KR20230153625A - Apparatus for measuring biosignal of pet - Google Patents

Abstract

A pet bio-signal measuring device is provided that can measure bio-signals without having the pet wear a measuring device. A companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vibration plate; a diaphragm mount for supporting the diaphragm; and a sensor attached to the lower surface of the diaphragm to measure signals capable of calculating heart rate and respiration from the vibration of the diaphragm. The diaphragm may further be equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors. The companion animal biosignal measuring device of the present invention may further include a communication unit for communication with an external device, and a control unit that reads the output signal of the sensor and transmits it to the external device through the communication unit. This pet bio-signal measurement device can measure bio-signals while the pet sleeps on the vibration plate.

Description

Apparatus for measuring biosignal of pet}

The present invention relates to a companion animal bio-signal measuring device, and more specifically, to a device that can measure bio-signals without having the companion animal wear a measuring device.

As the number of people raising pets increases, related industries are also growing rapidly. In particular, as interest in the health of companion animals increases, the need for devices that can monitor the health of companion animals is increasing.

For this purpose, for example, Registered Patent No. 10-1775932 analyzes big data collected using a wearable device worn around the pet's neck, derives the correlation between the pet's behavior and signal characteristics, and provides information on the pet's physical situation and We propose a system and method for identifying and managing emotional situations.

In addition, in registered patent No. 10-2381906, a wearable device worn around the pet's neck is used to measure multiple sensing data necessary for pet care, and to control the pet's behavior by linking it to the measured sensing data. Generating control commands and outputting alarm signals.

However, these devices are inconvenient to use because the pet must be equipped with a wearable device. Additionally, for accurate measurement, the wearable device must be placed in close contact with the pet's body, which may cause discomfort to the pet or be harmful to its health. Additionally, if the wearable device becomes loose for any reason while worn, it is difficult to measure accurate data. In particular, it becomes more difficult to wear wearable devices while your pet is sleeping.

The present invention was made with these points in mind, and its purpose is to provide a companion animal bio-signal measuring device that can easily measure bio-signals without having the companion animal wear the measuring device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a companion animal bio-signal measuring device that can accurately measure bio-signals without having the companion animal wear a measuring device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a companion animal bio-signal measuring device that can measure bio-signals even while the pet is sleeping.

A companion animal biosignal measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a vibration plate; a diaphragm mount for supporting the diaphragm; and a sensor attached to the lower surface of the diaphragm to measure signals capable of calculating heart rate and respiration from the vibration of the diaphragm. An acceleration sensor and an inertial sensor can be used as sensors to measure signals that can calculate heart rate and breathing from the vibration of the diaphragm. This pet bio-signal measurement device can measure bio-signals while the pet sleeps on the vibration plate.

In one embodiment, a companion animal biosignal measuring device includes a load cell plate mount coupled to the bottom of the vibration plate mount; a load cell mount disposed below the load cell plate mount; A base plate for supporting the load cell mount; and a load cell disposed between the load cell plate mount and the load cell mount to measure the weight of the companion animal.

The diaphragm mount may include an outer frame for supporting the circumference of the diaphragm, a load cell plate mount attachment plate for attaching the load cell plate mount, and a plurality of inner frames connecting the outer frame and the load cell plate mount attachment plate. there is. The inner frame is preferably formed to be thinner than the outer frame so that the diaphragm does not contact the inner frame.

An avoidance space may be formed at the center of the diaphragm mount to prevent the sensor attached to the center lower surface of the diaphragm from contacting the diaphragm mount.

A load cell receiving portion may be formed on the lower surface of the load cell plate mount to accommodate a portion of the load cell. One side of the load cell may be screwed to the load cell plate mount through a screw hole formed in the load cell receiving portion, and the other side of the load cell may be screwed to the load cell mount.

In one embodiment, four walls are formed on the lower surface of the load cell plate mount, which are connected to the load cell receiving portion at each corner of the load cell plate mount.

In one embodiment, the base plate includes a load cell base insertion portion recessed in the center of the upper surface, and the load cell base is fixed to the load cell base insertion portion.

In one embodiment, the companion animal biosignal measuring device may further include a plurality of temperature sensors installed on the diaphragm. The plurality of temperature sensors can be installed by making holes in a plurality of positions of the diaphragm and inserting them into the holes.

The companion animal biosignal measuring device may further include a communication unit for communication with an external device, and a control unit that reads the output signal of the sensor and transmits it to the external device through the communication unit.

According to the present invention, biosignals can be measured while a companion animal is sleeping, so measurement is simple and does not cause discomfort to the companion animal. In addition, since it measures signals caused by the vibration of the diaphragm due to heart rate and respiration, heart rate and respiration can be accurately measured without wearing a wearable measuring device. Additionally, you can measure your pet's biosignals while they are sleeping.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a companion animal sleeping in a companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a companion animal bio-signal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the companion animal biological signal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention when observed from below.
Figure 5 is a side exploded perspective view of a companion animal bio-signal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the coupling relationship of each component of the companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7a is a diagram showing the connection relationship of components for load cell mounting in the companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7b is a diagram showing the connection relationship of components for load cell mounting in a companion animal biosignal measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a circuit part of a companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a companion animal bio-signal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows a companion animal sleeping in the companion animal bio-signal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing. The companion animal biosignal measuring device 100 of the present invention can be installed in a dog kennel, a cat house, a place where a pet sleeps at home, a pet hospital, or a pet accommodation space in a dog hotel. As shown in FIG. 2, the companion animal sleeps lying down on the companion animal biosignal measuring device 100 of the present invention, and the companion animal biosignal measuring device 100 of the present invention monitors the heartbeat while the pet sleeps. And heart rate and breathing are measured from vibrations generated by breathing. Additionally, you can measure your pet's vital signs, such as weight and body temperature. When measuring breathing, the intensity and cycle of breathing can be measured, and whether there are abnormal breathing situations such as temporary cessation of breathing or coughing.

In the drawings, the case where the upper surface of the companion animal biosignal measuring device is square is illustrated as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to implement the upper surface in various shapes such as hexagonal, octagonal, and circular.

Hereinafter, the mechanical configuration of the companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7B.

A vibration plate 110 is located on the upper surface of the companion animal biosignal measuring device. The companion animal sleeps on the vibration plate 110. The diaphragm 110 is made of a resin or metal plate to transmit vibrations caused by the pet's heartbeat and breathing to the sensor. The thickness and material of the diaphragm 110 are appropriately selected according to the weight and size range of the companion animal to be measured.

A sensor is attached to the central lower surface of the diaphragm 110 to measure signals that can calculate heart rate and breathing from the vibration of the diaphragm. For example, acceleration sensors and inertial sensors may be used as these sensors. In one embodiment, the acceleration and inertial sensors may be comprised of a single chip as a MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) sensor. In one embodiment, after mounting the MEMS sensor on a PCB, it is also possible to attach the PCB to the central lower surface of the diaphragm 110.

In one embodiment, a temperature sensor capable of measuring the body temperature of a companion animal may be installed on the diaphragm 110. For example, a thermistor may be used as a temperature sensor. Temperature sensors are preferably placed in multiple locations so that they can measure body temperature regardless of the pet's size and prone position. In one embodiment, four temperature sensors are installed on the diaphragm 110 at 90-degree intervals. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be installed embedded in the diaphragm 110. For example, holes can be made in a plurality of positions on the diaphragm 110 and temperature sensors can be inserted and installed into the holes.

The diaphragm 110 is supported by the diaphragm mount 120. Figure 4 shows a case where the diaphragm 110 and the diaphragm mount 120 are coupled by screwing at eight locations along the circumference. The diaphragm mount 120 includes an outer frame 121 for supporting the circumference of the diaphragm 110, a load cell plate mount attachment plate 123 for attaching the load cell plate mount 130 on which the load cell is mounted, and an outer frame 121. ) is provided with a plurality of inner frames 122 connecting the load cell plate mount attachment plate 123. The inner frame 122 is formed to be thinner than the outer frame 121 and is connected to the lower part of the outer frame 121 so that the diaphragm 110 does not contact the inner frame 122.

An avoidance space 124 is formed at the center of the diaphragm mount 120 to prevent the acceleration and inertia sensors installed on the central lower surface of the diaphragm 110 from contacting the diaphragm mount 120. Additionally, signal lines from acceleration and inertial sensors may be configured to be connected to the control unit 210 through the avoidance space 124.

The load cell plate mount 130 is coupled to the bottom of the load cell plate mount attachment plate 123 by screwing. A load cell receiving portion 134 is formed on the lower surface of the load cell plate mount 130 to accommodate the load cell 140. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the load cell receiving portion 134 is configured to accommodate only a portion of the load cell 140. When the load cell 140 is inserted into the load cell accommodating part 134, the load cell accommodating part 134 is slightly oriented to one side from the center so that the central part of the load cell 140 is located at a position corresponding to the exact center of the diaphragm 110. It is formed in a biased position. Four wall portions 132, 132, 133, and 133 connected to the load cell receiving portion 134 are formed at each corner of the load cell plate mount 130. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the load cell receiving portion 134 is formed at a position slightly deviated from the center to one side, so the two wall portions 132 and 132 are formed shorter than the other two wall portions 133 and 133. The wall portions 132, 132, 133, and 133 serve to increase the bearing capacity of the load cell plate mount 130 and at the same time allow the load to be concentrated and transmitted to the load cell 140.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, one side of the load cell 140 is screwed to the load cell plate mount 130 through a screw hole formed in the load cell receiving portion 134. The load cell plate mount 130 is preferably made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel to ensure strength when screwed between the diaphragm plate mount 120 and the load cell 140.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the other side of the load cell 140 is screwed to the load cell mount 150 (150'). Figure 7a shows an embodiment in which the load cell mount 150 is configured to rotate on the load cell base 160, and Figure 7b shows an embodiment in which the load cell mount 150' is configured by integrating the load cell mount 150 and the load cell base 160. For example, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the load cell mount 150' does not rotate.

The rotational operation of the load cell mount 150 in the embodiment of FIG. 7A will be described. The load cell mount 150 is configured in a U-shape. Elastic members such as springs may be disposed below the ends of the bridge parts 152 and 153 on both sides and between the load cell base plate 161 to apply elastic force to the bridge parts 152 and 153. At opposite ends of the bridge portions 152 and 153 on both sides, coupling holes 154 are formed for coupling with the load cell mount coupling rods 162 and 163 protruding from the load cell base 160 on both sides. Due to this combination, the load cell mount 150 rotates around the load cell mount coupling rods 162 and 163.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a load cell base insertion portion 175 is formed in the center of the upper surface of the base plate 170. The load cell base 160 of FIG. 7A or the load cell mount 150' of FIG. 7B is mounted on the load cell base insertion portion 175. The load cell base insertion portion 175 is formed in a concave shape on the upper surface of the base plate 170, so that the load cell base 160 or the load cell mount 150' can be fixed more reliably. The base plate 170 is preferably made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel to provide strong support for the device and the pet.

A main PCB on which the control unit 210 is installed may be attached to the base plate 170. In one embodiment, the main PCB may be installed in the load cell base insertion portion 175. In another embodiment, the main PCB may be installed on the load cell base 160 or the load cell mount 150'.

Signal lines from the load cells 140 and 235, the inertial sensor 231, and the acceleration sensor 233 are connected to the main PCB. In addition to the control unit 210, a communication unit 220, a humidity sensor, an amplifier, a filter, etc. may be mounted on the main PCB.

Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a circuit part of a companion animal biosignal measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The companion animal bio-signal measuring device of the present invention is equipped with sensors for measuring the companion animal's bio-signals. In one embodiment, the companion animal biosignal measuring device of the present invention may be equipped with a sensor for measuring the heart rate and breathing of the companion animal. An inertial sensor 231 and an acceleration sensor 233 may be used as sensors for measuring heart rate and respiration. The inertial sensor 231 measures the instantaneous movement of the measurement object, and the instantaneous change in movement value is accurate. On the other hand, errors occur during long-term measurements, so correction is necessary through HPF (High Pass Filter). The acceleration sensor 233 measures changes in movement of the measurement object and has the advantage that the average value of the movement is accurate. On the other hand, it is vulnerable to noise, so the accuracy must be corrected using LPF (Low Pas Filter). For this correction, noise filters 232 and 234 may be further included in the outputs of the inertial sensor 231 and the acceleration sensor 233, respectively. The inertial sensor 231 and the acceleration sensor 233 measure signals generated by vibration of the diaphragm 110 due to the pet's heartbeat and breathing. A gyroscope and an accelerometer may be used as the inertial sensor 231 and the acceleration sensor 233.

In another embodiment, a piezo sensor, a strain sensor, etc. may be used as a heart rate and respiration measurement sensor. A piezo sensor is a vibration detection sensor that uses the piezoelectric effect and responds to even the slightest movement. However, the vibration must be of a magnitude that can generate physical energy. A strain sensor is a sensor that generates electrical resistance in response to tension and contraction, and is suitable for measuring very static changes. On the other hand, there is a disadvantage in that a lot of noise is generated for rapid state changes.

Sensors for measuring signals due to vibration generated by heart rate and breathing are preferably installed in the center of the lower surface of the diaphragm 110.

In one embodiment, the companion animal biosignal measuring device of the present invention may be equipped with a sensor for measuring the body weight of the companion animal. A load cell 235 may be used as a weight measurement sensor. In one embodiment, the companion animal biosignal measuring device of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of the companion animal and a humidity sensor capable of measuring surrounding humidity. The temperature and humidity sensor 236 may be configured as a single module, but it is preferable to install the temperature sensor on the diaphragm and the humidity sensor in a different location.

Although not shown in the drawing, an amplifier may be installed at the output of each sensor to amplify the signal as needed.

The control unit 210 reads the output signals of the sensors 231, 233, 235, and 236, that is, measurement data, and transmits them to a device for monitoring the biological signals of the companion animal through the communication unit 220. Various devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and personal computers can be used as monitoring devices. Communication between a pet bio-signal measurement device and a monitoring device can be accomplished using, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or long-distance wireless communication such as 4G mobile communication or 5G mobile communication. The monitoring device processes the measurement data received from the pet bio-signal measurement device and calculates the pet's heart rate, respiration, weight, body temperature, humidity, etc. Since heart rate and respiration have different vibration frequencies, a monitoring device can calculate heart rate and respiration by performing different filtering processing on signals measured from the same sensors. It is also possible to implement the control unit 210 and the communication unit 220 with one IC chip.

In the above description, the case where screws were used to connect each component was described, but various fastening means other than screw combinations can be used. As such, although the present invention has been described with several examples, the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. You will understand that it can be done.

110 diaphragm,
120 diaphragm mount,
121 outer frame,
122 inner frame,
123 load cell plate mount attachment plate,
130 load cell plate mount,
131 load cell plate,
134 load cell receiving part,
140, 235 load cell,
150, 150' load cell mount,
152, 153 bridge section
154 Joiner,
160 load cell base,
161 load cell base plate,
162, 163 load cell mount coupling rod,
170 base plate,
175 load cell base insertion,
210 control unit,
220 Department of Communications;
231 inertial sensor,
232 noise filter,
233 acceleration sensor,
234 noise filter,
236 Temperature and humidity sensor.

Claims (12)

tympanum;
a diaphragm mount for supporting the diaphragm; and
A sensor attached to the bottom of the diaphragm to measure signals that can calculate heart rate and breathing from the vibration of the diaphragm.
A companion animal biosignal measuring device equipped with a.
According to paragraph 1,
A load cell plate mount coupled to the bottom of the vibration plate mount;
a load cell mount disposed below the load cell plate mount;
A base plate for supporting the load cell mount; and
A load cell disposed between the load cell plate mount and the load cell mount to measure the weight of a companion animal.
A companion animal biosignal measuring device further comprising:
The method of claim 2, wherein the diaphragm mount is
An outer frame for supporting the circumference of the diaphragm,
A load cell plate mount attachment plate for attaching the load cell plate mount,
A plurality of inner frames connecting the outer frame and the load cell plate mount attachment plate
Companion animal biosignal measurement device including.
According to paragraph 3,
The inner frame is formed to be thinner than the outer frame so that the diaphragm does not contact the inner frame.
According to paragraph 3,
An avoidance space is formed in the center of the diaphragm mount to prevent the sensor attached to the center lower surface of the diaphragm from contacting the diaphragm mount.
Companion animal biosignal measurement device.
According to paragraph 3,
A load cell receiving portion is formed on the lower surface of the load cell plate mount to accommodate a portion of the load cell,
One side of the load cell is screwed to the load cell plate mount through a screw hole formed in the load cell receiving portion,
The other side of the load cell is fixed to the load cell mount by screwing,
Companion animal biosignal measurement device.
According to clause 6,
Four walls are formed on the lower surface of the load cell plate mount, connected to the load cell receiving portion at each corner of the load cell plate mount,
Companion animal biosignal measurement device.
According to any one of claims 2 to 7,
The base plate includes a load cell base insertion portion recessed in the center of the upper surface,
The load cell base is fixed to the load cell base insertion part,
Companion animal biosignal measurement device.
According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors installed on the diaphragm,
Companion animal biosignal measurement device.
According to clause 9,
A pet bio-signal measuring device in which the plurality of temperature sensors are installed by making holes in a plurality of positions of the diaphragm and inserting them into the holes.
According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The sensors for measuring signals that can calculate heart rate and breathing from the vibration of the diaphragm are an acceleration sensor and an inertial sensor,
Companion animal biosignal measurement device.
According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A communication unit for communication with an external device,
A control unit that reads the output signal from the sensor and transmits it to an external device through the communication unit.
A companion animal biosignal measuring device further comprising:

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