WO2011024425A1 - Organism information detection device and motion sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an organism information detection device that is equipped with a motion sensor provided with at least one from either an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, an organism sensor that detects organism information, a power supply unit that supplies power to the motion sensor and the organism sensor, and a control unit that determines the content of the operation of the organism sensor on the basis of the detection results from the motion sensor.

Description

Biological information detection device and motion sensor

The present invention relates to a biological information detection apparatus for detecting biological information of a human body or an animal.

A conventional biological information detection apparatus for detecting biological information of a human body will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional biological information detection apparatus. The biological information detection apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is a patient monitoring apparatus which can be inserted and attached to the external ear canal of a patient at all times.

In FIG. 7, the patient monitoring apparatus 10 has electrodes 14 and 15 for electrocardiogram, a pulse wave (pressure) detection transducer 16, and a temperature sensor 17, which are inserted into the patient's ear canal. It is disposed on the surface of the ear canal insertion portion 22 in contact with the skin. Further, an infrared light emitting unit 18, an infrared light receiving unit 19, a visible light emitting unit 20, and a visible light receiving unit 21 for detecting arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood pressure and pulse wave (measured by infrared light) Are disposed on the peripheral surface of the ear canal insertion portion 22.

These data measuring means can detect various types of biological information from the inner surface of the patient's external ear canal. Each data measurement means is embedded in the surface of the ear canal insertion portion 22 so that the patient does not feel discomfort or pain due to the attachment of the patient monitoring device 10. Each data measurement means is connected to the control and transmission unit 23 via a lead 24 and the measured data is transmitted.

In addition, as related prior art document information, the patent document 1 and the patent document 2 are known, for example.

The patient monitoring device 10 described above is driven by a battery built in the patient monitoring device 10 without supplying power from the outside via a wire in order to keep the patient's wearing load to a minimum. For this reason, if detection of biological information by the patient monitoring apparatus 10 is constantly performed while maintaining a predetermined time interval, power consumption increases, and it is necessary to perform battery replacement frequently.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 9-122083 International Publication No. 2005/034742

In view of the problems described above, the biological information detection apparatus of the present invention reduces power consumption and reduces the frequency of battery replacement.

A living body information detection apparatus according to the present invention includes a motion sensor having at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, a living body sensor for detecting living body information, a power supply unit for supplying power to the motion sensor and the living body sensor, And a controller configured to determine the operation content of the biological sensor based on the detection result of the sensor.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a biological information detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a usage example of the biological information detection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an earphone-type biological information detecting device worn on a human ear and used in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the biological information detection apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing another processing flow of the biological information detection apparatus in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an algorithm at the time of calculating the calorie consumption of the living body information detection apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional biological information detection apparatus.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a biological information detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a living body information detection apparatus 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for detecting living body information of a test subject by being closely arranged or built in a test subject such as a human body or an animal.

In FIG. 1, the biological information detection apparatus 30 includes an exterior case 31, a substrate 32 disposed inside the exterior case 31, and a wireless unit 33, a motion sensor 34, and a control unit disposed on one surface of the substrate 32. 35 and the living body sensor 36, and a power supply unit 37 disposed on the other surface side of the substrate 32 and having a battery or a power generation element. The power supply unit 37 supplies power to each component of the biological information detection apparatus 30. Here, when the power supply unit 37 includes a power generation element, the sensing object itself is driven by driving energy such as vibration power generation using an angular acceleration sensor, thermal power generation using body temperature, power conversion using electrocardiogram / myoelectric power, etc. Power can be supplied using the method of

It is desirable that the biological information detection apparatus 30 be disposed in a state where the side where the biological sensor 36 is disposed with respect to the substrate 32 is close to the subject. This is because when the biological sensor 36 is closer to the subject, biological information can be detected with low power consumption with high accuracy. In this case, an adhesive layer is provided on a part of the outer surface of the outer case 31 on the side of the substrate 32 where the biological sensor 36 is disposed, and the biological information detection device 30 is fixed to the surface of the subject using this adhesive layer. can do.

Alternatively, an adhesive sheet (not shown) larger than the biological information detection device 30 may be prepared, and the biological information detection device 30 may be attached to the subject by the adhesive layer disposed on the entire surface of the adhesive sheet. In this case, the biological information detection device 30 may be fixed at a generally central position of the adhesive sheet, and the biological information detection device 30 may be attached to the subject by the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet.

Note that, as described above, the biological information detection device 30 may be fixed to clothes using a safety pin or the like instead of fixing the biological information detection device 30 directly to the subject using the adhesive layer, or may be fixed. It is also possible to fix it to the body with a band.

The motion sensor 34 includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and can detect an operation state of a subject.

For example, the biological sensor 36 includes various sensors such as a blood pressure sensor, a body temperature sensor, a pulse sensor, a blood oxygen concentration sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a heart sound sensor, a respiration rate sensor, a respiration sound sensor, an exhalation sensor, and a posture sensor. In addition, it is possible to use a plurality or single sensors capable of detecting biological information, such as an auditory organ shape sensor and an acoustic characteristic sensor, for detecting auditory abnormalities and personal identification. When a sensor capable of personal identification is used in combination, personal identification data and biometric information can be associated and managed, and confusion with other subjects' biometric information can be prevented.

Next, the operation of the biological information detection apparatus 30 will be described. When the biological information detection apparatus 30 starts operation, the power supply unit 37 supplies power to the control unit 35. Then, the control unit 35 which is supplied with the power and starts the operation sends a command signal instructing the motion sensor 34 to detect the operation condition of the subject. The command signal is transmitted to the motion sensor 34 by the conductive pattern formed on the substrate 32.

The motion sensor 34 receiving the command signal from the control unit 35 detects the operation state of the subject by at least one of the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 having received the detection result of the motion sensor 34 determines the operation content of the biological sensor 36 based on the received detection result.

For example, when the subject exercises intensely, the control unit 35 detects the intensity of exercise from the detection result of the motion sensor 34. Then, an electrocardiogram sensor, a pulse sensor, and the like among the plurality of biological sensors 36 are detected so as to detect biological information to be measured when the subject is performing intense exercise, such as an electrocardiogram, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen concentration and the like. It instructs the blood pressure sensor, blood oxygen concentration sensor, etc. On the other hand, when the subject is performing a vigorous exercise among the plurality of biological sensors 36, the control unit 35 does not transmit the command signal to the sensor that detects the biological information determined not to require measurement. .

As described above, based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34, the control unit 35 selects only the living body sensor 36 to be operated among the plurality of living body sensors 36. A low power consumption biometric information detection device can be realized without consumption. Thus, for example, when the power supply unit 37 includes a battery, the operation time of the biological information detection apparatus 30 can be extended, and the battery replacement frequency can be reduced.

Also, as described above, when the control unit 35 selects a plurality of pieces of biological information to be measured under a certain condition, the control unit 35 can also determine the detection order of the plurality of selected biological information. For example, as described above, it is assumed that detection of an electrocardiogram is most important for a subject when it is determined that the subject is exercising vigorously. In this case, the control unit 35 can first transmit a detection command to the electrocardiogram sensor in the living body sensor 36 to detect the electrocardiogram first.

The biological information detected by the electrocardiographic sensor in the biological sensor 36 is transmitted from the electrocardiographic sensor to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 analyzes the biological information received from the electrocardiographic sensor, and redetermines the biological information to be measured next based on the analysis result. As described above, the control unit 35 provisionally determines the detection order of the biological information based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34, and provisionally determines the biological information detected thereafter. The detection order of the biological information may be redetermined. As a result, it is possible to realize a living body information detection device capable of preferentially detecting living body information with low power consumption and a high degree of importance.

Further, as a result of analyzing the biological information detected by the electrocardiographic sensor by the control unit 35, it is confirmed that the biological information of the subject is normal, and the control unit 35 does not need to detect any other biological information. If it is determined, detection of biological information scheduled after that may be stopped, or detection accuracy may be changed.

As described above, according to the biological information detection apparatus 30 of the present embodiment, the operation content of the biological sensor 36 scheduled to be detected can be changed based on the detected biological information. As a result, the minimum necessary biometric sensor 36 can be operated with the necessary detection accuracy, and a low power consumption biometric information detection apparatus can be realized.

The biological information transmitted from the biological sensor 36 to the control unit 35 is transmitted from the control unit 35 to the wireless unit 33, and the wireless unit 33 transmits the received biological information to an external device (not shown in FIG. 1) by electromagnetic waves. Send. As a result, the external device can transmit the biological information received from the biological information detection device 30 to a database or the like of a healthcare service provider, a hospital, or the like through the network. Also, the external device analyzes the biological information received from the biological information detection device 30, and wirelessly transmits a control signal for controlling the biological information detection device 30 to the biological information detection device 30 based on the analysis result. Good. In this case, the biological information detection apparatus 30 can acquire biological information with the content and detection accuracy based on the control signal received from the external device.

Here, an example of the external device will be described using the drawings. FIG. 2 is a view showing a usage example when the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the surface of a human chest. In FIG. 2, a watch 42 and a portable terminal 43 are shown as an example of the external device. The watch 42 and the portable terminal 43 exchange communication with the living body information detection device 30 and communication blocks (not shown) that exchange signals with the network, and the living body information received from the living body information detection device 30. It has a signal processing unit (not shown) to be analyzed, and a display unit 44 for displaying necessary information on a subject.

Since the wristwatch 42 is usually worn in close contact with the wrist, transmission and reception of signals with the biological information detection apparatus 30 can be performed by human body communication. On the other hand, the portable terminal 43 can communicate with the living body information detection apparatus 30 using a wireless means other than human body communication because the state in which the portable terminal 43 is in close contact with the human body is not always maintained.

The wristwatch 42 or the portable terminal 43 analyzes the biological information received from the biological information detection device 30 in the signal processing unit, and if necessary, transmits a control signal for controlling the biological information detection device 30 to the biological information detection device 30. Send. That is, the analysis of the biological information detected by the biological sensor 36 of the biological information detection device 30 and the determination of the operation content of the biological sensor 36 scheduled to operate thereafter are performed in place of the control unit 35 of the biological information detection device 30 It can be performed by the signal processing unit of the watch 42 or the portable terminal 43 which is an apparatus. In this case, the control unit 35 of the biological information detection apparatus 30 mainly analyzes the detection result of the motion sensor 34 and determines the operation content of the biological sensor 36 based on the analysis result.

As a result, the circuit scale of the control unit 35 can be reduced, and thus the biological information detection device 30 can be miniaturized, and since the biological information detection device 30 does not analyze the biological information signal, power consumption of the biological information detection device 30 can be reduced. It can be further reduced.

When the control unit 35 is not configured to analyze the biological information, the biological information detected by the biological sensor 36 may be directly transmitted from the biological sensor 36 to the wireless unit 33 without the control unit 35. Thus, the power consumption of the control unit 35 can be reduced, and the transmission speed can be improved.

Such system information of analyzing the biological information detected by the biological sensor 36 with an external device such as the watch 42 or the portable terminal 43 and controlling the biological information detection apparatus 30 based on the analysis result will be described below. An example will be described.

First, when an operation start instruction is input to the biological information detection apparatus 30, power is supplied from the power supply unit 37 to at least the control unit 35.

Next, the control unit 35 transmits a detection command to the motion sensor 34, and the motion sensor 34 that has received the detection command detects the motion of the subject. Then, the motion sensor 34 transmits the detection result to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 analyzes the detection result received from the motion sensor 34, selects the biological information that needs to be measured, and determines the order of measurement of the selected biological information and its accuracy.

Here, as an example, it is assumed that the control unit 35 determines to measure biological information in the order of “pulse to body temperature”. In this case, the control unit 35 first transmits a detection command to the living body sensor 36 so as to detect a pulse. The pulse sensor in the living body sensor 36 receiving the detection command detects pulse data, and transmits the detection result to the wireless unit 33. The detection result may be transmitted from the living body sensor 36 to the wireless unit 33 via the control unit 35.

The wireless unit 33 transmits the pulse data received from the living body sensor 36 to the portable terminal 43 by radio waves. In addition, the control unit 35 detects the detection result of the motion sensor 34 and the operation content of the biological sensor 36 (biometric information selected when measurement is required, the order of measurement of the selected biological information, the selected biometric information The accuracy of measurement) may be transmitted to the portable terminal 43 via the wireless unit 33.

The pulse data transmitted by the wireless unit 33 of the biological information detection apparatus 30 is received by a communication block (not shown) of the portable terminal 43. The communication block transmits the received pulse data to a signal processing unit (not shown) of the portable terminal 43, and the signal processing unit analyzes the pulse data. As a result of analyzing the pulse data, when the signal processing unit determines that it is also necessary to measure the body temperature of the subject, the detection operation of the body temperature sensor is performed to the wireless unit 33 of the biological information detection apparatus 30 via the communication block. Send a prompt command signal. Furthermore, if necessary, the signal processing unit transmits pulse data to the network via the communication block, and the pulse data is stored in a database such as a hospital via the network.

As a result of analyzing the pulse data as a result of analyzing the pulse data, when the signal processing unit determines that there is no need for the scheduled body temperature measurement, the signal processing unit sends a control signal indicating that the body temperature measurement is stopped via the communication block. The control unit 35 transmits the command to the temperature sensor in the living body sensor 36 to stop transmitting a command for prompting the detection operation.

When the control unit 35 receives a control signal prompting the detection operation of the temperature sensor, the control unit 35 transmits a command signal prompting the detection operation of the temperature sensor to the living body sensor 36. The temperature sensor in the living body sensor 36 receiving the command signal transmits the body temperature data to the wireless unit 33 after detecting the body temperature of the subject. The body temperature data can also be transmitted from the living body sensor 36 to the wireless unit 33 via the control unit 35.

The wireless unit 33 transmits the received body temperature data to the portable terminal 43. The body terminal 43 transmits the body temperature data to the signal processing unit via the communication block. The signal processing unit analyzes the received body temperature data, transmits the body temperature data to the network network via the communication block as necessary, and stores the body temperature data in a database such as a hospital via the network network. Ru.

The signal processing unit of the portable terminal 43 transmits a signal to the effect that the analysis of the body temperature is completed to the biological information detection device 30 via the signal block. The control unit 35 that receives this signal via the wireless unit 33 recognizes that a series of biological information detection operations have been completed. Then, the control unit 35 determines the timing of the detection operation of the motion sensor 34 next time based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 before the previous time, and according to the determined timing, a signal prompting the motion sensor 34 to perform the detection operation Send.

In the example described above, since the biological sensor 36 does not detect a plurality of biological information at the same time, it is possible to sequentially transmit the measured biological information to the external device. In the case where the biological sensor 36 is configured to simultaneously detect a plurality of biological information, it is difficult to wirelessly transmit a plurality of detected biological information at the same time, so it is necessary to temporarily store it in the memory. . In this configuration, the biological information detection apparatus 30 needs to have a large memory. However, the memory size can be reduced by configuring the biometric sensor 36 so as not to detect a plurality of pieces of biometric information at the same time.

In the case where the living body sensor 36 is not configured to normally detect a plurality of living body information at the same time, the control unit 35 determines from the detection result of the motion sensor 34 that it is necessary to simultaneously detect a plurality of living body information. It is also possible to cause the biometric sensor 36 to simultaneously detect two or more pieces of biometric information. The control unit 35 analyzes the plurality of detected biological information, and thereafter derives the biological information that needs to be detected. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly grasp necessary biological information in an emergency or the like. In this case, the control unit 35 can multiplex the plurality of biological information and the detection result of the motion sensor 34, and transmit the information to the external device via the wireless unit 33.

The biological information detection device 30 or an external device periodically monitors the connection state of the wireless line between the biological information detection device 30 and the external device, and if the wireless line is disconnected, the external device The subject may be displayed on the display unit 44 or the subject may be notified by voice. This makes it possible to prevent the biometric information detection device 30 from being unintentionally dropped and lost.

In addition, when the change in the movement of the subject is small, such as during sleep, the change in biological information is also expected to be small. Therefore, the control unit 35 may lengthen the detection interval of the motion sensor 34 or the detection interval of the biological sensor 36 when it is determined from the detection result of the motion sensor 34 that the operation of the subject is gentle. . Conversely, the control unit 35 may shorten the detection interval of the motion sensor 34 or the detection interval of the biological sensor 36 as the change in the operating condition of the human body increases.

As described above, the control unit 35 determines the timing of the next detection of the motion sensor 34 or the living body sensor 36 based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 to detect the detection frequency of the motion sensor 34 or the living body sensor 36. Optimization can be achieved, and power consumption of the biological information detection apparatus 30 can be reduced.

The detection frequency of the motion sensor 34 or the living body sensor 36 may be derived by the control unit 35 based on only the detection result of the motion sensor 34 immediately before, or based on a plurality of detection results before that. It is good. Thereby, the derivation | leading-out precision of the detection frequency of the motion sensor 34 and the biometric sensor 36 can be improved.

Second Embodiment
Next, a biological information detection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using the drawings. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an earphone-type biological information detecting device worn on a human ear and used in a second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the living body information detection device 41 has a substrate 32 disposed inside the exterior case 31, a module substrate 38 mounted on one side of the substrate 32, and a wireless unit 33 mounted on the module substrate 38. , Motion sensor 34 and control unit 35. Furthermore, the living body information detection device 41 includes a power supply unit 37 for supplying power to each component of the living body information detection device 41 disposed on the other surface side of the substrate 32, and a living body disposed on both sides of the substrate 32. A sensor 36, a microphone 39, and a speaker 40 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the earphone-type biometric information detection device 41 shown in FIG. 3 is used by inserting it into a person's external ear canal. That is, the outer shape of the living body information detection device 41 has a shape that can be attached to the external ear canal of a human body.

The biological information detection apparatus 41 according to the present embodiment also determines the operation content of the biological sensor 36 based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34. Therefore, if noise is included in the detection result of the motion sensor 34, The operation content of the living body sensor 36 may be determined differently depending on the presence or absence of noise. For example, when a motion sensor is attached to the subject's fingertip, the motion sensor 34 detects a large acceleration or angular velocity even if the motion is only at the fingertip, not the entire motion including the subject's torso. I will. This can be noise that causes the determination of the operation content of the biological sensor 36 to be erroneous.

As a result of examination, it was found that it is effective to attach a motion sensor to a part near the central axis of the subject's body in order to accurately measure the subject's overall activity amount and activity content. The biological information detection apparatus 41 according to the present embodiment is attached to the ear that is a part close to the central axis of the subject's body, so the noise amount of the detection result of the motion sensor 34 can be reduced. The contents can be determined more accurately as compared with the case where the motion sensor 34 is attached to the peripheral part of a human body such as a wrist or a fingertip.

The operation content of the biological information detection apparatus 41 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the operation content of the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment.

The configuration of the biological information detection apparatus 41 according to the second embodiment differs from the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment in that the microphone 39 and the speaker 40 are included.

When the earphone-type biological information detection apparatus 41 is attached to the external auditory canal, the subject may have difficulty in hearing the external sound. Therefore, the living body information detection apparatus 41 can collect the external sound using the microphone 39 if necessary, and can transmit the external sound to the subject through the speaker 40 after performing predetermined level adjustment. . Furthermore, the connection state of the wireless circuit between the biological information detection device 41 and the external device is regularly monitored, and if the wireless circuit is disconnected, the subject is vocally notified via the speaker 40 It may be notified, or the subject may be notified of that via the speaker of the external device or the display unit 44. Thereby, loss prevention of a biometric information detection apparatus and an external apparatus is realizable.

Note that while the portable terminal 43 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a telephone function and power is being supplied from the portable terminal 43 to the earphone type biological information detection apparatus 41 while making a call using the portable terminal 43, The battery of part 37 can also be charged. The earphone-type biological information detection apparatus 41 according to the second embodiment is worn on the ear and used, and therefore, when making a call using the portable terminal 43, the biological information detection apparatus 41 and the portable terminal 43 will be placed in close proximity.

If power is supplied from the portable terminal 43 to the living body information detection device 41 by electromagnetic induction or the like using this feature, the living body information detection device 41 can be charged without being conscious of the subject, and convenience can be improved. . Furthermore, the charging operation can be performed by making the portable terminal 43 close to the earphone type biological information detecting device 41 at any time without limiting to only during a call. As a result, the charging operation can be performed while using the biological information detection device 41, and the biological information can be continuously acquired. Further, in this case, it is not necessary to intentionally give the portable terminal 43 a telephone function, and external devices other than the portable terminal 43 (for example, the wristwatch 42 etc.) are brought close to the earphone type biological information detecting device 41 and charged. You can also work.

In the above-described example, the configuration is described in which the portable terminal 43 is brought close to the biological information detection device 41 and charging is performed by electromagnetic induction or the like. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. The living body information detection device 41 may be charged by using the body surface or the inside of the body as a route. As a result, charging can be performed without bringing the portable terminal 43 or the like close to the biological information detection apparatus 41, and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

In addition, when the battery remaining amount of the power supply unit 37 of the biological information detection apparatus 41 is decreased, the subject may be notified of that via the speaker 40. Thus, the subject can be urged to perform the above-mentioned charging operation.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the wireless unit 33, the motion sensor 34, and the control unit 35 are mounted on a module substrate 38, which is the same substrate, and modularized. By adopting such a configuration, the wireless unit 33, the motion sensor 34, and the control unit 35, which frequently exchange signals, can be disposed close to each other, and power consumption can be reduced, and from the outside Noise resistance can be improved.

Furthermore, the motion sensor 34 and the control unit 35 that are essential for the biological information detection device 41 should be modularized in advance, as compared to the biological sensor 36 in which the type of sensor may change according to the mounting location and the purpose of use. Production efficiency can be improved, and product quality can also be improved.

Furthermore, since it is necessary to bring the biological sensor 36 close to or directly in contact with a human body or the like in some cases, it is necessary to place the biological sensor 36 in multiple places inside or on the surface of the biological information detection device 41. The controller 35 and the controller 35 do not have to be disposed in proximity to a human body or the like. The modularization of the wireless unit 33, the motion sensor 34, and the control unit 35 using this feature can also improve the design efficiency of the biological information detection apparatus 41.

Third Embodiment
Next, a biological information detection apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described using the drawings.

The living body information detection apparatus according to the third embodiment uses a heart rate sensor as the living body sensor 36 of the living body information detection device 30 shown in FIG. 1, and the rest will be described as having the same configuration. In the present embodiment, the living body information detection device 30 detects the consumed calories of the subject as living body information.

In accordance with the detection result of the motion sensor 34, the biological information detection apparatus 30 in the present embodiment determines whether to operate the heart rate sensor. Specifically, when the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is less than or equal to a first predetermined value or greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, the control unit 35 does not operate the heart rate sensor (biosensor 36). Calculate the calorie consumption of the subject using the detection results.

When the living body information detection apparatus 30 calculates the calorie consumption of the subject, there are a method of calculating based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 and a method of calculating based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor. In the case of calculating the consumed calories of the subject based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34, it is possible to accurately grasp the operating condition of the part wearing the motion sensor 34. However, since it is difficult to accurately detect the operating condition of a part of the body to which the motion sensor 34 is not attached, generally, the accuracy of consumed calories calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is so high It can not be said.

On the other hand, when the subject's consumed calories are calculated based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor (biosensor 36), the subject's consumed calories are accurately calculated because the heart rate and the subject's exercise intensity are almost proportional. It is possible to However, at relatively low heart rates, the influence of emotional excitement and mental tension may have a relatively strong effect, which may impair the linearity between the heart rate and the subject's exercise intensity. .

In addition, even where the heart rate is relatively high, the relationship between the heart rate and the subject's exercise intensity tends to deviate from a straight line. For this reason, as described later, when the heart rate deviates from the predetermined range (specifically, it becomes the third predetermined value or less, or the fourth predetermined value or more), the heartbeat sensor detects it. If the calorie consumption is calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 without calculating the calorie consumption based on the calculated heart rate, the accuracy tends to be higher.

Generally, in a predetermined range, specifically, in a range of more than 110 beats / minute and less than 170 beats / minute, the relationship between the heart rate and the exercise intensity becomes almost linear. Therefore, in this range, it is desirable to calculate the consumed calories based on the detection result of the heartbeat sensor.

The living body information detection apparatus 30 in the present embodiment first tries to calculate the calorie consumption of the subject based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 without using the heart rate sensor. This is because the heart rate of a normal person is 110 or less, and it is outside the heart rate range (greater than 110 and less than 170) suitable for calculating the calorie consumption in the heart rate. is there. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heart rate sensor from operating unnecessarily, and it is possible to realize a living body information detection device with low power consumption.

Here, the first predetermined value in the detection result of the motion sensor 34 indicates an operation state amount in which the heart rate is more likely to be the third predetermined value (specifically, 110 times). In addition, the second predetermined value in the detection result of the motion sensor 34 indicates an operating state amount in which the possibility of the heart rate becoming the fourth predetermined value (specifically, 170 times) becomes high.

That is, when the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, the heart rate of the subject is likely to be less than or equal to the third predetermined value (for example, 110 heart rates). Instead, the consumed calorie is calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34. Further, when the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is equal to or more than the second predetermined value, there is a high possibility that the heart rate of the subject is equal to or more than the fourth predetermined value (for example, 170 heart rates). The consumed calorie is calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 without operating the sensor. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heart rate sensor from operating unnecessarily, and it is possible to realize a living body information detection device with low power consumption.

When the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is larger than the first predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value, the control unit 35 operates the heart rate sensor to detect the heart rate of the subject. Then, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor is equal to or less than the third predetermined value or equal to or more than the fourth predetermined value, the control unit 35 uses the detection result immediately before the motion sensor 34 without using the detection result of the heartbeat sensor. Calculate the calorie consumption. On the other hand, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, the control unit 35 calculates consumed calories using the detection result of the heartbeat sensor.

This may be a heart rate (for example, greater than 110 heart rates) at which the calorie consumption can be accurately calculated by the heart rate when the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is larger than the first predetermined value. The control unit 35 operates the heart rate sensor to detect the heart rate. Similarly, if the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is less than the second predetermined value, there is a possibility that the heart rate (for example, the heart rate less than 170 times) can be calculated with high accuracy. Since it is high, the control unit 35 operates the heart rate sensor to detect the heart rate.

Then, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value as expected, the control unit 35 calculates consumed calories using the detection result of the heartbeat sensor. Thereby, the consumed calories of the subject can be accurately calculated. On the other hand, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor is less than or equal to the third predetermined value or greater than or equal to the fourth predetermined value, the control unit 35 uses not the detection result of the heartbeat sensor but the detection result immediately before the motion sensor 34. Calculate the calorie consumption.

As described above, in the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 35 enters the range suitable for accurately calculating the consumed calories of the subject's heart rate from the detection result of the motion sensor 34. Even if it is determined that there is a high possibility, as a result of actually detecting the heart rate by the heart rate sensor, if the heart rate is not within the range larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value In this case, the consumed calorie is calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 detected immediately before.

Since the heart rate of the subject can not be derived accurately from the detection result of the motion sensor 34, it is assumed from the detection result of the motion sensor 34 that the heart rate of the subject is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value. Even if predicted, the prediction may be different from the actual heart rate. Therefore, the control unit 35 uses the detection result used to calculate the consumed calories as the detection result of the heart rate sensor, based on the detection result of the actual heart rate sensor (for example, the heart rate). It is to decide whether to use as a detection result.

The operation of the above-described biological information detection apparatus 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, at the time of start or after calculating the consumed calories (after step S4, S6 or S7), the control unit 35 instructs the motion sensor 34 to detect the operation state of the subject etc. (Step S1).

Next, the control unit 35 determines whether the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is larger than the first predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value. The process proceeds to step S3 (step S2). On the other hand, when the detection result of the motion sensor 34 does not fall within the above range, the control unit 35 calculates the calorie consumption of the subject based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 (step S4).

In step S <b> 3, the control unit 35 detects the heart rate of the subject using the heart rate sensor as the living body sensor 36. The control unit 35 determines whether the heart rate detected by the heart rate sensor is actually larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value (step S5). If it is within the above range, the process proceeds to step S6, and the control unit 35 calculates the consumed calories based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor. On the other hand, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor does not fall within the above-mentioned range, the consumed calorie of the subject is calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34 (step S7).

Next, another processing flow in the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another process flow of the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Of the processing flow shown in FIG. 5, each step from step S1 to step S7 is the same as the processing flow shown in FIG.

In the process flow shown in FIG. 5, after step S6, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since detection of consumed calories, the control unit 35 operates the heart rate sensor to detect the heart rate of the subject again (step S8). ). The control unit 35 determines whether the heart rate detected by the heart rate sensor is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value (step S9).

If it is within the above range, the process proceeds to step S10, the control unit 35 calculates the consumed calories based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor, and returns to step S8. On the other hand, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor does not fall within the above range, the control unit 35 stops the heartbeat sensor and causes the motion sensor 34 to detect the operation state of the subject (step S11). The calorie consumption of the subject is calculated (step S12).

As a result, even if the accuracy decreases if the consumed calories are calculated based on the detection result of the heartbeat sensor, it is possible to calculate the consumed calories with relatively high accuracy using the motion sensor 34.

In the subsequent step S13, the control unit 35 determines whether the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is larger than the first predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value, and is within the above range. The motion sensor 34 is stopped and the process returns to step S8. This is because there is a high possibility that the detection result of the heart rate sensor is in a range larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, thereby operating the motion sensor 34 unnecessarily. It is not necessary and power consumption can be reduced.

On the other hand, if the detection result of the motion sensor 34 does not fall within the above-mentioned range in step S13, the process returns to step S1. This is because there is a high possibility that the detection result of the heart rate sensor is equal to or less than the third predetermined value or equal to or more than the fourth predetermined value, thereby eliminating the need to operate the heart rate sensor unnecessarily. Can be implemented.

As described above, in the processing flow shown in FIG. 5, after the detection result of the heartbeat sensor in step S5 is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, step S9 is performed. The controller 35 stops the operation of the motion sensor 34 until the detection result of the heart rate sensor becomes equal to or less than the third predetermined value or equal to or more than the fourth predetermined value. When it is determined in step S9 that the detection result of the heartbeat sensor is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, the control unit 35 detects the heartbeat detected in step S8. The consumed calories of the subject are calculated based on the state (for example, the heart rate) (step S10).

That is, in step S9, until the detection result of the heartbeat sensor becomes equal to or less than the third predetermined value or equal to or more than the fourth predetermined value, the biological information detection apparatus 30 of the present embodiment performs step S8 → step S9 → step The operation from S10 to step S8 is repeated.

Thereby, when the detection result of the heartbeat sensor detected in step S8 is in a range larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, the motion sensor 34 is unnecessarily operated. This is no longer necessary, and the power consumption of the biological information detection apparatus 30 can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an algorithm at the time of consumption calorie calculation of the biological information detection apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, an area where the detection result of the motion sensor 34 is larger than the first predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value, and the detection result of the heartbeat sensor is larger than the third predetermined value, and In the area 50 where the area smaller than the predetermined value intersects, the control unit 35 calculates the consumed calorie based on the detection result of the pulse sensor which is the living body sensor 36.

On the other hand, in FIG. 6, in the area 51 other than the area 50 described above, the consumed calories are calculated based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34. By such a method, it is possible to accurately derive the consumed calories for various conditions of the subject, and to realize a living body information detection device with low power consumption.

As a method of calculating the consumed calories based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34, exercise intensity (for example, METs (metabolic equivalents) or There is known a method of calculating RMR (relative energy metabolic rate) or the like and taking the product of the exercise intensity and at least one of time, body weight and a predetermined coefficient.

For example, assuming that the subject's weight in the present embodiment is W = 60.0 [kg], the exercise time is t = 1.0 [hour], and the exercise intensity is METs = 4.0, the subject consumes in this exercise It is known that consumed calories are calculated by a conversion formula of (Equation 1).

(1)
(Calories consumed) = W × t × METs × 1.05
= 60.0 x 1.0 x 4.0 x 1.05
= 252.0 [kcal]
Further, as a method of calculating the consumed calories based on the detection result of the heart rate sensor 34, there is a method of calculating from the product of the oxygen intake amount and the weight and the like corresponding to the heart rate during exercise which is the detection result of the heart rate sensor 34 Are known. For example, assuming that the weight of the subject in the present embodiment is W = 60.0 [kg] and the exercise time is t = 30 [minutes], VO2 = 20 [ml] corresponding to a heart rate of 130 [times] during this exercise. Assuming that 1 liter of oxygen consumption generally corresponds to calorie consumption of about 5 kcal, the consumed calorie consumed by the subject in this exercise is equivalent to (equation 2) It is known to be calculated by a formula.

(2)
(Calories consumed) = VO2 × W × t × 5/1000
= 20 x 60.0 x 30 x 5/1000
= 180.0 kcal
In the biological information detection devices 30 and 41 described in the first to third embodiments, when the motion sensor 34 has both an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, The operation content of the angular velocity sensor may be determined based on the detection result.

That is, since the angular velocity sensor consumes more power than the acceleration sensor, it is first necessary to detect the operating condition of the subject by the acceleration sensor, and the control unit 35 detects the operating condition of the subject by the angular velocity sensor. When it is determined that there is, the angular velocity sensor is operated. Thus, the power consumption of the motion sensor 34 having the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor can be reduced, and the power consumption of the biological information detection devices 30 and 41 can be reduced. Furthermore, as compared with the acceleration sensor, the angular velocity sensor takes longer time to supply the power and then can be measured. The configuration to detect is valid.

As an example, power is simultaneously supplied to the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor, and the acceleration sensor detects an operation state of the subject or the like during a period until the angular velocity sensor can be measured. Next, when the control unit 35 determines that the angular velocity of the subject or the like needs to be detected, the power is continuously supplied to the angular velocity sensor, and the angular velocity sensor can be measured. Can be detected. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time from when the control unit 35 determines that the angular velocity of the subject or the like needs to be detected to when the angular velocity of the subject or the like is actually detected. When the control unit 35 determines that it is not necessary to measure the angular velocity of the subject or the like as a result of detecting the operating condition of the subject or the like with the acceleration sensor, power supply to the angular velocity sensor is stopped to save power. Can be implemented.

In the present specification, “the operation content of the living body sensor” means at what timing the living body sensor 36 is operated, with what accuracy, and which living body sensor among a plurality of living body sensors. It contains the contents such as whether to operate in the order.

Furthermore, the “detection result of the motion sensor” in the present specification also includes the detection result corresponding to the operation content of a predetermined person or the like. Specifically, when the subject wearing the biological information detection apparatus 41 in the external auditory canal shakes his head five times, the temperature sensor in the biological sensor 36 detects the body temperature, and the temperature detected by the speaker 40 An example is given in which the subject is notified. As described above, by registering the operation content of the biological information detection device 30 in advance with respect to the predetermined characteristic movement by the subject, the biological information detection devices 30 and 41 are not newly provided with operation switches and the like. The biological information detection devices 30 and 41 can be operated by the movement of the subject. In the embodiment of the present invention, since the operation content of the living body sensor 36 is determined based on the detection result of the motion sensor 34, the configuration for operating the living body information detection devices 30, 41 by the characteristic operation of the subject is adopted. realizable.

In addition, the initial input (the target disease name, sex, age, etc.) to the biological information detection apparatus is performed by the watch 42 or the portable terminal 43 which is an external device, and the biological information detection devices 30, 41 via the communication block of the external device. And other data (for example, if the subject wishes to detect biological information at a certain timing, the input of a signal prompting such detection) is the feature of the subject as described above. Operation may be performed. By optimizing the input method according to the type and amount of data to be input in this manner, it is possible to realize a biological information detection apparatus easy to use for the subject.

The “biosensor” in the present specification may include the motion sensor 34. That is, it is possible to detect biological information of the subject using the motion sensor 34. Therefore, if it is necessary to detect a heartbeat, which is biological information, for example, from the detection result after detecting the subject's motion situation first, even if it is necessary to detect the heartbeat of the subject using the motion sensor 34 Good.

Further, in FIG. 1, the wireless unit 33, the motion sensor 34, the control unit 35, and the living body sensor 36 are disposed on one surface side of the substrate 32, and the volume allowed to be allowed by the power supply unit 37 disposed on the other surface side. In order to extend the usage time of the biological information detection device, it is not necessary to limit the configuration to such a configuration, and part of the wireless unit 33, the biological sensor 36, etc. is also provided on the other surface of the substrate 32. It may be arranged. Thereby, the degree of freedom in design can be improved, and a more compact biological information detection apparatus can be realized.

Further, in the present specification, “based on the detection result of the motion sensor” means a signal proportional to the size of the movement of the subject detected by the motion sensor, the amount of change, etc. It includes determining the operation content of the biosensor based on the analysis result of the value etc.). Specifically, from the detection result of the motion sensor, the movement of the subject etc. in a fixed period or in an instant is analyzed, and from the quality of the movement (size, amount of change, etc.) Judgment and viewpoint of importance (rapidity), power consumption, or other biological information infertility (Relationship between biological information that other biological information can be estimated if certain biological information is detected From the above to determining the detection order, detection accuracy, detection timing and the like of the selected biological information.

Further, in the present invention, “based on the detection result of the biological sensor” means that the state of the subject such as the subject is abnormal or normal from the biological information of the subject detected by the biological sensor. If it is determined that there is a possibility of an abnormality or if there is a risk, then what is the biological information to be measured next, with what accuracy should it be measured, etc. Including to judge. In addition, when it is determined that the physical condition of the subject or the like is normal, it is also included to determine, for example, the cancellation of the biological information detection work scheduled afterward.

Further, in the present invention, “the operation content of the angular velocity sensor is determined based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor” means the detection result of the acceleration sensor (for example, a voltage value, a current value, or a change amount thereof) ) Includes detecting the subject's action status by the angular velocity sensor if the value is smaller or larger than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the detection accuracy and detection timing of the angular velocity sensor may also be determined according to the detection result of the acceleration sensor. Furthermore, when detection of the acceleration sensor is performed on a plurality of axes, a threshold is set for each axis, and based on the detection result of each axis, the operation content of the angular velocity sensor (whether to detect or not (a plurality of axes When the angular velocity is detected, whether or not to detect for each axis), detection accuracy, detection timing) may be determined.

Further, in the present invention, “the operation content of the wireless unit is determined based on the detection result of the motion sensor or the living body sensor” means that the control unit 35 analyzes the detection result of the motion sensor 34 or the living body sensor 36 It is determined whether the detection results should be transmitted to an external device (for example, the wristwatch 42 or the portable terminal 43), and the transmission timing and transmission method (multiplexing or not) for the detection results to be transmitted. It includes determining a modulation scheme, a use band, etc., a transmission rate, etc.). As a result, transmission data can be reduced, power consumption can be reduced, and the transmission rate can be optimized.

As described above, according to the living body information detection device of the present invention, the power consumption can be reduced and the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced. Therefore, a living body information detection device for detecting living body information of a human body or an animal etc. It is useful as etc.

30, 41 biological information detection apparatus 31 exterior case 32 substrate 33 wireless unit 34 motion sensor 35 control unit 36 biometric sensor 37 power supply unit 38 module substrate 39 microphone 40 speaker 42 watch 43 portable terminal 44 display unit 50, 51 area

Claims (14)

1. A motion sensor having at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor;
   A biological sensor that detects biological information;
   A power supply unit that shares a power supply with the motion sensor and the living body sensor;
   A control unit configured to determine an operation content of the living body sensor based on a detection result of the motion sensor.
2. The living body information detection apparatus according to claim 1, which has an outer shape that can be attached to the external ear canal of a human body.
3. The living body information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the timing of detecting the living body information of the living body sensor based on a detection result of the motion sensor.
4. A plurality of biological sensors, wherein the plurality of biological sensors detect a plurality of biological information;
   The living body information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects the living body information to be detected based on a detection result of the motion sensor.
5. A plurality of biological sensors, wherein the plurality of biological sensors detect a plurality of biological information;
   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines an order in which the plurality of biological sensors are operated based on a detection result of the motion sensor.
6. The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines an operation content of a biological sensor to be operated subsequently based on a detection result of the biological sensor.
7. The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the timing of performing the detection operation of the motion sensor based on at least a previous detection result of the motion sensor.
8. The motion sensor includes an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor.
   The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines an operation content of the angular velocity sensor based on a detection result of the acceleration sensor.
9. A wireless unit that transmits the detection result of the motion sensor or the biological sensor to an external device;
   The living body information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines an operation content of the wireless unit based on a detection result of the motion sensor or the living body sensor.
10. A wireless unit that transmits the detection result of the motion sensor or the biological sensor to an external device;
    The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motion sensor, the wireless unit, and the control unit are disposed on the same substrate and are modularized.
11. The biological sensor includes a heart rate sensor
    The control unit
    When the detection result of the motion sensor is less than or equal to a first predetermined value or greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, consumed calories are calculated using the detection result of the motion sensor without operating the heart rate sensor,
    Operating the heartbeat sensor when the detection result of the motion sensor is larger than the first predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value;
    When the detection result of the heart rate sensor is less than or equal to a third predetermined value or greater than or equal to a fourth predetermined value, consumed calories are calculated using the detection result of the motion sensor, and the detection result of the heart rate sensor is the third predetermined value. The living body information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the value is larger than the value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, the calorie consumption is calculated using the detection result of the heart rate sensor.
12. After the detection result of the heart rate sensor is larger than the third predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value, the control unit determines that the detection result of the heart rate sensor is less than or equal to the third predetermined value The motion sensor is stopped until the fourth predetermined value or less,
    The biological information detection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the motion sensor is operated after the detection result of the heartbeat sensor becomes equal to or less than a third predetermined value or equal to or more than a fourth predetermined value.
13. It has a wireless unit connected to an external device,
    The wireless unit transmits the detection result of the biological sensor to the external device, and receives the operation content of the biological sensor determined by the external device and operated thereafter.
    The living body information detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the living body sensor operates in accordance with the operation content received by the wireless unit.
14. Has an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor,
    The motion sensor which determines the operation | movement content of the said angular velocity sensor based on the detection result of the said acceleration sensor.

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