JP5802003B2 - Optical fiber sheet - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber sheet. Specifically, the present invention relates to an optical fiber sheet that is suitably used for measurement of respiration, heart rate, and body movement of a lying patient, such as diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome.

  Mankind began to use stone tools and became able to make soft food more into their mouths, and jaw bones degenerated. As a result, in the flat face skeleton of modern people, the space for accommodating the tongue is narrowed, the curved tongue blocks the airway due to muscle relaxation during sleep, and the human being called “sleep apnea syndrome” that stops breathing during sleep I was carrying a fate of sickness. Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is also a modern disease. Because of the synergistic effect with metabolic syndrome, obese people with BMI25 or more who have accumulated abundant fat around the throat have a higher risk of the tongue closing the airway of the throat during sleep, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction Incidence of serious illness leading to sudden death increases. SAS is a disease in which an apnea / hypopnea of 10 seconds or more occurs 30 times or more during sleep (approximately 7 hours) overnight, or an apnea / hypopnea occurs 5 times or more per hour of sleep. In SAS patients, breathing stops and is difficult to breathe at night, so sleep becomes light and sleep is poor. As a result, symptoms of sleeplessness during the day (symptoms of somnolence) appear. It is said that this is a hidden factor causing traffic accidents and industrial accidents.

  The prevalence of SAS is said to be 4%, and there are approximately 4.8 million patients in Japan. Of these, 2 million are going to the hospital, and the remaining 2.8 million are potential patients. The disease affects not only middle-aged and obese men and women, but also slender, middle-aged and high-school youths, leading to poor academic ability due to poor concentration and poor sleep. Furthermore, it develops even in infants, and if deep sleep is prevented, secretion of growth hormone is inhibited, which may cause dwarfism.

  By the way, for the diagnosis of SAS, at present, a technique called polysomnography (PSG test) that is performed overnight in hospitalization is frequently used. This diagnostic technique is an extremely restrictive technique in which many sensors are attached to the body.

  On the other hand, a method has been put to practical use in which a special mat is used to detect a change in level of the mat caused by breathing as a change in pressure. However, this method has a poor S / N ratio. In other words, this method is a method of judging from a special mathematical signal analysis in order to distinguish between body motion due to pulse and rolling and body motion due to respiration, and has low reliability. In addition, since it is necessary to incorporate a device for detecting a change in pressure in the mat, the configuration is complicated, and the manufacture thereof is also complicated. Products with more than 160 electrical pressure sensors are already on the market. However, although this product is suitable for moderate or severe SAS with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of 20 or more, the sensitivity in the border region between healthy individuals with mild AHI of 5 or mild SAS is not so good. It also has the disadvantage of not being suitable for patient screening.

  Under such circumstances, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-61306 (Patent Document 1) discloses an optical fiber sheet in which an optical fiber is fixed or mixed with a sheet made of cloth or the like. This optical fiber sheet captures changes in the shape of the optical fiber caused by body movement as changes in the polarization state of light propagating in the optical fiber. When this optical fiber sheet is used, the S / N ratio is good, slight body movements caused by breathing can be detected, turning over, and the pulse and breathing can be clearly distinguished, and in a normal living environment There is an advantage that the state of breathing can be observed in a close state.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-144070 (Patent Document 2) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-131340 (Patent Document 3) describe a light that enables complete and unrestricted screening of SAS in a normal sleeping state of a general household. A sleep apnea sensor (F-SAS sensor) using a fiber is disclosed. This F-SAS sensor is a device that detects body movement by measuring a change in the amount of transmission signal light based on excess loss generated by a lateral pressure applied to an optical fiber. This sensor is small and quiet, and only lays on a thin fiber optic fiber sheet with a thickness of about 3.5mm under the sheet covering the cushion, and is easy to operate without attaching anything to the body. It is the feature that it can measure with. The optical fiber sheets disclosed therein are advantageous in that the state of breathing can be observed in a state close to a normal living environment.

JP 2007-61306 A JP 2007-144070 A JP 2010-131340 A

  However, the optical fiber sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 captures body movement as a fluctuation amount of the polarization state of light. In order to measure this amount of polarization fluctuation, a special analyzer for analyzing the light emitted from the optical fiber is required, which increases the cost. The analysis requires specialized skills. In addition, the optical fiber used in this optical fiber sheet has an anisotropic cross-sectional shape, and the polarization fluctuation amount has a bending dependency. Therefore, it is necessary to form a sheet so as to align the direction sensitive to the fluctuation. There is a problem that the sensitivity to body movement varies for each seat.

  In this respect, the optical fiber sheets disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 can freely arrange the optical fibers in a flat plate shape, and the degree of freedom of arrangement is relatively high. Further, since the body movement can be detected by detecting the change in the amount of light emitted from the end of the optical fiber, the analysis can be performed relatively easily.

  However, the sensitivity is relatively low, and the sensitivity can be improved by knitting an optical fiber into a net cloth in a single stroke without crossing, and overlapping the warp and weft on the optical fiber. There was no sharp sensitivity to capture, and there was much room for improvement in terms of durability, mass productivity, and production costs.

  The present invention can be examined in a state close to a normal living environment, and can detect an apnea state, a hypopnea state, and a normal breath state by correctly detecting a body motion by a relatively simple analysis method and at a low cost. Light for body motion detection device that can be used not only for distinction but also for measuring heart rate, and suitable for diagnosis of SAS that can withstand repeated use and measurement of breathing, heart rate, and other body motions An object is to provide a fiber sheet.

The present invention comprises a sheet-like body for supporting an optical fiber it for measuring the light amount change of the transmitted signal light based on the excess loss caused by lateral pressure applied to the optical fiber which is disposed on the sheet-like body a fiber optic sheet, the sheet body, mattresses, blankets, fabric bedding sizes such as mattress, net fabric, or porous sponge sheet or a combination of any of these,
By arranging the optical fiber on the sheet-like body so that a plurality of annular portions having a diameter of 30 to 50 mm are formed in a single stroke and the annular portions overlap at least two points with the adjacent annular portions, At least three intersections for generating the side pressure are formed in the annular portion of the optical fiber,
The optical fiber is partially fixed by an adhesive tape arranged in stripes on the sheet-like body so that the intersection formed by the overlap with the adjacent annular parts is not fixed on the sheet-like body. It is,
The optical fiber is characterized in that a gray de head index type quartz optical fiber.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an optical fiber sheet which improves a sensitivity and can detect weak body movements, such as a heartbeat (pulse), is provided.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a body motion detection device (F-SAS sensor) including an optical fiber sheet of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded configuration diagram showing an example of an optical fiber sheet used in the F-SAS sensor of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional structural view of the optical fiber sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an arrangement example of the optical fiber according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing another arrangement example of the optical fiber. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another arrangement example of the optical fiber. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another arrangement example of the optical fiber. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another arrangement example of the optical fiber. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform measured by the F-SAS sensor. FIG. 10 is an image showing an experimental situation in which respiratory motion is measured using a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 11 is an image showing a result of measuring respiratory motion using the optical fiber sheet having the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 and a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 12 is a measurement example showing a measurement limit when respiratory motion is measured using a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 13 is a measurement example showing a measurement limit in the case of measuring respiratory motion (respiratory state and simulated apnea state) using a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the arrangement of optical fibers in the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an image showing a result of measuring respiratory motion using the optical fiber sheet having the arrangement shown in FIG. 14 and a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the arrangement of optical fibers in the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is an image showing a result of measuring respiratory motion using the optical fiber sheet having the arrangement shown in FIG. 16 and a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the arrangement of optical fibers in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is an image showing a result of measuring respiratory motion using the optical fiber sheet having the arrangement shown in FIG. 18 and a lightweight baby doll that performs respiratory motion. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the arrangement of optical fibers in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the arrangement of optical fibers in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 22 is an image showing a part of the result of measuring respiratory motion during sleep of a 58 year old male subject (BMI: 26) using the optical fiber sheet having the arrangement shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the arrangement of optical fibers in the seventh embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a body motion detection device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded configuration diagram showing an example of an optical fiber sheet 1 used in the body motion detection device, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the optical fiber sheet 1 It is. The body motion detection device measures a change in the amount of light output from the optical fiber sheet 1, detects a body motion, an electric plug 3 that acquires a power source for driving the sensor control unit 2, and sensor control An optical fiber cord 4 that inputs and outputs light from the unit 2 to the optical fiber sheet 1 is provided.

  This body movement detection device is used as, for example, a sleep apnea syndrome diagnosis device (hereinafter referred to as “F-SAS sensor”), and the body is detected from a change in the amount of light caused by passing through the optical fiber sheet 1. Motion, that is, apnea, hypopnea, or body movement that is not related to breathing, for example, whether it is due to a heartbeat or due to rolling.

  The sensor control unit 2 includes a light source such as an LED, a light receiving element such as a photo die auto (PD), and a light meter that measures the amount of light received by the light receiving element. The light source continuously supplies a certain amount of light to the optical fiber sheet 1. Considering that the emitted light can be stably output, light weight and small size, and less heat generation and power consumption, an LED is suitably used as the light source. The light receiving element continuously receives the output light transmitted from the optical fiber cord 4. The received light quantity is measured by a light meter. The change in the measured amount of received light (attenuation) is approximately proportional to the side pressure applied to the optical fiber sheet 1 in accordance with body movement, that is, body movement, respiration, and heartbeat. Accordingly, it can be determined that the body movement is small when the change in the amount of received light is small, and the body movement is large when the change in the amount of received light is large. The sensor control unit 2 constitutes an analysis unit together with an arithmetic device (not shown) such as a personal computer incorporating analysis software.

  The optical fiber sheet 1 includes an optical fiber 11 and a sheet-like body 12 that supports the optical fiber 11. The optical fiber sheet 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a structure in which an optical fiber structure 10 including an optical fiber 11 and a sheet-like body 12 is covered with two outer covers 6 and an outer cover 7. The peripheral edges of the outer cover 6 and the outer cover 7 are sewn together and integrated with the optical fiber structure 10. The optical fiber sheet 1 is used by being placed on a bedding 5 such as a mattress.

  The outer cover 6 serving as the surface of the optical fiber sheet 1 is made of, for example, a black cloth having a light shielding property. By providing the outer cover 6 on the surface, the influence of light from the outside, that is, the influence of light shielding can be avoided. The outer cover 7 is also made of cloth or the like. The outer cover 7 is the back surface of the optical fiber sheet 1. Although there is little need to consider light shielding, it is preferable that the outer cover 6 is made of a material having light shielding properties. This is because the influence of light shielding can be reduced. For the outer cover 6 and the outer cover 7, it is possible to select a free picture and color scheme. Both the outer cover 6 and the outer cover 7 are optional. Further, the outer cover 6 and the outer cover 7 may be removable from the optical fiber structure 10. This is because the optical fiber sheet 1 can be held in a sanitary manner by washing the removed outer cover 6 and outer cover 7. The outer cover 6 and the outer cover 7 may be made of a material other than cloth, such as a plastic film.

  An optical fiber structure 10 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 includes a sheet-like body 12 made of, for example, a breathable sponge sheet having a large number of holes, and is disposed on the sheet-like body 12. And an optical fiber 11 partially fixed to a sheet-like body 12 with an adhesive tape (so-called double-sided adhesive tape) 15 having an adhesive layer 14 on both sides. In order to suppress the displacement movement of the optical fiber 11, a mesh body (net) 16 is placed on the optical fiber 11.

The optical fiber 11 constituting the optical fiber structure 10 is an optical transmission medium having a core called a core, an outer layer called a clad outside the core, and a coating layer covering the outer layer. Such a structure, if the optical fiber 11 having a core material and cladding material, can be used regardless of the material of the covering layer, in the present invention, Gurede' de index type silica-based optical fiber (quartz type GI fibers ) Is preferably used. This is because it is possible to detect body movements that are extremely minute movements. The quartz-type GI optical fiber, the refractive index of an optical fiber having a refractive index distribution (Gra d ed Index) having a distribution shape of the central axis object from the center of the core to the cladding direction, a quartz glass core and cladding both It was produced.

  In the optical fiber 11, a microbending loss occurs due to the stress applied by the side pressure, and an excessive loss occurs in the transmission loss of the optical fiber 11. The body motion detection device of the present invention utilizes this characteristic, and makes it possible to measure body motion by measuring a change in excess loss due to a stress load change to the optical fiber 11 caused by body motion. Yes. In particular, the quartz-type GI optical fiber is extremely sensitive to the side pressure, and has a large excess loss when a stress load is generated due to the side pressure. In addition, GI type optical fiber can transmit a high-order mode (light propagating near the clad side further away from the core center) that is susceptible to microbending loss. A change in the amount of light can be caused. However, this higher-order mode is more affected by the absorption of the core than the lower-order mode (light with higher linearity propagating through the core), so if the absorption of the material of the core itself is larger, the higher-order mode is It becomes attenuated on the way and cannot be used. Therefore, in order to efficiently use the higher-order mode, it is advantageous to use a material having as little absorption as possible for the core material. Quartz glass is generally the most suitable material for this application because it is the material with the smallest absorption loss among the materials used for optical fibers.

  In order to maximize the sensitivity to body movement, it is desirable to adjust the input state of the signal light so that the highest-order mode light propagates most through the GI-type silica-based optical fiber 11. Such a condition is called an all-mode excitation condition. This condition is relative to the diameter or numerical aperture of the light source that inputs light into the optical fiber 11, and the diameter (or numerical aperture) of the light source is larger than the diameter (or numerical aperture) of the optical fiber 11. Achieved. When the LED light source is used, the numerical aperture of the LED causes a large light amount change even with a slight body movement if light is input under the GI-type silica-based optical fiber 11, particularly in a higher-order mode under all mode excitation conditions. As a result, extremely sensitive measurements are possible. In addition, the measurement results are less susceptible to the influence of electrical noise such as static electricity due to friction and are less misidentified.

  In the GI-type silica-based optical fiber 11, the cross-sectional shape of the fiber is completely isotropic, and the bending loss does not depend on the bending direction. Therefore, it is necessary to align the direction of the optical fiber 11 when forming the optical fiber sheet 1. In this respect, it can be said that this is advantageous over the optical fiber sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, since the quartz optical fiber 11 has a very high rigidity as compared with the plastic fiber, the characteristics of the optical fiber sheet 1 are hardly deteriorated due to the occurrence of kink or the like when being fixed to the optical fiber sheet 1. Excellent productivity. In addition, the fiber is not deformed or crushed even if it is used for a long time in a state where a load is applied. Therefore, the long-term stability (durability) is excellent. On the other hand, there are other fibers that use multi-component glass as an optical fiber with excellent rigidity, but silica-based fibers are widely used for communication applications, so they are easily available and have stable performance. Excellent in terms of high points. From such a viewpoint, the GI-type silica-based optical fiber is very advantageous in terms of manufacturing the optical fiber sheet.

  The GI-type silica-based optical fiber 11 usually has a coating to maintain strength. For this reason, there is no possibility of being affected by external light, that is, by stray light. And in this invention, the optical fiber (optical fiber core wire) 11 to which secondary coating was given is used preferably. Since the secondary coating serves to protect the optical fiber, the production of the optical fiber sheet 1 is further facilitated. In this case, the secondary coating is preferably a coating of a hard material such as a polyester elastomer rather than a coating of a soft material such as a vinyl chloride resin. This is because the pressure due to the side pressure is not directly absorbed by the secondary coating but is easily applied directly to the optical fiber.

  The sheet-like body 12 functions to support the optical fiber 11. The sheet-like body 12 is not limited to a fabric, that is, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a non-woven fabric, but also various sheets such as a plastic sheet, paper, a mesh cloth having a mesh structure, and a sponge sheet. Items can be used. Furthermore, the sheet-like body 12 is not only a sheet-like material such as the above-described fabric or plastic sheet, but also a bedding itself such as a mattress, a mattress, and a blanket having a spring structure or a sponge structure as a core, A sheet-like body 12 that can be directly used as bedding, such as a sponge body used for mattresses and mattresses, or a sheet-like body 12 that can be processed into bedding using these as materials can also be used.

  The material of the sheet-like body 12 is not particularly limited. Examples of the material of the fabric include natural materials such as silk, cotton, hemp, and wool, recycled fibers such as acetate and rayon, and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyurethane, and polyester. Plastic sheet materials include polyethylene, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ethylene propylene rubber, vinyl chloride, styrene butadiene, olefin (TPO), polyester (TPEE), and polyurethane (TPU). Examples thereof include various thermoplastic elastomers, polystyrene foam and the like.

  Among these, a flexible material is preferably used. Further, a sheet-like body 12 having air permeability such as a porous sponge sheet or a knitted fabric made of cotton or wool is more preferably used. This is because the optical fiber sheet 1 of the present invention is used as a bedding such as a mattress, a bed, or a mattress or as a sheet or a blanket laid on these beddings. Because it can be avoided. Furthermore, a wood board etc. are utilized depending on the case.

  The optical fiber 11 is disposed directly or indirectly on the sheet-like body 12. Further, not only when the sheet-like body 12 is disposed as a supporting base material, but also a sheet-like body made of a laminate that is knitted inside the sheet-like body 12 or embedded in the inside of the sheet-like body 12. 12 can also be disposed. Furthermore, it can also be arrange | positioned so that it may pinch | interpose between the sheet-like bodies 12 which consist of a laminated body and are pinched | interposed between the two sheet-like bodies 12. FIG.

  As a method of arranging and fixing the optical fiber 11 on the sheet-like body 12, there is a method of arranging and fixing the optical fiber 11 directly on the sheet-like body 12 using an adhesive or the like. Also, a method of arranging and fixing between the sheet-like bodies 12 by sandwiching the upper and lower sides of the optical fiber 11 between the sheet-like bodies 12 and press-contacting the sheet-like bodies 12, and depositing or bonding the periphery of the sheet-like bodies 12. There is also. Further, there is a method in which the optical fiber 11 is embedded in the cotton of the mattress, and indirectly disposed and fixed to the sheet-like body 12 (the mattress fabric).

  Further, by using an adhesive sheet or an adhesive tape 15, a method of indirectly arranging and fixing on a sheet-like body 12 such as a fabric or a plastic sheet, or the optical fiber 11 is arranged on the sheet-like body 12, and from above A method of fixing with an adhesive sheet or an adhesive tape 15 is also exemplified. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet and the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 15 are various sheet-like materials such as cloth, paper, and plastic sheets, and the support 13 is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side or both sides thereof. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet may have the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 14 on the entire surface of the support 13, or may have the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 14 on a part of the support 13 in a stripe shape or a polka dot shape. The method using such an adhesive sheet or adhesive tape 15 makes it easy to fix the optical fiber 11 and simplifies the manufacturing process of the optical fiber sheet 1. In this case, the support 13 used for the adhesive sheet or the adhesive tape 15 can also be used as the sheet-like body 12 of the present invention. Further, a mesh body such as a net cloth may be placed on the arranged optical fiber 11 to suppress the movement of the optical fiber 11.

  The optical fiber 11 is disposed on the sheet-like body 12 in a single stroke. Any arrangement may be used as long as it is written in a single stroke, but one that generates a lateral pressure with a contact point formed by the intersection with the linear member 17 disposed on the sheet-like body 12 as an action point. The optical fiber 11 is disposed so that the above intersection is formed on the transmission signal optical path.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of the optical fiber 11. In the optical fiber sheet 1, a large number of annular portions 21 (loops) formed by the intersection of the optical fibers 11 are formed on the sheet-like body 12 in the width direction (short side direction) and the length direction (long side direction). As described above, one optical fiber 11 is arranged while drawing a large number of annular portions (loops) 21. Further, the optical fiber 11 is disposed so that a part of the annular portions (loops) 21 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12 overlap each other (this arrangement is referred to as “cross-sectional arrangement”). In this optical fiber sheet 1, the locations where the optical fibers 11 intersect each other are intersections, and the optical fiber 11 serving as the transmission signal optical path functions as the linear member 17.

  The optical fiber 11 is a medium constituting a transmission signal optical path for measuring transmission loss due to lateral pressure. In the optical fiber sheet 1 of the present invention, the intersection formed on the transmission signal optical path serves as an action point (or fulcrum), and the lateral pressure due to body movement is generated more in the optical fiber 11. Therefore, it is considered that even a slight body movement causes a larger light amount change, and as a result, the sensitivity of the F-SAS sensor increases.

  The linear member 17 intersects the optical fiber 11 to form an intersection that performs the above function on the transmission signal optical path. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical fiber 11 constituting the transmission signal optical path is used as the linear member 17, and an intersection is formed by the intersection of the optical fibers 11.

  The linear member 17 is disposed on the sheet-like body 12 so that the optical fiber 11 crosses over the linear member 17. The linear member 17 is required to have a hardness such that the intersection formed by the intersection with the optical fiber 11 exhibits the above-described function, and is a metal wire such as a piano wire, an optical fiber, an acrylic wire, or a polymethyl methacrylate wire. Etc. are exemplified. The fiber used for the net cloth is too soft and it is difficult to increase the sensitivity. In addition, an optical fiber is preferably used from the standpoint that the optical fiber sheet 1 can be bent and carried, and the optical fiber sheet 1 can be made lightweight. At this time, the difference in structure and material between the optical fiber to be the linear member 17 and the optical fiber 11 constituting the transmission signal optical path is not questioned. In particular, when an optical fiber is used as the linear member 17, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a single optical fiber 11 serving as a transmission signal optical path can be crossed to form an intersection, so that the manufacturing cost and mass production are possible. It is also advantageous in terms of sex. The cross-sectional shape of the linear member 17 is not limited to a substantially circular shape, but may be a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape.

  It is sufficient that at least one or more intersections are on the transmission signal optical path, and it is considered preferable that the number of intersections is large. However, the number of intersections and sensitivity are not necessarily proportional, and the optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17 are not necessarily proportional. The sensitivity is also affected by the material, the outer diameter of the optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17, the arrangement pattern of the optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17, and the like. Accordingly, the number and position of the intersections are determined so that the sensitivity of the optical fiber sheet 1 is increased in consideration of the materials of the optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17, the outer diameter thereof, and the like. Further, the annular portion (loop) 21 does not have to be a perfect circle, and may be a flat shape such as an ellipse. Although the diameter of the annular portion (loop) 21 may be restricted depending on the type of the optical fiber 11, for example, the diameter is 30 to 50 mm at the largest point.

  At the intersection, the optical fiber 11 (the optical fiber 11 on the upper side of the intersection) serving as the transmission signal optical path is not fixed to the linear member 17 (the optical fiber 11 on the lower side of the intersection), and the intersection is an action point (fulcrum). Bend as freely. Although the linear member 17 may be fixed to the sheet-like body 12, it is preferable not to fix the linear member 17 to the sheet-like body 12 in the vicinity of the intersection. Although the improvement of sensitivity is expected by providing the intersecting portion, it is easier to generate a stress load due to the side pressure when both the intersecting optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17 are freely displaced, which contributes to further improvement of sensitivity. It is because it is considered. If a plurality of linear members 17 are arranged close to each other, the optical fiber 11 that intersects the linear members 17 (the optical fiber 11 serving as a transmission signal optical path) cannot be bent freely, and a sufficient improvement in sensitivity can be expected. There is a risk of not. Therefore, it is desirable that the linear members 17 are provided with an appropriate interval and that the crossing portion is formed so that the optical fiber 11 can be bent freely. In addition, at the intersection, the optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17 do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other at the time of disposition, and may be in contact with each other at the time of measurement.

  More specifically, for example, in the cross-sectional arrangement shown in FIG. 4, in order to maintain the cross-sectional arrangement, the cross part (intersection part) forming the annular part (loop) 21 is striped in the length direction of the sheet-like body 12. It is being fixed to the sheet-like body 12 with the double-sided adhesive tape 15 arrange | positioned in the shape. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the intersection formed by the overlapping of the annular portions (loops) 21, the intersecting optical fibers 11 are not fixed to the sheet-like bodies 12, respectively. Displace freely.

  5 and 6 are plan views showing other examples of arrangement of the optical fiber 11, respectively. In these optical fiber sheets 1, the meandering portion 11 a of the optical fiber 11 disposed while forming many U-shaped portions 22 that are folded back in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12, and the light incident end or the light emitting end of the optical fiber 11. An intersection is formed by the intersection with the optical path end 11b of the optical fiber 11 arranged substantially linearly near the end.

  In the arrangement example shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of U-shaped portions 22 having relatively large diameters are alternately formed at the end in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12, and an optical fiber is drawn so as to draw an 8-character shape. The meandering part 11a in which 11 is arrange | positioned is arrange | positioned. Then, the optical path end portion 11b near the light incident end or the light exit end of the optical fiber 11 is arranged substantially linearly so as to cross the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 22 formed at one of the width direction end portions. (This arrangement is referred to as “eight-shaped arrangement”). In this 8-shaped arrangement, the optical path end portion 11b is used as the linear member 17, and an intersection is formed by the intersection of the optical path end portion 11b and the meandering portion 11a. The meandering portion 11a is partially fixed to the sheet-like body 12 with a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 15 arranged in a stripe shape in the long-side direction of the sheet-like body 12 so that the 8-shaped arrangement is maintained. Further, the light incident end and the light emitting end vicinity of the optical fiber 11 are fixed with a double-sided adhesive tape 15 disposed in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12. On the other hand, the optical fiber 11 (meandering portion 11a) and the linear member 17 (optical path end portion 11b) are not fixed to the sheet-like body 12 in the vicinity of the intersection, and the optical fiber 11 and the linear member 17 in the vicinity of the intersection. Both of these are freely displaced by body movement.

  Further, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of U-shaped portions 22 having a smaller diameter than the U-shaped portion 22 of FIG. 5 are alternately formed in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12 to form a ladder. The meandering part 11a where the optical fiber 11 is arrange | positioned so that it may draw is arrange | positioned. Then, the optical path end portion 11b near the light incident end or the light exit end of the optical fiber 11 is arranged substantially linearly so as to cross the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 22 formed at one of the width direction end portions. (This arrangement is called “ladder arrangement”). An intersection can also be formed by this ladder arrangement.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing still another example of arrangement of the optical fiber 11. In the optical fiber sheet 1 of FIG. 7, a plurality of linear members 17 different from the optical fibers 11 arranged in a figure 8 shape are used, and these linear members 17 also form intersections with the optical fibers 11. doing. An optical fiber is used for the linear material 17. Each linear member 17 is arranged in the length direction of the sheet-like body 12, and both ends thereof are fixed to the sheet-like body 12 by a double-sided adhesive tape 15 arranged in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12. Although some of the linear members 17 are all fixed to the sheet-like body 12 by the double-sided adhesive tape 15, only the both ends of the remaining linear members 17 are fixed to the sheet-like body 12. In the vicinity of the intersection of the linear member 17 and the optical fiber 11 with only both ends fixed, both are freely displaced by body movement.

  In this arrangement example, the sensitivity is further improved by the formation of the intersection portion due to the intersection of the linear member 17 and the optical fiber 11 in addition to the intersection portion due to the intersection of the optical fiber 11 serving as the transmission signal optical path. Further, in this arrangement example, more U-shaped portions 22 are formed and the optical path length is longer than in the arrangement example shown in FIG. Since the optical fiber sheet 1 of the present invention uses the change in excess loss due to the lateral pressure, the longer the optical path length is, the more advantageous it is for improving the sensitivity, and the improvement in sensitivity is also achieved from the viewpoint of the optical path length.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing still another example of arrangement of the optical fiber 11. In the optical fiber sheet 1 of FIG. 8, the intersection is formed only from the intersection with the linear member 17 different from the optical fiber 11. As shown in the figure, a large number of U-shaped portions 22 having relatively small diameters are alternately formed at the end portions in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12, and the optical fiber 11 is disposed so as to draw a ladder. A meandering portion 11a is arranged. And the meander part 11a arrange | positioned at the ladder shape is formed in two steps in the width direction. That is, the optical fiber 11 has a ladder-like arrangement having two stages of meandering parts 11a, and the meandering parts 11a in which a plurality of linear members 17 are arranged in two stages are orthogonally arranged on the sheet-like body 12. Has been.

  The meandering portion 11a is partially fixed by a double-sided adhesive tape 15 arranged in a stripe shape in the length direction of the sheet-like body 12 so that the ladder-like arrangement is maintained. Both ends of the linear member 17 are fixed to the sheet-like body 12 by a double-sided adhesive tape 15 disposed in the width direction of the sheet-like body 12. Although some of the linear members 17 are all fixed to the sheet-like body 12 by the double-sided adhesive tape 15, only the both ends of the remaining linear members 17 are fixed to the sheet-like body 12. In the vicinity of the intersection of the linear member 17 and the optical fiber 11 with only both ends fixed, both are freely displaced by body movement. In this way, it is possible to improve the sensitivity by forming the crossing portion only by the crossing of the linear member 17 and the optical fiber 11 regardless of the crossing of the optical fibers 11. In addition, this arrangement increases the optical path length, and the sensitivity is improved from the viewpoint of the optical path length.

  As described above, in addition to crossing the optical fiber 11 serving as the transmission signal optical path, the sensitivity can be improved by crossing the optical fiber 11 with another linear member 17 (for example, a linear member such as an optical fiber). Improvements can be made. In addition, since the optical fiber sheet 1 of the present invention uses the change in excess loss due to lateral pressure, the longer the optical path length is, the more advantageous it is to improve sensitivity. You can also

  In the optical fiber sheet 1 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the linear member 17 in the vicinity thereof is fixed to the sheet-like body 12 by the double-sided adhesive tape 15 at some intersections. In the present invention, some or all of the linear members 17 in the vicinity of the intersection may be fixed to the sheet-like body 12. This is because the contact point formed by the intersection with the linear member 17 fixed to the sheet-like body 12 also generates a larger lateral pressure using the contact point as an action point. Moreover, the linear member 17 can be fixed to the sheet-like body 12 not only by the use of the adhesive sheet and the double-sided adhesive tape 17 but also by a method such as knitting into a net cloth having a mesh structure or sandwiching the sheet-like body 12.

  The results measured using the optical fiber sheet 1 are analyzed by an arithmetic device such as a personal computer incorporating analysis software and displayed on a display device such as a CRT or a printer (none of these devices are shown). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform measured by the F-SAS sensor. In each figure, the vertical axis represents the amount of light received from the optical fiber sheet (absolute value), and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, if the amount of received light changes regularly and is observed with an amplitude greater than or equal to a certain amount, it can be determined that the patient is in a normal breathing state (normal breathing region). Further, as shown by B in FIG. 9, it can be determined that the patient is in an apneic state if little change in the amount of received light is observed and the fluctuation amplitude is small. A waveform that looks like a small noise in this region represents a waveform of a heartbeat. If the change in the amount of received light is between a normal respiratory state and an apnea state, it can be determined that the patient is in a hypopnea state. Also, as shown in FIG. 9C, if the fluctuation amplitude is large, it can be determined that it is caused by a large body movement such as turning over.

  As described above, according to the present invention, not only is it effective as a screening device for adult SAS patients that are non-restrictive and non-invasive even in general households, but also it is easy to measure changes in the amount of light output from the optical fiber sheet 1. An optical fiber sheet 1 for a body motion detection device capable of detecting a turn, a pulse, and a respiration can be provided by simple analysis. The use of the optical fiber sheet 1 eliminates the need to put anything on the body at the time of measurement, thereby greatly reducing the burden on the patient's skin caused by electrode mounting. Then, it is possible to accurately capture information necessary for growth monitoring in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), GCU (continuous childcare room), etc. of newborns including premature babies, such as turning over, pulse, and respiratory information.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described in detail based on the following examples.
An optical fiber (core diameter φ50 μm, cladding diameter φ125 μm, arrangement extension 10 m: EG5 manufactured by Sumitomo Electric) is braided into a sheet-like net cloth (250 mm × 350 mm) having air permeability, and as shown in FIG. An optical fiber structure (spindle arrangement) in which a total of 42 annular portions (maximum diameter of about 30 mm), 7 rows in the short side direction and 6 rows in the long side direction, was produced. At this time, the optical fibers were arranged so that the annular portions adjacent to each other in the short side direction of the mesh cloth partially overlap (overlap width: 10 mm). And, as shown in the figure, the double-sided adhesive tape (width 15 mm) arranged in stripes in the long side direction of the mesh cloth includes the intersection of the optical fibers crossed to form the annular portion, and the long side direction The six annular portions arranged in (1) were fixed on a sponge sheet (250 mm × 350 mm) having a large number of holes having a thickness of 3 mm. At this time, the portion where the adjacent annular portions overlap was not fixed to the sponge sheet with the adhesive tape, and the two optical fibers near the overlapping portion were freely displaced. Further, a black cloth cover was covered on the upper and lower sides of this structure to obtain an optical fiber sheet of Example 1.

  This optical fiber sheet was placed on a mattress, and body movement was measured using a baby doll (mass 306 g) that performs breathing exercise as shown in FIG. A red LED was used as the light source, and the incident end of the optical fiber sheet, the output end of the optical fiber, and an optical power meter were connected with an optical fiber cord to measure the change in the amount of light, and the respiratory movement of the baby doll was measured. The result is shown in FIG.

  The vertical axis in FIG. 11 represents the amount of light received from the optical fiber sheet (absolute value), and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time. The peak-to-peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal during respiration (Normal) was 0.017 dB, and the breathing motion of a light baby doll of 306 g could be clearly captured. This indicates that the optical fiber sheet is suitable for monitoring the respiratory state of premature infants such as NICU. Further, when an optical fiber sheet was similarly produced using a mesh cloth and a sponge sheet having a size of 250 mm × 450 mm, the Peak to Peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiratory signal was 0.014 dB.

  Moreover, the measurement limit was measured using another optical fiber sheet having the same configuration. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing measurement results in a breathing state (when the baby doll is operating), and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing measurement results in a breathing state (when the baby doll is operating) and a simulated apnea state (when the baby doll is stopped). According to this, the Peak to Peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal was 0.012 to 0.016 dB in the breathing state, whereas it was 0.001 dB in the simulated apnea state. This indicates that the noise (Peak to Peak amplitude) in the optical fiber sheet is about 0.001 dB, and any body motion can be detected if the amplitude exceeds 0.001 dB. From this, it was confirmed that the optical fiber sheet of the present invention is an optical fiber sheet suitable for monitoring the respiratory state of premature infants such as NICU, and can be detected even with a small peak to peak amplitude such as a heartbeat.

  Next, in the same manner as in Example 1, an optical fiber sheet having the cross-sectional arrangement shown in FIG. 14 was produced. An optical fiber structure in which an optical fiber is knitted into a net cloth (250 mm × 450 mm), and a total of 35 annular portions (maximum diameter of about 40 mm) are formed in five rows in the short side direction and seven rows in the long side direction ( A spider-like arrangement) was produced. And it fixed with the double-sided adhesive tape on the sponge sheet | seat (250 mm x 450 mm), and the optical fiber sheet of Example 2 was produced. Using this optical fiber sheet, the breathing motion of the baby doll was measured under the same conditions as in Example 1. The result is shown in FIG. The peak-to-peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal was 0.029 dB, and only a slight noise waveform (peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.001 dB or less) was observed in the simulated apnea state. A larger Peak to Peak amplitude than that of the optical fiber sheet 1 was observed. Furthermore, when the optical fiber sheet 1 was similarly manufactured using a net cloth and a sponge sheet having a size of 250 mm × 350 mm, the peak to peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal was 0.021 dB, In the breathing state, the Peak to Peak amplitude was 0.001 dB or less.

  Next, in the same manner as in Example 1, an optical fiber sheet having a tuna arrangement shown in FIG. 16 was produced. An optical fiber structure in which an optical fiber is knitted into a net cloth (250 mm × 350 mm), and a total of 16 annular portions (maximum diameter of about 50 mm) are formed in four rows in the short side direction and four rows in the long side direction ( A spider-like arrangement) was produced. And it fixed with the adhesive tape on the sponge sheet | seat (250 mm x 350 mm), and the optical fiber sheet of Example 3 was produced. Using this optical fiber sheet, the breathing state of the baby doll was measured under the same conditions as in Example 1. The result is shown in FIG. The Peak to Peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal was 0.012 dB, and in the simulated apnea state, only a slight noise waveform (Peak to Peak amplitude was 0.001 dB or less) was observed. In this optical fiber sheet, the Peak to Peak amplitude of the respiratory signal is smaller than that of the optical fiber sheet of Example 1 and the sensitivity is deteriorated, but it is possible to clearly capture the respiratory motion of a lightweight baby doll of 306 g. did it. Furthermore, when the optical fiber sheet 1 was similarly produced using a net cloth and a sponge sheet having a size of 250 mm × 450 mm, the Peak to Peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiratory signal was 0.009 dB. The minimum detection level (noise level) of the respiratory monitor coming from the S / N of the measuring device exceeded 0.001 dB, and respiration could be detected well.

  An optical fiber (core diameter φ50 μm, clad diameter φ125 μm, arrangement extension 10 m: EG5 manufactured by Sumitomo Electric) is woven into a sheet-like net cloth (250 mm × 350 mm) having air permeability, and as shown in FIG. Four U-shaped portions (maximum diameter of about 70 mm) that are folded back in the short side direction (width direction) of the mesh cloth in the vicinity of the edge portions of the mesh cloth are formed at both ends of the mesh cloth in such a manner that the U-shaped portions face each other alternately. . Further, the U-shaped portion on the incident end side (or the emission end side) of the optical fiber is formed in a half U-shape, and the light at the emission side end disposed along the end portion (long side) of the net cloth. A structure (8-shaped arrangement) in which an optical fiber was arranged so that the fiber and four U-shaped parts (one half U-shaped part) intersected was prepared. Then, as shown in the figure, it was fixed on a sponge sheet (250 mm × 350 mm) having a large number of pores with a thickness of 3 mm with a double-sided adhesive tape (width 15 mm) arranged in a stripe shape in the long side direction of the net cloth. At this time, the vicinity of the intersection of the optical fibers was not fixed to the sponge sheet with the adhesive tape, and the optical fiber in the vicinity of the intersection was freely displaced. Further, a black cloth cover was covered on the upper and lower sides of this structure to obtain an optical fiber sheet of Example 4.

  This optical fiber sheet was placed on a mattress, and body movement was measured using a baby doll (mass 306 g) that performs breathing exercise as shown in FIG. A red LED was used as the light source, the change in the amount of light was measured by connecting the incident end of the optical fiber sheet and the emission end of the optical fiber and an optical power meter with an optical fiber cord, and the respiratory motion was measured. The result is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the peak to peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal was 0.022 dB, and the breathing motion of a lightweight baby doll of 306 g could be clearly captured. Although not shown, only a slight noise waveform (Peak to Peak amplitude is 0.001 dB or less) was observed in the simulated apnea state. This indicates that the optical fiber is suitable for monitoring the respiratory state of premature infants such as NICU. Furthermore, when an optical fiber sheet having the same configuration was separately manufactured and the breathing state of the baby doll was measured in the same manner, the peak to peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiratory signal was 0.023 dB, and good reproducibility. was gotten. This optical fiber sheet also had a larger Peak to Peak amplitude (respiration PP) than that in Example 1, and was able to detect body movement satisfactorily.

  Next, an optical fiber sheet having the arrangement shown in FIG. 20 was produced. The optical fiber is knitted into a net cloth (250 mm × 450 mm), and as shown in FIG. 20, five U-shaped parts (diameter of about diameter) are folded back in the short side direction (width direction) of the net cloth near the end of the net cloth. 70 mm) was formed on both ends of the mesh cloth in such a manner that the U-shaped portions face each other alternately. Further, the U-shaped portion on the incident end side (or the emission end side) of the optical fiber is formed in a half U-shape, and the light at the emission side end disposed along the end portion (long side) of the net cloth. A structure (8-shaped arrangement) in which the optical fiber was arranged so that the fiber and five U-shaped parts (one half U-shaped part) intersected was prepared. A structure (8-shaped arrangement) was produced. And it fixed with the double-sided adhesive tape on the sponge sheet | seat (250 mm x 450 mm), and produced the optical fiber sheet of Example 5. Using this optical fiber sheet, the breathing state of the baby doll was measured under the same conditions as in Example 1. As a result, the peak-to-peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiratory signal was 0.014 dB, and in the simulated apnea state, only a slight noise waveform (peak-to-peak amplitude was 0.001 dB or less) was seen. . In this optical fiber sheet, the Peak to Peak amplitude of the respiration signal was smaller than that of the optical fiber sheet of Example 1, and the sensitivity was deteriorated. However, the breathing motion of a lightweight baby doll of 306 g can be clearly captured. It was. Furthermore, when an optical fiber sheet having the same configuration was separately manufactured and the breathing state of the baby doll was measured in the same manner, the peak to peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiratory signal was 0.017 dB, and good reproducibility. was gotten.

  The measurement results obtained in Examples 1 to 5 are summarized in Table 1. In any of the optical fiber sheets, only a small noise waveform having a Peak to Peak amplitude of 0.001 dB or less is observed in the apnea state, and in the respiration state, 0 is the lowest detection level of the respiration monitor coming from the S / N of the measuring instrument. It was over 0.001 dB, and respiration could be detected well.

  A U-shaped part that weaves an optical fiber coated with an air-permeable net cloth (400 mm × 600 mm) that is a sheet-like body and folds in the short side direction (width direction) of the net cloth as shown in FIG. (Maximum diameter of about 20 mm) was formed in two steps in the short side direction of the mesh cloth in such an arrangement that the U-shaped portions face each other alternately. Further, an optical fiber structure was fabricated by weaving 18 optical fibers that do not constitute a transmission signal optical path in a direction crossing the optical fiber as the weft (linear member) in the long side direction of the net cloth. Then, as shown in the figure, it was fixed on a sponge sheet (400 mm × 600 mm) having a large number of pores with a thickness of 3 mm with a double-sided adhesive tape (width 15 mm). At this time, the vicinity where the optical fibers cross each other was not fixed to the sponge sheet with the adhesive tape, and the optical fibers near the intersection were freely displaced. Four wefts were fixed to the sponge sheet with double-sided adhesive tape. Further, a black cloth cover was covered on the upper and lower sides of this structure to obtain an optical fiber sheet of Example 6. In Example 6, four types of secondary-coated optical fibers shown in Table 2 were used, and the optical fiber CK-20 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., trade name ESCA, fiber diameter 0.5 mm) and light were used as the weft. Fiber CK-30 (same as above, fiber diameter 0.75 mm) was used.

  Using the four types of optical fiber sheets described above, body movement measurement at bedtime was performed with the cooperation of a 58-year-old male subject (BMI: 26). The fiber optic sheet of Example 6 was laid under a sheet used at the time of normal sleeping in a general household, and the patient was allowed to sleep as usual. FIG. 22 shows an example of the result. This result is a result of Test No. 4. The peak-to-peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal is 0.009 dB, which exceeds the minimum detection level of the respiration monitor coming from the S / N of the measuring device, which is 0.001 dB. I was able to.

  Furthermore, when the same experiment was conducted using an optical fiber CK-40 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., trade name: ESCA, fiber diameter: 1.0 mm) as the weft, the respiration P- An amplitude of about twice P was obtained, and further improvement in sensitivity was achieved (results not shown). From these results, it can be said that it is preferable to use an optical fiber having a large diameter as the linear member as long as the diameter of the weft is larger, as long as it has the same configuration.

  When a normal GI-type silica-based optical fiber (type without a secondary coating) is used, the respiration PP is usually 0.03 to 0.05 dB in an adult. When a GI type silica optical fiber was used, the respiration PP was about 0.003 dB except for one for a light baby doll of 306 g. Thus, sufficient sensitivity was obtained that could be measured even by a light subject. The No. 1 and 2 optical fiber sheets are not affected by the type of weft and the respiration PP is small. However, in the No. 3 and 4 optical fiber sheets, when CK-30 having a large fiber diameter is used for the weft. Respiration PP greatly improved. As a cause of this, the cores used in the optical fiber sheets No. 1 and 2 are relatively soft because the secondary coating is made of a polyvinyl chloride resin, whereas No. 3 and 4 The core wire used in the optical fiber sheet 1 has a secondary coating made of a hard flame retardant resin and is relatively hard, and it is considered that pressure was directly applied to the optical fiber (core). Further, the core diameter of the core wire used in the optical fiber sheet 1 of No. 3 or 4 is 50 μm, whereas the core diameter of the core wire used in the optical fiber sheet 1 of No. 1 or 2 is 62 μm. It is considered that the sensitivity as a sensor is improved because the V value of the core wire used in the optical fiber sheet 1 of No. 3 or 4 is lowered, the optical confinement effect is lowered, and the sensitivity is increased. An optical fiber sheet that can withstand practical use can be produced even if an optical fiber with a secondary coating is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 23, an optical fiber (core diameter φ50 μm, clad diameter φ125 μm, arrangement extension 10 m: EG5 manufactured by Sumitomo Electric) is braided into a mesh fabric (250 mm × 450 mm) having a breathable mesh structure which is a sheet-like body. The five U-shaped parts (diameter: about 70 mm) that fold in the short side direction (width direction) of the net cloth near the end of the net cloth are arranged at both ends of the net cloth so that the U-shaped parts face each other alternately. Formed. Further, an optical fiber CK-30 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., trade name: ESCA, fiber diameter: 0.75 mm) was knitted in the long side direction of the net cloth as a weft (linear member) to produce an optical fiber structure. Then, as shown in the figure, a double-sided adhesive tape (width 15 mm) arranged in stripes in the long side direction and width direction of the net cloth on a sponge sheet (250 mm × 450 mm) having a large number of holes 3 mm in thickness. Fixed. Further, a black cloth cover was covered on the upper and lower sides of this structure to obtain an optical fiber sheet of Example 7. Using this optical fiber sheet, the breathing state of the baby doll was measured under the same conditions as in Example 1. As a result, the peak-to-peak amplitude (respiration PP) of the respiration signal was 0.029 dB, and about twice the sensitivity (Peak-to-Peak amplitude) was obtained compared to when no weft was used. Further, although not shown, an optical fiber sheet (size: 250 mm × 350 mm) in which five wefts are crossed in the same manner as in Example 7 is used for the optical fiber having the 8-shaped arrangement shown in Example 4. As a result, about twice as much sensitivity (Peak to Peak amplitude) was obtained as compared with the case where no weft was added.

  As described above, when the optical fiber sheet of the present invention is used, a signal exceeding the lowest detection level (0.001 dB) of the respiratory monitor coming from the S / N of the measuring device can be detected. As a result, not only body movements such as breathing and turning over, but also small body movements such as heartbeats can be detected. Moreover, it can be said that the optical fiber sheet of the present invention is epoch-making in that it can be repeatedly used and the optical fiber can be easily handled at the time of manufacture.

  However, since the optical fiber sheet of the present invention can detect respiration, heartbeat, and body movement of a person who is in a supine position or prone position with high sensitivity, it is very suitable for SAS diagnosis. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the SAS diagnostic apparatus, but can be widely used in apparatuses for detecting body movements and capturing posture movements.

  The embodiments and examples shown above are exemplifications, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and is included in the scope of the claims and all equivalents thereto. Are intended to be included in the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the optical fiber sheet used suitably for the measurement of the respiration, heartbeat, and body motion of a lying person patient including the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical fiber sheet 2 Sensor control part 5 Bedding 6 Outer cover with light-shielding used as the surface of an optical fiber sheet 7 Outer cover used as the back surface of an optical fiber sheet 10 Optical fiber structure 11 with which optical fiber was wired 11 Optical fiber 12 Sponge Sheet-like body 15 such as sheet Double-sided adhesive tape 17 Linear member

Claims (5)

An optical fiber sheet comprising an optical fiber and a sheet-like body that supports the optical fiber, and for measuring a change in the amount of transmission signal light based on excess loss caused by a lateral pressure applied to the optical fiber disposed on the sheet-like body Because
The sheet-like body is a mattress, blanket, mattress or other bedding-sized fabric, a net cloth, a porous sponge sheet, or any combination thereof.
By arranging the optical fiber on the sheet-like body so that a plurality of annular portions having a diameter of 30 to 50 mm are formed in a single stroke and the annular portions overlap at least two points with the adjacent annular portions, At least three intersections for generating the side pressure are formed in the annular portion of the optical fiber,
The optical fiber is partially fixed by an adhesive tape arranged in stripes on the sheet-like body so that the intersection formed by the overlap with the adjacent annular parts is not fixed on the sheet-like body. It is,
The optical fiber, the optical fiber sheet, which is a gray de head index type quartz optical fiber. Optical fiber sheet according to claim 1, before Symbol optical fiber and having a secondary coating. A light source;
The optical fiber sheet according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A body motion detection device including an analysis unit that measures a change in the amount of light output from an optical fiber sheet and detects body motion. The body motion detection device according to claim 3 , wherein the light source is a red LED. The body motion detection device according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the input signal light to the optical fiber is input under all mode excitation conditions.