WO2014125517A1

WO2014125517A1 - Body water content monitor

Info

Publication number: WO2014125517A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/000777
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佑輔関根; 美雪小山; 圭本田
Original assignee: テルモ株式会社
Priority date: 2013-02-13
Filing date: 2013-02-13
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Also published as: JPWO2014125517A1; JP5941170B2

Abstract

Provided is a body water content monitor by which it is possible to properly ascertain the water content of the body of a subject. The body water content monitor, which measures the water content of the body of a subject, includes a display unit for displaying a measurement result, a backlight unit for illuminating the display unit, and a control unit for controlling the backlight unit to provide light for a predetermined amount of time at the timing at which measurement is completed and the measurement result is displayed on the display unit.

Description

Body moisture meter

The present invention relates to an in-vivo moisture meter that measures the amount of moisture in the living body of a subject.

It is important to measure the amount of water in the subject's body. Dehydration in the living body is a pathological condition in which water in the living body decreases, and it is often expressed during exercise when high water is discharged from the body due to sweating or body temperature rise or when the temperature is high.

Usually, it is said that body temperature regulation is impaired when water in the body loses 3% or more of body weight. When a body temperature regulation disorder occurs and the body temperature rises, it causes a further decrease in water in the living body and falls into a vicious circle, eventually leading to a disease state called heat stroke. Heat stroke has pathological conditions such as heat convulsions, heat fatigue, and heat stroke, and sometimes systemic organ damage may occur.

For this reason, when a change occurs in the condition of the subject, it is important to check the amount of water in the subject's living body and to take appropriate measures on the subject. come. For this reason, in the medical field, there is a need for an in-vivo moisture meter that can accurately measure the amount of moisture in the living body of a subject under various environments, both indoors and outdoors.

JP 2012-176120 A

However, depending on the surrounding environment, there may be a case where it is difficult for the measurer to correctly grasp the moisture content in the living body of the subject. For example, when the surrounding environment is dark, it is difficult to accurately press the moisture meter in the body to the measurement site (axillary area) of the subject. There may be a situation where it is impossible to visually recognize.

For this reason, it is desirable that the in-vivo moisture meter used in the medical field be configured so that the measurer can correctly grasp the moisture content in the living body of the subject regardless of the surrounding environment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vivo moisture meter that enables a measurer to correctly grasp the amount of moisture in the living body of a subject.

In order to achieve the above object, the moisture meter in the body according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A moisture meter in the body that measures the amount of moisture in the body of a subject,
A display for displaying the measurement results;
A backlight unit for illuminating the display unit;
And a control unit that controls to turn on the backlight unit for a predetermined time at the timing when the measurement is completed and the measurement result is displayed on the display unit.

According to the present invention, the measurer can correctly grasp the moisture content in the living body of the subject.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, show an embodiment of the present invention, and are used to explain the principle of the present invention together with the description.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a moisture meter 100 in the body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the moisture meter 100 in the body. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the moisture meter 100 in the body. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a measurement circuit of the moisture meter 100 in the body. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the moisture content measurement process of the moisture meter 100 in the body. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a moisture meter 600 in the body according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the water content measurement process of the moisture meter 600 in the body. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a moisture meter 800 in the body according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the angle of the short axis of the moisture meter 800 in the body and the lighting / extinguishing of the tip light unit, and the lighting / extinguishing of the backlight unit. FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing the flow of the moisture content measurement process of the moisture meter 800 in the body. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the flow of the moisture content measurement process of the moisture meter 800 in the body. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining modes of the moisture meter 800 in the body.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is a preferred specific example of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
<1. External structure of moisture meter in the body>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a moisture meter 100 in the body according to the present embodiment. The moisture meter 100 in the body brings the sensor part 121 into contact with the skin of the axilla, which is the body surface of the subject, and detects the physical quantity according to the electric signal supplied from the sensor part 121 to thereby determine the amount of moisture in the subject's body. Is detected. In the body moisture meter 100 according to the present embodiment, by measuring the subject's capacitance as the physical quantity (data on moisture in the living body), the wetness of the skin of the axilla is detected, and the moisture content in the body is determined. calculate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vivo moisture meter 100 includes a main body portion 110 and an insertion portion 120. The main body 110 has an upper surface 114, a lower surface 115, and

side surfaces

116 and 117 that are formed substantially parallel to the major axis direction (not shown), respectively, and are formed in a straight line as a whole. Various user interfaces are arranged on the surface of the casing of the main body 110, and an electronic circuit for calculating the amount of moisture in the body is housed inside the casing.

In the example of FIG. 1, a power switch 111 and a display unit 112 are shown as user interfaces. The power switch 111 is disposed in a recess in the rear end surface 113 of the main body 110. By adopting a configuration in which the power switch 111 is arranged in the recess in this way, an erroneous operation of the power switch 111 can be prevented. When the power switch 111 is turned on, power supply from the power supply unit 311 (FIG. 3), which will be described later, to each part of the moisture meter 100 in the body is started, and the moisture meter 100 in the body enters an operating state.

The display unit 112 is arranged on the side surface 117 of the main body unit 110 slightly forward in the long axis direction. This is because when the moisture content in the body of the subject is measured using the moisture meter 100 in the body, even if the measurer grips the grip region 118, the display unit 112 is completely held by the hand gripped by the measurer. This is so as not to be covered (so that display contents can be visually recognized even in a gripped state). In addition, the display unit 112 is provided with a backlight unit so that the measurer can visually recognize the display contents even when the surrounding environment is dark.

The display unit 112 displays the current moisture content measurement result 131. For reference, the previous measurement result 132 is also displayed. Further, the battery display unit 133 displays the remaining amount of the battery (power supply unit 311 in FIG. 3). Further, when an invalid measurement result is obtained or a measurement error is detected, “E” is displayed on the display unit 112, and the user is notified of this. Note that characters and the like displayed on the display unit 112 are displayed with the upper surface 114 side of the main body unit 110 as the upper side and the lower surface 115 side as the lower side.

The upper portion 124 and the lower surface 125 of the insertion portion 120 of the moisture meter 100 in the body have a curved shape, and are gently curved downward as a whole with respect to the main body portion 110. The sensor unit 121 is slidably held on the front end surface 122 (the end surface opposite to the rear end surface 113) of the insertion unit 120.

The sensor unit 121 has a contact surface 123 that is substantially parallel to the distal end surface 122. In order to ensure the pressure for ensuring the close contact of the sensor unit 121 with the skin, a spring (not shown) It is biased in the direction (for example, a biasing force of about 150 gf). The entire contact surface 123 of the sensor unit 121 is evenly pressed against the skin of the subject's axilla, and the sensor unit 121 is in the direction of the arrow 141a (the direction substantially perpendicular to the tip surface 122, that is, the tip surface 122). Measurement is started when a predetermined amount (for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, 3 mm in this embodiment) is slid in the normal direction (hereinafter, the direction of the arrow 141a is referred to as a slide direction).

Specifically, after the user turns on the power switch 111 to bring the in-vivo moisture meter 100 into an operating state, when the sensor unit 121 is pressed a predetermined amount or more in the direction of the arrow 141a, measurement of the in-body moisture content is started. . Alternatively, after the user turns on the power switch 111 to set the moisture meter 100 in the operating state, the entire contact surface 123 of the sensor unit 121 is evenly applied to the subject's axilla with a predetermined load (for example, 20 gf to 200 gf, more preferably When it is detected that the pressure is 100 gf to 190 gf (150 gf in this embodiment), measurement of the body water content is started. With such a mechanism, the degree of close contact of the contact surface 123 of the sensor unit 121 with the axilla during measurement can be made constant.

<2. Usage example of moisture meter in the body>
Next, a usage example of the moisture meter 100 in the body will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of the moisture meter 100 in the body.

2a in FIG. 2 shows the upper left half of the subject, and 2b in FIG. 2 schematically shows the aa cross section of 2a in FIG.

As shown in 2b of FIG. 2, the in-vivo moisture meter 100 is configured such that the water content of the subject's body is measured in a state where the sensor unit 121 is pressed against the armpit between the left upper arm and the left chest wall of the subject. Measure.

In pressing the sensor unit 121 against the armpit, the measurer grips the grip region 118 of the moisture meter 100 with the right hand so that the sensor unit 121 faces upward, and from the lower front side of the subject toward the armpit. The sensor unit 121 is inserted.

As described above, since the insertion part 120 of the in-vivo moisture meter 100 is gently curved, when inserted from the front lower side of the subject toward the axilla, the front side wall of the upper arm, the in-vivo moisture meter 100, Does not interfere with each other, and the right hand of the measurer can press the sensor part 121 against the armpit at a substantially right angle without interfering with the upper arm of the subject.

<3. Functional configuration of body moisture meter 100>
Next, the functional configuration of the moisture meter 100 in the body will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the moisture meter 100 in the body.

3, the control unit 301 includes a CPU 302 and a memory 303, and the CPU 302 executes various programs in the moisture meter 100 in the body by executing a program stored in the memory 303.

For example, the CPU 302 executes display control of the display unit 112, which will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, drive control of the buzzer 322 and the LED lamp 323, measurement of moisture in the body (capacitance measurement in the present embodiment), and the like. The memory 303 includes a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is used as a program memory, and the volatile memory is used as a working memory for the CPU 302.

The power supply unit 311 has a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, and supplies power to each part of the moisture meter 100 in the body. The voltage regulator 312 supplies a constant voltage (for example, 2.3 V) to the control unit 301 and the like. The battery remaining amount detection unit 313 detects the remaining amount of the battery based on the voltage value supplied from the power supply unit 311 and notifies the control unit 301 of the detection result. The control unit 301 controls display on the battery display unit 133 based on the remaining battery level detection signal from the remaining battery level detection unit 313.

When the power switch 111 is pressed, power supply from the power supply unit 311 to each unit is started. And if the control part 301 detects that the user's pressing of the power switch 111 continued for 1 second or more, it will maintain the power supply to each part from the power supply part 311, and will make the moisture meter 100 in a body into an operation state. The measurement switch 314 is turned on when the sensor unit 121 is pressed by a predetermined amount or more in the direction of the arrow 141a (that is, functions as a press detection unit that detects the pressed state). When the sensor unit 121 is pressed in the arrow 141a direction by a predetermined amount or more, the control unit 301 starts measuring the moisture content. In order to prevent exhaustion of the power supply unit 311, if the measurement of the amount of water is not started even after 2 minutes have passed since the in-vivo moisture meter 100 is in the operating state, the control unit 301 automatically 100 is shifted to a power-off state.

The measurement circuit 321 is connected to the moisture amount detection unit 325 and measures the capacitance. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the measurement circuit 321. As shown in FIG. 4, a CR oscillation circuit is formed by the

inverters

401 and 402, the resistors 403 and 404, and the subject capacitor 410. Since the oscillation frequency of the output signal 405 varies depending on the subject volume 410, the control unit 301 calculates the subject volume 410 by measuring the frequency of the output signal 405.

Return to Fig. 3. The display unit 112 performs display as described in FIG. 1 under the control of the control unit 301. Further, a backlight unit 326 is provided, and lighting / extinguishing is controlled by the control unit 301.

The buzzer 322 sounds when the measurement of the moisture content in the body is started or when the measurement is completed, and notifies the user of the start or completion of the measurement. The LED lamp 323 also performs the same notification as the buzzer 322. That is, the LED lamp 323 is lit when the measurement of the moisture content in the body is started or when the measurement is completed, and notifies the user of the start or completion of the measurement. The timer unit 324 operates by receiving power from the power source unit 311 even when the power is off, and notifies the control unit 301 of the time in the operating state.

<4. Operation of body moisture meter>
The operation (moisture content measurement processing) of the moisture meter 100 in the body according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power switch 111 is pressed and supply of power from the power supply unit 311 to each unit is started, in step S501, the control unit 301 monitors the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 against the body surface of the subject's axilla. Then, it is determined whether or not the measurement start condition is satisfied (whether or not the measurement switch 314 is on for a predetermined time).

In step S501, when it is determined that the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 satisfies the measurement start condition, the process proceeds from step S501 to step S502. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the pressed state of the sensor unit 121 does not satisfy the measurement start condition, the process waits until it is determined that the measurement start condition is satisfied.

In step S502, the user is notified that the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 satisfies the conditions for starting the measurement by, for example, sounding the buzzer 322 or turning on the LED lamp 323. In step S503, measurement is started by starting measurement of the oscillation frequency of the output signal 405 from the measurement circuit 321.

When the measurement of the oscillation frequency started in step S503 is completed, the process proceeds to step S504 to notify the user that the measurement has been completed by sounding the buzzer 322 or blinking the LED lamp 323.

In step S505, the moisture content in the body of the subject is calculated based on the oscillation frequency of the output signal 405 measured in step S503.

In step S506, it is determined whether or not the subject is dehydrated based on whether or not the amount of water in the body calculated in step S505 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In addition, as a threshold value in this case, for example, a value corresponding to 35% when water is 100% and air is 0% is desirable.

In step S507, the current measurement information is stored in the memory 303. In step S508, the amount of moisture in the body calculated by the current measurement is displayed on the display unit 112. At this time, display is performed in a display form according to the determination result of the dehydrated state or the non-dehydrated state (for example, in the case of the dehydrated state, the amount of water in the body is displayed in red, and in the case of the non-dehydrated state, The amount of water in the body is displayed in blue).

In step S509, the backlight unit 326 is turned on. In step S510, it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the backlight unit 326 was turned on. If it is determined that it is not, it waits until a predetermined time elapses.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S511, and the backlight unit 326 is turned off.

As is clear from the above description, in the moisture meter 100 according to the present embodiment, the backlight unit 326 is provided in the display unit 112 that displays the measurement result, and the measurement is completed and displayed at the display unit 112 at the timing. It was set as the structure made to light for a predetermined time.

Thereby, even if the surrounding environment at the time of measurement is dark, the measurer can surely see the measurement result. That is, it becomes possible to correctly grasp the moisture content in the living body of the subject regardless of the surrounding environment.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the backlight unit 326 provided in the display unit 112 is configured to be automatically lit for a predetermined time at the timing when the measurement is completed and the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 112. However, this invention is not limited to this, For example, it is good also as a structure which can be lighted at the time other than the time of a measurement completion.

Specifically, a switch for instructing to turn on / off the backlight unit 326 is separately provided. When the measurement is not completed, the backlight unit 326 is turned on / off according to ON / OFF of the switch by the measurer. It is good also as a structure to control.

Even when the measurement is not completed (for example, when the measurer wants to read and refer to the past measurement result of the subject), the backlight unit 326 is based on the measurer's instruction even when the surrounding environment is dark. This is because the measurer can correctly visually recognize the past measurement result.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, in order to correctly grasp the amount of moisture in the living body of the subject, focusing on the configuration that enables the measurer to visually recognize the measurement result correctly, the display unit 112 has the backlight unit. Although 326 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, paying attention to the configuration that enables the measurer to measure accurately, even if the surrounding environment is dark, the sensor unit 121 of the moisture meter in the body is properly pressed against the measurement site (axillary) of the subject It is good also as a structure which can be made to do. Details of this embodiment will be described below.

<1. External structure of moisture meter in the body>
First, the external configuration of the in-

vivo moisture meters

600 and 610 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the in-

vivo moisture meters

600 and 610 according to the present embodiment. In the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as the components of the external configuration described with reference to FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted here (hereinafter, FIG. The explanation will focus on the differences from 1.

6A on the left side of FIG. 6A shows the front end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 as viewed from the front. 6a, reference numeral 601 denotes a tip light portion, which outputs laser light emitted from a semiconductor laser built in as a light emitting portion for emitting beam light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tip surface 122 (direction parallel to the slide direction). To do.

In this way, by configuring a configuration in which beam light such as laser light is output in the sliding direction from the distal end surface 122 of the insertion unit 120, the measurement person can contact the contact surface 123 of the sensor unit 121 in the axilla of the subject. The position to be done can be illuminated. That is, even when the surrounding environment is dark and the contact surface 123 is not visible at the time of measurement, it is possible to visually recognize the position where the contact surface 123 contacts with the laser light. Note that the color of the emitted laser light may be red, blue, or other colors.

6B on the right side of FIG. 6B shows the rear end face 113 of the main body 110 viewed from the front. In 6b, reference numeral 602 denotes a rear end light unit that outputs light emitted from the built-in LED.

In this way, by adopting a configuration in which light is output from the rear end surface 113 of the main body 110, it becomes possible to illuminate the hand of the measurer in the vicinity of the subject's axilla. That is, the measurer can visually recognize the vicinity of the measurement site at the time of measurement even when the surrounding environment is dark.

It should be noted that a light diffusing member for diffusing light emitted from the LED over a wide range is disposed on the surface of the rear end light portion 602. This is because the hand of the measurer can be illuminated in a wider range.

6a illustrates the case where laser light is output from the distal end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120, and FIG. 6b illustrates the case where light is output from the rear end surface 113 of the main body portion 110. The present invention is not limited to the case where either one is output, but may be configured such that both are output.

<2. Operation of body moisture meter>
Next, the operation (moisture content measurement processing) of the

body moisture meters

600 and 610 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power switch 111 is pressed and supply of power from the power supply unit 311 to each unit is started, in step S701, the control unit 301 turns on the front light unit 601 and / or the rear light unit 602.

In step S501, the control unit 301 monitors the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 against the body surface of the subject's axilla and determines whether or not the measurement start condition is satisfied.

In step S501, when it is determined that the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 satisfies the measurement start condition, the process proceeds from step S501 to step S702. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the pressed state of the sensor unit 121 does not satisfy the measurement start condition, the process waits until it is determined that the measurement start condition is satisfied.

In step S702, the front end light unit 601 and the rear end light unit 602 are turned off. In step S502, the user is notified that the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 satisfies the measurement start condition by, for example, sounding the buzzer 322 or turning on the LED lamp 323. Since the processing from step S503 to S511 is the same as the processing from step S503 to S511 described with reference to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

As is clear from the above description, in the

body moisture meters

600 and 610 according to the present embodiment, the front end light portion 601 or the rear end light portion 602 is provided on the front end surface 122 or the rear end surface 113, and the in-

vivo moisture meters

600 and 610 are provided. The light is output from the start of the supply of power from the power supply unit 311 until the measurement start condition is satisfied.

Thereby, even when the surrounding environment at the time of measurement is dark, the measurer can surely see the measurement site or the vicinity of the measurement site. That is, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the amount of water in the subject's living body regardless of the surrounding environment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the front light unit 601 or the rear light unit 602 is automatically turned on after the supply of power from the power supply unit 311 is started until the measurement start condition is satisfied. The configuration. However, this invention is not limited to this, For example, it is good also as a structure which can be lighted based on a measurement person's instruction | indication.

Specifically, a switch for instructing to turn on / off the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 is separately provided, and the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 according to ON / OFF of the switch by the measurer. It is good also as a structure which controls lighting / light extinction of.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the second and fourth embodiments, the switch for instructing to turn on / off the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 and the on / off of the front light unit 601 or the rear light unit 602 are instructed. The backlight unit 326 is turned on / off and the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 is turned on / off in accordance with ON / OFF of the switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, by placing an acceleration sensor unit in the moisture meter in the body and detecting the inclination of the moisture meter in the short axis direction (direction substantially perpendicular to the major axis direction), the movement of the measurer holding the moisture meter in the body can be detected. It may be configured to determine and automatically control lighting / extinction according to the movement. Details of this embodiment will be described below.

<1. Functional configuration of body moisture meter>
First, the functional configuration of the in-vivo moisture meter 800 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the moisture meter 800 in the body according to the present embodiment. In addition, about the structure similar to the function structure of the moisture meter 100 in the body demonstrated using FIG. 3 in the said 1st Embodiment, suppose that the same reference number is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted here (hereinafter, FIG. 1). The explanation will focus on the differences between

1 is that an acceleration sensor unit 801 and a light emitting unit 802 are arranged. The acceleration sensor unit 801 is a sensor that detects the acceleration in the short axis direction of the moisture meter 800 in the body. The control unit 301 detects the short of the moisture meter 800 in the body based on the signal output (detection result) from the acceleration sensor unit 801. Calculate the tilt in the axial direction. The light emitting unit 802 is, for example, a semiconductor laser that emits laser light as beam light.

<2. Relationship between inclination of body moisture meter in short axis direction and control of lighting / extinguishing>
Next, the relationship between the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction, the turning on / off of the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112, and the turning on / off of the tip light unit 601 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction, the turning on / off of the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112, and the turning on / off of the tip light unit 601.

9, reference numeral 901 indicates a state in which the distal end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 of the moisture meter 800 in the body is viewed from the front, and shows a case where the inclination in the minor axis direction is 0 degree. Reference numeral 911 denotes a state where the display unit 112 is viewed from the front (that is, from the side of the moisture meter 800 in the body) when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 0 degree.

As shown in 901 and 911, when the tilt in the minor axis direction of the in-vivo moisture meter 800 is 0 degree, the display unit 112 is easy to see for the measurer. The backlight unit 326 is turned on by determining that the user is watching. On the other hand, when the measurer is looking at the display unit 112, it is determined that no measurement is performed, and the tip light unit 601 is turned off.

902 shows a state in which the distal end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 is viewed from the front when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 45 degrees. Reference numeral 912 denotes a state where the display unit 112 is viewed from the front (that is, from the side of the moisture meter 800 in the body) when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 45 degrees.

As shown in 902 and 912, when the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 800 in the body is 45 degrees, the display unit 112 is difficult to see for the measurer. The backlight unit 326 is turned off by determining that it is not being viewed. Further, since the inclination is irrelevant to the operation at the time of measurement, it is determined that the measurement is not performed, and the tip light unit 601 is also turned off.

903 shows a state in which the distal end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 is viewed from the front when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 90 degrees. Reference numeral 913 denotes a state where the display unit 112 is viewed from the front (that is, from the side of the moisture meter 800 in the body) when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 90 degrees.

As shown in 903 and 913, when the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 800 in the body is 90 degrees, the display unit 112 is difficult to see for the measurer. The backlight unit 326 is turned off by determining that it is not being viewed. On the other hand, when the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction is 90 degrees, the measurement person grasps the moisture meter 800 in the left hand and inserts the moisture meter 800 in the right axilla of the subject. Since it is assumed, the tip light unit 601 is turned on.

904 to 906 show the front end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 as viewed from the front when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 135, 180, and 225 degrees, respectively. Reference numerals 914 to 916 show the state in which the display unit 112 is viewed from the front (that is, from the side of the moisture meter 800 in the body) when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 135 degrees, 180 degrees, and 225 degrees, respectively. Yes.

As shown in 904, when the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction is 135 degrees, the measurer grasps the moisture meter 800 in the left hand and inserts the moisture meter 800 in the right axilla of the subject. Therefore, the tip light unit 601 is turned on. Further, when the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction is 180 degrees, the measurer holds the moisture meter 800 in the left hand and attempts to insert the moisture meter 800 in the right axilla of the subject. It is assumed that the measurement person grasps the moisture meter 800 in the right hand and tries to insert the moisture meter 800 in the left armpit of the subject. For this reason, it is determined that measurement is being performed anyway, and the tip light unit 601 is turned on. Further, when the in-vivo moisture meter 800 has an inclination of 225 degrees in the minor axis direction, the measurer grasps the in-vivo moisture meter 800 with the right hand and inserts the in-vivo moisture meter 800 into the left armpit of the subject. Since it is assumed, the tip light unit 601 is turned on.

On the other hand, when the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 800 in the body is 135, 180, and 225 degrees, the display unit 112 is difficult to see for the measurer. The backlight unit 326 is turned off.

907 shows a state in which the distal end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 is viewed from the front when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 270 degrees. Reference numeral 917 denotes a state where the display unit 112 is viewed from the front (that is, from the side of the moisture meter 800 in the body) when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 270 degrees.

As shown in 907, when the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction is 270 degrees, the measurer holds the moisture meter 800 in the right hand and inserts the moisture meter 800 in the left armpit of the subject. Therefore, the tip light unit 601 is turned on. Further, since it can be determined that the measurer is in a state of looking at the display on the display unit 112, the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 is also lit as indicated by 917.

908 shows a state in which the distal end surface 122 of the insertion portion 120 is viewed from the front surface when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 315 degrees. Reference numeral 918 denotes a state where the display unit 112 is viewed from the front (that is, from the side of the moisture meter 800 in the body) when the inclination in the minor axis direction is 315 degrees.

As shown in 908, when the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction is 315 degrees, it is determined that measurement is not performed, and the tip light unit 601 is turned off. On the other hand, as shown in 918, when the inclination of the moisture meter 800 in the short axis direction is 315 degrees, the display unit 112 is easy to see for the measurer. The backlight unit 326 is turned on by determining that the user is watching.

As described above, the operation of the measurer is determined based on the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 800 in the body, thereby controlling the turning on / off of the backlight unit 326 and the tip light unit 601 according to the movement of the measurer. Can be performed.

In the above description, the front light unit 601 has been described. However, the rear light unit 602 is also configured to be automatically turned on / off in the same manner as the front light unit 601.

<3. Flow of moisture measurement process>
Next, the operation (moisture content measurement processing) of the moisture meter 800 in the body according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

When the power switch 111 is pressed and supply of power from the power supply unit 311 to each unit is started, in step S1001, based on the signal output (detection result) from the acceleration sensor unit 801, the shortage of the moisture meter 800 in the body is measured. The process for calculating the tilt in the axial direction is started.

In step S1002, based on the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 800 in the body calculated in step S1001, whether the measurer is in the measurement state (whether in the “measurement mode”) is looking at the display unit ( Or, it is determined whether the user is in a state of “seeing” (“display mode”).

If it is determined in step S1002 that it is in the measurement mode, the process proceeds to step S1003, the front light unit 601 and / or the rear light unit 602 are turned on, and the process proceeds to step S501. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that the display mode is set, the process proceeds to step S1004, the backlight unit 326 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S501.

In step S501, when it is determined that the pressing state of the sensor unit 121 satisfies the measurement start condition, the process proceeds from step S501 to step S1005. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the pressed state of the sensor unit 121 does not satisfy the measurement start condition, the process waits until it is determined that the measurement start condition is satisfied.

In step S1005, when the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 is turned on in step S1003, the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 is turned off. When the backlight unit 326 is turned on in step S1004, the backlight unit 326 is turned off.

Henceforth, since the process from step S502 to S511 is the same as the process from step S502 to S511 demonstrated using FIG. 4 in the said 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

In step S1006, it is determined whether an instruction to turn off the power is input by the measurer. If it is determined in step S1006 that an instruction to turn off the power is not input, the process returns to step S1002 in FIG. 10A. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1006 that an instruction to turn off the power has been input, the moisture content measurement process ends.

As is clear from the above description, the in-vivo moisture meter 800 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which an acceleration sensor unit is provided and the inclination in the minor axis direction of the in-vivo moisture meter 800 is calculated. Also, based on the calculated inclination in the short axis direction, whether the measurer is in the measurement state (in the measurement mode) or is in the state of viewing (or trying to see) the display unit (in the display mode) To determine whether there is any).

Further, when it is determined that it is in the measurement state, the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 is automatically turned on, and when it is determined that it is not in the measurement state, the front end light unit 601 and the rear end light unit The configuration is such that 602 is automatically turned off. In addition, when it is determined that the measurer is in the state of viewing (or trying to view) the display unit 112, the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 is turned on and the display unit 112 is not being viewed. If it is determined, the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 is turned off.

This makes it possible for the measurer to reliably press the tip of the moisture meter in the body against the measurement site of the subject and ensure that the measurement result is visible even when the surrounding environment during measurement is dark. It becomes possible to do. That is, it is possible to correctly grasp the moisture content in the living body of the subject regardless of the surrounding environment.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, the turning on / off of the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 and the turning on / off of the front end light unit 601 or the rear end light unit 602 are controlled according to the inclination of the moisture meter in the short axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, according to the inclination of the moisture meter in the short axis direction, a mode for controlling lighting / extinguishing of the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 and lighting / extinguishing of the front light unit 601 or the rear light unit 602 is “nighttime”. A mode may be provided, and automatic control is performed only when the mode is shifted to the night mode, and automatic control is not performed in other modes (“normal mode”).

The switching between the night mode and the normal mode may be performed manually by the measurer, for example, or by detecting the darkness (or brightness) of the surrounding environment and switching automatically. Good. Furthermore, even if any of the backlight unit 326, the front light unit 601 or the rear light unit 602 is turned on by automatic control in the night mode, the inclination of the moisture meter in the body for a predetermined time does not change. Or when the measurer does not operate various switches for a predetermined time, the light may be automatically turned off. Hereinafter, the moisture meter in the body according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing mode transition of the moisture meter 1100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the moisture meter 1100 in the body includes a “normal mode” and a “night mode”, and the switching from the normal mode to the night mode and the switching from the night mode to the normal mode may be performed. Also, it is assumed that the measurer can be manually switched by operating a predetermined switch.

However, mode switching is not limited to manual operation. For example, an environmental sensor unit for detecting the darkness (or brightness) of the surrounding environment is provided, and automatically according to the output of the environmental sensor unit. You may comprise so that it may switch.

Night mode includes “measurement mode”, “display mode”, and “power saving mode”. In the measurement mode, it is determined that the measurer is holding the moisture meter 1100 in the body and is measuring (or trying to measure) the moisture content in the subject, and the front light unit 601 (or the rear end) In this mode, the light unit 602) is turned on. Specifically, this is a case where the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 1100 in the body is not less than 90 degrees and not more than 270 degrees.

In the display mode, it is determined that the measurer is holding the moisture meter 1100 in the body and viewing (or trying to view) the display content of the display unit 112, and the backlight unit 326 of the display unit 112 is turned on. Mode. Specifically, this is a case where the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body is 270 degrees or more and 360 degrees or less.

On the other hand, the power saving mode is entered when there is no change in the inclination of the moisture meter 1100 in the short axis direction for a predetermined time after the transition to the display mode or when there is no operation by the measurer. In this mode, the backlight unit 326 is turned off. Alternatively, after shifting to the measurement mode, when the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter 1100 in the body does not change for a predetermined time or when there is no operation by the measurer, the front light unit 601 or the rear light unit 602 is moved. Is the mode to turn off the light.

As described above, by providing various modes, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the front end

light units

601 and 602 and the backlight unit 326 are unnecessarily turned on and the battery is consumed wastefully.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

Claims

A moisture meter in the body that measures the amount of moisture in the body of a subject,
A display for displaying the measurement results;
A backlight unit for illuminating the display unit;
And a control unit that controls the backlight unit to light up for a predetermined time at a timing when the measurement is completed and the measurement result is displayed on the display unit.
A tip light unit disposed on a tip surface on which a sensor unit for measuring moisture content is disposed, and the control unit lights the tip light unit until the measurement of the moisture content is started. The in-vivo moisture meter according to claim 1, which is controlled as follows.
The tip light unit is configured to output beam light in a direction substantially parallel to a sliding direction in which the sensor unit is slid by being pressed by a measurement site of a subject. 2. The body moisture meter according to 2.
It further includes a rear end light part disposed on the rear end surface opposite to the front end surface on which the sensor unit for measuring the moisture amount is disposed, and the control unit waits until the measurement of the moisture amount is started. The in-vivo moisture meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rear light unit is controlled to light.
The in-vivo moisture meter according to claim 4, wherein a light diffusing member is attached to the rear end light portion.
An acceleration sensor unit for detecting an acceleration in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body;
The control unit calculates the inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body based on the detection result by the acceleration sensor unit, and turns on the backlight unit until the measurement of the moisture content is started. It controls based on the calculated inclination, The moisture meter in a body of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
An acceleration sensor unit for detecting an acceleration in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body;
The control unit calculates an inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body based on the detection result by the acceleration sensor unit, and turns on the tip light unit until the measurement of the moisture content is started. The in-vivo moisture meter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein control is performed based on the calculated inclination.
An acceleration sensor unit for detecting an acceleration in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body;
The control unit calculates an inclination in the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body based on the detection result by the acceleration sensor unit, and turns on the rear end light unit until the measurement of the moisture content is started. The in-vivo moisture meter according to claim 4, wherein control is performed based on the calculated inclination.
The control unit can switch between a first mode that controls lighting of the backlight unit and a second mode that does not control lighting of the backlight unit, and is switched to the first mode. The in-vivo moisture meter according to claim 6, wherein the in-vivo moisture meter is controlled to turn off when there is no change in the minor axis direction tilt of the in-vivo moisture meter for a predetermined time.
The control unit can switch between a first mode for controlling lighting of the tip light unit and a second mode for not controlling lighting of the tip light unit, and is switched to the first mode. The in-vivo moisture meter according to claim 7, wherein the in-vivo moisture meter is controlled to be turned off when there is no change in the minor axis direction tilt of the in-vivo moisture meter for a predetermined time.
The control unit can switch between a first mode that controls lighting of the rear end light unit and a second mode that does not control lighting of the rear end light unit, and when the mode is switched to the first mode. Even if it exists, when there is no change in the inclination of the minor axis direction of the moisture meter in the body for a predetermined time, the moisture meter in the body is controlled to be turned off.
It further includes an environment sensor unit that detects the brightness of the surrounding environment,
12. The control unit according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls switching between the first mode and the second mode based on brightness detected by the environment sensor unit. The body moisture meter according to the item.