WO2006070895A1

WO2006070895A1 - Remote sensing system and sensor unit

Info

Publication number: WO2006070895A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/024158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noritada Katayama; Hiroshi Ishibashi
Original assignee: Medical Electronic Science Institute Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-12-28
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2006-07-06
Also published as: JP2006187316A

Abstract

It is possible to reduce power consumption by a sensor and increase a battery service life, there by reducing the load of battery replacement work and preventing lowering of reliability caused by a used-up battery. A center device (1) judges whether an examinee (4) is in a normal state or an abnormal state according to the sensing data transmitted from a sensor unit (2). If the examinee (4) is in the normal state, a first cycle T1 (10 minutes) is specified as a sensing cycle for the sensor unit (2). On the other hand, if the examinee (4) is in the abnormal state, a second cycle T2 (1 second) is specified as the sensing cycle for the sensor unit (2). According to the specified sensing cycle, the sensor unit (2) generates a sensor drive signal to drive a sensor (21), measures biometric information on the examinee (4), and transmits the sensing data to the center device (1).

Description

Description Remote sensing system and sensor unit Technical field

The present invention relates to a remote sensing system that remotely monitors the state of a sensing object via a communication line, and a sensor unit used in this system. Background art

Conventionally, various systems for remotely monitoring the health state of a human body using a communication line have been proposed. For example, a small life sensor that is modularized on the human body is attached to measure a person's pulse, motion, sound, body temperature, etc. report. Upon receiving the above notification, the monitoring center recalls the subject subject of the transmission using a communication line (see, for example, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2).

Patent Document 1 Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-0 1 5 5 7 4 9

Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2 0 0 0— 9 3 3 9 8

However, conventionally proposed systems generally measure the health status of a subject in real time with the sensor operating at all times. For this reason, the power consumption of the sensor is large, and it was necessary to frequently replace the sensor battery. Also, if you forget to replace the battery, the measurement and monitoring operations will not be performed correctly, and even if an abnormality occurs in the subject in this state, there is a risk that it will not be possible to take appropriate measures such as relief. Disclosure of the invention The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances. The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of the sensor to extend the life of the battery, thereby reducing the burden of battery replacement work and the battery. The purpose is to provide a remote sensing system and a sensor unit that prevent a drop in the reliability of the monitoring work due to a disconnection.

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a remote sensing system comprising: a sensor unit provided corresponding to a sensing object; and a center device that transmits signals to the sensor unit via a communication line. In the system, the center device generates a control signal for variably specifying the sensing cycle of the sensor unit, and transmits the control signal to the center unit. The sensor unit receives a control signal transmitted from the sensor device, and generates a sensor drive signal in accordance with a sensing cycle specified by the received control signal. Then, the sensor is driven by the generated sensor driving signal to detect the state of the sensing object, and based on the detection result, a sensing signal representing the state of the sensing object is generated and the sensor is detected. It is configured to transmit to the device.

Therefore, according to the first invention, in the sensor unit, the detection operation is performed with the optimum sensing cycle at each time specified by the center device. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the sensor compared to the case where the sensing operation is always performed at a constant sensing cycle, thereby extending the life of the battery. In addition, the burden of battery replacement work can be reduced, and the occurrence of battery disconnection due to forgetting to replace the battery can be reduced, and the reliability of the monitoring operation can be maintained at a high level. Is also characterized by the following various specific configurations. . The first configuration is in the second state in which the state of the sensing object is in the normal first state or classified as abnormal based on the sensing signal sent from the sensor unit in the center device. Determine whether. If it is determined that the state of the sensing object is in the first state, a control signal for designating the sensing period as the first period is generated, while the state of the sensing object is in the first state. When it is determined that the state is in the state 2, the control signal for designating the sensing period to the second period shorter than the first period is generated and transmitted.

With this configuration, when the sensing object is in a normal state, a long sensing cycle is designated from the center device to the sensor unit, and the sensor unit performs a sensing operation at the designated long cycle. For this reason, the power consumption by the sensor unit is reduced. On the other hand, when the state of the sensing object changes to a state classified as abnormal, the sensing cycle specified for the sensor unit from the sensing device is changed to a short cycle. For this reason, the sensor unit performs the sensing operation in the short cycle thereafter, and as a result, the state of the sensing object can be monitored more frequently at short intervals.

According to the second configuration, in the center device, according to the correlation between the time zone and the state of the sensing object, the first time zone that needs to be sensed at the first frequency and the above first frequency Set a second time zone that needs to be sensed at a high second frequency. Then, a control signal for designating the sensing period as the first period is generated when the first time period is reached, while the sensing period is set when the second time period is reached. A control signal for designating a second period shorter than one period is generated and transmitted.

With this configuration, the time when an abnormality is likely to occur in the sensing object For example, in the early morning or during the daytime when the blood pressure of the subject is likely to increase, a short sensing period is designated from the sensor device to the sensor unit. For this reason, the sensor unit performs a sensing operation at a designated short cycle, and as a result, the blood pressure state of the subject can be monitored more frequently at short intervals. On the other hand, during the bedtime when the blood pressure of the subject is relatively stable, a long sensing cycle is specified from the center unit to the sensor unit, and the sensor unit performs sensing operation at the specified long cycle. . For this reason, power consumption by the sensor unit is reduced.

In the third configuration, the sensor unit determines whether or not the state of the sensing object has changed based on the detection result of the sensor, and the control signal is not received within a certain time from the previous reception evening. In addition, when a change in the state of the sensing object is detected, the period of the sensor drive signal is automatically changed to a period corresponding to the state after the change of the sensing object.

With this configuration, when a change in the state of the sensing object is detected, but the control signal indicating the change in the sensing cycle is not received from the center unit, the sensing cycle is automatically changed by the sensor unit. Is done. For this reason, for example, even when a control signal is not received due to a temporary abnormality in the communication line, the sensing cycle of the sensor unit can always be set to an optimum value. This is particularly effective when a wireless line whose transmission path quality is likely to fluctuate due to the influence of fuzzing or the like is used as the communication line.

In the fourth configuration, the sensing signal transmission period in the sensor unit is set to a time period different from the period for detecting the state of the sensing object by the sensor. In this way, sensing with a sensor The state detection operation of the object and the transmission operation of the sensing signal are not performed at the same time, and the maximum current value output from the battery can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to continue the detection operation and the transmission operation without disabling the sensor and the transmission means even in a state just before the battery runs out. That is, the battery life can be further extended.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the second invention is a sensor unit provided corresponding to a sensing object and capable of transmitting a signal to and from a center device via a communication line. Means for autonomously variably setting the sensing cycle for an object, generating a sensor drive signal according to the variably set sensing cycle to drive the sensor, and sensing object based on the detection result of this sensor A sensing signal that represents this state is generated and transmitted to the center device.

Therefore, according to the second invention, the sensing period is variably set autonomously by the sensor unit itself. For this reason, the sensor unit can always perform the detection operation with the optimum sensing cycle without sending a variable command of the sensing cycle to the sensor unit. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a remote sensing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure and contents of a sensing cycle control process in the center device of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the sensing operation of the sensor unit of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the remote sensing system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the sensing operation by the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a sunset diagram for explaining the sensing operation by the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the sensor unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining a sensing cycle control operation in another embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First embodiment)

The remote sensing system of this embodiment is for monitoring the health status of a person who needs to be monitored such as a sick person or an elderly person, and is installed in a medical facility or a nursing facility. On the other hand, it consists of a sensor unit 2 connected via a wireless network 3. The sensor unit 2 is modularized, and is directly attached to the subject 4 to be monitored by, for example, a double-sided tape.

As the wireless network 3, for example, a short-range data communication system such as BT (BluueTooth) (registered trademark), a wireless LAN (Local Area Ne twork), a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) (registration) Trademark) and mobile phone systems. Note that the center device 1 and the sensor unit 2 do not necessarily have to be directly connected, and may be connected via a wireless repeater. In this case, as a wireless communication method between the sensor unit 2 and the wireless repeater, a weak or low power type method such as BT or wireless LAN is not available. As a wireless communication method between the line repeater and the center device 1, a method capable of long-distance communication such as a mobile phone system is used.

The sensing device 1 includes a control unit 1 1, a reception unit (RX) 1 2, a transmission unit (T X) 1 3, and an antenna unit (AT) 1 4. The receiving unit 12 receives the radio signal transmitted from the sensor unit 2 via the wireless network 3 and demodulates it, and outputs a sensing signal obtained by this demodulation to the control unit 11. The transmission unit 13 modulates the control signal output from the control unit 11, converts it to a radio signal, and transmits this radio signal from the antenna 14 to the sensor unit 2.

The control unit 1 1 is, for example, C P U (Central Processing Unit) or D S P

As a control function according to the present invention, it has a sensing data collection processing function 11a, a determination function 11 and a sensing cycle control function 11c. These functions are realized by causing the CPU and DSP to execute the program.

Sensing data collection processing function 1 1 a, when a sensing signal is received by the receiving unit 1 2, decodes the sensing signal and reproduces the sensing data, and stores the sensing data on a hard disk or the like. Accumulated in the part (not shown). The judgment function 1 lb compares the newly received sensing data with a preset threshold every time new sensing data is obtained by the above sensing data collection function 1 1 a. Determine whether the condition of subject 4 is in the normal range or in the range classified as abnormal.

Sensing cycle control function 1 1 c is a control for designating the sensing cycle as the first cycle T 1 when the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range based on the determination result of the determination function 1 1 b above. Signal, while the state of subject 4 When the state is in the range classified as abnormal, a control signal for designating the sensing period to the second period T 2 shorter than the first period T 1 is generated. Then, the generated control signal is output to the transmission unit 13 and transmitted from the transmission unit 1 3 to the sensor unit 2.

On the other hand, the sensor unit 2 includes a sensor 21, a transmission unit (TX) 2 2, a reception unit (RX) 2 3, an antenna unit (AT) 2 4, a sensor drive control unit 25, and a power supply unit. I have.

The sensor 21 includes a plurality of biological sensors such as a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a blood pressure / pulse sensor. Then, it operates according to the drive signal supplied from the sensor drive control unit 25, detects the temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, pulse, etc. of the subject 4, and outputs the detection data to the transmission unit 22. The transmission unit 22 converts the detection data supplied from the sensor 21 to a predetermined format 作成 to create sensing data, and sends the created sensing data to the sensing device 1 from the antenna unit 24. Send to.

A stamp signal is used as a drive signal supplied from the sensor drive control unit 25 to the sensor 21. When this standby signal becomes “H” level, the sensor 21 becomes in an operating state where sensing is performed, and when it becomes “L” level, it becomes a non-operating state, that is, a stamping state where power consumption is low.

The receiving unit 23 receives and demodulates the radio signal sent from the center device 1 and supplies the control signal obtained by this demodulation to the sensor drive control unit 25. The sensor drive control unit 25 determines whether the control signal is addressed to itself from the sensor unit identification number included in the received control signal. If it is addressed to itself, it is included in the control signal. Save sensing cycle T1 or T2 in memory (not shown). Thereafter, the sensor drive signal is periodically generated according to the stored sensing period T 1 or T 2. The generated sensor drive signal is supplied to the sensor 21. The sensor drive signal consists of a clock signal.

The power supply unit includes a battery 26 made of, for example, a lithium lithium battery, and a power supply circuit 27. The power supply circuit 27 generates the operating voltage V cc necessary for the operation of each circuit section based on the output voltage of the battery 26 and supplies it to each circuit section.

Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the procedure and contents of the sensing cycle control process performed by the sensor device 1, and FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sensor unit 2. The controller 1 1 of the center device 1 first initializes the sensing period to the second period T 2 in step 2a. Note that the second period T 2 is set to, for example, 1 sec which can monitor the state of the subject 4 in real time. Then, in step 2 b, a control signal for designating the second period T 2 that is initialized is generated, and the generated control signal is transmitted to the destination sensor unit 2 by the transmission unit 13. Let

On the other hand, when the control unit 2 receives the control signal from the sensor unit 2, the sensor drive control unit 25 determines whether the received control signal is addressed to itself. If it is addressed to itself, the sensing cycle included in the control signal is stored in the memory, and thereafter the driving timing of the sensor 21 is set according to the stored sensing cycle. For example, since the center device 1 is notified of the second cycle T 2 that is initially set as the sensing cycle, the sensor drive control unit 25 is configured to transmit the sensor drive signal at the second cycle T 2, for example, 1 second cycle. This sensor drive signal is supplied to the sensor 21 for the unit measurement period TA.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 21 operates for the unit measurement period TA every time the sensor driving signal is supplied, and the test is performed during this period TA. The body 4 temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, etc. are detected and the detected data is output to the transmitter 22. The transmission unit 22 converts the detection data supplied from the sensor 21 into a predetermined format and creates sensing data. Then, the created sensing data is transmitted from the antenna unit 24 to the center device 1 in a period following the measurement period TA, that is, a period different from the measurement period TA. Thus, a sensing signal is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the sensing device 1 at the second period T 2 (1 second) specified from the center device 1 earlier.

On the other hand, the control unit 11 of the center device 1 monitors reception of the sensing signal transmitted from the sensor unit 2 in step 2c. Then, when the sensing signal is received by the receiving unit 12, in step 2 d, the received sensing signal is decoded (including the error correction decoding process) to reproduce the sensing data. Accumulate in the storage unit in the control unit.

Subsequently, at step 2e, the control unit 11 1 presets the received sensing data or its average value every time one or more preset new sensing data is received. It is determined whether the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range or in the range classified as abnormal. As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the state of the subject 4 is within the normal range, the process proceeds from step 2 f to step 2 i, where the sensing period is changed to the first period T 1. A control signal is generated for this purpose. Then, the generated control signal is output to the transmission unit 13 in step 2 j and transmitted from the transmission unit 13 to the sensor unit 2.

On the other hand, when a new control signal is received, the sensor unit 2 determines the sensing cycle specified by the received control signal. So If the specified sensing period is the first period T1, the sensing period stored in the memory is updated to the first period Τ1. Therefore, thereafter, the sensor drive control unit 25 generates a sensor drive signal in the updated first cycle Τ 1, for example, a cycle of 10 minutes, and the sensor drive signal is detected for the unit measurement period Τ センサ. 2 Supply to 1.

Therefore, whenever the sensor drive signal is supplied as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 21 operates for the unit measurement period TA with the period of 10 minutes, and during this period TA, the temperature, heart rate, Detects blood pressure, pulse, etc., and outputs the detected data to transmitter 22. The transmission unit 22 converts the detection data supplied from the sensor 21 into a predetermined format and creates a sensing data. Then, the created sensing data is transmitted from the antenna unit 24 to the center apparatus 1 in a period following the measurement period T A, that is, a period different from the measurement period T A. Thus, a sensing signal is transmitted from the sensor unit 2 to the center device 1 in the first period T 1 (10 minutes) specified to be changed from the device 1 in advance.

That is, the sensor 21 consumes power for every unit measurement period TA every 10 minutes, and this greatly reduces the power consumption. In addition, the transmission operation of the sensing device by the transmission unit 22 is set to a period different from the operation period of the sensor 21. For this reason, the maximum value of the operating current output from the power supply circuit 27 is suppressed to a small value. As a result, even when the remaining capacity of the battery 26 is low, the measurement operation by the sensor 21 and the transmitter 2 2 Each of the sensing data transmission operations by the is surely performed. On the other hand, the control unit 1 1 of the center device 1 compares the received sensing data with the threshold every time a new sensing data is received in step 2 e even after the sensing cycle change instruction. Thus, the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range or in the range classified as abnormal. Determine whether. As a result of this determination, if the state of the subject 4 keeps the normal range, the process proceeds from step 2 f to step 2 i and the sensing period is maintained at the first period T 1. On the other hand, if the state of the subject 4 has changed to an abnormally classified range, the process shifts from step 2f to step 2g, where the sensing period is changed again to the second period T2. . Then, a control signal for instructing the re-changed second cycle T 2 is generated, and the generated control signal is transmitted from the transmitter 13 to the sensor unit 2 in step 2 h.

Therefore, in the sensor unit 2, the sensing cycle is changed again from the first cycle to the second cycle T2, and thereafter the sensor 21 and the sensing operation are transmitted according to the second cycle T2. Operation is performed. For this reason, when the state of the subject 4 changes to a range that is classified as abnormal, the sensing operation is performed in a cycle as short as 1 second. As a result, the state of the subject 4 is accurately monitored. It becomes possible to do.

As described above, in the first embodiment, in the center apparatus 1, the state of the subject 4 is in the normal state or in the state classified as abnormal based on the sensing data transmitted from the sensor unit 2. Determine if there is. In the normal state, the first cycle T 1 (10 minutes) is assigned to the sensor unit 2 as the sensing cycle. On the other hand, in the abnormal state, the second cycle T 2 (1 second) is set as the sensing cycle. Specify sensor unit 2. In response to this, the sensor unit 2 generates a sensor drive signal according to the specified sensing cycle and drives the sensor 21, thereby measuring the biological information of the subject 4 and transmitting the sensing data to the center device 1. I try to do it.

Therefore, when the state of the subject 4 is the normal state, the power is consumed by the sensor 21 every 10 minutes. Reduced to For this reason, the life of the battery 26 is greatly extended, the replacement frequency of the battery 26 is decreased, and the burden on the subject can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to maintain high reliability of monitoring operations by reducing the occurrence of battery exhaustion due to forgetting to replace the battery. On the other hand, when the state of the subject 4 changes to a range that is classified as abnormal, the sensing operation is performed in a cycle as short as 1 second. As a result, the state of the subject 4 is closely monitored. It becomes possible to do.

In addition, since the operation period is controlled so that the measurement operation by the sensor 21 and the sensing data by the transmitter 2 2 are not performed simultaneously, the maximum operation current output from the battery 26 is The value can be suppressed to a low value. Therefore, even when the battery is about to run out, the measurement operation and the transmission operation can be continued without causing the sensor 21 and the transmission unit 2 2 to be immediately disabled.

(Second embodiment)

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the remote sensing system according to the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.

In the system of this embodiment, a plurality of sensor units 20 1 to 20 n attached to different parts of different subjects 41 to 4 n or different parts of the same subject are connected via the wireless network 3. To the center device 10. Then, the sensing data of each sensor unit 20 1 to 20 η is collected in the center device 10 using a polling method, and the sensing cycle of each sensor unit 2 0 1 to 20 η is set using the above polling. Each is controlled variable.

The control unit 1 1 0 of the center device 1 0 has a polling control function 1 1 0 a and a sensing data processing function 1 1 0 b as control functions according to the present invention. The judgment function 1 1 0 c and the sensing cycle control function 1 1 0 d are provided. These functions are realized by causing the CPU and DSP to execute programs.

The polling control function 1 1 0 a measures the biological information of the subject 4 1 to 4 η by sending a polling request signal sequentially for each sensor unit 2 0 1 to 2 0 η at different times. A sensing signal representing the result is sequentially received from each sensor unit 20 1 to 20 η. The sensing data processing function 1 1 0 b decodes each of the sequentially received sensing signals (including error correction decoding processing) to reproduce the sensing data, and this sensing data is stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk ( (Not shown) are stored in association with the identification numbers of sensor units 2 0 1 to 2 0 n.

The judgment function 1 1 0 c compares the newly received sensing data with a preset threshold value for each of the sensor units 2 0 1 to 2 0 η, and compares the object 4 1 to 4 η. Determine whether the condition is in the normal range or in the range classified as abnormal.

The sensing cycle control function 1 1 0 d is based on the determination result of the above determination function 1 1 0 c, and the first cycle as the sensing cycle when the state of the subject 4 1 to 4 n is in the normal range. Select T1. Then, the polling request signal is transmitted to the polling control function 110a in synchronization with the first period T1. On the other hand, when the states of the subjects 41 to 4n are in the range classified as abnormal, the second cycle T2 shorter than the first cycle T1 is selected as the sensing cycle. Then, in synchronization with the second period T 2, the polling control function 1 1 0 a is caused to transmit a polling request signal.

Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described.

The control unit 1 1 0 of the Sen Yu device 1 0 starts with all sensor units ュ 2 0 1 Initialize the sensing period of ~ 20 n to the second period T2. Note that the second period Τ2 is set to, for example, 1 sec which can monitor the state of the subject 4 1 to 4 η in real time. Then, in synchronization with the second period T 2 that is initialized, the transmission unit 13 sequentially transmits a polling request signal to each sensor unit 20 1 to 2 0 η. Figure 5 shows an example of the transmission timing.

On the other hand, when each of the sensor units 20 1 to 2 0 η receives a polling request signal by the receiving unit 23, the sensor drive control unit first determines whether the received polling request signal is addressed to itself. 2 Judge by 5. Then, if it is addressed to itself, a sensor drive signal is generated by the sensor drive control unit 25, and this sensor drive signal is supplied to the sensor 21 for the unit measurement period Τ だけ.

Therefore, every time the sensor driving signal is supplied, the sensor 21 operates for the unit measurement period Τ 、. During this period Τ 検出, the temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, etc. of the subject 4 are detected and detected. Outputs data to transmitter 2 2. The transmitter 22 creates sensing data by converting the detection data supplied from the sensor 21 into a predetermined format. Then, the created sensing device is transmitted from the antenna unit 2 4 to the sensor device 10 during the period following the measurement period Τ 上記.

Thus, the sequential sensing signals are transmitted from the sensor units 20 1 to 2 0 η to the center device 10 at the second period Τ 2 (1 second) designated by the center device 10.

On the other hand, every time the polling request signal is transmitted, the control unit 110 of the center device 10 monitors the arrival of the sensing signal from the sensor units 2 0 1 to 2 0 η. Each time the sensing signal is received by the receiving unit 12, the received sensing signal is decoded (including error correction decoding processing and the like). Then, the sensing data is reproduced, and this sensing data is stored in the storage unit in the control unit in association with the identification numbers of the sensor units 201 to 20n.

Subsequently, the control unit 1 1 0 compares the received sensing data with a preset threshold value for each sensor unit 2 0 1 to 2 0 n, and thereby the state of the subject 4 1 to 4 n Is in the normal range or abnormally classified range. As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the state of a certain subject is within the normal range, a polling request signal for the sensor unit is used to change the sensing period of the sensor unit to the first period T 1. Is changed to the first cycle T1. Thereafter, a polling signal is transmitted to the sensor unit in the first cycle T1.

For example, if it is determined that the state of the subject 42 is within the normal range, the corresponding sensor unit 20 is used to change the sensing cycle of the corresponding sensor unit 202 to the first cycle T1. Change the polling request signal transmission cycle for 2 to the first cycle T1. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, a polling signal C S 2 is transmitted to the sensor unit 20 2 in the first cycle T 1. FIG. 6 shows a case where the sensing period of the sensor unit 20 n corresponding to the subject 4 n is also changed to the first period T 1.

On the other hand, the sensor units 2 0 2 and 2 On generate a sensor drive signal in the period of the polling request signal, that is, the first period T 1 (for example, a period of 10 minutes). Is supplied to the sensor 21 for the unit measurement period TA. Therefore, every time the sensor driving signal is supplied, the sensor 21 operates for the unit measurement period TA in the period of 10 minutes. During this period TA, the temperature, heart rate, blood pressure Detect the pulse etc. Output data to transmitter 2 2. The transmission unit 22 converts the detection data supplied from the sensor 21 into a predetermined format and creates sensing data. Then, the created sensing data is transmitted from the antenna unit 24 to the center device 10 during the period following the measurement period TA.

That is, in the sensor unit 2 0 2, 2 0 η, the biological information of the subject 4 2, 4 η in the new polling cycle (first cycle Τ 1 (1 0 min)) specified by the center device 1 0 Is measured, and the sensing signal is transmitted to the center device 10. Therefore, the sensor unit 2 1 of the sensor units 2 0 1 and 2 0 η consumes power every 10 minutes for the unit measurement period Τ 、, which greatly reduces the power consumption. In addition, the transmission operation of the sensing data by the transmission unit 22 is set to a period different from the operation period of the sensor 21. For this reason, the maximum value of the operating current output from the power supply circuit 27 is suppressed to a small value. As a result, even when the remaining capacity of the battery 26 is low, the measurement operation by the sensor 21 and the transmitter 2 The sending operation of the sensing data by 2 is surely performed.

On the other hand, the control unit 110 of the center device 10 thresholds the received sensing data every time a new sensing data is received even after the polling period is changed due to the change in the sensing period. Compared with the value, it is judged whether the state of the subject 4 2, 4 η is in the normal range or the range classified as abnormal. As a result of this determination, for example, if the state of the subject 4 η is still in the normal range, the polling period is maintained at the first period Τ1. On the other hand, if the state of the subject 42 changes to an abnormally classified range, the sensing cycle is changed again to the second cycle Τ2. Then, the polling request signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 13 to the sensor unit 202 in accordance with the second changed period 2. Therefore, in the sensor unit 2 0 2, the sensing cycle is changed again from the first cycle to the second cycle T 2, and thereafter, the measurement operation of the sensor 2 1 and the sensing cycle are changed according to the second cycle T 2. A transmission operation is performed. For this reason, when the state of the subject 42 changes to a range that is classified as abnormal, the sensing operation is performed in a cycle as short as 1 second, and as a result, the state of the subject 42 is changed again. It becomes possible to monitor precisely.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the sensing device 10 also has sensing data transmitted from the sensor unit 20 1 to 2 0 η for each of the sensor units 20 1 to 2 On. Then, it is determined whether the state of the subject 4 is a normal state or a state classified as abnormal. Then, for the sensor unit corresponding to the subject determined to be in the normal state, the first cycle Τ 1 (10 minutes) is selected as the sensing cycle, and the polling request signal is transmitted at the first cycle T 1. Is sent to the sensor unit. On the other hand, for the sensor unit corresponding to the subject determined to be in an abnormal state, the second cycle Τ 2 (1 second) is selected as the sensing cycle, and the polling request signal is sent at this second cycle Τ 2. To the sensor unit. On the other hand, each of the sensor units 20 1 to 2 0 η generates a sensor drive signal and drives the sensor 2 1 every time the polling request signal is received, and thereby the subjects 4 1 to 4 η The biological information is measured and the sensing data is transmitted to the center device 10.

Therefore, in the sensor unit in which the state of the subject is in the normal state, the sensor 21 consumes power every 10 minutes, thereby greatly reducing the power consumption. For this reason, the life of the battery 26 can be greatly extended, and the frequency of replacement of the battery 26 can be reduced, reducing the burden on the subject. In addition, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of battery breakage due to forgetting to replace the battery and maintain high reliability of monitoring work. On the other hand In the sensor unit in the range where the state of the subject is classified as abnormal, the sensing operation is performed in a cycle as short as 1 second, and as a result, the state of the subject can be accurately monitored.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the sensing period from the sensing device 10 to each of the sensor units 20 01 to 20 n is specified by changing the transmission period of the polling request signal. This eliminates the need to create and send a dedicated control signal to specify the sensing period. Also, set the basic polling period equal to the sensing period T2, and when changing the sensing period to period T1, set the polling period to an integral multiple of the above basic period.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 6, the polling timing for the sensor unit 20 2 set corresponding to the sensing cycle T 1 is the same as that for the sensor unit 2 0 1 set corresponding to the sensing cycle T 2. As a result, the polling request signal and the sensing data overlap in time between the center device 10 and the multiple sensor units 2 0 1 to 2 0 η. No worries and stable polling operation can be maintained.

(Third embodiment)

The third embodiment of the present invention includes a function for determining the state of the subject in the sensor unit and a sensing period setting function, and the function allows the sensor unit to autonomously variably set the sensing period. Is.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.

The sensor unit 20 includes a sensor control unit 28, a drive signal generation unit 29, Is provided. The sensor control unit 28 includes, for example, a microcomputer as a main control unit, and has a state determination function 28a and a sensing cycle setting function 28b as control functions according to the present invention.

The state determination function 2 8 a captures the sensing data every time sensing data is generated by the sensor 21, and compares the sensing data with a threshold value, so that the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range. Judge whether it is in the range classified as abnormal.

The sensing cycle setting function 2 8 b sets the first cycle T 1 as the sensing cycle when the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range based on the determination result of the state determination function 2 8 a. . On the other hand, when the state of the subject 4 is in an abnormally classified range, a second period T 2 shorter than the first period T 1 is set as the sensing period. Thereafter, a drive instruction is given to the drive signal generator 29 according to the cycle T 1 or T 2 set in this way.

The drive signal generation unit 29 generates a sensor drive signal and gives it to the sensor 21 when a drive instruction is given from the sensor control unit 28, whereby the biological information of the subject 4 is sent to the sensor 21. Make measurements.

Because of this configuration, the sensor unit 20 is in a range in which the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range or abnormally classified based on the sensing data output from the sensor 21. In accordance with the determination result, the sensing period is autonomously variably set to either the first period T 1 (for example, 10 minutes) or the second period T 2 (for example, 1 second). For this reason, the sensing device 1 does not need to perform the sensing cycle control process, and it is not necessary to transmit the sensing cycle instruction signal, so that the processing load on the center device 1 can be reduced. The sensor unit 20 receives and processes the sensing cycle instruction signal as a control signal. This eliminates the need to receive only other control signals such as a start signal and an end signal, and the reception process is simplified accordingly. In addition, the sensor unit 20 itself can always measure the biological information by setting an optimum sensing cycle according to the state of the subject 4.

In other words, when the state of the subject 4 is the normal state, the sensor 21 consumes power every 10 minutes, thereby greatly reducing power consumption. Therefore, the life of the battery 26 is greatly extended, and the replacement frequency of the battery 26 is reduced, so that the burden on the subject can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of battery exhaustion due to forgetting to replace the battery and maintain high reliability of the monitoring operation. On the other hand, when the state of the subject 4 changes to a range that is classified as abnormal, the sensing operation is performed in a cycle as short as 1 second. As a result, the state of the subject 4 is closely monitored. It becomes possible to do.

(Other embodiments)

In the first embodiment, the center device 1 monitors the state of the subject 4 in real time based on the sensing data sent from the sensor unit 2, and the state of the subject changes from normal to abnormal, or from normal to abnormal. Sending a command to change the sensing cycle to Sensor Unit 2 every time However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the center device 1, a time schedule of a sensing cycle is created according to the life cycle of the subject 4, and a control signal instructing the change of the sensing cycle is sent to the sensor unit according to the created time cycle of the sensing cycle. Send to 2. The sensor unit 2 stores the sensing cycle instruction information included in the control signal sent from the sensing device 1, and thereafter controls the driving timing of the sensor 21 according to the sensing cycle instruction information. Figure 8 shows an example of the time schedule. This time schedule is used to monitor changes in the blood pressure of the subject during the day, and 24 hours a day is the early morning period during which the blood pressure rises the most, the daytime during which the blood pressure remains high, Divide into bedtime periods when blood pressure drops. A different sensing cycle is set for each period. For example, T 2 (for example, 1 second), which has the shortest period in the early morning period, T 1 (for example, 10 minutes) longer than T 2 in the daytime period, and an additional period in the bedtime period. Set a long TO (eg 1 hour).

In this way, in the center device 1, in order to control the sensing cycle, it is not necessary to monitor the state of the subject 4 in real time based on the sensing data. Can be reduced. This effect is particularly effective when there are many subjects who do not need to monitor biological information in real time.

In the example described above, a sensing cycle change instruction is sent from the center device 1 to the sensor unit 2 by a control signal according to the time schedule. However, it is not limited to this, and the time schedule is sent from the center device 1 to the sensor unit 2 and stored. The sensor unit 2 may control the drive timing of the sensor 21 in accordance with the stored time schedule and the time of the internal clock.

Further, in the third embodiment, the sensor unit 20 determines whether the state of the subject 4 is in the normal range or the range classified as abnormal based on the sensing data output from the sensor 21. In addition, the sensing cycle is autonomously variably set according to the determination result. However, this invention is not limited to that.

For example, the control signal transmission from the center device to the sensor unit 20 —When the maximum length of the bar is specified, the sensor unit 20 does not receive a control signal even if the maximum length of the interval has elapsed since the previous reception timing, and the change in the state of the subject 4 May be voluntarily changed to a period corresponding to the changed state of the sensing object.

In this way, when a change in the state of the subject 4 is detected, but no control signal is received from the sensing device to change the sensing period, the sensor unit 20 can set the sensing period. Change autonomously. For this reason, for example, even if the sensing data does not reach the sensing device or the control signal transmitted from the center device cannot be received by the sensor unit due to deterioration in the quality of the wireless channel, the sensor unit 20 The sensing cycle can be set to an optimal value.

Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments and the example described above, the sensing cycle is controlled in two steps or three steps, but it may be controlled variable in four steps or more. In each of the above embodiments, the case where temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, pulse, etc. are detected as the biological information of the subject has been described as an example. The direction of movement of the specimen and the magnitude thereof may be detected. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the sensing cycle is variably controlled has been described as an example. However, the sensing timing may be specified at random without having periodicity.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the case where sensing data is collected from each sensor unit 20 1 to 20 n using the polling method has been described as an example. However, each sensor unit 2 0 1 to 2 0 n is described. May send sensing data for any evening time. In each of the above embodiments, the sensing cycle or sensor unit specified by the center device is used. Although only the operation of the sensor 21 is intermittently operated according to the sensing cycle set by itself, the operation of the transmission unit 22 may be intermittently operated according to the sensing cycle. Further, when the power consumed by the sensor 21 is smaller than that of the transmission unit, only the transmission unit may be operated intermittently. Furthermore, as a means for stopping the operation of the sensor 21 and the transmitter 22, not only the supply of drive signals such as an operation clock, but also the operation voltage V cc from the power supply circuit 27 can be used. The supply may be cut off. In this way, power consumption by the sensor 21 and the transmission unit 2 2 during the stamping period can be completely eliminated.

In addition, the configuration of the center device and sensor unit, the sensing cycle instruction information notification method, the sensing cycle setting value (may be 1 second or several seconds)

The types of sensing objects can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Industrial applicability

In short, according to the present invention, the sensing cycle of the sensor unit is variably set by an instruction from the center device or autonomous judgment of the sensor unit, so the power consumption by the sensor is reduced and the battery life is extended. This reduces the burden of battery replacement work and prevents a decrease in the reliability of monitoring operations due to battery exhaustion. It is possible to provide a remote sensing system and a sensor unit that can be used.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. a sensor unit provided corresponding to the sensing object, and a sensor device for transmitting signals between the sensor unit and the sensor unit via a communication line,

The center device is

A control signal transmitting means for generating a control signal for variably specifying the sensing period of the sensor unit, and transmitting the generated control signal to the center unit;

Sensing signal receiving means for receiving a sensing signal transmitted from the sensor unit and representing a state of the sensing object;

With

The sensor unit is

Control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the device;

Drive signal generating means for generating a sensor drive signal in accordance with a sensing period specified by the received control signal;

A sensor that is driven by the generated sensor driving signal and detects a state of the sensing object;

Sensing signal transmitting means for generating a sensing signal representing the state of the sensing object based on the detection result of the sensor and transmitting the sensing signal to the sensor device;

A remote sensing system comprising:

2. The sensing device determines whether the sensing object is in the normal first state or the second state classified as abnormal based on the received sensing signal. And a determination means for The control signal transmitting means of the Sen Yu device generates a control signal for designating the sensing period as the first period when it is determined that the state of the sensing object is in the first state, On the other hand, when it is determined that the state of the sensing object is in the second state, a control signal for designating the sensing period to a second period shorter than the first period is generated. The remote sensing system according to claim 1.

3. The Sen evening device has a first time zone that needs to be sensed at a first frequency according to a correlation between a time zone and the state of the sensing object, and is higher than the first frequency. Means for setting a second time zone that needs to be sensed at a second frequency,

The control signal transmitting means of the Sen evening device generates a control signal for designating the sensing period as the first period when the first time period is reached, while in the second time period 2. The remote sensing system according to claim 1, wherein a control signal for designating the sensing period to a second period shorter than the first period when the sensing period is reached is generated.

4. The sensor unit

Means for determining whether or not the state of the sensing object has changed based on the detection result of the sensor;

The period of the sensor drive signal generated by the drive signal generation means when the control signal is not received within a certain time from the previous reception timing and a change in the state of the sensing object is detected is Means for voluntarily changing to a period corresponding to the state of the sensing object after the change

The remote sensing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. When the sensing signal transmission means has a sensing signal transmission period different from a period during which the sensor detects the state of the sensing object. The remote sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the remote sensing system is set to an interband.

6. A sensor unit that is provided corresponding to the sensing object and that can transmit signals to and from the center unit via the communication line.

Control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal for variably specifying the sensing period of the sensor unit transmitted from the center device, and sensor driving according to the sensing period specified by the received control signal Drive signal generating means for generating a signal;

Sensing signal transmitting means for generating a sensing signal representing the state of the sensing object based on the detection result of the sensor and transmitting the sensing signal to the center device;

A sensor unit comprising:

7. A sensor unit provided corresponding to the sensing object and capable of transmitting signals to and from the center device via a communication line,

Means for variably setting a sensing period for a sensing object; means for generating a sensor drive signal in accordance with the variably set sensing period;

A sensor driven by the generated sensor driving signal to detect the state of the sensing object;

Means for generating a sensing signal representing a state of the sensing object based on a detection result of the sensor and transmitting the sensing signal to the center device;

A sensor unit characterized by comprising:

8. Based on the detection result of the sensor, determine whether the sensing object is in the normal first state or the second state classified as abnormal. Further comprises a determination means for

The means for variably setting the sensing period sets the sensing period to the first period when it is determined that the state of the sensing object is in the first state, while the state of the sensing object is the first state. 8. The sensor unit according to claim 7, wherein when it is determined that the state is 2, the sensing period is set to a second period shorter than the first period.

9. Sensing at a first time zone that needs to be sensed at a first frequency and at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency, depending on the correlation between the time zone and the state of the sensing object Further comprising means for setting each of the necessary second time zones,

The means for variably setting the sensing period sets the sensing period to the first period when the first time period is reached, and sets the sensing period when the second time period is reached. 8. The sensor unit according to claim 7, wherein the sensor period is set to a second period shorter than the first period.

1 0. The means for transmitting the sensing signal to the sensing device sets a transmission period of the sensing signal in a time zone different from a period for detecting the state of the sensing object by the sensor. Item 6 or 7 sensor unit.