JP7063568B2 - Skin gas measuring device and scale - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a skin gas measuring device, particularly a skin gas measuring device for detecting a specific skin gas component contained in skin gas generated from the skin surface of a human body, and a weight scale provided with the skin gas measuring device.

In recent years, for the purpose of health management, it has been actively performed to acquire a biological sample from the human body and measure its components.
As one of the biological samples, there are biological gases such as exhaled gas and skin gas. Information on health status can be obtained by measuring the presence or absence and concentration of specific gas components contained in biological gas. The advantages of using biogas are that it is easy to collect, there is no risk of infection, and there is no invasion to the human body or mental burden.

Compared to exhaled gas, skin gas does not require an active action such as spraying on a collecting device, etc., and its release from the skin (ingredients, amount, etc.) is It has the point that it cannot be changed or controlled by its own will. From this, in skin gas, the component detection and concentration of biogas can be measured more accurately. In addition, if a skin gas measuring device is mounted on a device such as a wristwatch that can be worn in contact with the skin (hereinafter, also referred to as a “wearable device”), the device can be worn simply by wearing the device. , Health management by constant measurement and unconscious measurement will be realized.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes a skin gas measuring device that adsorbs and concentrates a skin gas component using a porous material, desorbs the concentrated skin gas component by heating the porous material, and performs measurement. It has been disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-232051

The skin gas measuring device has a housing opening (recess) in a portion that comes into contact with the skin. The opening is in close contact with the skin and forms a skin gas collecting space between the opening and the skin. The opening needs to have a relatively large area in order to secure the exposed area of the skin, and is preferably shallow so as not to increase the space volume more than necessary.
However, in the above structure, it is conceivable that the skin pressed against the opening invades the opening and reduces the volume of the gas collection space.

An object of the present invention is to improve the measurement accuracy of a device for measuring skin gas with the housing opening in close contact with the skin by maintaining the volume of the skin gas collecting space.

Hereinafter, a plurality of aspects will be described as means for solving the problem. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as needed.

The skin gas measuring device according to the seemingly present invention is for detecting a specific skin gas component contained in the skin gas generated from the skin surface, and includes a skin gas collecting space, a sensor, and a support portion. Is equipped with.
The skin gas collecting space collects a specific skin gas component and has an opening that is in close contact with the skin surface.
The sensor is placed in the skin gas collection space and detects a specific skin gas component.
The support portion is formed in the opening and abuts on the skin surface to limit the invasion of the skin surface into the skin gas collecting space.

In this device, the skin gas generated from the skin surface moves into the skin gas collection space by the diffusion phenomenon. Then, the sensor detects the specific skin gas component.
In this device, when the skin surface is in close contact with the opening, the support portion abuts and supports the skin surface in the recess formed by the opening, so that the skin surface is less likely to enter the skin gas collecting space. This prevents the volume of the skin gas collection space from being reduced.
From the above, the specific skin gas component can be measured stably and accurately.

The skin gas collection space may further have a housing. The housing has a first skin gas collecting space having an opening, a second skin gas collecting space formed inside, and a passage connecting the first skin gas collecting space and the second skin gas collecting space. , May have.
In this device, the skin gas generated from the skin surface moves from the first skin gas collecting space to the second skin gas collecting space through the passage by the diffusion phenomenon. Then, the sensor detects the specific skin gas component.
In this device, when the skin surface is in close contact with the opening, the support portion abuts and supports the skin surface in the recess formed by the opening, so that the skin surface is less likely to enter the first skin gas collecting space. As a result, the following two effects can be obtained.
First, the volume of the first skin gas collection space is prevented from being reduced.
Second, the skin surface is prevented from blocking the passage.
From the above, the specific skin gas component can be measured stably and accurately.

The total area of the support with respect to the area of the opening may be in the range of 1-20%.
With this device, if it is less than 1%, the skin feels uncomfortable. That is, the usability of the device is poor. If it exceeds 20%, the loss of skin area due to the support portion becomes large. That is, the amount of gas released is reduced.

The upper surface of the support may be flush with the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the opening.
In this device, the support portion supports the skin surface at a high position, so that a large volume of the skin gas collection space can be secured.

The upper surface of the support may be lower than the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the opening.
In this device, the support portion supports the skin surface at a low position, so that the reaction force from the support portion to the skin surface can be reduced.

A plurality of support portions may be provided so as to surround the periphery of the passage.
This device effectively prevents the passage from being blocked by the skin surface.

The housing may be movable when pressed against the skin surface.
The device may further include a sensor activation switch operated by moving the housing.
In this device, the housing itself drives the sensor activation switch, so gas detection can be performed by simply pressing the skin surface against the housing.

The weight scale according to another viewpoint of the present invention includes a weight measuring unit and the skin gas measuring device provided in the weight measuring unit.
With this scale, skin gas measurement and weight measurement can be performed at the same time.

In the skin gas measuring device according to the present invention, the measurement accuracy of the device is improved by maintaining the volume of the skin gas collecting space.

The plan view of the weight scale which adopted the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the skin gas measuring apparatus as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Perspective view of the skin gas measuring device. Top view of the skin gas measuring device. Perspective view of the skin gas measuring device. Sectional drawing of the skin gas measuring apparatus. Sectional drawing of the skin gas measuring apparatus. The block diagram which shows the control composition of the skin gas measuring apparatus. The flowchart which shows the measurement control of the skin gas measuring apparatus. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column. The schematic plan view which shows the deformation example of a column.

1. 1. First Embodiment (1) Weight Scale The weight scale 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a weight scale in which the first embodiment of the present invention is adopted.
The scale 100 has a standard weight measuring unit 101. The weight scale 100 further has a skin gas measuring unit 103 provided in the weight measuring unit 101. The skin gas measuring unit 103 is a device for detecting a specific skin gas component contained in the skin gas generated from the skin surface of the human body. That is, the weight scale 100 can detect a specific skin gas component at the same time as measuring the body weight.
The skin gas measuring unit 103 has a total of four skins provided at two locations (the base of the little toe and the ball of the toe) corresponding to the anterior portion of each foot to be placed on the upper surface of the weight measuring unit 101. It has a gas measuring device 1.
In the following description, one skin gas measuring device 1 will be described unless otherwise specified.

(2) Overall Configuration of Skin Gas Measuring Device The skin gas measuring device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. The skin gas measuring device 1 is for measuring diffused acetone, alcohol and miscellaneous gas, temperature, and humidity with a sensor arranged in the same space by pressing the sensor chamber open on one side with the skin to create a closed space. It is a device of.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a skin gas measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the skin gas measuring device. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the skin gas measuring device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the skin gas measuring device. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the skin gas measuring device.

Explain the significance of skin gas measurement. For example, by measuring the value of skin acetone, the amount of body fat burned can be known, and the amount of fat burned can be measured more accurately than with a pedometer or the like. Specifically, energy is consumed from sugar in the body, and when the amount of sugar is low, fat is burned to be converted into energy. Therefore, if the value of the amount of skin acetone is high, the fat is burned. As a result, for example, when measured all day long, the change in the amount of skin acetone can be found, and the amount of fat burned can be visualized. This makes it possible to determine an appropriate type of exercise, exercise intensity, exercise time, exercise timing, meal type, meal amount, meal intake timing, etc. according to the amount of fat burned.

The skin gas measuring device 1 has a housing 3, a first gas sensor 9, a second gas sensor 11, a temperature / humidity sensor 13, and a controller 50 (FIG. 8). The skin gas component released from the skin surface is collected in the housing 3 in close contact with the skin surface. The collected skin gas component is detected by the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11, and the detection signal is transmitted to the controller 50. Details of each of these steps will be described later.

The skin gas component to be measured by the skin gas measuring device of the present invention includes all the skin gas components released from the skin surface. The skin gas component of interest of the skin gas measuring device of the present invention specifically includes a skin gas component associated with a physical condition (health, disease, sleep, rest, exercise, etc.) and an inorganic component (eg, water, hydrogen, ammonia, etc.). It contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) and various organic components (eg, acetone, methanol, ethanol, methane, isoprene, trimethylamine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, nonenal, etc.).
Further, the skin gas component released from the skin surface which is the target of the skin gas measuring device of the present invention includes not only the gas component derived from the living body but also the gas component derived from the outside of the body (environmental origin). For example, a skin gas component released from the skin surface after various artificial gas components contained in a working environment or a living environment are breathed and percutaneously absorbed. Specifically, it is known that these components are released from the skin surface when exposed to organic solvents (benzene, toluene, etc.) and chlorine-based solvents at business establishments and laboratories that handle chemicals. There is.

(3) Housing and Internal Configuration The housing 3 is arranged so as to be vertically movable in a hole formed in the body weight measuring unit 101. Further, the peripheral end portion 35 (described later) of the opening of the housing 3 projects upward from the upper surface of the weight measuring unit 101 at the time of non-measurement. As a result, when a person is placed on the scale 100, the sole of the foot surely contacts the opening of the housing 3 of the skin gas measuring device 1 and seals the opening.
The housing 3 is a container that is applied to the skin to collect skin gas in a diffused state. The material of the housing 3 is preferably Tefguchin (registered trademark). This is because Teflon (registered trademark) has less gas adsorption than metal and does not attenuate the gas concentration. The material of the housing 3 is, for example, polypropylene, ABS resin, polyethylene resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethylmethacrylate resin, polymethylmethacrylate resin, polymethylmethacrylate resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, epoxy resin, and polyvinyl chloride. It may be either.
The housing 3 has a first skin gas collecting space 21 (hereinafter, referred to as “first space 21”). The first space 21 has an opening that is in close contact with the skin surface. The first space 21 is a space for collecting skin gas in a diffused state. In this embodiment, the opening is circular in plan view.

The skin gas component released from the skin surface stays in the first space 21. Here, the shape and dimensions (area) of the first space 21 are not particularly limited, and a closed space is created in close contact with the skin surface according to the shape and size of the skin of the measured skin gas collecting portion. The shape and size that can be formed can be appropriately selected.
Specifically, the first space 21 is an opening having a bottom surface 31, an inner peripheral surface 33, and a peripheral end portion 35. The peripheral edge portion 35 is the upper surface of the peripheral edge portion of the first space 21.

The housing 3 has a second skin gas collecting space 23 (hereinafter referred to as “second space 23”) formed inside. The second space 23 is arranged below the first space 21, and has a smaller area in a plan view than the first space 21.
The housing 3 has a passage 25 that communicates the first space 21 and the second space 23. There are two passages 25, which extend in the vertical direction. The passage 25 connects the central portion of the first space 21 and the central portion of the second space 23. The number, position, total area, etc. of the passages are not particularly limited.
Hereinafter, the first space 21, the second space 23, and the passage 25 are collectively referred to as a sensor room. Regarding the sensor chamber, it is preferable to increase the contact skin area and reduce the volume of the enclosed space. This is to increase the gas concentration in the enclosed space as much as possible to improve the gas measurement accuracy.

The first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 are arranged in the second space 23 and detect different types of specific skin gas components. The first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 are arranged at positions in the second space 23 that do not overlap the passage 25 in a plan view.
The housing 3 has a support column 41. Specifically, the columns 41 are columns extending upward from the bottom surface 31, and there are a total of four columns 41. Further, the four columns 41 are provided so as to surround the two passages 25 and in close proximity to each other in a plan view.

The purpose of the support column 41 is to suppress and support the skin surface when the skin surface is applied to the opening of the first space 21. As a result, the skin surface does not sink to the opening side and change the volume of the first space 21. Further, the skin surface does not block the passage 25.
The requirements required for the support column 41 are the following three points.
・ It does not hurt even if it hits the skin. Therefore, the upper surface 41a of the support column 41 is a flat surface and has a predetermined area.
-It has strength. This is because a large load acts on the sole of the foot.
・ Do not reduce the exposed skin area. Considering the contact with the skin and the strength, it is better to increase the area of the support column 41. However, considering the measurement accuracy, it is better to reduce the area of the support column 41. This is because as the exposed skin area decreases, the gas concentration decreases.
The optimum number, shape, and position of the columns 41 are selected according to the opening shape, size, structure, material, and application of the first space 21.

In this skin gas measuring device 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the skin gas generated from the skin surface h moves from the first space 21 to the second space 23 through the passage 25 due to the diffusion phenomenon. Then, the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 detect the specific skin gas component.
In this skin gas measuring device 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the skin surface h is in close contact with the opening, the support column 41 abuts and supports the skin surface in the first space 21 to support the skin surface. Is hard to invade the first space 21. As a result, the following two effects can be obtained.
First, the volume of the first space 21 is prevented from being reduced.
Second, the skin surface is prevented from blocking the passage 25.
From the above, the specific skin gas component can be measured stably and accurately.

The reason why the sensor chamber (sealed space) is divided into the first space 21 and the second space 23 and both are further connected by the passage 25 will be described. This is to improve gas selectivity (shielding plate effect) by making it difficult for gas to pass through. This is because acetone, which easily diffuses, reaches the sensor relatively quickly compared to miscellaneous gases. In particular, by narrowing the space between the first space 21 and the second space 23 and reducing the area of the passage 25, the passage of gas to the second space 23 can be further deteriorated.

The total area of the columns 41 with respect to the area of the opening is in the range of 1 to 20%, preferably 7 to 8.5%. If the above value is less than 1, the skin feels uncomfortable. That is, the feeling of use of the skin gas measuring device 1 is poor. If the above value exceeds 20%, the loss of skin area due to the support column 41 becomes large. That is, the amount of gas released is reduced.

A plurality of columns 41 are provided so as to surround the circumference of the passage 25. Therefore, it is effectively prevented that the passage 25 is blocked by the skin surface.

The upper surface 41a of the support column 41 is at the same height as the peripheral end portion 35 of the first space 21. Since the support column 41 supports the skin surface at a high position, a large volume of the first space 21 can be secured.
In the modified example, the upper surface 41a of the support column 41 is lower than the peripheral edge portion 35 of the first space 21. In this case, the support column 41 supports the skin surface at a low position, so that the reaction force from the support column 41 to the skin surface can be reduced. The height difference is, for example, 0.5 to 3 mm.

A cover member 4 is mounted on the lower portion of the housing 3. The cover member 4 is a member for covering the lower part of the housing 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 3 is attached to the body weight measuring unit 101 by the fixing member 61. The fixing member is made of, for example, aluminum. This is to stabilize the sensor temperature by releasing the heat transferred from the skin to the housing 3. Specifically, the fixing member 61 is a plate member for suppressing the housing 3 and the cover member 4 from popping out upward, and is fixed to the housing of the weight measuring unit 101 by the screw member 63.

The housing 3 is movable when pushed against the skin surface. Specifically, the housing 3 moves downward with respect to the weight measuring unit 101.
FIG. 5 will be described with reference to a configuration in which gas detection is started by moving the housing 3 downward. As shown in FIG. 5, the skin gas measuring device 1 further includes a sensor activation switch 15 (hereinafter referred to as “switch 15”) operated by moving the housing 3. Since the housing 3 itself drives the switch 15 via the cover member 4, gas detection can be performed simply by pressing the skin surface against the housing 3.
Specifically, a spring 5 is provided below the housing 3, and the housing 3 and the cover member 4 are urged upward by the spring 5. When the housing is pushed down to 3 by weight, the spring 5 is compressed and a part of the cover member 4 turns on the switch 15. When the weight is lost and the housing 3 and the cover member 4 move upward, the spring 5 is extended and the switch 15 is turned off.
In FIG. 5, the housing 3, the cover member 4, the switch 15, and the spring 5 are drawn apart from each other as compared with the actual assembled state in order to clearly show each configuration.
Even when the housing 3 is at the lowest position, the skin is set to abut on the opening of the first space 21 to maintain a sealed state.

The first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 detect the specific skin gas component introduced into the second space 23, and measure the amount or concentration thereof. The point that skin gas can contain a large number of kinds of components, and the application features of the skin gas measuring device of the present invention (enables monitoring of skin gas transition at short measurement intervals, low power consumption, miniaturization of devices, and so on. Considering that it is easy to drive for a long time), it is preferable to use a semiconductor gas sensor. Specifically, various gases emitted from living organisms such as acetone, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, isoprene, trimethylamine, ammonia, methanol, acetaldehyde, ethanol, nitrogen monoxide, formaldehyde, and nonenal, which are skin gas components. It consists of a semiconductor gas sensor that measures the components.

Further, the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 are not limited to the semiconductor gas sensor, but are an electrochemical sensor, a gas heat conduction type sensor, an elastic surface wave sensor, a contact combustion type sensor, an optical type sensor and the like. It may be any suitable sensor capable of measuring the skin gas component.
In this embodiment, the first gas sensor 9 is an acetone sensor and detects acetone. The second gas sensor 11 is an alcohol sensor and is used for alcohol measurement and correction of miscellaneous gas. The temperature / humidity sensor 13 detects the degree of sealing by measuring the temperature / humidity. Based on this result, the measurable determination is made.

(4) Preferred Relationship of Each Configuration The ratio of the area of the opening of the first space 21 to the total area of the columns 41 will be described.
The ratio of the total strut area to the opening area is in the range of 7 to 8.5%. If the above ratio is smaller than that, the feeling of use of the skin is poor. If the above ratio is larger than that, the loss of the exposed skin area by the support column 41 becomes large, and therefore the amount of gas released is reduced.
The number of columns 41 is not particularly limited. However, if the degree of freedom in the design of the passage 25 and the strength of the support column 41 are required, it is necessary to reduce the number of support columns 41 and make them thicker. Further, if the reproducibility of the gas collection volume is emphasized, it is necessary to increase the number of columns 41 to reduce the subduction of the skin surface. Variations in the number, shape, and position of the columns will be described later.

The ratio of the length (for example, the longest diameter) of the opening of the first space 21 to the height of the support column 41 will be described.
The ratio of the height of the column 41 to the opening length is 10 to 12%.

The positional relationship between the columns, passages, and sensors will be explained. The ratio of the shortest distance between the support column 41 and the passage 25 (A in FIG. 4) to the diameter of the support column 41 is 22% or more.
That is, it is preferable that the support column 41 and the passage 25 are separated to some extent. This is for stable measurement of gas concentration. It does not matter how long the distance between the support column 41 and the passage 25 is.

The ratio of the passage 25 to the longest diameter of the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 and the shortest distance between the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 (B in FIG. 4) is preferably 290 to 350%. This is because the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 need to be completely hidden from the passage 25 in order to delay the influence of the interfering gas, while the heat of the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 itself is not trapped. This is because it is necessary not to be too far from the passage 25. Further, if the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 are arranged at a recessed position, the temperature of the housing 3 is easily affected when the temperature is changed by an external factor.

That is, the distance between the two first gas sensors 9 and the second gas sensor 11 (distance between sensor centers, C in FIG. 4) with respect to the longest diameter of the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 is preferably 430% or more. , It is preferable that the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 are separated from each other to some extent so as not to be affected by the heat of each other. This is to stabilize the sensor temperature and reduce the influence of the temperature change on the sensitivity of the sensor. In this case, it does not matter how long the distance between them is.

(5) Control Configuration The control configuration of the skin gas measuring unit 103 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the skin gas measuring device.
The skin gas measuring unit 103 has a controller 50. The controller 50 is a measurement control unit that measures a specific skin gas component by executing a measurement program.
The controller 50 is a computer having a processor (for example, a CPU), a storage device (for example, ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD, etc.) and various interfaces (for example, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, a communication interface, etc.). It is a system. The controller 50 performs various control operations by executing a program stored in the storage unit (corresponding to a part or all of the storage area of the storage device).

The controller 50 may be composed of a single processor, or may be composed of a plurality of independent processors for each control.
A part or all of the functions of each element of the controller 50 may be realized as a program that can be executed by the computer system constituting the control unit. In addition, a part of the function of each element of the control unit may be configured by a custom IC.

The controller 50 is connected to the output units of the first gas sensor 9, the second gas sensor 11, and the temperature / humidity sensor 13 of the skin gas measuring device 1. As a result, the detection signal from each sensor is input to the controller 50.
The switch 15 of the skin gas measuring device 1 is connected to the controller 50. As a result, the weight detection signal from the switch 15 is input to the controller 50.

A heater (not shown) in the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11 of the skin gas measuring device 1 is connected to the controller 50. As a result, the controller 50 can transmit a drive signal to the heaters of the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11.
The controller 50 can transmit various data to, for example, the display unit of the weight scale 100 or a smartphone via the communication unit.

(6) Measurement control operation As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sole of a person's foot comes into contact with the opening of the housing 3 of the skin gas measuring device 1. The skin gas generated from the skin surface h moves to the first space 21 due to the diffusion phenomenon, and further moves to the second space 23 through the passage 25. At this time, the skin gas contains, for example, acetone and miscellaneous gas (mainly water vapor such as water vapor and sweat generated from the skin surface h).

Then, the acetone moves rapidly and reaches the first gas sensor 9. On the other hand, the miscellaneous gas does not sufficiently reach the first gas sensor 9. The reason is that the structure of the housing 3 is arranged in the housing 3 so that the first gas sensor 9 is hidden when viewed from the passage 25. As a result, since the diffusion rate of the miscellaneous gas is lower than that of acetone, the miscellaneous gas may be delayed in reaching the first gas sensor 9 or may be adsorbed on the inner wall of the housing 3. In this embodiment, the first gas sensor 9 is completely hidden when viewed from the passage 25, but depending on the required performance of the product, only a part of the first gas sensor 9 may be hidden. When the first gas sensor 9 is completely hidden, the flow of acetone toward the first gas sensor 9 is further obstructed.

The controller 50 receives signals from the first gas sensor 9 and the second gas sensor 11. As a result, the amount of skin gas components or their concentration is calculated. The controller 50 stores the detection data in the memory, or causes the communication unit to transmit the detection data to, for example, the display unit of the weight scale 100, a smartphone, a medical facility, a sports gym, or a home.
The content to be displayed on the display unit of the body weight measuring unit 101 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to display user data, measurement condition data such as measurement date and time, temperature, humidity, and measurement results of specific skin gas components. This display allows the user to observe changes in the skin gas component.

The measurement control of the skin gas measuring device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the measurement control of the skin gas measuring device. Here, the operation of one skin gas measuring device will be described.
The control flowchart described below is an example, and each step can be omitted or replaced as necessary. Further, a plurality of steps may be executed at the same time, or some or all of them may be executed in an overlapping manner.

Further, each block of the control flowchart is not limited to a single control operation, and can be replaced with a plurality of control operations represented by a plurality of blocks.
The operation of each device is the result of a command from the control unit to each device, and these are represented by each step of the software application.

In step S1, it waits for the switch 15 to be driven. Specifically, the controller 50 waits for the detection signal from the switch 15 to be transmitted.

In step S2, gas detection is started. Specifically, the detection signals from the first gas sensor 9, the second gas sensor 11, and the temperature / humidity sensor 13 are transmitted to the controller 50.
In step S3, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, the controller 50 makes the above determination. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds. By setting the predetermined time appropriately, the detection accuracy will be improved. If the predetermined time is too long, the effect of the shielding plate is reduced, and therefore, miscellaneous gas invades the second skin gas collecting space 23, so that the measurement accuracy is lowered. On the contrary, if the predetermined time is short, the first gas sensor 9 cannot obtain sufficient sensitivity. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4, and if the predetermined time change has elapsed (Yes in step S3), the process proceeds to step S6.
In step S4, it is checked whether or not the switch 15 is in the ON state. Specifically, if the switch 15 in which the controller makes the above determination based on the signal from the switch 15 is in the on state (if Yes in step S4), the process returns to step S3, and the switch 15 is in the off state. If (No in step S4), it is determined that the measurement has failed in step S5. This is because the sensor output cannot be stabilized if the predetermined time has not elapsed. In this case, even if the switch 15 is pressed, the measurement is not performed.
From the above, within the predetermined time, it is continuously determined in step S4 whether or not the switch 15 is in the ON state.

In step S6, gas detection is completed and the detection result is saved. Specifically, the controller 50 saves the detection result in the memory.

In step S7, the detection result is output. Specifically, the controller 50 outputs the detection result to another device (for example, the display unit of the weight scale 100).
Note that step S7 may be omitted.
It should be noted that the above description was the measurement operation of one skin gas measuring device 1, but since four skin gas measuring devices 1 are actually used, the detection results thereof are further calculated and a definite value. May be improved by calculating.
As an example, an average calculation is performed on the amount of acetone released before correction to obtain a definite value. In the above average calculation, different calculation methods are adopted according to the number of valid values. Then, the value obtained by averaging the amount of uncorrected acetone released, the amount of alcohol released, and the amount of water released belonging to the sensor chamber selected there is set as the definite concentration.

2. 2. Variations in the Number and Arrangement of Supports The variations in the number and arrangement of columns will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 27.
In FIGS. 10 to 15, the planar shape of the column is a circle.
In FIG. 10, four columns 41A are arranged at the apex positions of the quadrangle.
In FIG. 11, the three columns 41B are arranged at the apex positions of the triangle.
In FIG. 12, two columns 41C are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.
In FIG. 13, one support column 41D is arranged in the center of the opening chamber.
In FIG. 14, eight columns 41E are arranged in a circle.
In FIG. 15, a large number of columns 41F are arranged at the center, at positions constituting the first circle and the second circle.

In FIGS. 16 to 18, the planar shape of the column is elliptical.
In FIG. 16, four columns 41G are arranged at the apex positions of the quadrangle.
In FIG. 17, three columns 41H are arranged at the apex positions of the triangle.
In FIG. 18, two columns 41I are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

In FIGS. 19 to 21, the planar shape of the column is a rod shape or an oval shape (an oval formed by a combination of two straight portions and two arc portions connecting both ends thereof).
In FIG. 19, the four columns 41J are arranged at the apex positions of the quadrangle.
In FIG. 20, three columns 41K are arranged at the apex positions of the triangle.
In FIG. 21, two columns 41L are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

In FIGS. 22 to 25, the shape of the column is an arc.
In FIG. 22, the four columns 41M are arranged so as to form a part of a circle.
In FIG. 23, the three columns 41N are arranged so as to form a part of a circle.
In FIG. 24, the two columns 41O are arranged so as to form a part of a circle.
In FIG. 25, the eight columns 41P and 41Q are arranged so as to form a part of the first circle and the second circle.

The planar shape of the column may be irregular.
In FIG. 26, one support column 41R is arranged in the center of the opening chamber. The planar shape of the support column 41R is a cross shape.
In FIG. 27, two columns 41S are arranged side by side. The planar shape of the support column 41S is corrugated.

3. 3. Application example of skin gas measuring device In the above embodiment, the skin gas measuring device measures skin gas on the sole of the foot, but it can also measure skin gas on other parts of the foot, arms, hands, fingers, and torso. good.
As a device equipped with a skin gas measuring device, it is also preferable to configure it in a portable manner so that the user can use it whenever necessary. For example, watch type (wrist), ankle type (ankle), adhesive plaster type (back, abdomen, face, etc.), ring type (fingers), necklace type (behind the neck), eyeglass type (temple, near ear), earphones Headphone type (near the ear), last type (foot), etc. are possible.
Other types that cannot be worn include mice, handles (cars, bikes, bicycles), toilet seats, tennis rackets, TV remote controls, and game controllers.

4. Features of the Embodiment The above embodiment can also be described as follows.
The skin gas measuring device (for example, the skin gas measuring device 1) is for detecting a specific skin gas component contained in the skin gas generated from the skin surface, and is for detecting a skin gas collecting space (for example, the first skin). It includes a gas collection space 21), a sensor (for example, a first gas sensor 9), and a support portion (for example, a support column 41).
The skin gas collecting space collects a specific skin gas component and has an opening that is in close contact with the skin surface.
The sensor is placed in the skin gas collection space and detects a specific skin gas component.
The support portion is formed in the opening and abuts on the skin surface to limit the invasion of the skin surface into the skin gas collecting space.

In this device, when the skin surface is in close contact with the opening, the support portion abuts and supports the skin surface in the recess formed by the opening, so that the skin surface is less likely to enter the skin gas collecting space. This prevents the volume of the skin gas collection space from being reduced.
From the above, the specific skin gas component can be measured stably and accurately.
As described above, if the support portion is provided in the opening, the above effect can be obtained, so that the shape of the skin gas collecting space is not particularly limited. That is, in the above embodiment, the skin gas collecting space is divided into a first skin gas collecting space and a second skin gas collecting space, but the skin gas collecting space does not have to be separated.

5. Other Embodiments Although the plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the plurality of embodiments and modifications described herein can be arbitrarily combined as needed.
(1) In the above embodiment, the skin gas measuring device is incorporated in the weight scale, but it may be a single device.

(2) In the above embodiment, four skin gas measuring devices are used at the same time, but the number of skin gas measuring devices used at the same time may be one and is not particularly limited.
(3) In the above embodiment, two types of gas sensors of the skin gas measuring device are provided, but the type of gas sensor may be one type and is not particularly limited.
(4) The shape of the opening of the first space 21 is not limited to a circle. For example, it may be a quadrangle, a triangle, an ellipse, or an oval.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely applied to a skin gas measuring device for detecting a specific skin gas component contained in skin gas generated from the skin surface of a human body.

1: Skin gas measuring device 3: Housing 4: Cover member 5: Spring 9: 1st gas sensor 11: 2nd gas sensor 13: Temperature / humidity sensor 15: Sensor activation switch 21: 1st skin gas collecting space 23: 2nd Skin gas collection space 25: Passage 31: Bottom surface 33: Inner peripheral surface 35: Peripheral end 41: Strut 50: Controller 61: Fixing member 100: Weight scale 101: Weight measurement unit 103: Skin gas measurement unit h: Skin surface

Claims (7)

A skin gas measuring device for detecting specific skin gas components contained in skin gas generated from the skin surface.
A housing that is in close contact with the skin surface of the target for collecting the specific skin gas component,
A sensor arranged in the housing and for detecting the specific skin gas component,
Equipped with
The housing has a first skin gas collecting space having an opening, a second skin gas collecting space in which the sensor is arranged, the first skin gas collecting space, and the second skin gas collecting space. It has a passage that communicates with the skin and multiple columns.
The first skin gas collecting space has a bottom surface provided with the passage, an inner peripheral surface, and a peripheral end portion of the opening provided so as to abut the skin surface.
The plurality of columns are arranged so as to surround the passage in a plan view in order to limit the invasion of the skin surface into the first skin gas collecting space by abutting on the skin surface, and from the bottom surface. A skin gas measuring device that is formed to extend. The total area of the plurality of columns with respect to the area of the opening is in the range of 1 to 20%.
The skin gas measuring device according to claim 1. The upper surface of the plurality of columns is at the same height as the upper surface of the peripheral edge portion.
The skin gas measuring device according to claim 1 or 2. The upper surface of the plurality of columns is lower than the upper surface of the peripheral end portion.
The skin gas measuring device according to claim 1 or 2. The sensor is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the passage.
The skin gas measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A skin gas measuring device for detecting specific skin gas components contained in skin gas generated from the skin surface.
A housing that is in close contact with the skin surface of the target for collecting the specific skin gas component,
A sensor arranged in the housing and for detecting the specific skin gas component,
Equipped with
The housing has a first skin gas collecting space having an opening, a second skin gas collecting space in which the sensor is arranged, the first skin gas collecting space, and the second skin gas collecting space. It has a passage that communicates with the skin and multiple columns.
The first skin gas collecting space has a bottom surface provided with the passage, an inner peripheral surface, and a peripheral end portion of the opening provided so as to abut the skin surface.
The plurality of columns are arranged so as to surround the passage in a plan view in order to limit the invasion of the skin surface into the first skin gas collecting space by abutting on the skin surface, and from the bottom surface. Formed to extend,
The housing is movable when pushed against the skin surface and
A skin gas measuring device further comprising a sensor activation switch operated by the movement of the housing. Weight measurement unit and
The skin gas measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 provided in the weight measuring unit.
Scale with.

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