the light collecting means, and amplifies the output signal of the infrared detector. An amplifier, a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the infrared detector and outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature, an AD converter that AD converts the output signal of the temperature detector and the output signal of the amplifier, and an AD converter A temperature conversion means for receiving a signal of the measured object and outputting a signal corresponding to the temperature of the object to be measured, a measurement value display means for displaying the temperature conversion result and the operating state of the temperature conversion means, and an electric signal receiving the signal of the temperature conversion means Voice synthesizing means for generating a typical audio signal, a timer for outputting a signal at regular intervals, an audio signal amplifying means for amplifying the audio signal output by the voice synthesizing means, and a speed for generating sound by the audio signal amplifying means. The ear canal is capable of easily correcting the direction of the probe and making correct measurement easy, by calculating the measured value from the data obtained so far and receiving it by voice each time the output signal of the timer is received. A type thermometer is realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a side sectional view showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer as a second embodiment of the present invention. (B) Front view FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of an ear canal thermometer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer as a ninth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ear canal thermometer as a first embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram showing the structure of the [Description of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Infrared detector 2 Temperature detector 3 Amplifier 4 AD converter 5 Temperature conversion means 6 Speech synthesizing means 7 Measurement value display means 8 Audio signal amplification means 10 Speaker 11 Probe 12 Condensing means 13 Tympanic membrane 20 Sensor unit 22 Circuit board 23 Light reception Window 24 Holding section 25 Waveguide hole 26 First electrode 27 Second electrode 28 Resistance value measuring means 29 Non-conducting detecting means 30 Conducting detecting means 32 Light receiving section 33 Dark state detecting means 34 Single frequency generating means 35 Timer 36 Measurement Defect detection means 40 High temperature detection means 41 Temperature change detection means 42 Temperature instability detection means 44 Temperature difference detection means 51 First electrode 52 Second electrode 53 Resistance value measurement means 54 Continuity detection means

Claims (1)

  A probe that guides infrared rays generated from the ear canal to the light collecting means, an infrared detector that detects the amount of infrared light collected by the light collecting means, an amplifier that amplifies the output signal of the infrared detector, and the temperature of the infrared detector A temperature detector that detects the temperature and outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature; an AD converter that AD converts the output signal of the temperature detector and the output signal of the amplifier; A temperature conversion means for outputting a signal corresponding to the temperature, a measurement value display means for displaying the temperature conversion result of the temperature conversion means and the operating state, and a voice synthesis for generating an electrical sound signal in response to the signal of the temperature conversion means Means, a timer for outputting a signal at regular intervals, an audio signal amplifying means for amplifying an audio signal output from the audio synthesizing means, and a speaker for generating sound by the audio signal amplifying means, Ear thermometer to be notified by voice by calculating the measured values from the data obtained so far every time receiving the output signal.

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