JP7436888B2 - Biological information detection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a biological information detection system.

If the health condition of the driver (occupant) who drives the vehicle deteriorates, there is a risk that the driving of the vehicle will be adversely affected, so it is desirable to detect the deterioration of the health condition in advance and take some countermeasures. As a countermeasure to this, biological information such as blood flow and blood pressure is estimated based on the measurement results such as pulse waves by non-contact blood flow sensors embedded in the seat surface and back surface of the seat. There is a known technology for understanding the health condition of an occupant by using the following methods (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-168177

An object of the present invention is to make the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by a biological sensor less likely to be interfered with, and to make it easier to accurately detect biological information.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is such that a seat on which a person sits is provided with a biosensor that detects biometric information of the person.
The seat is mainly composed of a seat frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat frame, and an outer skin covering the seat frame and the cushion pad,
The seat frame is provided with a plurality of seat springs that support a person seated on the seat, and further includes a connecting member that connects the plurality of seat springs,
The connecting member is fixed while holding the seat spring,
The biological sensor is provided on the connecting member,
Further, a seat heater provided between the cushion pad and the outer skin,
The biosensor is characterized in that the biosensor is disposed at a position that avoids a heater wire of the seat heater when viewed perpendicularly to the seating surface of the seat.

The invention according to claim 2 is the biological information detection system according to claim 1, wherein the heater wires of the seat heater are provided separately on the left and right sides of the seat,
The biosensor is characterized in that it is arranged between the heater wires divided into left and right .

The invention according to claim 3 is the biological information detection system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the biological sensor is arranged at at least two points, a first point and a second point, on the sheet, and The two points are located apart above and below or in front and back of the seat with respect to the first point,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the first point is at least one,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the second point is at least two,
The biosensor at the second location is connected to the biosensor at the first location through different systems,
Furthermore, the biosensors at the second point are arranged outside in the left-right direction with respect to the biosensors at the first point .

The invention according to claim 4 is the biological information detection system according to claim 3 , wherein a long groove is formed in the left-right direction on the surface of the cushion pad,
The surface of the cushion pad is divided by the groove,
The heater wire is disposed across the groove, and further includes a groove heater wire that is inserted into the groove,
The first point is located above or behind the groove .

The invention according to claim 5 is the biological information detection system according to claim 1 or 2 , in which the biological sensor is arranged at at least two points, a first point and a second point, on the sheet, and The two points are located apart above and below or in front and back of the seat with respect to the first point,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the first point is at least one,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the second point is at least two,
The biosensor at the second location is connected to the biosensor at the first location through different systems,
Furthermore, the first point and the second point are arranged closer to either the left or right side of the seat .

The invention according to claim 6 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , comprising: a control unit that controls various operations for detecting biological information by the biological sensor;
Detection of biological information for controlling setting of operating/non-operating state of at least one of the biological sensors at the first point and setting of operating/non-operating states of at least two of the biological sensors at the second point. It further comprises a storage section in which the program is stored,
The control unit executes the biological information detection program, and continues to connect the biological sensor at the first point and the biological sensor at the second point, which are connected through different systems, through at least one system. It is characterized by that it is controlled so that it is carried out .

The invention according to claim 7 is the biological information detection system according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of the biological sensors at the first point and at least two of the biological sensors at the second point are controlled by the control unit. It is characterized by being indirectly linked as part of the system .

The invention according to claim 8 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which the biological sensor at the first point and the biological sensor at the second point are linked. It is characterized by detecting biological information.

The invention according to claim 9 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the seat is equipped with a seating sensor that detects whether a person is sitting on the seat.
At least one of the biosensor at the first location and the biosensor at the second location is linked to the seating sensor.

The invention according to claim 10 is the biological information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat includes a seat cushion that supports a person 's buttocks and thighs, and a lower end portion of which Equipped with a seat back that is supported by a seat cushion and serves as a backrest ,
The biosensor is arranged on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back .

According to the present invention, the irradiation of electromagnetic waves by the biosensor becomes less likely to be interfered with, and it becomes easier to accurately detect biometric information.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a biological information detection system. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a biological information detection system. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a biological information detection system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a biological information detection system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of biosensors on a sheet. It is a figure explaining the example of arrangement|positioning of the biosensor with respect to a seat cushion. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of a biosensor on a seat back. It is a figure explaining the example of arrangement|positioning of the biosensor with respect to a seat cushion. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of a biosensor on a seat back. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of arrangement of a biosensor on a seat with a built-in spring member. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of arrangement of a biological sensor with respect to a spring member. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the arrangement of a biological sensor on a seat cushion with a built-in spring member. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the arrangement of biosensors on a seat including a lumbar support device.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the biological information detection system according to the present embodiment, biological sensors are arranged at at least two points, a first point A and a second point B, of a seat 10 on which a person is seated. This is for detecting biological information by linking a biological sensor at one point A and a biological sensor at a second point B.
In addition, such a biological information detection system includes, in addition to the biological sensor at the first point A and the biological sensor at the second point B, a control section 5, a storage section 6, an input section 7, an output section 8, and a communication section 9. (See Figure 4.)
Note that the seat 10 is a vehicle seat, and in this embodiment, it is a driver's seat of a passenger car. However, it is not limited to this, and may be a seat other than the driver's seat of a passenger car, a seat in another vehicle such as a bus or truck, or a seat in a vehicle other than a vehicle such as a train, ship, or airplane. .

The first point A and the second point B refer to any part of the seat 10, and are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the first point A and the seat back 14 of the seat 10 The second point B is the seat cushion 11 of the seat 10.
That is, the first point A and the second point B are two places on the sheet 10 and are located at positions separated from each other, and the biosensors placed at each point A and B are also located at two places on the sheet 10. They are placed in two locations spaced apart from each other.
Note that the first point A may be located on the seat cushion 11 and the second point B may be located on the seat back 14.

At least one biosensor is placed at the first point A, and at least two biosensors are placed at the second point B.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, at least one biological sensor placed at the first point A includes the first sensor 1. Furthermore, the at least two biological sensors arranged at the second point B include a third sensor 3 and a fourth sensor 4.
The two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are connected to the one biosensor 1 at the first point A through different systems.
In addition, in Figure 1, there are two different systems, and normally only one system is in operation, and the rest is stopped as a backup, and the biological sensors in the system in operation are linked. This shows an example in which, in the unlikely event that the system is cut off, the connection between biosensors in a system that is inactive becomes active.

Moreover, the number of biosensors arranged at the first point A may be plural.
In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at least one biological sensor placed at the first point A includes a first sensor 1 and a second sensor 2. Furthermore, the at least two biological sensors arranged at the second point B include a third sensor 3 and a fourth sensor 4.
The two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are connected to the two biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A through different systems.
In addition, in Figure 2, there are four different systems, and under normal conditions, two systems indicated by solid lines are in operation, and the remaining two systems indicated by two-dot chain lines are stopped as backup. represents.
Further, FIG. 3 shows an example in which all four different systems indicated by solid lines are in operation.

It is optional whether the number of biosensors at the first point A is one or more. Using a single biosensor is advantageous in terms of manufacturing costs, running costs, and manufacturing simplicity, and using multiple biosensors is advantageous in improving the accuracy of biological information detection.
Also, the biosensor at the second point B is linked to the biosensor at the first point A through different systems, and all of the different systems are put into operation, or one system is put into operation and the rest It is also optional to stop the . Having all the systems in operation is advantageous in terms of improving biological information detection accuracy, and having only one system in operation is advantageous in terms of running costs.
Furthermore, when the number of biosensors at the first point A and the number of biosensors at the second point B are both plural, they are not limited to two, but may be three or more. In this way, as the number of biosensors used increases, the number of systems that connect the biosensors at the first point A and the biosensors at the second point B will also increase accordingly.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the biosensor at the first point A includes a first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2, and the biosensor at the second point B includes a first sensor 1 and a second sensor 2. , a third sensor 3 and a fourth sensor 4 are included.

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

The biosensors 1 to 4 in this embodiment are for measuring changes in blood flow and pulse waves, and are non-contact type that detect human biometric information using electromagnetic waves, and are non-contact type that detect human biometric information using electromagnetic waves. Blood flow at a position facing the surface can be measured.
In addition, electromagnetic waves refer to electromagnetic waves in a broad sense, including radio waves and microwaves of about 100 MHz, as well as infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, etc., and include electromagnetic waves that are suitable as long as they do not have a negative effect on the human body. Electromagnetic waves are used.
Such electromagnetic waves have a characteristic of being difficult to pass through various metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, and the like. Therefore, the biosensors 1 to 4 in this embodiment are arranged with respect to the sheet 10 at positions that avoid members that (may) interfere with the passage of electromagnetic waves. In particular, it is desirable to provide it closer to the seating surface than the member that interferes with electromagnetic waves.

If the biosensor at the first point A and the biosensor at the second point B are arranged at two locations on the seat 10 and spaced apart from each other, the position of the heart of the person sitting on the seat 10 (the heart This is preferable for measuring pulse waves because the distance between the biological sensor at the first point A and the biological sensor at the second point B can be calculated from the position where the biological sensor is estimated to be located.

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

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

The storage unit 6 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a nonvolatile memory, and a hard disk drive, and stores various programs and various data necessary for detecting biological information.
The various programs stored in the storage unit 6 include a biological information calculation program, a biological information detection program, a self-diagnosis program, a notification program, and a communication program. Various programs are executed by the control unit 5 to exhibit their functions.

The input unit 7 is for inputting various data to the system, and may be an input means such as a button or a touch panel attached to a housing of a device installed around the seat 10, or a connection device. It may also be various input devices connected via an interface. With such an input unit 7, various settings of the system can be performed.

The output unit 8 is for outputting the detection results of biological information by the system, and includes a display for displaying various images and characters, an audio output means (speaker) for outputting sound, and a light emitting means for emitting light (LED: There are various types such as light emitting diodes (e.g. light emitting diodes), vibrators that vibrate, etc.

The communication unit 9 connects the biological information detection system to a communication network (computer network) such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network) in a communicable manner, and data can be sent and received via the communication unit 9. It looks like this.

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

The biological information detection program is a program that measures the pulse wave of the person sitting on the seat 10 based on the biological information detected by the biological sensor at the first point A and the biological information detected by the biological sensor at the second point B. be.
This program also sets the operating/non-operating status of the first sensor 1 and second sensor 2 at the first point A, and the operating/non-operating status of the third sensor 3 and fourth sensor 4 at the second point B. be able to.
In other words, the biosensor at the second point B is connected to the biosensor at the first point A through different systems, and all of the different systems are put into operation, or one system is put into operation and the rest are connected. You can set in the program whether or not to stop the program. Therefore, in normal times, each biological sensor operates as set in the biological information detection program.
In addition, if only one system is in operation and the rest are stopped, and the connection between biosensors in the system in operation is severed, the biosensors in the system in inactive state can The program may be such that the link between the two is activated.
In addition, if all of the different systems are in operation and the connection between the biosensors in one of the systems is severed, this program can continue to connect the biosensors in the remaining systems and keep them in operation. good. It is sufficient that the biological sensors in at least one system continue to be connected to each other.
Further, the program may be a program that appropriately selects and executes the above-mentioned operations, or a program that selects and executes the operations based on information input from the input unit 7.

The self-diagnosis program determines whether the connection between the biosensors 1 and 2 placed at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 placed at the second point B in different systems is broken or not. This is for self-diagnosis.
For example, when the biosensor is a radio wave pulse wave sensor and measures the pulse wave by reflection, the self-diagnosis method involves emitting a test pattern of electromagnetic waves from the biosensor, which is then reflected back. There are various methods, such as a self-diagnosis method to check whether the electromagnetic waves emitted from a biological sensor are correct or not, and a method that uses a microcomputer to check whether the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by a biological sensor is as set. It is assumed that the self-diagnosis program is programmed by appropriately selecting a method suitable for the biosensor employed in the system from among these various methods.

The notification program is for outputting a notification from the output unit 8 when the connection in any one of the different systems is cut off.
As described above, the output unit 8 is a display, a speaker, an LED, a vibrator, etc., and outputs a notification using these output units 8. If the output unit 8 is a display, it will notify you with an image or text, if it is a speaker, it will notify you with audio, if it is an LED, it will notify you with light (flashing or lighting), and if it is a vibrator, it will notify you with vibration. do. Further, notifications may be output by combining these various output units 8.
If the notification is output from the output unit 8, not only the person sitting in the seat 10 but also the passenger in the passenger car in which the seat 10 is installed can be made aware of the health condition of the person sitting in the seat 10. can.

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

Next, the sheet 10 on which each of the biosensors 1 to 4 is provided will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the seat 10 in this embodiment includes the above-mentioned seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, and the above-mentioned seat back 14 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11 and serves as a backrest. and a headrest 17 that is provided on the seat back 14 and supports the head of the person.

The seat cushion 11 mainly includes a seat cushion frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad 12 provided on the seat cushion frame, and an outer skin 13 that covers the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad 12.
The seat cushion 11 of this embodiment further includes a seat heater 20 provided between the cushion pad 12 and the outer skin 13.
The seat heater 20 is a planar heating element that warms the seat cushion 11, and includes a planar base material 21 made of polyester cloth, etc., and a metal heater wire 22 (adhesively fixed to the base material 21). It mainly consists of (also called heating wire) and. The heater wires 22 include a front heater wire 22a located in the front section of the upper surface of the cushion pad 12, a central heater wire 22b located in the center section, a rear heater wire 22c located in the rear section, and a front heater wire 22a located in the front section of the upper surface of the cushion pad 12. It is composed of a groove heater wire 23 that connects the heater wire 22a, the central heater wire 22b, and the rear heater wire 22c and is inserted into the groove 12a formed in the cushion pad 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). ).

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

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

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

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

Note that the seat 10 in this embodiment may be provided in a vehicle that can travel by switching between automatic operation and manual operation. Furthermore, in order to improve safety, each of the biosensors 1 to 4 may be used together with a camera (not shown) that photographs the state of the person sitting on the seat 10. By using each of the biosensors 1 to 4 in combination with a camera, it is possible to determine whether a person who is seated but does not have their hands on the steering wheel is not only in poor health, but also whether they are simply dozing off. can be determined.
Furthermore, a microphone that collects the voice of the person sitting on the seat 10 may be employed, and the presence or absence of consciousness may be confirmed by using the microphone together with each of the biosensors 1 to 4. That is, if the person seated on the seat 10 is prompted to speak, and there is no response, it can be determined that the person is unconscious.

By using the data related to the blood flow state measured by the biosensors 1 to 4, the sheet 10 can obtain, for example, blood pressure, heart rate (pulse rate), respiratory rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), etc. This makes it possible to acquire various biometric information about people sitting in the car. Depending on the type of biosensor used, it is also possible to obtain information such as stress levels and blood vessel age.

According to this embodiment as described above, the at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are connected to at least one biosensor 1 at the first point A through different systems. Even if the connection in one of the different systems is cut off, the state in which the biological sensor 1 at the first point A and the biological sensors 3 and 4 at the second point B can be maintained in a connected state in the remaining systems. This makes it possible to continue the function of detecting biological information even if a trouble occurs, such as a failure of one of the biological sensors 3 (4) at the second point B. You can understand your health status. In other words, it is possible to exhibit a so-called fail-safe function in consideration of the worst case scenario.
In addition, there are multiple biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B, and if each of the biosensors 1 to 4, including the biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A, is used evenly, the accuracy of detecting biometric information can be improved. is easy to improve.
Furthermore, since the seat 10 is a vehicle seat, the health condition of the person sitting on the vehicle seat can be ascertained.
Furthermore, it is possible to use different connections depending on whether the person sitting on the seat 10 is an adult or a child, which is highly convenient.

In addition, since multiple biosensors are arranged at the first point A, even if some trouble occurs with one biosensor 1 at the first point A, the remaining biosensors 2 can detect biometric information. can be continued.
Furthermore, there are multiple biological sensors 1 and 2 at the first point A, and multiple biological sensors 3 and 4 at the second point B, and if these biological sensors 1 to 4 are used evenly, biological information can be collected. Detection accuracy can be easily improved. On the other hand, if, for example, one of the plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A is operated and the rest are stopped, power consumption can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the seat 10, the at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are arranged on the left and right sides of the seat 10. can be distributed to Thereby, it is easy to avoid a situation where at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B become unavailable at the same time.

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

In addition, self-diagnosis is performed to determine whether the connection between the biosensors 1 and 2 placed at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 placed at the second point B in different systems is broken or not. Since it is equipped with a self-diagnosis means to check whether biological information can be detected by the biological sensors 1 and 2 placed at the first point A and the biological sensors 3 and 4 placed at the second point B. It becomes easier to understand whether or not.

In addition, since it is provided with an output unit 8 that outputs a notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is cut off, the notification when the connection in any one of the different systems is cut off is provided. can be output from the output section 8. This allows the sheet to determine whether the biological sensors 1 and 2 placed at the first point A and the biological sensors 3 and 4 placed at the second point B are in a state where it is possible to detect biological information. This makes it easier for the person sitting in position 10 and those around them to understand.

In addition, since communication with the outside is possible and includes a communication unit 9 that sends a notification to the outside when the connection in any one of the different systems is broken, it is possible to communicate with the outside. A notification when the connection between two systems is broken can be sent to the outside through the communication unit 9. As a result, whether the biological sensors 1 and 2 placed at the first point A and the biological sensors 3 and 4 placed at the second point B are in a state where it is possible to detect biological information can be detected externally. It will be easier for other people to understand.

[Modified example]
Note that the embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible.

[Modification 1]
In this modification, the seat includes a seat cushion 11 that supports a person's buttocks and thighs, and a seat back 14 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11. The second point B is located on either the seat cushion 11 or the seat back 14.
Further, the at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B may be arranged separately on the left and right sides of the seat, and the plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A may also be arranged on the left and right sides of the seat. They may be distributed and arranged.
Further, each of the biosensors 1 to 4 at the first point A and the second point B may be arranged closer to the left side or the right side of the seat. Note that when the seat is used as a driver's seat of a passenger car, it is desirable that each of the biosensors 1 to 4 be placed closer to the left side in consideration of a case where the passenger car is involved in a side collision.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat cushion 11. To explain in more detail, the first point A is located at the rear portion of the seat cushion 11, that is, at a region that supports the buttocks of a person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located at the front portion of the seat cushion 11, that is, at a portion that supports the thighs of the person sitting on the seat.
The biosensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side in the center of the rear portion of the seat cushion 11.
The biosensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the front portion of the seat cushion 11. That is, they are arranged corresponding to the left and right thighs of the person sitting on the seat.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A are placed close to each other, but they are placed apart from each other because they only need to be placed at a position that supports a person's buttocks. Good too.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat back 14. To explain in more detail, the first point A is located in the upper part of the seat back 14, that is, in a region that supports the chest of the person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located in the lower part of the seat back 14, that is, in a region that supports the lower back of the person sitting on the seat.
The biosensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged in the center of the upper part of the seat back 14 side by side.
The biosensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the seat back 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be arranged side by side in the center.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat cushion 11. To explain in more detail, the first point A is located at the rear portion of the seat cushion 11, that is, at a region that supports the buttocks of a person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located at the front portion of the seat cushion 11, that is, at a portion that supports the thighs of the person sitting on the seat. Furthermore, the first point A and the second point B are located on the left side of the seat cushion 11.
The biological sensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side on the left side of the rear portion of the seat cushion 11.
The biological sensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are arranged side by side on the left side of the front portion of the seat cushion 11.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged close to each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first point A and the second point B are located on the seat back 14. To explain in more detail, the first point A is located in the upper part of the seat back 14, that is, in a region that supports the chest of the person sitting on the seat. The second point B is located in the lower part of the seat back 14, that is, in a region that supports the lower back of the person sitting on the seat.
The biological sensors (first sensor 1, second sensor 2) at the first point A are arranged side by side on the left side of the upper portion of the seat back 14.
The biological sensors (third sensor 3, fourth sensor 4) at the second point B are arranged side by side on the left side of the lower portion of the seat back 14.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged close to each other.

According to this modification, since the first point A and the second point B are located on either the seat cushion 11 or the seat back 14, the biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A, The biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B can be arranged closer to the seat cushion 11 side or the seat back 14 side of the seat. Thereby, each of the biosensors 1 to 4 can be arranged together.
Furthermore, since the plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 at the first point A and at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B are distributed and arranged on the left and right sides of the seat, A plurality of biosensors 1 and 2 and at least two biosensors 3 and 4 at the second point B can be distributed on the left and right sides of the seat 10. This makes it easy to avoid a situation where the biosensors 1 to 4 at the first point A and the second point B become unavailable at the same time.
In addition, since the biosensors 1 to 4 at the first point A and the second point B are arranged closer to the left or right side of the seat, the side where the biosensors 1 to 4 are not placed is subjected to impact. In this case, it is easy to avoid a situation where each of the biosensors 1 to 4 becomes unusable.

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

[Modification 3]
A seat frame 41 as shown in FIG. 10 is built into the seat 40 in this modification. The seat frame 41 includes a cushion frame 42 forming a seat cushion and a seat back frame 43 forming a seat back.
The cushion frame 42 and the seat back frame 43 are each provided with a cushion pad 42a, and further covered with an outer skin 42b, thereby forming the seat 40.

The cushion frame 42 includes a pair of side frames 44 that extend longitudinally and are spaced apart from each other, a pan frame 45 made of a sheet metal that connects the front ends of the pair of side frames 44, and a pair of side frames 44. The side frame 44 has a frame-like structure in a plan view, and includes a connecting pipe 46 made of a metal pipe that connects the rear end portions of the side frames 44 to each other.
A seat spring 47 is installed between the pan frame 45 and the connecting pipe 46.

The seat spring 47 is made up of four spring members 47A to 47D that extend long in the front and back and are lined up left and right, and resin connecting members 48A to 48C that connect these spring members 47A to 47D to each other.
Each of the spring members 47A to 47D is formed by bending a metal wire, and has hook parts 47Aa to 47Da formed at the rear end for hooking onto the connecting pipe 46, and extends from the hook parts 47Aa to 47Da toward the front and left and right. It is bent in a zigzag pattern. The front ends of each of the spring members 47A to 47D are connected to the pan frame 45 as shown in FIG. 10, to prevent the spring members 47A to 47D from shifting.

The biological sensors 1 to 4 are provided to the cushion frame 42. In this modification, each of the spring members 47A to 47D is a member that obstructs the passage of electromagnetic waves, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged at positions avoiding each of these spring members 47A to 47D.
More specifically, the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided to connection members 48A to 48C, as shown in FIG. 11. The position corresponds to the center of the left and right ischial bones in a person's buttocks, or the position of the thigh. In this modification, the first point A is a location corresponding to the center of the left and right ischias in the human buttocks (the rear part of the cushion frame 42), and the location corresponding to the thigh position ( The second point B is the front portion of the cushion frame 42.
The first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A are arranged one behind the other. On the other hand, the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged side by side.

The connecting members 48A to 48C are arranged at least on their upper surfaces closer to the person than the respective spring members 47A to 47D, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are provided on the connecting members 48A to 48C. Therefore, measurements made by the biosensors 1 to 4 are less affected by the spring members 47A to 47D.
The connecting members 48A to 48C are provided to connect the respective spring members 47A to 47D. In other words, the connecting members 48A to 48C are installation plates having portions formed in a plate shape, and the upper surfaces of the portions serve as installation surfaces for the biosensors 1 to 4.

Note that the biosensors 1 to 4 can be placed on each of the connecting members 48A to 48C, but the portion of the cushion pad 42a of the seat 40 that is located above the portion where the biosensor 1 is placed is A recess 420 is formed in which the biosensor 1 can be accommodated. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the recess 420 is formed to be recessed in the lower surface of the cushion pad 42a.

Furthermore, as described above, the front ends of each of the spring members 47A to 47D are connected to the pan frame 45 to prevent displacement of each of the spring members 47A to 47D. It is also possible to suppress displacement of the biosensors 1 to 4 provided on the members 48A to 48C.

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

Furthermore, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be embedded in a cushion pad 42a provided in a cushion frame 42, as shown in FIG. 12. When the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the cushion pad 42a itself may be formed by so-called insert molding, in which the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded. Note that when the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded in the cushion pad 42a, recesses (not shown) for accommodating the biosensors 1 to 4 are formed in the cushion pad 42a. Sensors 1 to 4 may be easier to install.

In addition, when providing the biosensors 1 to 4 to be embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the biosensors 1 to 4 are not limited to insert molding as described above. It is desirable to be able to do so. That is, a part of the cushion pad 42a (removable part 422 in FIG. 12) is configured to be removable, and a recess 421 for accommodating the biosensors 1 to 4 is formed at a position corresponding to the removable part 422. Good too.
In other words, when the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded in the cushion pad 42a, the biosensor 1 is removed from the removable portion 422, the biosensor 1 is accommodated in the recess 421, and the removable portion 422 is fitted to return the biosensor 1 to its original state. The sensor 1 can be embedded in the cushion pad 42a.
In this modification, the detachable portion 422 is configured to be detachable from the bottom side of the cushion pad 42a, but may be detachable from the top side.
In addition to the biosensors 1 to 4, the cushion pad 42a also includes a harness (see Fig. It is assumed that a space is provided for wiring (not shown).

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a seating sensor 423 that detects a person sitting on the seat 40 may be provided in the cushion pad 42a.
At least one of the biosensors 1 and 2 disposed at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 disposed at the second point B is interlocked with the seating sensor 423. That is, at least one of the biosensors 1 and 2 disposed at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 disposed at the second point B is activated when the seating sensor 423 detects that a person is seated. is set to work.

As shown in FIG. 10, the seat back frame 43 is provided to span between a pair of side frames 43a that extend vertically and are spaced apart laterally, and the upper end portions of the pair of side frames 43a. It includes an upper frame 43b and a plate-shaped lower member 43c that spans between the lower ends of a pair of side frames 43a. Further, a seat spring 43d made of a plurality of spring members is provided between the upper frame 43b and the lower member 43c so as to span between the pair of side frames 43a.
The plurality of spring members constituting the seat spring 43d extend left and right and are bent in a zigzag pattern up and down.
The biosensors 1 to 4 can be provided to the seat back frame 43 configured as above as well, in the same way as on the cushion frame 42 side described above.
That is, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be provided to one or both of the pair of side frames 43a. In that case, it may be attached to the inner surface of the side frame 43a or may be attached to the outer surface.
Furthermore, the biological sensors 1 to 4 may be provided on the front surface of the lower member 43c.
Furthermore, the biosensors 1 to 4 may be provided on the seat spring 43d. In that case, similarly to the cushion frame 42 side described above, it may be arranged on a connecting member (not shown) that connects each spring member in the seat spring 43d, or when there is a difference in density between the spring members. may be arranged at locations where the density of each spring member is low.
Further, although not shown, a cushion pad is also provided on the front side of the seat back frame 43, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are embedded in this cushion pad in the same manner as on the cushion frame 42 side described above. It may be provided.

According to this modification, the first sensor 1 and the second sensor 2 at the first point A are arranged side by side, and the third sensor 3 and the fourth sensor 4 at the second point B are arranged side by side. It goes without saying that when placed in such a system, it is possible to continue the function of detecting biological information even if a problem occurs, such as a malfunction of one of the biological sensors. Variations in the arrangement of the biosensors 1 to 4 can be increased.
Furthermore, since the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged with respect to the sheet 40 at positions that avoid members 47A to 47D that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves among the members constituting the sheet 40, members that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves. 47A to 47D make it difficult for the biosensor 1 to irradiate electromagnetic waves to be obstructed, making it easier to accurately detect biometric information.
In addition, since the biosensor 1 provided on the cushion frame 42 is placed corresponding to the center of the left and right ischial bones in the human buttocks, the biosensor 1 can be placed in a position where the ischial bones do not touch, and when sitting on the seat. without compromising comfort. Furthermore, since the biosensors 3 and 4 provided on the cushion frame 42 are arranged corresponding to the position of the thigh, it is possible to grasp the state of blood flow in the popliteal artery. Therefore, it is easier to detect biological information than when detecting biological information using, for example, small blood vessels with low blood flow.
Furthermore, a resin installation plate (connecting member 48A) is attached to the members 47A to 47D, 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves so as to be placed closer to the person than the members 47A to 47D, 43d. Since the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged in 48C), even if the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged near the members 47A to 47D and 43d that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, the members that obstruct the passage of the electromagnetic waves. It becomes less susceptible to the influence of 47A to 47D and 43d.
Further, the cushion pad 42a in the seat 40 is configured such that a part (removal part 422) of the cushion pad 42a is removable, and a recess 421 that accommodates the biosensors 1 to 4 is located at a position corresponding to the part 422. Since the seat 40 is provided with a space for arranging the biosensors 1 to 4, a space can be secured within the seat 40.
Moreover, since the cushion pad 42a of the seat 40 is formed with the biosensors 1 to 4 embedded therein, the seat 40 can be installed with the biosensors 1 to 4 embedded in the cushion pad 42a. It is now possible to do this and is more efficient.
Furthermore, at least one of the biosensors 1 and 2 disposed at the first point A and the biosensors 3 and 4 disposed at the second point B is linked to the seating sensor 423, Each of the biosensors 1 to 4 can be activated after detecting that a person is seated. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[Modification 4]
The seat 50 in this modification includes a built-in seat frame 51 as shown in FIG. The seat frame 51 includes a cushion frame 52 that constitutes a seat cushion, and a seat back frame 53 that constitutes a seat back.
The cushion frame 52 and the seat back frame 53 are each provided with a cushion pad, and further covered with an outer skin to form the seat 50.

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

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

Biosensors 1 to 4 are provided for the lumbar support device LS. In this modification, the metal parts that make up the support member 61 are members that obstruct the passage of electromagnetic waves, and the biosensors 1 to 4 are arranged at positions that avoid the metal parts that make up the support member 61. .
More specifically, a first mounting part 64 and a second mounting part 65 for mounting the biosensors 1 to 4 are integrally formed on the pressure receiving plate 60 made of resin in the lumbar support device LS. In other words, the biosensors 1 to 4 are in a unitized state including the pressure receiving plate 60 in the lumbar support device LS.
The first mounting portion 64 is formed in the upper portion of the pressure receiving plate 60 and functions as a first point A. Two second mounting parts 65 are formed in the lower part of the pressure receiving plate 60, and function as a second point B. Each of the first mounting part 64 and the second mounting part 65 includes a recess into which each of the biosensors 1 to 4 can be fitted. In the first mounting portion 64, two recesses are formed side by side on the left and right. When in use, each of the biosensors 1 to 4 is fitted and attached to the recess.

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

A First point B Second point 1 First sensor 2 Second sensor 3 Third sensor 4 Fourth sensor 5 Control section 6 Storage section 7 Input section 8 Output section 9 Communication section 10 Seat 11 Seat cushion 14 Seat back

Claims (10)

The seat where a person sits is equipped with a biosensor that detects the person's biometric information.
The seat is mainly composed of a seat frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat frame, and an outer skin covering the seat frame and the cushion pad,
The seat frame is provided with a plurality of seat springs that support a person seated on the seat, and further includes a connecting member that connects the plurality of seat springs,
The connecting member is fixed while holding the seat spring,
The biological sensor is provided on the connecting member,
Further, a seat heater provided between the cushion pad and the outer skin,
The biological information detection system is characterized in that the biological sensor is arranged at a position avoiding a heater wire of the seat heater when viewed vertically from a seating surface of the seat. The heater wires of the seat heater are provided separately on the left and right sides of the seat,
2. The biological information detection system according to claim 1, wherein the biological sensor is disposed between the left and right heater wires . The biosensors are arranged at at least two points on the sheet, a first point and a second point, and the second point is located above and below or in a position away from the front and back of the sheet with respect to the first point. can be,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the first point is at least one,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the second point is at least two,
The biosensor at the second location is connected to the biosensor at the first location through different systems,
3. Biological information detection according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the biological sensors at the second point are arranged outside in the left-right direction with respect to the biological sensors at the first point. system. A long groove is formed in the left-right direction on the surface of the cushion pad,
The surface of the cushion pad is divided by the groove,
The heater wire is disposed across the groove, and further includes a groove heater wire that is inserted into the groove,
The biological information detection system according to claim 3 , wherein the first point is located above or behind the groove . The biosensors are arranged at at least two points on the sheet, a first point and a second point, and the second point is located above and below or in a position away from the front and back of the sheet with respect to the first point. can be,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the first point is at least one,
The number of the biological sensors arranged at the second point is at least two,
The biosensor at the second location is connected to the biosensor at the first location through different systems,
The biological information detection system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first point and the second point are arranged closer to either the left or right side of the sheet . a control unit that controls various operations for detecting biological information by the biological sensor;
Detection of biological information for controlling setting of operating/non-operating state of at least one of the biological sensors at the first point and setting of operating/non-operating states of at least two of the biological sensors at the second point. It further comprises a storage section in which the program is stored,
The control unit executes the biological information detection program, and continues to connect the biological sensor at the first point and the biological sensor at the second point, which are connected through different systems, through at least one system. The biological information detection system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the biological information detection system is controlled so as to be detected . The at least one biosensor at the first point and the at least two biosensors at the second point are indirectly linked as part of a system by the control unit. The biological information detection system according to claim 6 . Biological information detection according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that biological information is detected by linking the biological sensor at the first point and the biological sensor at the second point. system. The seat is equipped with a seating sensor that detects whether a person is sitting on the seat,
9. At least one of the biosensor at the first location and the biosensor at the second location is linked to the seating sensor. Biological information detection system. The seat includes a seat cushion that supports a person's buttocks and thighs, and a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion and serves as a backrest,
The biological information detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the biological sensor is disposed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back.

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