WO2014088062A1

WO2014088062A1 - Sensor device, sensor system, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2014088062A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/082682
Authority: WO
Inventors: 山本　正男
Original assignee: スカラ株式会社
Priority date: 2012-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-05
Publication date: 2014-06-12
Also published as: CN104837402B; HK1213457A1; JP2014116652A; CN104837402A

Abstract

A sensor system in which a sensor device is connected to a mobile phone or other information processing device to sense the properties of an object. An information processing device (100) which is a mobile phone and a first sensor device (210) are combined into a moisture meter. The information processing device (100) is provided with a conventional audio input terminal (103). The first sensor device (210) has a main body portion (211), a moisture sensor (212), and an output terminal (213). The main body portion (211) is provided with a conversion circuit which converts an output signal generated by the moisture sensor (212) concerning the moisture of an object to a converted signal which is a signal of a frequency band that can be received by the audio input terminal (103). The converted signal is transmitted from the output terminal (213), which has been inserted into the audio input terminal (103), to the information processing device (100). On a display (102) of the information processing device (100), information on the moisture is displayed.

Description

Sensor device, sensor system, and program

The present invention makes it possible to input various data to a device having a voice input terminal such as a smartphone or other mobile phone or music player (this device is referred to as an “information processing device” for convenience in this application). The present invention relates to a technique for causing an information processing apparatus to function as a sensor system for sensing some property of an object.

There are various sensor devices in the world. For example, sensor devices such as a moisture meter, an electrocardiograph, a voltmeter, an elasticity meter, an oil content meter, a viscoelasticity, and a component analyzer are in practical use.
And most of these sensor devices are dedicated products for each sensing target.

Therefore, the sensor device described above is generally expensive. In addition, the widespread use of sensor devices is compared to their original use due to the availability of various sensor devices and the sparseness of understanding and using individual methods of using these various sensor devices. It is hard to say that it is enough.
For example, since a moisture meter is effective for examining skin properties, it can be explosive if it is cheaper and easier to use.
The same applies to the electrocardiograph. For example, when an electrocardiograph is used to detect arrhythmia, arrhythmia has the property that it occurs almost at least once a day. Therefore, it is difficult to detect arrhythmia just by sensing for several minutes in a facility such as a hospital. In consideration of such points, portable electrocardiographs that can be worn for a day and sense arrhythmia have been developed, but it cannot be said that they are sufficiently popular due to their high cost.

On the other hand, information processing apparatuses such as mobile phones are widely used. The inventor of the present application thought that it would be convenient if a sensor system for sensing various properties could be obtained by connecting sensors for sensing various properties to such an information processing apparatus.
Information processing apparatuses as described above are already widely used. Therefore, according to the combination of the information processing device and the external sensor device described above, there is a possibility that the sensor system can be explosively spread by using the information processing device as a platform.
In particular, if the hardware of the information processing device is used and the external sensor device is kept to a minimum, the cost of the sensor device is minimized, and the entire sensor system is the same as the conventional sensor device. Can be made possible, and if that is possible, the possibility that the explosive spread of the sensor system can be promoted becomes more and more likely.
In addition, if the information processing apparatus is portable, such as a mobile phone, it is not only easy, but it is also possible to wear the sensor system, for example, for one day. This is also advantageous when applied.

However, an information processing apparatus, particularly a small information processing apparatus that is portable, does not have an input terminal suitable for receiving input of information from the sensor device due to size and cost limitations.

It is an object of the present application to provide a technique for connecting a sensor device for sensing various properties to an information processing device such as a mobile phone to form a sensor system for sensing various properties of an object. To do.

The present inventor proposes the following invention in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.
The present invention is as follows.
The present invention is used by being connected to the audio input terminal of an information processing apparatus having a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, and is integrated with the information processing apparatus. It is a sensor device that constitutes a sensor system that senses some property of an object.
The sensor device senses some property of the object and generates an output signal, and the output signal from the sensor is a signal in a frequency band scheduled to be received by the audio input terminal. Conversion means for converting into a signal and the audio input terminal are connectable, and when it is connected to the audio input terminal, an output terminal that outputs the output signal to the audio input terminal, and the output terminal A power receiving terminal connected to the power feeding terminal and receiving power from the power feeding terminal when connected to the audio input terminal, and the sensor and the conversion means Necessary ones receive power from the power receiving terminal.
This sensor device is used in connection with an information processing device, and functions as a sensor system together with the information processing device. Such a sensor device can easily be reduced in size and cost because part of the processing can be executed by the information processing device.
However, as described above, in order to put such a sensor device into practical use, it tends to be a problem that the information processing device does not have an appropriate input terminal. The present invention solves this problem by using an audio input terminal of the information processing apparatus as an input terminal. Since the voice input terminal is provided in many mobile phones such as smartphones and music players, it is suitable for popularizing sensor devices.
However, a general audio input terminal usually has certain hardware restrictions on the frequency band it can accept from the viewpoint that it accepts audio signals. is there. Since the audible range of the human ear is 20 Hz to 20000 Hz, the frequency band of signals that can be received by the audio input terminal is often limited to this value or a range of values around this value. On the other hand, the frequency band of the output signal produced by the sensor of the sensor device often does not fall within the above-described frequency band that can be received by the audio input terminal limited in terms of hardware. Therefore, in the present invention, the conversion means converts the input signal into a conversion signal that is a signal in a frequency band that can be received by the audio input terminal. Thereby, even a general information processing apparatus can receive the converted signal as a signal similar to the audio signal. That is, an output signal that is not a signal related to sound generated by the sensor of the sensor device is converted into a conversion signal that is a signal having the same property as the signal related to sound, and can be input from the audio input terminal of the information processing device. Is a characteristic part of the present invention.
In addition, if a battery or other power source is to be loaded on the sensor device, the sensor device may be increased in size or complicated work such as battery replacement may be required. On the other hand, a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal has a function of supplying power in the first place, so that the power necessary for driving the sensor apparatus is transferred from the information processing apparatus side to the sensor apparatus side. This also facilitates downsizing and cost reduction of the sensor device. The power supply to the sensor device is realized by supplying the power obtained from the power supply terminal of the information processing device to the necessary one of the sensor and the conversion means via the power receiving terminal of the sensor device. .

As described above, the conversion means converts the output signal from the sensor into a conversion signal that is a signal in a frequency band that is scheduled to be received by the audio input terminal of the information processing apparatus. Any configuration is possible as much as possible.
The converting means may include a circuit for reducing the frequency of the output signal, for example, a frequency dividing circuit. The conversion means may also include a circuit that reduces the frequency of the output signal, for example, a multiplier circuit.
If the frequency of the output signal is greater than the frequency band that is expected to be received at the input terminal, the frequency of the output signal is lowered by conversion means having a circuit for reducing the frequency, such as a frequency divider, If the frequency is smaller than the frequency band scheduled to be received at the input terminal, the frequency of the output signal is increased by a conversion means having a circuit for increasing the frequency, such as a multiplier circuit, to be input to the information processing apparatus. The converted signal can be received by the voice input terminal of the information processing apparatus.
Further, the converting means includes an amplitude modulation circuit (for example, known as an AM modulation circuit) that causes amplitude modulation on the output signal, and a frequency modulation circuit (for example, FM modulation circuit) that causes frequency modulation on the output signal. And may include at least one of a phase modulation circuit (for example, known as a PM modulation circuit) that causes phase modulation of the output signal. If the conversion means has these modulation circuits, the output signal can be converted into a modulation signal and converted using a carrier wave in an appropriate frequency band to obtain a conversion signal as a modulated signal. If appropriate, such a converted signal will not cause problems in receiving at the audio input terminal.
The conversion means includes at least one of a circuit for decreasing the frequency such as a frequency divider, a circuit for increasing the frequency such as a multiplier, and an amplitude modulation circuit, a frequency modulation circuit, and a phase modulation circuit. It doesn't matter.

As long as the sensor included in the sensor device senses some property of an appropriate target object, the target object and its sensing target are not particularly limited. For example, the sensor may sense any of moisture, heart electrical signal, pulse wave, voltage, elasticity, oil content, viscoelasticity, and component of the object.
In this case, if the sensing target is moisture, the sensor system is a moisture meter. If the sensing target is a cardiac electrical signal, the sensor system is an electrocardiograph. If the sensing target is a pulse wave, If the sensing target is voltage, the sensor system is a voltmeter, if the sensing target is elasticity, the sensor system is a elasticity meter, and if the sensing target is oil, the sensor system Is an oil meter. If the sensing target is viscoelastic, the sensor system is a viscoelasticity meter. If the sensing target is a component, the sensor system is a component meter.
“Ingredients” to be sensed are, for example, food, salt in water, sugar, and the like. However, the “component” is not limited to this, and any “component” that can be a target of so-called component analysis can be a “component” that is a target of sensing.
As the sensor itself, a known sensor used for sensing the above-described object can be used.

The present applicant also proposes the following sensor system.
An example of the sensor system of the present application includes an information processing apparatus including a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, and a sensor apparatus used by being connected to the audio input terminal of the information processing apparatus. It is a sensor system that combines and senses some property of an object.
The sensor device of the sensor system includes a sensor that senses some property of an object and generates an output signal, and a signal in a frequency band that is scheduled to be received by the audio input terminal. Conversion means for converting into a certain conversion signal, and the audio input terminal can be connected, and when it is connected to the audio input terminal, the output signal is output to the audio input terminal, and the output terminal; A power receiving terminal that is connected to the power feeding terminal and receives power from the power feeding terminal when an output terminal is connected to the audio input terminal, the sensor, and the conversion means Necessary ones of the above are supplied with power from the power receiving terminal.
Also with this sensor system, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those described in the sensor device described above.
The information processing apparatus included in the sensor system of the present application or constituting the sensor system in combination with the sensor apparatus of the present application is an information processing apparatus having a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power. There is no particular limitation. The information processing apparatus is, for example, portable and may be a smartphone or other mobile phone or a music player.

The inventor of the present invention also constitutes a sensor system that senses some property of an object in combination with the sensor device described above, and includes a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power feeding terminal for feeding power. An information processing apparatus is also proposed.
The audio input terminal of the information processing apparatus receives a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor apparatus, and the power supply terminal of the information processing apparatus receives the power reception of the sensor apparatus. About the property of the object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device based on the conversion signal received through the audio input terminal and the display for displaying an image while supplying power to the terminal Control means for performing the display on the display.
By using the display of the information processing apparatus for displaying the sensing result, that is, displaying the property of the sensed object, the above-described sensor system can be used in the same manner as a conventional sensor apparatus.
The inventor of the present invention also constitutes a sensor system that senses some property of an object in combination with the sensor device described above, and includes a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power feeding terminal for feeding power. As the information processing apparatus, the audio input terminal receives a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor apparatus, and the power supply terminal supplies power to the power reception terminal of the sensor apparatus. Control means for recording data on the properties of the object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device in a recording means based on the converted signal received via the voice input terminal. An information processing device is also proposed.
Such an information processing apparatus can be used for recording data on the properties of a sensed object. The recorded data is used later by the information processing apparatus or another apparatus that has received the data by some method. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the property of the sensed object afterwards.

The present inventor also proposes a computer program for causing a general information processing apparatus to function as a sensor system that senses some property of an object in combination with the sensor apparatus described above.
The computer program constitutes a sensor system that senses some property of an object, for example, in combination with the sensor device described above, and includes a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power feeding terminal for feeding power. The audio input terminal accepts a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor device, and the power feeding terminal feeds power to the power receiving terminal of the sensor device. The sensor of the sensor device is based on the converted signal received via the audio input terminal to the control means of the display device that includes a display that displays an image. A computer for executing the processing for causing the display to display the property of the sensed object. It is over data program.
By using such a computer program, a general or general-purpose information processing apparatus can display information about the properties of a sensed object that constitutes a part of a sensor system without changing hardware. It becomes possible to function as a processing device.
The program also constitutes a sensor system that senses some property of the object, for example, in combination with the sensor device described above, and includes a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for power supply. The audio input terminal accepts a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor device, and the power supply terminal is connected to the power reception terminal of the sensor device. An object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device on the basis of the converted signal received via the audio input terminal in the control means for supplying power and having a recording means. This is a computer program for executing a process of recording data on the properties of the recording means in the recording means.
By using such a computer program, a general or general-purpose information processing apparatus records data on the properties of a sensed object that constitutes a part of a sensor system without changing hardware. It becomes possible to function as an information processing apparatus.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks formed inside the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The perspective view which shows the sensor system which combines the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and a 1st sensor apparatus. The figure which shows schematically the internal structure of the 1st sensor apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which shows the state at the time of use of the sensor system which combines the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and a 1st sensor apparatus. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of a 2nd sensor apparatus. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of a 6th sensor apparatus. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of a 7th sensor apparatus. The block diagram which shows the functional block produced | generated inside the information processing apparatus which makes | forms a sensor system combining with a 7th sensor apparatus. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of an 8th sensor apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in order with respect to an information processing apparatus and a sensor apparatus that form a sensor system by a combination thereof. As for the sensor device, a plurality of types of sensor devices will be described, but each sensor device can form a sensor system in combination with one type of information processing device described below unless otherwise specified. .

≪Information processing equipment≫
FIG. 1 shows an example of an information processing apparatus 100 that forms a sensor system in combination with the sensor apparatus of this embodiment. Although not limited to this, the information processing apparatus 100 is portable and may be a music player such as iPod Touch (trademark) manufactured and sold by Apple Japan LLC. It is a mobile phone. More specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 may be a smartphone, and the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment is a smartphone. As an example of a smartphone, iPhone 5 (trademark) manufactured and sold by Apple Japan LLC can be cited.

Although not limited to this, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a casing 101 having a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is configured to have a size that can be held with one hand. A display 102 is provided on one surface of the housing 101. The display 102 can be constituted by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, but may be a known one.
Although not limited to this, a hole-like audio input terminal 103 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 101 in this embodiment. The audio input terminal 103 is of a plug-in power type having a power supply terminal for supplying power, and has the same structure as that which is extremely popular. Since the configuration of the power supply terminal is also extremely general, it is not shown or described.
The audio input terminal 103 can receive an input of a signal in a predetermined frequency band. Although not limited to this, the frequency band of the signal that can be received by the audio input terminal 103 in this embodiment substantially matches the frequency of the human audible range in terms of its hardware configuration, and is approximately 20 Hz to 20000 Hz. It is.
An operation button 104 for inputting information for operating the information processing apparatus 100 is provided on the surface of the housing 101 on which the display 102 is provided. As long as information can be input, the operation button 104 may employ another configuration such as a numeric keypad. In the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the operation button 104 has a simple configuration because the display 102 is a touch panel and input from the touch panel is possible.

In the casing 101, hardware having a configuration as shown in FIG. The hardware built in the housing 101 is a CPU 110A, a ROM 110B, a RAM 110C, an interface 110D, and a bus 110E that connects these components to each other.
The CPU 110A is an arithmetic device that performs arithmetic operations. CPU110A performs the process mentioned later, for example by executing the program recorded on ROM110B. The information processing apparatus 100 may execute various functions that can be normally performed by a smartphone, such as a call function and an e-mail function, and the information processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is also such. The program here is a program for causing the information processing apparatus 100 to function as an information processing apparatus constituting a part of the sensor system of the present invention. Of course, other programs are installed in the information processing apparatus 100 to execute various functions. Here, the information processing apparatus 100 is used as an information processing apparatus constituting a part of the sensor system of the present invention. Speak to the program to make it work. This program may be preinstalled in the information processing apparatus 100, or may be installed afterwards. The installation of the program into the information processing apparatus 100 may be performed via a predetermined recording medium such as a memory card, or may be performed via a communication line such as a LAN or the Internet.
The ROM 110B records programs and data necessary for the CPU 110A to execute processing to be described later. The RAM 110C provides a work area necessary for the CPU 110A to perform processing. The RAM 110C can record data generated as a result of processing performed by the CPU 110A.
The interface 110D exchanges data between the CPU 110A, the RAM 110C, and the like connected via the bus 110E and the outside. The above-described audio input terminal 103 is connected to the interface 110D, and the display 102 and the operation button 104 are connected. The interface 110D receives a conversion signal described later from the audio input terminal 103, sends image data described later to the display 102, and receives an operation signal described later from the display 102 and the operation button 104.

When the CPU 110A executes the program, a function block as shown in FIG. 3 is generated in the information processing apparatus 100. Note that the following functional blocks may be generated by the functions of the above-described program alone, or may be generated by the cooperation of the above-described programs and the OS and other programs installed in the information processing apparatus 100. .
Functional blocks generated in the information processing apparatus 100 are an operation signal analysis unit 112A, a control unit 112B, a conversion signal analysis unit 112C, and a display control unit 112D.

The operation signal analysis unit 112A has a function of analyzing operation signals input from the display 102 and the operation buttons 104 as a touch panel. The content of the analyzed operation signal is sent to the control unit 112B.
The control unit 112B has a function of controlling the information processing apparatus 100 when the information processing apparatus 100 functions as a part of the sensor system. The control performed by the control unit 112B is executed according to the content of the operation signal sent from the operation signal analysis unit 112A.
The control unit 112B generates a control signal and sends it to the conversion signal analysis unit 112C and the display control unit 112D. The conversion signal analysis unit 112C and the display control unit 112D perform the following processing based on the received control signal.

The conversion signal analysis unit 112C analyzes the content of a conversion signal described later received from the interface 110D. The conversion signal analysis unit 112C starts the processing when an instruction is given from the control unit 112B. If the converted signal is such, the converted signal analyzing unit 112C has a property of the object OO (for example, if the converted signal is to measure the moisture of the object to be sensed, It is possible to uniquely determine that the moisture is XX%. Such a determination may be performed using a look-up table in which the converted signal and the property of the target object are associated one-to-one, or may be performed by calculation using some algorithm. As described later, the converted signal is obtained by performing conversion such as increasing the frequency band, decreasing the frequency band, or modulating the output signal. The converted signal analysis unit 112C converts the output signal before conversion. The unique determination described above may be made after returning to the output signal. In any case, the conversion signal analysis unit 112C can analyze the conversion signal sent from the sensor device paired with the information processing apparatus 100 including the conversion signal analysis unit 112C and perform the above-described unique determination. It has become. Data on the properties of the object analyzed by the conversion signal analysis unit 112C is sent to the display control unit 112D.
The display control unit 112D generates image data regarding an image to be displayed on the display 102 in response to an instruction by a control signal sent from the control unit 112B. The image displayed on the display 102 by the image data may be a moving image or a still image. The control signal sent from the control unit 112B may be instructed to display data about the properties of the object analyzed by the conversion signal analysis unit 112C on the display 102 or to stop the display. In some cases, switching between moving images and still images is required. For example, if the data about the property of the object analyzed by the converted signal analysis unit 112C changes every moment, the control unit 112B changes the property of the object indicated by the data about the property of the object every moment. In some cases, the display control unit 112D may be instructed to display a moving image on the display 102, or the display control may be performed to display only the property of the object at a predetermined timing instructed by the operation signal. In some cases, the instruction is given to the unit 112D. In any case, the display control unit 112D generates an image signal for an image to be displayed on the display 102 and sends it to the display 102 via the interface 110D.

≪Sensor device≫
Next, the configuration of a sensor device that forms a sensor system in combination with the information processing device 100 described above will be described. There are eight sensor devices exemplified below. These will be referred to as the first sensor device to the eighth sensor device for convenience, and will be described in order.
As will be described later, each sensor device does not change in that it includes a sensor, a conversion circuit, a power supply circuit, and an output terminal (and a power receiving terminal). Basically, the difference between each sensor device is only the type of sensor and the configuration of the conversion circuit. In the description of each sensor device, common reference numerals are used for common portions, and common descriptions are omitted depending on circumstances.

<First sensor device>
FIG. 4 shows the information processing device 100 and the first sensor device 210. The sensor system which the 1st sensor apparatus 210 comprises by the combination with the information processing apparatus 100 is a moisture meter.
The first sensor device 210 is not necessarily limited to this, but in this embodiment is a cylindrical body, more specifically a cylindrical body portion 211, a disk-shaped moisture sensor 212 provided on one end side thereof, And an output terminal 213 provided on the other end side.
The moisture sensor 212 is a sensor that detects moisture contained in the object. The moisture sensor 212 detects moisture contained in the object, and generates an output signal that is a signal regarding the moisture contained in the object. A known sensor can be used as the moisture sensor 212. In this embodiment, the moisture sensor 212 is not limited to this, but detects moisture contained in the object by a volume ratio. By pressing the surface of the sensor 212 against the skin, it is suitable for detecting moisture of the skin.
The output terminal 213 adopts a well-known configuration and has a rod shape that can be inserted into the hole-like audio input terminal 103. The output terminal 213 is connected to the audio input terminal 103 in a state where it is inserted into the audio input terminal 103. In this state, the output terminal 213 can output a conversion signal to be described later to the audio input terminal 103. The output terminal 213 is provided with a power receiving terminal. Since the configuration of the power receiving terminal is well known, both illustration and description thereof are omitted.

The internal configuration of the main body 211 is shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG.
The main body 211 is cylindrical as described above, and both ends thereof are sealed. The main body 211 is hollow, and a conversion circuit 214 and a power supply circuit 215 are provided therein.
The conversion circuit 214 is connected to the moisture sensor 212 and the output terminal 213 via connection lines 212A and 212B. The conversion circuit 214 receives the output signal output from the moisture sensor 212 via the signal line 212 </ b> A, converts it into a conversion signal, and then outputs it to the output terminal 213.
The power supply circuit 215 is connected to a power receiving terminal (not shown) of the output terminal 213 through a signal line 215A. The power supply circuit 215 sends the power received from the power receiving terminal via the connection line 215A to the moisture sensor 212 and the conversion circuit 214 as necessary. In this embodiment, the power supply circuit 215 sends power to both the moisture sensor 212 and the conversion circuit 214. The power supply circuit 215 in this embodiment is connected to the moisture sensor 212 via the connection line 215B and to the conversion circuit 214 via the connection line 215C so that this is possible. If the moisture sensor 212 does not require power, the connection line 215B can be omitted. The same applies to the connection line 215C.

As described above, the frequency band of the signal that the audio input terminal 103 can accept is limited. The conversion circuit 214 basically has a function of converting the frequency band of the output signal generated by the moisture sensor 212 so that the frequency band can be received by the voice input terminal 103. In other words, the converted signal obtained by converting the output signal by the conversion circuit 214 can be received by the audio input terminal 103 via the signal line 212B and the output terminal 213.
The conversion circuit 214 may include a circuit that reduces the frequency of the output signal, for example, a frequency divider. The conversion circuit 214 may also include a circuit that increases the frequency of the output signal, for example, a multiplier circuit. When the conversion circuit 214 includes these circuits, the output signal is simply converted into a converted signal by decreasing the frequency or increasing the frequency.
Further, the conversion circuit 214 may include a circuit that causes modulation of the output signal. In that case, the conversion circuit 214 converts the output signal into a modulation signal, converts the frequency band of the conversion signal using a carrier wave having an appropriate frequency within the frequency band that can be received by the audio input terminal 103, and converts it into a modulated signal. The conversion signal is obtained. The modulation performed by the conversion circuit 214 may be any of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation. That is, the conversion circuit 214 is an amplitude modulation circuit (for example, known as an AM modulation circuit) that generates amplitude modulation in an output signal, and a frequency modulation circuit (for example, an FM modulation circuit) that generates frequency modulation in an output signal. And may include at least one of phase modulation circuits (for example, known as PM modulation circuits) that cause phase modulation in the output signal.

A conversion circuit 214 that reduces the frequency of an output signal such as a frequency divider, a circuit that increases the frequency of an output signal such as a multiplier, an amplitude modulation circuit that causes amplitude modulation in an output signal such as an AM modulation circuit, FM The frequency band of the output signal of the moisture sensor 212 is determined depending on whether the frequency modulation circuit that causes the frequency modulation of the output signal of the modulation circuit or the like, or the phase modulation circuit that causes the phase modulation of the output signal of the PM modulation circuit or the like is included. Appropriate selection is made depending on whether the output signal is a modulated signal in the first place, how much good response performance is required for sensing using a sensor system, and how much accuracy is required for sensing. Just do it. Two or more types of the three types of modulation circuits may be combined.
For example, when the frequency band of the output signal of the moisture sensor 212 is relatively higher than the frequency band in which the audio input terminal 103 is received, a circuit that reduces the frequency of the output signal, such as a frequency divider, is used. You can lower the bandwidth. Conversely, when the frequency band of the output signal of the moisture sensor 212 is relatively lower than the frequency band in which the audio input terminal 103 is received, a circuit that increases the frequency of the output signal, such as a multiplier circuit, is used. Just increase the bandwidth.
In general, if an amplitude modulation circuit is used, the sensing accuracy or resolution is lowered, but the occupied bandwidth can be reduced. If a frequency modulation circuit is used, the responsiveness deteriorates, but the sensing accuracy or resolution increases. If there is a situation where it is desired to reduce the occupied bandwidth of the conversion signal, it is preferable to use a phase modulation circuit. In consideration of such a situation, it is possible to determine which of the three modulation circuits described above is used. However, if the output signal is a modulation signal, the reason for using the modulation circuit may not be great.
Although the modulation described above mainly relates to analog modulation, the modulation is not limited to analog modulation, and may be digital modulation or pulse modulation. Digital modulation includes phase shift keying (eg, known as PSK), frequency shift keying (eg, known as FSK), amplitude shift keying (eg, known as ASK), quadrature amplitude. Modulation (eg, known as QAM) can be used. As pulse modulation, for example, pulse code modulation (PCM), pulse width modulation (PWM), pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), pulse position modulation (PPM), and pulse density modulation (PDM) can be used.
Of course, an analog-digital converter or a digital-analog converter may be provided in the conversion circuit as needed. The conversion signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal.
Since all the circuits described above are publicly known or well known, detailed description of each circuit is omitted.

Next, a usage method and operation of a sensor system configured by a combination of the information processing apparatus 100 and the first sensor apparatus 210 will be described.
In order to configure such a sensor system, the user inserts the output terminal 213 of the first sensor device 200 into the audio input terminal 103 of the information processing device 100. Then, the audio input terminal 103 and the output terminal 213 become conductive, and the power supply terminal of the audio input terminal 103 and the power receiving terminal of the output terminal 213 become conductive.
Electric power obtained by the power receiving terminal from the power supply terminal is supplied from the power supply circuit 215 to the moisture sensor 212 and the conversion circuit 214. Accordingly, the moisture sensor 212 and the conversion circuit 214 can be driven.

Next, the user starts up a program in the information processing apparatus 100 for causing the information processing apparatus 100 to function as a part of the sensor system by touching the display 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 or the like. Thereby, the functional block shown in FIG. 3 is generated in the information processing apparatus 100.

Next, the user presses the moisture sensor 212 of the first sensor device 210 against the skin (for example, cheek skin) whose moisture content is to be examined.
Then, the moisture sensor 212 senses the moisture content of the skin as the object. The moisture sensor 212 generates an output signal that is a signal indicating the amount of moisture. The output signal is sent to the conversion circuit 214 via the signal line 212A and converted by the conversion circuit 214 into a conversion signal. The converted signal reaches the output terminal 213 through the signal line 212B, and is received by the converted signal analysis unit 112C from the output terminal 213 through the audio input terminal 103.
The conversion signal analysis unit 112C analyzes the content of the received conversion signal, and uniquely determines the moisture content of the skin indicated by the conversion signal. The conversion signal analysis unit 112C sends the contents to the display control unit 112D.
The display control unit 112D generates image data for causing the display 102 to display an image corresponding to the content, and sends the image data to the display 102. The content may be, for example, only a numerical value indicating the amount of moisture in the skin, but in addition to a numerical value indicating the amount of moisture in the skin, a text or picture explaining the current skin state, or for improving the skin state It may contain text and pictures about advice.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a state of a sensor system that functions as a moisture meter in which the information processing apparatus 100 and the first sensor apparatus 210 are combined, and an image displayed on the display 102. For example, a link to an Internet site that sells specific moisturizing creams is embedded in the phrase “If moisturizing cream is this!”, And information processing is automatically performed when the user clicks on it. Of course, it is possible to provide a mechanism in which a browser originally provided in the apparatus 100 is started up and a user can be automatically guided to a linked Internet site.

<Second sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the second sensor device in combination with the information processing device 100 is an oil meter.
The second sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the part of the first sensor device 210 that has been the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with an oil sensor. A known oil component sensor can be used.
The oil content sensor may measure, for example, the oil content of the skin or may measure the oil content in food. If the oil content in food is to be measured, the oil content sensor is not directly attached to one end of the main body 211 as in the case of the moisture sensor 212 described above, but a cord of a predetermined length with a signal line 212A inside. It may be attached to the main body part 211 via. A person skilled in the art should be able to change the design of the sensor portion according to the measurement target as appropriate.
FIG. 7 shows the second sensor device 220 in which the oil sensor 222 is attached to the main body 211 via the cord 221.

The usage method and operation of the sensor system that functions as an oil meter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the second sensor device 220, are the same as those of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.
Note that the program for causing the information processing apparatus 100 to function as part of the sensor system that functions as an oil meter as a whole is the above-described program for causing the information processing apparatus 100 to function as part of the sensor system that functions as a moisture meter as a whole. The program may be the same or different.
A dedicated program for each of the first sensor device 210 and the second sensor device 220 can be prepared, or the program can be shared by them. In the latter case, a known mechanism for recognizing whether the sensor device having the output terminal 213 inserted into the audio input terminal 103 is the first sensor device 210 or the second sensor device 220 is generated by the program. For example, the control unit 112B of the functional block may be provided. This situation also applies to sensor devices below the third sensor device.

<Third sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the third sensor device in combination with the information processing apparatus 100 is a component meter.
The third sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the portion of the first sensor device 210 that was supposed to be the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with a component sensor. Specifically, the component sensor is, for example, a salt sensor or a sugar sensor, and can detect the amount of salt or sugar contained in food. A known component sensor can be used.
Since the component sensor measures salt or sugar in food as described above, the component sensor is attached to the main body 211 via a cord having a predetermined length as in the case of the second sensor device 220. It is considered preferable to adopt.

The usage method and operation of the sensor system that functions as a component meter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the third sensor device, are the same as those of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.

<Fourth sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the fourth sensor device in combination with the information processing device 100 is an elasticity meter.
The fourth sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the portion of the first sensor device 210 that was supposed to be the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with an elastic sensor. The elasticity sensor measures the elasticity of the surface of the object, and a known sensor can be used.

The usage method and operation of the sensor system that functions as an elastic meter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the fourth sensor device, are the same as those of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.

<Fifth sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the fifth sensor device in combination with the information processing device 100 is a viscoelasticity meter.
The fifth sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the portion of the first sensor device 210 that was the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with a viscoelastic sensor. A viscoelastic sensor measures the viscoelasticity of a target object, and can use a well-known thing.

The usage method and operation of the sensor system that functions as a viscoelasticity meter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the fifth sensor device, are the same as those of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.

<Sixth sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the sixth sensor device in combination with the information processing device 100 is a voltmeter.
The sixth sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the portion of the first sensor device 210 that has been the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with a voltage sensor. The voltage sensor measures a potential difference between two points of the object, and a known sensor can be used.

An example of the sixth sensor device 260 is shown in FIG.
The sixth sensor device 260 includes a main body 211 and an output terminal 213 similar to the first sensor device 210. The sixth sensor device 260 includes the voltage sensor 261 as described above. The voltage sensor 261 includes a disk-shaped first electrode 262 provided integrally with the voltage sensor 261, and a second electrode 264 connected to the voltage sensor 261 by a cord 263. Although not limited thereto, the second electrode 264 has a rod shape, more specifically, a rod shape having a circular cross section.
The voltage sensor 261 is configured to measure a potential difference between the first electrode 262 and the second electrode 264.

The method of using and operating the sensor system that functions as a voltmeter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the sixth sensor device, is substantially the same as that of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.
When this sensor system is used, for example, when measuring the voltage of the battery, one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery B is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. One electrode 262 is brought into contact with the second electrode 264 on the other side. Thereby, the voltage sensor 261 generates an output signal corresponding to the measured voltage. The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.
Note that the rod-like second electrode 264 naturally has conductivity, and thus can be used as a touch pen for a capacitive touch panel.

<Seventh sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the seventh sensor device in combination with the information processing device 100 is a pulse wave meter.
The seventh sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the portion of the first sensor device 210 that has been the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with a pulse wave sensor. A pulse wave sensor measures a user's pulse wave and can use a well-known thing. The pulse wave to be measured may be a velocity pulse wave or an acceleration pulse wave.
In this case, the pulse wave measuring unit or the pulse wave sensor for measuring the pulse wave is provided at the tip of the cord as in the case of the second sensor device 220.

The usage method and operation of the sensor system that functions as a pulse wave meter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the seventh sensor device, are the same as those of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter.

The seventh sensor device may include two pulse wave measuring units or pulse wave sensors. FIG. 9 shows an example of a seventh sensor device 270 in which two pulse wave measuring units 272 are connected to the pulse wave sensor 271 via a cord 273.
The two pulse wave measurement units 272 are attached to two different parts of the user's body (for example, near the carotid artery and femoral artery). Thereby, the pulse wave sensor 271 detects the pulse waves at two different places on the user's body. Thereby, the sensor system which the 7th sensor apparatus 270 comprises by the combination with the information processing apparatus 100 becomes not a mere pulse wave meter but a pulse wave velocity meter. That is, the sensor system that combines the seventh sensor device 270 and the information processing device 100 measures the pulse wave propagation speed in the blood vessel by measuring the time lag of the pulse wave at two locations. The speed can be obtained. By determining the pulse wave propagation velocity, the presence or absence and degree of arteriosclerosis can be diagnosed.
A sensor system in which the seventh sensor device 270 and the information processing device 100 are combined functions as a pulse wave velocity meter, thereby making it easy to diagnose arteriosclerosis.

When the sensor system in which the seventh sensor device 270 and the information processing device 100 are combined is a pulse wave velocity meter, the CPU 110A of the information processing device 100 generates the information in the information processing device 100 by executing a program. The functional block may be as follows.
As shown in FIG. 10, a recording unit 112E is added to the functional blocks already described. In this case, information uniquely determining the pulse wave velocity obtained by the analysis by the converted signal analysis unit 112C is transmitted not only to the display control unit 112D but also to the recording unit 112E. The recording unit 112E is realized by a part of the RAM 110C, another recording medium included in the information processing apparatus 100, or a portable recording medium that is detachably connected to the information processing apparatus 100.
The display control unit 112 </ b> D generates image data for an image that displays information related to the pulse wave velocity on the display 102, and sends it to the display 102. The recording unit 112E records information related to the pulse wave velocity. In this case, the display on the display 102 may be omitted.

The use method and operation of the sensor system that functions as a pulse wave velocimeter as a whole, constituted by a combination of the information processing device 100 and the seventh sensor device, are substantially the same as those of the above-described sensor system that functions as a moisture meter. It is.
However, the information regarding the pulse wave velocity recorded by the recording unit 112E can be used as follows. Information recorded in the recording unit 112E is read from the information processing apparatus 100, transmitted by using a communication function that the information processing apparatus 100 originally has, or an electronic mail that the information processing apparatus 100 originally has. It is delivered to a doctor or the like by being attached to an e-mail using a function or by being delivered with the above-mentioned portable recording medium. Thereby, the doctor makes a diagnosis about the user's arteriosclerosis after the fact.

<Eighth sensor device>
The sensor system configured by the eighth sensor device in combination with the information processing device 100 is an electrocardiograph.
The eighth sensor device can have almost the same configuration as the first sensor device 210. The only difference is that the portion of the first sensor device 210 that was designated as the moisture sensor 212 is replaced with an electrocardiographic sensor that is a sensor for detecting an electrical signal of the heart. The electrocardiographic sensor measures an electrical signal of the user's heart, and a known one can be used.
As in the case of the seventh sensor device 270 including two pulse wave measuring units, a plurality of, for example, three electrodes for picking up an electrical signal of the user's heart are provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the electrocardiographic sensor 281 in the eighth sensor device 280 is connected to the electrocardiographic sensor unit 283 via the cable 282. The electrocardiographic sensor unit 283 is configured by attaching three plate-like electrode bodies 283B to a plate-like electrode base 283A. An electrode 283C is attached to each of the electrode bodies 283B. Each electrode 283C is connected to an electrocardiographic sensor 281 via a cable 282. With such a configuration, the electrocardiographic sensor 281 outputs an output signal corresponding to the electrical signal of the user's heart received from the three electrodes 283C.
In this case, the function block generated in the information processing apparatus 100 when the CPU 110A of the information processing apparatus 100 executes the program is the same as in the case of the above-described sensor system that functions as a pulse wave velocity meter. A recording unit 112E is provided. In the recording unit 112E, information on the electrical signal of the user's heart obtained by analysis by the conversion signal analysis unit 112C is recorded.

The method and operation of the sensor system that functions as an electrocardiograph as a whole, which is configured by a combination of the information processing apparatus 100 and the eighth sensor apparatus 280, is the case of the above-described sensor system that functions as a pulse wave velocity meter. It is substantially the same.
The user fixes the electrocardiographic sensor unit 283 at a predetermined position in the vicinity of the heart with the help of himself or another person. Since the electrocardiographic sensor unit 283 adjusts the relative positional relationship of the plurality of electrodes 283C within a certain range, it is easy for an amateur to attach the electrode 283C to a desired position with respect to the heart.
In that state, for example, for a whole day, the user senses information about the electrical signal of the heart. Information about the electrical signal of the heart is displayed on the display 102 as in the case where the sensor system in which the seventh sensor device 270 and the information processing device 100 are combined is a pulse wave velocity meter (even if this is omitted). Good), and is recorded in the recording unit 112E.
The information recorded in the recording unit 112E is handed over to the doctor later, as in the case where the sensor system in which the seventh sensor device 270 and the information processing device 100 are combined is a pulse wave velocity meter, and the user detects, for example, an arrhythmia. It is used for diagnosis of whether or not it has.

Claims

It is used by being connected to the audio input terminal of an information processing apparatus provided with a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, and some property of an object integrated with the information processing apparatus A sensor device constituting a sensor system for sensing
A sensor that senses some property of the object and generates an output signal;
Conversion means for converting an output signal from the sensor into a conversion signal that is a signal in a frequency band that is scheduled to be received by the audio input terminal;
An output terminal that is connectable to the audio input terminal and outputs the output signal to the audio input terminal when it is connected to the audio input terminal;
When the output terminal is connected to the audio input terminal, the power receiving terminal is connected to the power feeding terminal and receives power from the power feeding terminal;
With
Necessary ones of the sensor and the conversion means are adapted to receive power from the power receiving terminal.
Sensor device.
The converting means includes a frequency dividing circuit for decreasing the frequency of the output signal, or a multiplier circuit for increasing the frequency of the output signal.
The sensor device according to claim 1.
The conversion means includes at least one of an amplitude modulation circuit that generates amplitude modulation in the output signal, a frequency modulation circuit that generates frequency modulation in the output signal, and a phase modulation circuit that generates phase modulation in the output signal. Yes,
The sensor device according to claim 1.
The sensor senses moisture of the object, heart electrical signal, pulse wave, voltage, elasticity, oil content, viscoelasticity, component,
The sensor device according to claim 1.
An information processing apparatus having a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power and a sensor apparatus used by being connected to the audio input terminal of the information processing apparatus A sensor system for sensing some property of an object,
The sensor device includes:
A sensor that senses some property of the object and generates an output signal;
Conversion means for converting an output signal from the sensor into a conversion signal that is a signal in a frequency band that is scheduled to be received by the audio input terminal;
An output terminal that is connectable to the audio input terminal and outputs the output signal to the audio input terminal when it is connected to the audio input terminal;
When the output terminal is connected to the audio input terminal, the power receiving terminal is connected to the power feeding terminal and receives power from the power feeding terminal;
With
Necessary ones of the sensor and the conversion means are adapted to receive power from the power receiving terminal.
Sensor system.
The information processing apparatus is a smartphone.
The sensor system according to claim 5.
An information processing apparatus comprising a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, which constitutes a sensor system for sensing some property of an object by combination with the sensor apparatus according to claim 1 Because
The audio input terminal receives a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor device, and the power supply terminal feeds power to the power reception terminal of the sensor device. With
A display for displaying images,
Control means for displaying on the display the property of the object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device based on the converted signal received via the audio input terminal;
With
Information processing device.
An information processing apparatus comprising a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, which constitutes a sensor system for sensing some property of an object by combination with the sensor apparatus according to claim 1 Because
The audio input terminal receives a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor device, and the power supply terminal feeds power to the power reception terminal of the sensor device. With
Based on the converted signal received via the audio input terminal, the recording apparatus includes a control unit that records data about the properties of the object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device.
Information processing device.
An information processing apparatus comprising a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, which constitutes a sensor system for sensing some property of an object by combination with the sensor apparatus according to claim 1 And
The audio input terminal receives a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor device, and the power supply terminal feeds power to the power reception terminal of the sensor device. With
In the control means of the one having a display for displaying an image,
A process for causing the display to display the property of the object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device based on the converted signal received via the audio input terminal;
To run
Computer program.
An information processing apparatus comprising a plug-in power type audio input terminal having a power supply terminal for supplying power, which constitutes a sensor system for sensing some property of an object by combination with the sensor apparatus according to claim 1 Because
The audio input terminal receives a signal in a predetermined frequency band from the output terminal of the sensor device, and the power supply terminal feeds power to the power reception terminal of the sensor device. With
In the control means of the one provided with the recording means,
A process of recording data on the properties of the object sensed by the sensor of the sensor device in the recording means based on the converted signal received via the audio input terminal;
To run
Computer program.