WO2017057014A1

WO2017057014A1 - Optical measurement device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017057014A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/077223
Authority: WO
Inventors: 洋一鳥海; 信一郎五味; 中村　憲一郎
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社
Priority date: 2015-09-29
Filing date: 2016-09-15
Publication date: 2017-04-06

Abstract

The present invention pertains to an optical measurement device and method, whereby component values of an object can be more precisely measured. This optical measurement device: emits irradiation light including a prescribed irradiation wavelength band, said irradiation light being irradiated on to an object; receives the irradiation light on a side surface thereof and scatters same internally; and receives surface-reflected light and internally-reflected light by using a plurality of pixels and measures the received light volumes, said surface reflected light being irradiation light reflected by the surface of the object substantially without wavelength shift, said internally-reflected light being irradiated light that has shifted a prescribed excitation wavelength band from the irradiation wavelength band inside the object and has been reflected, and said irradiated light being irradiated on to the surface of the object via a light-guide plate that substantially uniformly irradiates from an irradiation surface having a wider area than a side surface, on to a prescribed range on the object surface. The present invention can be applied, for example, to optical measurement devices, electronic devices, body composition measurement instruments, imaging devices, and information processing devices, etc.

Description

Optical measuring apparatus and method

The present technology relates to an optical measurement apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an optical measurement apparatus and method that can measure a component value of an object more accurately.

Conventionally, there has been an apparatus for measuring glycated end products (AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products)) by irradiating an object with light and receiving the reflected light.

Further, there has been a technique for propagating laser light to the inside of an optical waveguide, irradiating an arbitrary substance with laser light leaking from the optical waveguide, and photocatalytic excitation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-77752 A

However, in the conventional measuring apparatus, the reflected light is received by the photodetector, and it is difficult to measure the two-dimensional distribution of the reflected light. For this reason, it has been difficult to suppress variations in measured values caused by uneven distribution of terminal saccharification products.

This technology has been proposed in view of such a situation, and aims to more accurately measure the component value of an object.

An optical measurement device according to a first aspect of the present technology includes a light emitting unit that emits irradiation light that irradiates an object and includes a predetermined irradiation wavelength band, and the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit is received by the side surface and is internally received. A light guide plate that is diffused in a substantially uniform range from the irradiation surface that is wider than the side surface to a predetermined range of the surface of the object, and the irradiation light that is irradiated to the surface of the object through the light guide plate The surface reflected light reflected without substantially wavelength shift on the surface of the object, and the irradiation light irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate is a predetermined excitation wavelength from the irradiation wavelength band inside the object. The optical measuring device includes a light receiving unit that receives the internally reflected light reflected by shifting to the band and receives the light by a plurality of pixels and measures the amount of received light.

The irradiation wavelength band may be a near ultraviolet wavelength band, and the light emitting unit may emit light in the near ultraviolet wavelength band or white light as the irradiation light.

The light guide plate may include a plurality of the side surfaces.

The plurality of light emitting units may be arranged to emit the irradiation light toward the plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate.

A measuring unit that measures the amount of the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit can be further provided.

The detection unit may be disposed at a position facing the light emitting unit with the light guide plate interposed therebetween.

A plurality of the light emitting units are arranged to emit the irradiation light toward a plurality of the side surfaces of the light guide plate, and one or a plurality of the detection units sandwich a part of the light guide plate and a part of the light emitting unit Or it can be made to arrange | position in the position which opposes all.

The light receiving unit may include an image sensor that photoelectrically converts received light.

The light receiving unit may include a pixel including a first filter that transmits light in the irradiation wavelength band and a pixel including a second filter that transmits light in the excitation wavelength band. it can.

A filter that reflects the light in the irradiation wavelength band and transmits the light in the excitation wavelength band may be further provided on a part of the surface of the light guide plate that faces the irradiation surface.

The lens array may be further provided between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit, and forms an image of the surface reflected light and the internal reflected light in proximity to the pixels of the light receiving unit.

Each lens of the lens array can have a lens diameter and a focal length corresponding to the distance from the surface of the object to the light receiving unit.

A calculation unit for obtaining a predetermined component value in the object by using measurement data of the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light obtained in the light receiving unit may be further provided.

It is possible to further include an alignment unit for positioning the object at a predetermined distance from the irradiation surface of the light guide plate.

Another light emitting unit that emits white light toward the gap between the object formed by the alignment unit and the light guide plate, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on measurement data obtained in the light receiving unit The light receiving unit may further receive reflected light of the white light emitted from the other light emitting unit reflected by the surface of the object, and the image processing unit is obtained in the light receiving unit. It is possible to generate a normal captured image by processing the measurement data of the reflected light.

Based on data of light received by the light receiving unit, another light emitting unit that emits near-infrared light toward the gap between the object and the light guide plate formed by the alignment unit. A calculation unit for obtaining a propagation optical path length, wherein the light receiving unit further receives near-infrared reflected light reflected by the object from the near-infrared light emitted by the other light-emitting unit, and The calculation unit may obtain the propagation optical path length using data of the near-infrared reflected light received by the light receiving unit.

A stop for limiting the irradiation direction of the near-infrared light emitted from the other light emitting unit can be further provided.

A reflection film that reflects light may be further provided on a part of the surface of the light guide plate that faces the irradiation surface.

A first filter that is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and transmits light in a near ultraviolet wavelength band, is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit, and transmits light in the excitation wavelength band. And a second filter that transmits the light.

The optical measurement method according to the first aspect of the present technology emits irradiation light that irradiates an object and includes a predetermined irradiation wavelength band, receives the irradiation light on a side surface, diffuses the light inside, and wider than the side surface. A surface in which the irradiation light irradiated to the surface of the object through a light guide plate that irradiates a predetermined range of the surface of the object substantially uniformly from an irradiation surface having a large area is reflected without substantially shifting the wavelength on the surface of the object A plurality of reflected light and internally reflected light reflected by the irradiation light irradiated on the surface of the object via the light guide plate shifted from the irradiation wavelength band to a predetermined excitation wavelength band inside the object. This is an optical measurement method for measuring the amount of received light received by the pixels.

In the optical measurement device and method according to the first aspect of the present technology, irradiation light that irradiates an object and includes a predetermined irradiation wavelength band is emitted, and the irradiation light is received by the side surface and diffused inside. Surface reflected light that is reflected from the surface of the object through the light guide plate that irradiates the surface of the object approximately uniformly from a large area to the surface of the object without substantially shifting the wavelength. And internally reflected light that is reflected by the irradiation light irradiated onto the surface of the object through the light guide plate shifted from the irradiation wavelength band to the predetermined excitation wavelength band inside the object is received by a plurality of pixels and The amount of received light is measured.

According to this technology, measurement using light can be performed. According to the present technology, the component value of the object can be measured more accurately.

It is a figure which shows the example of the conventional measuring device. It is a figure explaining the structure of the conventional measuring device. It is a figure explaining the wavelength band of light. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode of the external appearance of a body composition measuring device. It is a figure explaining a measurement part. It is a figure explaining the structural example of a pixel filter. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of a body composition measuring device. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples inside a body composition measuring device. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode of irradiation. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode of surface reflection. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode of internal reflection. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode of internal reflection. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an AGE value measurement process. It is a figure explaining the example of the mode of white light irradiation. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an imaging process. It is a figure explaining the example of the mode of near infrared light irradiation. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a propagation optical path length measurement process. It is a figure explaining the example of arrangement | positioning of a light emission part and a light-receiving part. An example of a reflective film will be described. It is a figure explaining the example of a filter.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be given in the following order.
1. 1st Embodiment (body composition measuring device)

<1. First Embodiment>
<AGEs measuring instrument>
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, there has been an apparatus for measuring glycation end products (AGEs (Advanced Glycation Endproducts)) by irradiating an object with light and receiving reflected light. The AGEs measuring instrument shown in Fig. 1 irradiates light on the surface of the human body (arm), which is an object placed on the upper part of the device, and measures advanced glycation end products (AGEs) from the reflected light. To do.

This AGEs measuring instrument has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits near-ultraviolet light, as shown in FIG. 2, and irradiates the arm shown in FIG. 1 with the near-ultraviolet light emitted by the LED. In addition, the AGEs measuring instrument consists of a light-receiving filter (surface reflection) that transmits surface reflected light that is reflected by the surface of the arm of irradiated near-ultraviolet light, and a photodetector (PD) that receives surface reflected light that has passed through the light-receiving filter. (Photo Detector) (surface reflection)). Furthermore, the AGEs measuring instrument has a light receiving filter (internal reflection) that transmits the internally reflected light that is reflected by the irradiated near-ultraviolet light inside the arm, and a photodetector (PD) that receives the internally reflected light that has passed through the light receiving filter. (Internal reflection)).

The LED emits near-ultraviolet light in a wavelength range as shown in FIG. 3 (mainly in an irradiation wavelength band (for example, about 330 nm to about 420 nm (also referred to as a near-ultraviolet wavelength band)). This near-ultraviolet light is reflected on the surface of the arm without substantially shifting the wavelength. That is, the main wavelength component of the surface reflected light remains the irradiation wavelength band (near ultraviolet wavelength band). As shown in FIG. 3, the light receiving filter (surface reflection) transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band (light receiving filter band (surface reflection) (for example, about 360 nm to about 390 nm)) included in the irradiation wavelength band. That is, PD (surface reflection) receives light (surface reflection light) of the light receiving filter band (surface reflection).

Near-ultraviolet light is reflected inside the arm, but in this case, the wavelength shifts from the irradiation wavelength band to the excitation wavelength band (for example, about 420 nm to about 580 nm (also referred to as a blue-green wavelength band)). That is, the main wavelength component of the internally reflected light is the excitation wavelength band (blue-green wavelength band). As shown in FIG. 3, the light receiving filter (surface reflection) transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band (light receiving filter band (internal reflection) (for example, about 430 nm to about 560 nm)) included in the excitation wavelength band. That is, PD (internal reflection) receives light (internal reflection light) of the light receiving filter band (internal reflection).

The AGEs measuring instrument calculates the AGE value using the measured values of the external reflection light and internal reflection light received by these PDs. Therefore, the external reflection light received by the PD and the arm portion reflected by the internal reflection light are the photometric range, that is, the range for obtaining the AGE value. Naturally, this photometric range is narrower than the irradiation range in which the LED emits near-ultraviolet light. When the photometric range is narrow, it is difficult to suppress variations in measured values due to uneven distribution of glycation end products.

In order to expand the irradiation range, it was necessary to increase the distance between the LED and the arm or increase the number of LEDs. If the distance between the LED and the arm is increased, it is difficult to reduce the size of the housing, and the amount of reflected light may be reduced. In addition, when the number of LEDs is increased, there is a risk that it is difficult to reduce the size of the housing due to the arrangement of the LEDs, the cost may increase, and the irradiation light quantity may be uneven.

Even if the irradiation range could be expanded, it was necessary to increase the distance from the arm to the PD or increase the number of PDs in order to expand the photometric range. As in the case of the LED, if the distance between the arm and the PD is increased, it is difficult to reduce the size of the housing, and the amount of reflected light received may be reduced. In addition, when the number of PDs is increased, there is a risk that it is difficult to reduce the size of the housing due to the arrangement of the large number of PDs, and the cost may increase.

For this reason, it is difficult to suppress variations in the measured values due to uneven distribution of the glycation end products, and it is difficult to measure the component values of the object more accurately.

<Optical measurement device>
Therefore, in an optical measurement device that performs light-related measurements, a light emitting unit that emits irradiation light that irradiates an object and includes a predetermined irradiation wavelength band, and irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit is received by the side surface and diffused inside A light guide plate that irradiates a predetermined area of the surface of the object substantially uniformly from an irradiation surface having a larger area than the side surface thereof, and the irradiation light applied to the surface of the object through the light guide plate is substantially on the surface of the object. Surface reflected light reflected without wavelength shift and internal reflected light reflected by shifting the irradiation light irradiated to the surface of the object through the light guide plate from the irradiation wavelength band to the predetermined excitation wavelength band inside the object And a light receiving unit that receives light by a plurality of pixels and measures the amount of received light.

In other words, it emits irradiation light that irradiates the object and includes a predetermined irradiation wavelength band, receives the irradiation light on the side surface, diffuses it inside, and extends from the irradiation surface wider than the side surface to a predetermined range on the surface of the object Light reflected from the surface of the object through the light guide plate that irradiates substantially uniformly and reflected from the surface of the object without substantially shifting the wavelength, and irradiation of the surface of the object through the light guide plate The internally reflected light, which is reflected by shifting the light from the irradiation wavelength band to the predetermined excitation wavelength band inside the object, is received by a plurality of pixels and the amount of received light is measured.

By using the light guide plate in this way, the irradiation range of the irradiated light on the object can be easily enlarged substantially uniformly. In addition, by receiving the reflected light with the light receiving units of a plurality of pixels, not only can the photometric range be easily expanded, but also the component values can be measured as a two-dimensional distribution. Therefore, the distribution of the component values can be integrated and averaged, and the component value error caused by the uneven distribution can be reduced. That is, the component value of the object can be measured more accurately. Further, more various information can be output using the two-dimensional distribution of measured component values.

In addition, by using the light guide plate, it is possible to easily realize a reduction in height and to suppress an increase in the light emitting portion, and thus it is possible to more easily realize downsizing of the housing. As a result, other functions can be installed.

<Body composition measuring instrument>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration example of a body composition measuring instrument which is an example of an electronic apparatus which is an embodiment of an optical measuring device to which the present technology is applied. The body composition measuring instrument 100 shown in FIG. 4 is an electronic device that measures the weight and body fat percentage of a user, which is an example of an object. Moreover, the body composition measuring device 100 measures the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contained in the user's body using light.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a main configuration example of the upper surface of the body composition measuring instrument 100. The body composition measuring instrument 100 measures the weight and body fat percentage of a user who rides (for example, stands) on the upper surface, and calculates an AGE value that is a parameter relating to the amount of AGEs contained in the user's body. measure.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the upper surface of the body composition measuring instrument 100, electrodes 111-1 to 111-4, a measuring unit 112-1, a measuring unit 112-2, a display unit 113, and a display unit 114- 1 and a display unit 114-2.

The electrodes 111-1 to 111-4 apply a weak current used for measuring body fat percentage and the like to a contacted object (for example, the sole of a user's foot riding on the body composition measuring instrument 100). It is an electrode for flowing. Hereinafter, the electrodes 111-1 to 111-4 are referred to as electrodes 111 when there is no need to distinguish them from each other. Note that the shape, size, number, position, and the like of the electrode 111 are arbitrary and are not limited to the example of FIG. Moreover, the information measurable using the electrode 111 is arbitrary and is not limited to the body fat percentage.

The measurement unit 112-1 and the measurement unit 112-2 measure an AGE value or the like of an object located on each measurement unit (for example, the sole of a user's foot riding on the body composition measuring instrument 100). . Hereinafter, the measurement unit 112-1 and the measurement unit 112-2 are referred to as the measurement unit 112 when there is no need to distinguish between them. Although the configuration of the measurement unit 112 will be described later, the shape, size, number, position, and the like of the electrode 111 are arbitrary and are not limited to the example of FIG.

The display unit 113, the display unit 114-1, and the display unit 114-2 each have a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OELD (Organic Electro Electro Luminescence Display). Is displayed. For example, the display unit 114-1 functions as a display unit corresponding to the configuration on the left side (the electrode 111-1, the electrode 111-2, and the measurement unit 112-1), and displays information on the measurement results obtained by these. May be. In addition, for example, the display unit 114-2 functions as a display unit corresponding to the configuration on the right side (the electrode 111-3, the electrode 111-4, and the measurement unit 112-2), and displays information on the measurement results obtained by these. You may do it. Then, the display unit 113 may display comprehensive information obtained using the left and right measurement results.

For example, in the case of FIG. 4, the display unit 114-1 displays a message “Foot sole dirty” indicating the diagnosis result based on the AGE value of the object (left foot). In addition, the display unit 114-2 displays a message “Foot sole is dirty” indicating a diagnosis result based on the AGE value of the object (right foot). The display unit 113 displays messages such as “AGEs = XXX” and “YY equivalent” as information obtained from the calculated left and right AGE values.

Hereinafter, the display unit 114-1 and the display unit 114-2 will be referred to as the display unit 114 when there is no need to distinguish them from each other. The display devices included in the display unit 113, the display unit 114-1, and the display unit 114-2 are arbitrary. Information displayed on the display unit 113, the display unit 114-1, and the display unit 114-2 is also arbitrary. Any message may be displayed on any display section. Further, for example, not only a message but also image information such as a captured image may be displayed. Further, the shape, size, number, position, and the like of the display unit 113, the display unit 114-1, and the display unit 114-2 are arbitrary, and are not limited to the example of FIG.

<Measurement unit>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the measurement unit 112. The user who performs the measurement stands on the body composition measuring instrument 100 so that his / her foot 121 is positioned at a position as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5A, the electrode 111-3 is in contact with the vicinity of the toe on the back surface of the foot 121, and the electrode 111-4 is in contact with the vicinity of the heel on the back surface of the foot 121. The measuring unit 112-2 is positioned around the arch on the back surface of the foot 121. In this case, the measurement unit 112-2 performs measurement on a part located above itself, that is, around the arch of the foot 121. FIG. 5A shows an example of the right foot, but the left foot is substantially the same.

The measuring unit 112 has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the measurement unit 112 includes a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) 131, a light guide plate 132, a PD (Photo Detector) 133, and an image sensor 134.

The white LED 131 is a light emitting device that emits light for obtaining a predetermined component value in an object such as an AGE value. The body composition measuring instrument 100 irradiates the back surface of the foot 121 with irradiation light in the irradiation wavelength band shown in FIG. 3 in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the white LED 131 emits light including this irradiation wavelength band (near ultraviolet wavelength band). For example, the white LED 131 may emit white light. Since it is only necessary that the irradiation light on the object includes a component in the irradiation wavelength band, the white LED 131 emits near ultraviolet light including the near ultraviolet wavelength band (for example, about 330 nm to about 420 nm). May be.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the white LED 131 is installed in such a position as to irradiate white light emitted toward the side surface of the light guide plate 132 at a position in contact with or close to the side surface of the light guide plate 132. . The number of white LEDs 131 is arbitrary. In FIG. 5B, eight white LEDs 131 are shown, but it may be 7 or less, or 9 or more.

The light guide plate 132 is a rectangular plate-like device that is formed of a transparent material such as quartz or plastic and can transmit light inside. In other words, the light guide plate 132 has four sides with a large area that oppose each other with four sides with a low area. In FIG. 5B, the surface on the near side in the drawing is a large-area irradiation surface that irradiates light. Further, the portions indicated by the four sides in the vertical and horizontal directions in the figure are the side surfaces of the light guide plate 132. The foot 121 is disposed on the irradiation surface side (that is, the front side in the figure). The light guide plate 132 diffuses the light propagating through the inside and emits the light substantially uniformly toward the legs 121 from the entire irradiation surface or most of the irradiation surface. That is, the light guide plate 132 receives the white light emitted from the white LED 131 on the side surface and diffuses it inside, and the portion of the foot 121 located on the measuring unit 112 (predetermined from the irradiation surface having a larger area than the side surface). ) In a substantially uniform manner (toward the front side in the figure).

PD (Photo Detector) 133 is a measurement unit (photodetector) that receives light emitted from the white LED 131 and measures the amount of light. Based on the measurement result (light quantity) of the PD 133, the light emission intensity of the white LED 131 can be controlled. Therefore, since the program of irradiation light can be set more appropriately, measurement can be performed more accurately.

The PD 133 is disposed at a position facing the white LED 131 with the light guide plate 132 interposed therebetween. That is, the PD 133 can receive the light emitted by the white LED 131 via the light guide plate 132 at a position that contacts or approaches the side surface of the light guide plate 132 and faces the white LED 131 via the light guide plate 132. It is installed in a posture. With such an arrangement, the PD 133 is emitted from the white LED 131 and the white light propagating through the light guide plate 132 can be detected more reliably, and the amount of light can be measured more accurately.

Note that the number of PDs 133 is arbitrary. In FIG. 5B, eight PDs 133 are shown, but the number may be seven or less, or nine or more.

The image sensor 134 is a light receiving device that receives the reflected light reflected by the foot 121 when the white LED 131 emits light and the irradiation light applied to the foot 121 through the light guide plate 132 measures the amount of light received. The image sensor 134 is provided on the surface side facing the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 (that is, the back side in the figure). The reflected light reflected by the foot 121 passes through the light guide plate 132 and reaches the image sensor 134.

The image sensor 134 is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The image sensor 134 has a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional shape (for example, an array), and each pixel generates an electric signal indicating a measurement result of the light amount by photoelectrically converting the received light. obtain. The image sensor 134 outputs an electrical signal obtained from each pixel as measurement data (sensing data) to a subsequent processing unit. That is, the image sensor 134 can obtain measurement data as two-dimensional distribution data. Accordingly, it is possible to more easily detect uneven distribution of component values. That is, the component value of the object can be measured more accurately. In addition, more various information can be output using the two-dimensional distribution of measurement data.

<Waveband of irradiated light and reflected light>
Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the wavelength band of irradiation light and reflected light is demonstrated. The irradiation light applied to the foot 121 includes the irradiation wavelength band of FIG. 3 (for example, about 360 nm to about 390 nm, that is, the near ultraviolet wavelength band). On the surface of the foot 121, the irradiation light is reflected without substantially shifting the wavelength. That is, the surface reflected light that is the reflected light reflected by the surface of the foot 121 includes this irradiation wavelength band (near ultraviolet wavelength band). On the other hand, in the foot 121, the irradiation light is wavelength-shifted from the irradiation wavelength band to the excitation wavelength band (for example, about 420 nm to about 580 nm). That is, the internally reflected light that is the reflected light reflected from the inside of the foot 121 includes this excitation wavelength band (blue-green wavelength band).

<Pixel filter>
The image sensor 134 receives light of a plurality of types of wavelength bands as described above. At that time, the image sensor 134 may receive the light (reflected light) by different pixels. For example, the image sensor 134 includes a pixel filter including a filter for each pixel that transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band, and a pixel including a filter that transmits light in the irradiation wavelength band, and transmits light in the excitation wavelength band. You may make it have both a pixel provided with a filter.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the image sensor 134 includes a UV filter 141 that transmits an irradiation wavelength band (near ultraviolet wavelength band), and a BG filter 142 that transmits an excitation wavelength band (blue-green wavelength band). May have a pixel filter 140 arranged for each pixel in a predetermined pattern. In the case of the example of FIG. 6A, the UV filters 141 and the BG filters 142 are alternately arranged. The arrangement pattern of the UV filter 141 and the BG filter 142 is arbitrary, and is not limited to the arrangement pattern A in FIG.

By providing such a pixel filter, the image sensor 134 can receive (measure) both surface reflection light and internal reflection light. In addition, the image sensor 134 receives the light of each wavelength band in units of pixels in this way, so that the measurement data read out from the image sensor can be selected according to which pixel the measurement data is read out from. It is possible to easily identify whether the measurement data is for light in the band. Therefore, the body composition measuring instrument 100 can more easily perform operations such as AGE values using these measurement data.

<Cross-sectional structure of measuring part>
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the measurement unit 112. In FIG. 7, the upper direction in the figure indicates the upper side of the body composition measuring instrument 100 (the front side in the figure in FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 7, white LEDs 131 and PD 133 are arranged on the side surfaces of the light guide plate 132 so as to face each other. The upper side of the light guide plate 132 in the figure is the irradiation surface, and the foot 121 is located on the irradiation surface side.

An alignment portion 151 having a predetermined shape is provided on a part of the light guide plate 132 on the irradiation surface side. The alignment unit 151 is a guide that controls the position of the foot 121. By this alignment portion 151, the positional relationship (particularly distance) between the foot 121 and the light guide plate 132 is maintained in a substantially predetermined state. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a gap 161 having a predetermined width indicated by a diagonal pattern can be formed. The gap 161 (between the foot 121 and the light guide plate 132) may be a space, or may be filled with a material that transmits light, such as quartz or transparent plastic. However, it is desirable that the various lights passing through the gap 161 are not affected as much as possible.

Further, a white LED 181 and a near infrared LED 182 are provided on the upper side of the white LED 131 in the drawing.

The white LED 181 is, for example, a light emitting device that emits white light as light for obtaining a visible captured image (normal captured image) of the foot 121. The white LED 181 irradiates the foot 121 with the emitted white light through the gap 161 without passing through the light guide plate 132. The reflected light of the white light reflected from the surface of the foot 121 passes through the light guide plate 132, is received by the image sensor 134, and is subjected to photoelectric conversion, whereby data of a normal captured image is obtained.

In this case, the image sensor 134 also receives light in a wavelength band other than the above-described irradiation wavelength band and excitation wavelength band. Therefore, the image sensor 134 may include a filter other than the UV filter 141 and the BG filter 142 as the pixel filter 140. For example, as in the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 6B, an R filter 143 that transmits light in the red wavelength band (red light), a G filter 144 that transmits light in the green wavelength band (green light), and a blue wavelength band A B filter 145 that transmits the light (blue light) may be provided.

Also in this case, the arrangement pattern of each filter is arbitrary. For example, like the arrangement pattern of B in FIG. 6, the UV filter 141 and the BG filter 142, and the R filter 143, the G filter 144, and the B filter 145 are arranged in pixels in different regions (that is, close to each other). A pixel region that receives light in the ultraviolet wavelength band and blue-green wavelength band and a pixel region that receives red light, blue light, and green light (RGB) may be separated). Further, the pixels in which the filters are arranged may be mixed in one area.

Also, the band transmitted by the BG filter 142 can be covered by the B filter 145 and the G filter 144. That is, light in the blue-green wavelength band can be received by the pixel in which the G filter 144 is disposed and the pixel in which the B filter 145 is disposed. Therefore, for example, the BG filter 142 may be omitted as in the arrangement pattern shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 7, the near-infrared LED 182 is a light-emitting device that emits light (near-infrared light) in the near-infrared wavelength band (for example, about 780 nm to about 2500 nm). In general, the thickness of subcutaneous fat and the like can be measured by irradiating a human body or the like with light having a high degree of straightness and measuring the propagation optical path length of the skin and deeper than the skin. The near-infrared LED 182 emits near-infrared light having a wavelength longer than that of visible light as irradiation light used for such measurement. The near-infrared LED 182 irradiates the emitted near-infrared light toward the foot 121 through the gap 161 without passing through the light guide plate 132. The near-infrared light travels straight inside the foot 121 and then exits from the surface (the sole of the foot). The emitted light passes through the light guide plate 132, is received by the image sensor 134, is photoelectrically converted, and near-infrared light data is obtained as a two-dimensional distribution (intensity distribution). Based on this intensity distribution, the thickness and the like of the subcutaneous fat of the foot 121 can be measured.

In this case, the image sensor 134, for example, as a pixel filter 140, in addition to the UV filter 141 and the BG filter 142, as shown in the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. An IR filter 146 that transmits light) may be provided.

Also in this case, the arrangement pattern of each filter is arbitrary. For example, the UV filter 141, the BG filter 142, and the IR filter 146 may be mixed in the same area as in the arrangement pattern D in FIG. 6, or may be arranged in different pixel areas. .

Further, as in the example of E in FIG. 6, the pixel filter 140 may further include an R filter 143, a G filter 144, and a B filter 145. At this time, the UV filter 141 and the BG filter 142, the R filter 143, the G filter 144, the B filter 145, and the IR filter 146 may be arranged in different areas, or the filters may be arranged in the same area. You may make it mix in.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a diaphragm 152 and a diaphragm 153 may be provided in the vicinity of the near infrared LED 182. The diaphragm 152 and the diaphragm 153 have a structure that limits the irradiation angle (irradiation direction and irradiation range) of near-infrared light emitted from the near-infrared LED 182 and improves the straightness of the near-infrared light. Near-infrared light is emitted from between the diaphragm 152 and the diaphragm 153 toward the foot 121 in a state of higher straightness. This enables more accurate measurement of the propagation optical path length in a deeper layer and a wider range. Therefore, the thickness of subcutaneous fat or the like can be measured more accurately.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the light in the irradiation wavelength band is reflected and the light in the excitation wavelength band is transmitted to a part of the surface (lower surface in the figure) facing the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132. The filter 171 may be formed. This filter 171 suppresses the leakage of the irradiation light (light in the irradiation wavelength band) propagating through the light guide plate 132 from the surface facing the irradiation surface, and assists the emission from the irradiation surface. . However, the surface-reflected light that is reflected from the surface of the foot 121 also includes a component in the irradiation wavelength band. The filter 171 is formed only on a part of the surface facing the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 so that the surface reflected light toward the image sensor 134 can pass through the light guide plate 132.

The width (range) and position of the portion where the filter 171 is formed are arbitrary, but the light amount distribution of the surface reflected light that transmits the light guide plate 132 and the light amount of the irradiation light that propagates inside the light guide plate 132. You may make it set according to distribution. That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the width and position (distribution) of the portion where the filter 171 is formed may not be uniform over the entire area of the light guide plate 132 (depending on the position of the light guide plate 132). This width and position (distribution) may be changed).

Further, the arrangement pattern of each filter of the pixel filter 140 of the image sensor 134 may be set according to the distribution of the filter 171. For example, the pixel directly below the filter 171 may reduce the amount of light received in the irradiation wavelength band. In such a case, a large number of UV filters 141 that transmit light in the excitation wavelength band are arranged in the pixels where the filter 171 is formed, and a BG filter 142 that transmits light in the irradiation wavelength band is formed in the filter 171. A large number of pixels may be arranged in the non-exposed portion.

Note that the material of the filter 171 is arbitrary. In addition, the filter 171 may be formed by applying a predetermined material on a surface facing the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 or by processing a surface facing the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132. It may be formed by forming irregularities.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, between the light guide plate 132 and the image sensor 134, for example, light directed to the image sensor 134, such as surface reflected light or internal reflected light, is closely coupled to the pixels of the image sensor 134. A lens array 172 for imaging may be provided. By providing such a lens array 172, the image sensor 134 can acquire a two-dimensional distribution as a close-up image. In addition, the amount of light received at each pixel can be increased (sensitivity can be improved).

Note that the lens diameter and focal length of each lens of the lens array 172 may be designed according to the distance from the surface of the foot 121 to the image sensor 134. When the distance between the foot 121 and the image sensor 134 is not uniform as in the example of FIG. 7, the lens diameter and focal length of each lens of the lens array 172 may not be uniform.

<Internal configuration of body composition measuring instrument>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example inside the body composition measuring instrument 100. As shown in FIG. 8, the body composition measuring instrument 100 includes, for example, a control unit 211, a light emitting unit 212, a light receiving unit 213, an AGEs calculating unit 231, an image processing unit 232, a propagation optical path length calculating unit 233, an input unit 241, A processing unit such as an output unit 242, a storage unit 243, a communication unit 244, and a drive 245 is included. These processing units are connected to each other via a bus 210 and can exchange arbitrary information (for example, a program and data).

The control part 211 performs the process regarding control of each process part of the body composition measuring device 100. FIG. The light emitting unit 212 performs processing related to light emission. For example, the light emitting unit 212 includes the white LED 131, the white LED 181 and the near infrared LED 182 described above. The light emitting unit 212 (for example, the white LED 131, the white LED 181 and the near infrared LED 182) emits light controlled by the control unit 211, for example.

The light receiving unit 213 performs processing related to light reception. For example, the light receiving unit 213 includes the PD 133 and the image sensor 134 described above. The light receiving unit 213 includes an optical unit 221 made of an optical device such as a light guide plate 132, a filter 171, a lens array 172, and the like. The image sensor 134 receives light irradiated through the optical unit 221. The optical unit 221 can include any optical device, and is not limited to the above-described example.

The PD 133 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to detect light emitted from the white LED 131. For example, the PD 133 is controlled by the control unit 211 and supplies information related to the detection result of the light to the control unit 211 via the bus 210. The control unit 211 controls the light emission intensity of the light emitting unit 212 based on the information.

Further, the image sensor 134 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to receive surface reflection light and internal reflection light, and obtain measurement data as a two-dimensional distribution. The image sensor 134 supplies the measurement data of each pixel to the AGEs calculator 231 via the bus 210. Further, the image sensor 134 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to receive visible light and obtain the measurement data as a two-dimensional distribution (image data). For example, the image sensor 134 is controlled by the control unit 211 to supply measurement data (image data) of each pixel to the image processing unit 232 via the bus 210. Further, the image sensor 134 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to receive near infrared light and obtain the measurement data as a two-dimensional distribution. The image sensor 134 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and supplies measurement data of each pixel to the propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 via the bus 210.

The AGEs calculation unit 231 performs a process related to a calculation for obtaining a predetermined component value in the object such as an AGE value. The AGEs calculation unit 231 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and obtains information such as an AGE value using the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light measurement data acquired from the image sensor 134. The AGEs calculation unit 231 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to supply the obtained information (AGE value or the like) to the output unit 242 via the bus 210 and output it as an image, sound, or the like. Note that the AGEs calculation unit 231 may be controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that the obtained information (AGE value or the like) is supplied to and stored in the storage unit 243 via the bus 210. Further, the AGEs calculation unit 231 may be controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to supply the obtained information (AGE value or the like) to the communication unit 244 via the bus 210 and supply it to other devices. . Further, the AGEs calculation unit 231 may be controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that the obtained information (AGE value or the like) is supplied to the drive 245 via the bus 210 and stored in the removable medium 251.

The image processing unit 232 performs processing related to image processing. The image processing unit 232 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and performs predetermined image processing on the image data acquired from the image sensor 134 to generate image data of a normal captured image (for example, an image of the arch on the back of the foot 121). To do. The image processing unit 232 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to supply the generated image data of the normal captured image to the output unit 242 via the bus 210 and display it as an image or the like. Note that the image processing unit 232 may be controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that the generated image data of the normal captured image is supplied to the storage unit 243 via the bus 210 and stored therein. Further, the image processing unit 232 may be controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that the generated image data of the normal captured image is supplied to the communication unit 244 via the bus 210 and supplied to another device. . Further, the image processing unit 232 may be controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that the generated image data of the normal captured image is supplied to the drive 245 via the bus 210 and stored in the removable medium 251.

The propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 performs processing related to the calculation of the propagation optical path length. The propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and uses near-infrared light measurement data acquired from the image sensor 134, and uses the near-infrared light propagation optical path length and subcutaneous fat inside the foot 121. Find information such as thickness. The propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and supplies the obtained information (subcutaneous fat thickness or the like) to the output unit 242 via the bus 210 to output it as an image, sound, or the like. The propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that the obtained information (such as the thickness of subcutaneous fat) is supplied to the storage unit 243 via the bus 210 and stored therein. Good. Further, the propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to supply the obtained information (subcutaneous fat thickness and the like) to the communication unit 244 via the bus 210 to be supplied to other devices. You may do it. Further, the propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211 to supply the obtained information (subcutaneous fat thickness and the like) to the drive 245 via the bus 210 and store it in the removable medium 251. It may be.

The input unit 241 performs processing related to input of information (programs, data, etc.) and instructions. The input unit 241 includes an arbitrary input device such as a jog dial (trademark), a key, a button, or a touch panel. The input unit 241 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 211, receives an operation input of the input device by a user or the like, and supplies a signal (user instruction) corresponding to the operation input to another processing unit. In addition, the input unit 241 has, for example, an external input terminal, receives information supplied from the outside of the body composition measuring instrument 100 (such as another device connected via the external input terminal), and the information is You may enable it to supply to another process part via the bus | bath 210. FIG. Note that the input unit 241 may include an input device such as a camera or a microphone so that a user's gesture or voice may be received as a user instruction.

The output unit 242 performs processing related to output of information (programs, data, etc.). For example, the output unit 242 includes a monitor that displays an image. The output unit 242 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and displays an arbitrary image on the monitor. For example, the output unit 242 may display information supplied from another processing unit on the monitor as image information including characters and images. Further, the output unit 242 may include a speaker that outputs sound, and may be controlled by the control unit 211 so that arbitrary sound can be output from the speaker. For example, the output unit 242 may convert information supplied from another processing unit into sound and output the sound from a speaker. In addition, for example, the output unit 242 has an external output terminal, and is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, so that arbitrary information (program, data, etc.) is external to the body composition measuring instrument 100 (via the external output terminal). It may be possible to supply to other connected devices. For example, the output unit 242 may supply information acquired from another processing unit to the outside of the body composition measuring instrument 100.

The storage unit 243 performs processing related to information storage. The storage unit 243 includes an arbitrary storage medium such as a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a hard disk. The storage unit 243 stores arbitrary information (programs, data, and the like) acquired from other processing units in the storage medium. In addition, the storage unit 243 reads information stored in the storage medium and supplies it to an arbitrary processing unit via the bus 210.

The communication unit 244 performs processing related to communication. The communication unit 244 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), infrared communication, HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or USB ( It has a communication interface of any standard such as Universal (Serial Bus). The communication unit 244 is controlled by the control unit 211, for example, and communicates with another device via the communication interface, and can exchange arbitrary information with the other device. For example, the communication unit 244 supplies arbitrary information acquired from another processing unit to another device, acquires arbitrary information from another device, and supplies it to another processing unit. May be.

The drive 245 performs processing related to the removable media 251 attached to the drive 245. The removable medium 251 is a medium that can be attached to and detached from the drive 245, for example, an arbitrary storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. The drive 245 drives a removable medium 251 attached to the drive 245 and reads / writes information from / to the removable medium 251. For example, the drive 245 drives the removable medium 251 attached to the drive 245 as necessary, reads arbitrary information (program, data, etc.) written in the removable medium 251 and supplies it to other processing units. You may make it do. Further, the drive 245 may write arbitrary information supplied from another processing unit to the removable medium 251.

<Optical measurement for component value measurement>
Next, the state of measurement of light irradiation and reflected light will be described. First, the state of light irradiation and measurement of reflected light and the like for measuring a predetermined component value in an object will be described.

The white LED 131 emits white light including a component in the irradiation wavelength band. The white light propagates while being diffused in the light guide plate 132 as indicated by a dotted arrow shown in FIG. Part of the white light reaches the PD 133 and is detected. Some white light is emitted from the irradiation surface. For example, light in the irradiation wavelength band reflected by the filter 171A is emitted from the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 and irradiated on the foot 121 as indicated by arrows 261-1, 261-2, and 261-3.

As shown in FIG. 10, a part of the light irradiated on the foot 121 is reflected on the surface of the foot 121 without being substantially shifted in wavelength. In the case of FIG. 10, the light in the irradiation wavelength band reflected by the filter 171B reaches the foot 121 as indicated by arrows 261-4 and 261-5, and a part of the surface thereof is dotted arrows 262-1 and dotted arrows. Reflects like 262-2 (surface reflected light).

For example, the surface reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 262-1 passes through the light guide plate 132 and the lens array 172 and reaches the image sensor 134. Since the surface reflected light is not substantially shifted in wavelength, it includes a component in the irradiation wavelength band. Accordingly, the image sensor 134 receives this surface reflected light in, for example, a pixel in which the UV filter 141 is disposed. The surface reflected light in the irradiation wavelength band indicated by the dotted arrow 262-2 reaches the filter 171C but is reflected without being transmitted.

Further, a part of the light irradiated to the foot 121 penetrates into the inside of the foot 121 as shown in FIG. In the case of FIG. 11, the light in the irradiation wavelength band reflected by the filter 171D reaches the foot 121 as indicated by arrows 261-6 and 261-7 and penetrates into the inside (curves 263-1 and 263-). 2).

The light that has penetrated into the inside of the foot 121 is wavelength-shifted from the irradiation wavelength band to the excitation wavelength band by an optical reaction with an arbitrary substance inside the foot 121, and from the surface (the back of the foot 121) as shown in FIG. It is emitted (internally reflected light). For example, light that has penetrated into the foot 121 as indicated by a curve 263-3 is reflected as internally reflected light after wavelength shift, as indicated by a dotted arrow 264-1, a dotted arrow 264-2, and a dotted arrow 264-3. The light is emitted from the surface 121.

The internally reflected light indicated by the dotted line arrows 264-1 to 264-3 passes through the light guide plate 132 and the lens array 172 and reaches the image sensor 134. Since this internally reflected light is shifted in wavelength to the excitation wavelength band, the internally reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 264-1 also passes through the filter 171E. Further, the internally reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 264-1 to the dotted arrow 264-3 is imaged close to the image sensor 134 by the lenses 172B of the lens array 172. The image sensor 134 receives the internally reflected light in, for example, a pixel in which the BG filter 142 is disposed.

Similarly, the light that has penetrated into the foot 121 indicated by the curve 263-4 is reflected as the internally reflected light after the wavelength shift, as indicated by a dotted arrow 264-4, a dotted arrow 264-5, and a dotted arrow 264-6. The light is emitted from the surface 121. The internally reflected light indicated by these dotted line arrows 264-4 to 264-6 passes through the light guide plate 132 and the lens array 172 and reaches the image sensor 134. Since this internally reflected light is wavelength-shifted to the excitation wavelength band, the internally reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 264-5 passes through the filter 171F, and the internally reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 264-6 passes through the filter 171G. To Penetrate. Further, the internally reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 264-4 to dotted arrow 264-6 is imaged close to the image sensor 134 by the lenses 172C of the lens array 172. The image sensor 134 receives the internally reflected light in, for example, a pixel in which the BG filter 142 is disposed.

As described above, by using the light guide plate 132, the white light emitted from the white LED 131 that is the light emitting unit is approximately spread over a wide area of the foot 121 without depending on the distance between the white LED 131 and the foot 121. Uniform irradiation is possible. Therefore, a reduction in the height of the measuring unit 112 can be realized. Thereby, the housing | casing of the body composition measuring device 100 can be reduced more easily. In other words, various functions can be mounted without increasing the body composition measuring instrument 100 casing.

In addition, the body composition measuring instrument 100 easily expands the photometric range by receiving the reflected light of the irradiated light whose irradiation range is expanded by using the light guide plate 132 as described above by the multi-pixel image sensor 134. Not only can this be performed, but more accurate measurement can be performed within the expanded photometric range. The body composition measuring instrument 100 can measure the surface reflected light and the internally reflected light in the expanded photometric range as a two-dimensional distribution.

<Flow of AGE value measurement process>
Next, an example of the flow of the AGE value measurement process executed by the body composition measuring instrument 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the AGE value measurement process is started, the white LED 131 emits light and emits white light in step S101. In step S102, the image sensor 134 receives surface reflection light and internal reflection light, and obtains measurement data thereof.

In step S103, the AGEs calculator 231 calculates the AGE value using the measurement data of the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light obtained in step S102. For example, the AGEs calculator 231 calculates the AGE value by integrating and averaging the distribution of component values obtained as a two-dimensional distribution.

In step S104, the output unit 242 outputs information about the AGE value as an image, sound, or the like (for example, displays an image on a monitor and outputs sound from a speaker). When the process of step S104 ends, the AGE value measurement process ends.

By executing the processing in this way, the body composition measuring instrument 100 can measure component values such as AGEs as a two-dimensional distribution. Therefore, the body composition measuring instrument 100 can integrate and average the distribution of the component values, and reduce the component value error caused by the distribution unevenness. That is, the component value of the object can be measured more accurately. Further, more various information can be output using the two-dimensional distribution of measured component values. For example, a distribution map of AGEs can be displayed as an image.

<Imaging an object>
Next, an example of how an object is imaged will be described.

The white LED 181 emits white light including a component in the irradiation wavelength band. This white light reaches the foot 121 without passing through the light guide plate 132 as indicated by an arrow 265 shown in FIG. 14, for example, and is reflected on the surface thereof. The reflected light passes through the light guide plate 132, passes through the filter 171 and the lens array 172, and reaches the image sensor 134 as indicated by arrows 266-1, 266-2, and 266-3, for example. Note that the reflected light indicated by the arrow 266-1 reaches the filter 171H. However, since the reflected light is white light, it includes wavelength components other than the irradiation wavelength band. Therefore, components other than the irradiation wavelength band can pass through the filter 171H.

Further, the reflected light indicated by the dotted arrow 266-1 to the dotted arrow 266-3 is imaged close to the image sensor 134 by the lenses 172D of the lens array 172. The image sensor 134 receives the reflected light in a pixel or the like in which a filter for visible light such as an R filter 143, a G filter 144, and a B filter 145 is disposed.

<Flow of imaging processing>
Next, an example of the flow of imaging processing executed by the body composition measuring instrument 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the imaging process is started, the white LED 181 emits light and emits white light in step S121. In step S122, the image sensor 134 receives the white light reflected from the surface of the foot 121 and photoelectrically converts it to obtain pixel value data (image data). That is, the image sensor 134 images the subject (foot 121) and obtains data of the captured image.

In step S123, the image processing unit 232 performs predetermined image processing on the image data obtained in step S122 to obtain a normal captured image. In step S124, the output unit 242 displays (outputs) the captured image on the monitor. When the process of step S124 ends, the AGE value measurement process ends.

As described above, the body composition measuring instrument 100 can not only measure the component value of an object but also image the object to obtain a captured image.

<Measurement of propagation path length>
Next, an example of how the propagation optical path length is measured will be described. The near infrared LED 182 emits near infrared light. This near-infrared light is irradiated toward the foot 121 without passing through the light guide plate 132 from between the diaphragm 152 and the diaphragm 153 as indicated by an arrow 267 shown in FIG. Near-infrared light penetrates into the inside of the foot 121 and is emitted as reflected light from the surface of the foot 121 as indicated by arrows 268-1, 268-2, and 268-3.

For example, near-infrared light that has penetrated as indicated by an arrow 268-1 is emitted from the surface of the foot 121 as indicated by arrows 269-1, 269-2, and 269-3, for example. The reflected light indicated by the arrows 269-1, 269-2, and 269-3 passes through the light guide plate 132, passes through the filter 171 and the lens array 172, and reaches the image sensor 134. Note that the reflected light indicated by the arrow 269-1 reaches the filter 171J. Since this reflected light is near-infrared light, it can pass through the filter 171J. Further, the reflected light indicated by the arrows 269-1 to 269-3 is imaged close to the image sensor 134 by the lenses 172E of the lens array 172. For example, the image sensor 134 receives the reflected light in a pixel or the like in which the IR filter 146 is disposed.

Also, for example, near infrared light that has penetrated as indicated by an arrow 268-2 is emitted from the surface of the foot 121 as indicated by arrows 269-4, 269-5, and 269-6, for example. The reflected light indicated by the arrows 269-4, 269-5, 269-6 passes through the light guide plate 132, passes through the filter 171 and the lens array 172, and reaches the image sensor 134. The reflected light indicated by the arrow 269-5 reaches the filter 171K, but since this reflected light is near infrared light, it can pass through the filter 171K. The reflected light indicated by the arrow 269-6 reaches the filter 171L. Since the reflected light is near-infrared light, it can pass through the filter 171L. Further, the reflected light indicated by the arrows 269-4 to 269-6 is imaged close to the image sensor 134 by the lenses 172F of the lens array 172. For example, the image sensor 134 receives the reflected light in a pixel or the like in which the IR filter 146 is disposed.

Further, for example, near infrared light that has penetrated as indicated by an arrow 268-3 is emitted from the surface of the foot 121 as indicated by an arrow 269-7, an arrow 269-8, and an arrow 269-9, for example. The reflected light indicated by the arrows 269-7, 269-8, and 269-9 passes through the light guide plate 132, passes through the filter 171 and the lens array 172, and reaches the image sensor 134. Note that the reflected light indicated by the arrow 269-8 reaches the filter 171M. Since this reflected light is near-infrared light, it can pass through the filter 171M. The reflected light indicated by the arrow 269-9 reaches the filter 171N, but since this reflected light is near-infrared light, it can pass through the filter 171N. Further, the reflected light indicated by the arrows 269-7 to 269-9 is imaged close to the image sensor 134 by the lenses 172 G of the lens array 172. For example, the image sensor 134 receives the reflected light in a pixel or the like in which the IR filter 146 is disposed.

<Flow of propagation optical path length measurement process>
Next, an example of the flow of the propagation optical path length measurement process executed by the body composition measuring instrument 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the propagation optical path length measurement process is started, the near infrared LED 182 emits light and irradiates near infrared light in step S141. In step S142, the image sensor 134 receives the reflected light of the near-infrared light from the foot 121 and obtains measurement data (intensity distribution).

In step S143, the propagation optical path length computing unit 233 calculates the propagation optical path length using the near-infrared light measurement data obtained in step S142. Further, the propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 measures, for example, the thickness of subcutaneous fat using the calculated propagation optical path length. In step S144, the output unit 242 outputs the information generated by the propagation optical path length calculation unit 233 such as the propagation optical path length and the thickness of subcutaneous fat as an image, sound, or the like (for example, the image is displayed on the monitor and the sound is displayed). Is output from the speaker). When the process of step S144 ends, the propagation optical path length measurement process ends.

As described above, the body composition measuring instrument 100 not only measures the component value of the object, but also measures the propagation optical path length inside the object using near infrared light, and determines the thickness of the subcutaneous fat of the object, etc. be able to.

<White LED, PD and light guide plate>
In addition, although the case where the shape of the light-guide plate 132 was a rectangular plate shape was demonstrated above, the shape of the light-guide plate 132 is arbitrary and is not limited to this example. For example, the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 or the surface facing the light irradiation plate 132 may be a curved surface. For example, the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 may be formed in a convex shape. For example, the light guide plate 132 may have a shape that fills the gap 161 described above (the foot 121 and the light guide plate 132 are in contact).

Further, the irradiation surface of the light guide plate 132 and the shape of the opposing surface are arbitrary and may not be rectangular. For example, it may be a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a pentagon or more polygon, or a shape other than these. Further, the irradiation surface and the surface facing the irradiation surface do not have to have the same shape, and the sizes thereof may not match. In other words, the number, shape, size, etc. of the side surfaces of the light guide plate 132 are also arbitrary.

Further, the positions of the white LED 131 and the PD 133 with respect to the light guide plate 132 are arbitrary, and are not limited to the example of B in FIG. For example, the white LED 131 and the PD 133 may be formed on a plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, the white LED 131 and the PD 133 may be formed on each of the four side surfaces of the light guide plate 132. In the case of FIG. 18A, the white LED 131 is formed on the upper and left side surfaces of the light guide plate 132 in the drawing, and the PD 133 is formed on the right side and lower side surfaces of the light guide plate 132 in the drawing. ing.

Also, the numbers of white LEDs 131 and PDs 133 do not have to match each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 18B, the white LED 131 may be formed on the three side surfaces with respect to the four side surfaces of the light guide plate 132, and the PD 133 may be formed on the remaining one side surface. In the case of B of FIG. 18, the white LED 131 is formed on the upper side, the left side, and the lower side of the light guide plate 132 in the drawing, and the PD 133 is formed on the right side of the light guide plate 132 in the drawing. Yes.

Further, the white LED 131 and the PD 133 may be mixed on one side surface of the light guide plate 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 18C, white LEDs 131 and PD 133 may be alternately arranged. Even in such a case, by arranging the white LED 131 and the PD 133 to face each other with the light guide plate 132 interposed therebetween, the PD 133 is more reliably detected from the white LED 131 that is emitted from the white LED 131 and propagates inside the light guide plate 132. The amount of light can be measured more accurately.

That is, as shown in FIG. 18A to FIG. 18C, a plurality of white LEDs 131 are arranged so as to emit irradiation light toward a plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate 132, and a single or a plurality of PDs 133 are light guide plates. The white LED 131 may be disposed at a position facing part or all of the white LED 131 with the 132 interposed therebetween.

Further, when the shape of the light guide plate 132 is circular, the white LED 131 and the PD 133 may be disposed so as to surround the side surfaces thereof as shown in FIG. Also in this case, by arranging the white LED 131 and the PD 133 so as to face each other with the light guide plate 132 interposed therebetween, the PD 133 can detect the white light emitted from the white LED 131 and propagating through the light guide plate 132 more reliably. The amount of light can be measured more accurately.

<Reflective film>
As shown in FIG. 19, a reflective film 271 may be provided instead of the filter 171 described above. This reflective film 271 reflects at least light in both the irradiation wavelength band and the excitation wavelength band. By providing such a reflective film 271 on a part of the surface of the light guide plate 132 that faces the irradiation surface, it is possible to suppress leakage of white light propagating through the light guide plate 132 from this surface. The reflection film 271 also reflects light in the excitation wavelength band. However, as in the case of light in the irradiation wavelength band, the light in the excitation wavelength band can be transmitted through a portion where the reflection film 271 is not formed. Good. That is, the width (range) and position of the portion where the reflective film 271 is formed may be designed so that light of each wavelength reaches the image sensor 134 sufficiently. As in the case of the filter 171, the width and position (distribution) of the portion where the reflective film 271 is formed may not be uniform over the entire area of the light guide plate 132 (this width and position may vary depending on the position of the light guide plate 132. The position (distribution) may be changed).

Further, the arrangement pattern of each filter of the pixel filter 140 of the image sensor 134 may be set according to the distribution of the reflective film 271. For example, the amount of light received may be reduced in the pixels immediately below the reflective film 271. For this reason, the pixel in the portion where the reflective film 271 is formed may not receive light. Further, such variation in the amount of received light may be corrected by subsequent processing. For example, in a case where light is not received by a pixel in a portion where the reflective film 271 is formed, the pixel value of the pixel may be interpolated using surrounding pixel values.

<Filter>
Further, instead of providing a filter in the image sensor 134, a filter may be provided between the light guide plate 132 and the image sensor 134. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, a filter 272 may be provided between the lens array 172 and the image sensor 134 instead of the pixel filter 140.

As with the pixel filter 140, the filter 272 includes at least a filter that transmits light in the irradiation wavelength band (near ultraviolet wavelength band) and a filter that transmits light in the excitation wavelength band (blue-green wavelength band). Of course, like the pixel filter 140, the filter 272 is a filter that transmits light in the red wavelength band, a filter that transmits light in the green wavelength band, a filter that transmits light in the blue wavelength band, and light in the near infrared wavelength band. Needless to say, a filter or the like that transmits the light may be provided. Moreover, the arrangement pattern of each filter is arbitrary.

Note that the image sensor 134 has a vertical spectral structure so that each pixel can receive light of a plurality of wavelength bands in a distinguishable manner (the light of each wavelength band is a different light (component)). Good. Further, the image sensor 134 may be configured by a plurality of PDs arranged in a two-dimensional shape (for example, an array shape).

In the above description, one image sensor 134 that receives reflected light is provided. However, the number of image sensors 134 is arbitrary. For example, the image sensor 134 may be provided for each wavelength band of received light. For example, the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light may be received by different image sensors.

It should be noted that the body composition measuring instrument 100 may have functions and configurations other than those described above and can measure any parameter other than those described above.

In the above description, the AGE value on the sole of the user's foot is measured. However, the part where the measurement is performed is arbitrary, and is not limited to the above-described sole of the foot. For example, it may be the user's foot (instep, finger, shin, calf, thigh, etc.) or the user's arm (shoulder, elbow, palm, finger, etc.) The body of the person (chest, abdomen, lower abdomen, buttocks, buttocks, etc.) or the user's head (frontal head, back of head, top of head, face, jaw, ears, neck, etc.) Also good. Of course, other parts may be used.

Furthermore, the present technology can be applied not only to the body composition measuring instrument described above but also to any device. For example, the present invention can be applied to any optical measurement device, electronic device, imaging device, information processing device, and the like. That is, an apparatus to which the present technology is applied does not have to measure body weight, body fat percentage, and the like. Further, the object to be measured is arbitrary, and may not be a human body, for example. For example, it may be an animal such as a dog or cat, a plant, or an inorganic substance. Furthermore, the parameter to be measured is also arbitrary and is not limited to AGEs.

<Software>
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

This recording medium is constituted by, for example, a removable medium 251 on which a program is recorded, which is distributed to distribute the program to the user, separately from the apparatus main body. The removable medium 251 includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) and an optical disk (including a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). Further, magneto-optical disks (including MD (Mini-Disc)) and semiconductor memories are also included. In this case, for example, by installing the removable medium 251 in the drive 245, the program stored in the removable medium 251 can be read and installed in the storage unit 243 or the like.

This program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting. For example, the program can be received by the communication unit 244 and installed in the storage unit 243.

In addition, this program can be installed in advance in a ROM or the like built in the storage unit 243 or the control unit 211.

The program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in time series in the order described in this specification, or in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. It may be a program for processing.

Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

Further, the processing of each step described above can be executed in each device described above or any device other than each device described above. In that case, the device that executes the process may have the functions (functional blocks and the like) necessary for executing the process described above. Information necessary for processing may be transmitted to the apparatus as appropriate.

<Others>
In this specification, the system means a set of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Accordingly, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing are all systems. .

Also, in the above, the configuration described as one device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (or processing units). Conversely, the configurations described above as a plurality of devices (or processing units) may be combined into a single device (or processing unit). Of course, a configuration other than that described above may be added to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit). Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the entire system are substantially the same, a part of the configuration of a certain device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit). .

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the present technology can take a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and is jointly processed.

Further, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device or can be shared by a plurality of devices.

Further, when a plurality of processes are included in one step, the plurality of processes included in the one step can be executed by being shared by a plurality of apparatuses in addition to being executed by one apparatus.

Note that the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. For example, the present invention is not limited to the device or system on which the measurement unit 112 is mounted, or the manufacturing apparatus or manufacturing method thereof, but any configuration on which the measurement unit 112 is mounted, for example, as a system LSI (Large Scale Scale Integration) The present invention can also be implemented as a processor, a module using a plurality of processors, a unit using a plurality of modules, a set obtained by further adding other functions to the unit, or a manufacturing apparatus or a manufacturing method for manufacturing those configurations.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) A light emitting unit that emits irradiation light including a predetermined irradiation wavelength band, which irradiates an object;
A light guide plate that receives the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit at a side surface and diffuses the light inside, and irradiates a predetermined range of the surface of the object from the irradiation surface having a larger area than the side surface substantially uniformly;
The irradiated light irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate is reflected on the surface of the object without being substantially shifted in wavelength, and is irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate. An optical measurement comprising: a light receiving unit that receives the internally reflected light, which is reflected by shifting the irradiation light from the irradiation wavelength band to a predetermined excitation wavelength band in the object, by a plurality of pixels; apparatus.
(2) The irradiation wavelength band is a near ultraviolet wavelength band,
The optical measurement device according to (1), wherein the light emitting unit emits light in the near ultraviolet wavelength band or white light as the irradiation light.
(3) The optical measurement device according to (1) or (2), wherein the light guide plate includes a plurality of the side surfaces.
(4) The optical measurement device according to (3), wherein the plurality of light emitting units are arranged to emit the irradiation light toward the plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate.
(5) The optical measurement device according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a measurement unit that measures a light amount of the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit.
(6) The optical measurement device according to (5), wherein the detection unit is disposed at a position facing the light emitting unit with the light guide plate interposed therebetween.
(7) The plurality of light emitting units are arranged to emit the irradiation light toward the plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate,
The optical measurement device according to (6), wherein the one or more detection units are arranged at positions facing part or all of the light emitting units with the light guide plate interposed therebetween.
(8) The optical measurement device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the light receiving unit includes an image sensor that photoelectrically converts received light.
(9) The light receiving unit includes a pixel including a first filter that transmits light in the irradiation wavelength band, and a pixel including a second filter that transmits light in the excitation wavelength band. The optical measurement device according to any one of (8) to (8).
(10) The light guide plate may further include a filter that reflects light in the irradiation wavelength band and transmits light in the excitation wavelength band on a part of a surface facing the irradiation surface of the light guide plate. The optical measuring device according to any one of the above.
(11) The lens array may further include a lens array that is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and forms an image of the surface reflected light and the internal reflected light in proximity to the pixels of the light receiving unit. The optical measuring device according to any one of the above.
(12) The optical measurement device according to (11), wherein each lens of the lens array has a lens diameter and a focal length corresponding to a distance from the surface of the object to the light receiving unit.
(13) Any one of (1) to (12) further including a calculation unit that obtains a predetermined component value in the object using measurement data of the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light obtained in the light receiving unit. The optical measuring device described in 1.
(14) The optical measurement device according to any one of (1) to (13), further including an alignment unit that positions the object at a predetermined distance from the irradiation surface of the light guide plate.
(15) another light emitting unit that emits white light toward a gap between the object formed by the alignment unit and the light guide plate;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on measurement data obtained in the light receiving unit,
The light receiving unit further receives reflected light of the white light emitted from the other light emitting unit reflected by the surface of the object,
The optical measurement device according to (14), wherein the image processing unit generates a normal captured image by performing image processing on the measurement data of the reflected light obtained in the light receiving unit.
(16) another light emitting unit that emits near infrared light toward a gap between the object and the light guide plate formed by the alignment unit;
A calculation unit for obtaining a propagation optical path length in the object based on data of light received by the light receiving unit;
The light-receiving unit further receives near-infrared reflected light that the near-infrared light emitted by the other light-emitting unit is reflected by the object,
The optical measurement device according to (14) or (15), wherein the calculation unit obtains the propagation optical path length using data of the near-infrared reflected light received by the light receiving unit.
(17) The optical measurement device according to (16), further including a diaphragm that restricts an irradiation direction of the near-infrared light emitted by the other light emitting unit.
(18) The optical measurement device according to any one of (1) to (17), further including a reflection film that reflects light on a part of a surface of the light guide plate that faces the irradiation surface.
(19) a first filter that is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and transmits light in a near-ultraviolet wavelength band;
The optical measurement device according to any one of (1) to (18), further including: a second filter that is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and transmits light in the excitation wavelength band.
(20) emitting irradiation light including a predetermined irradiation wavelength band to irradiate an object;
The irradiation light is received by the side surface, diffused inside, and irradiated to the surface of the object through a light guide plate that irradiates a predetermined range of the surface of the object substantially uniformly from the irradiation surface having a larger area than the side surface. The surface reflected light reflected by the surface of the object without substantially wavelength shift and the irradiation light irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate are inside the object within the irradiation wavelength band. An optical measurement method in which internally reflected light that has been reflected by shifting to a predetermined excitation wavelength band is received by a plurality of pixels and the amount of received light is measured.

100 body composition measuring instrument, 111 electrode, 112 measuring unit, 113 display unit, 114 display unit, 121 feet, 131 white LED, 132 light guide plate, 133 PD, 134 image sensor, 140 pixel filter, 141 UV filter, 142 BG filter , 143 R filter, 144 G filter, 145 B filter, 146 IR filter, 151 alignment unit, 152 aperture, 153 aperture, 161 gap, 171 filter, 172 lens array, 181 white LED, 182 near infrared LED, 210 bus , 211 control unit, 212 light emitting unit, 213 light receiving unit, 221 optical unit, 231 AGEs computing unit, 232 image processing unit, 233 propagation optical path length computing unit, 241 input unit, 42 output unit, 243 storage unit, 244 communication unit, 245 drive, 251 a removable media, 271 reflective film, 272 filter

Claims

A light emitting unit for emitting irradiation light including a predetermined irradiation wavelength band, which irradiates an object;
A light guide plate that receives the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit at a side surface and diffuses the light inside, and irradiates a predetermined range of the surface of the object from the irradiation surface having a larger area than the side surface substantially uniformly;
The irradiated light irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate is reflected on the surface of the object without being substantially shifted in wavelength, and is irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate. An optical measurement comprising: a light receiving unit that receives the internally reflected light, which is reflected by shifting the irradiation light from the irradiation wavelength band to a predetermined excitation wavelength band in the object, by a plurality of pixels; apparatus.
The irradiation wavelength band is a near ultraviolet wavelength band,
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit emits light in the near ultraviolet wavelength band or white light as the irradiation light.
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the light guide plate includes a plurality of the side surfaces.
The optical measurement device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the light emitting units are arranged to emit the irradiation light toward the plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate.
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a measurement unit that measures the amount of the irradiation light emitted from the light emitting unit.
The optical measurement device according to claim 5, wherein the detection unit is disposed at a position facing the light emitting unit with the light guide plate interposed therebetween.
A plurality of the light emitting portions are arranged to emit the irradiation light toward the plurality of side surfaces of the light guide plate;
The optical measurement device according to claim 6, wherein the single or a plurality of the detection units are disposed at positions facing part or all of the light emitting units with the light guide plate interposed therebetween.
The optical measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving unit includes an image sensor that photoelectrically converts received light.
The said light-receiving part has a pixel provided with the 1st filter which permeate | transmits the light of the said irradiation wavelength band, and a pixel provided with the 2nd filter which permeate | transmits the light of the said excitation wavelength band. Optical measuring device.
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a filter that reflects light in the irradiation wavelength band and transmits light in the excitation wavelength band on a part of the surface of the light guide plate that faces the irradiation surface.
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a lens array that is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and forms an image of the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light in proximity to a pixel of the light reception unit.
The optical measurement device according to claim 11, wherein each lens of the lens array has a lens diameter and a focal length corresponding to a distance from the surface of the object to the light receiving unit.
The optical measurement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation unit that obtains a predetermined component value in the object using measurement data of the surface reflection light and the internal reflection light obtained in the light receiving unit.
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment unit configured to position the object at a predetermined distance from the irradiation surface of the light guide plate.
Another light emitting unit that emits white light toward a gap between the object formed by the alignment unit and the light guide plate;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on measurement data obtained in the light receiving unit,
The light receiving unit further receives reflected light of the white light emitted from the other light emitting unit reflected by the surface of the object,
The optical measurement device according to claim 14, wherein the image processing unit generates a normal captured image by performing image processing on the measurement data of the reflected light obtained in the light receiving unit.
Another light emitting unit that emits near infrared light toward a gap between the object and the light guide plate formed by the alignment unit;
A calculation unit for obtaining a propagation optical path length in the object based on data of light received by the light receiving unit;
The light-receiving unit further receives near-infrared reflected light that the near-infrared light emitted by the other light-emitting unit is reflected by the object,
The optical measurement device according to claim 14, wherein the calculation unit obtains the propagation optical path length using data of the near-infrared reflected light received by the light receiving unit.
The optical measurement device according to claim 16, further comprising a diaphragm that restricts an irradiation direction of the near infrared light emitted from the other light emitting unit.
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflective film that reflects light on a part of a surface of the light guide plate that faces the irradiation surface.
A first filter disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and transmitting light in a near ultraviolet wavelength band;
The optical measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second filter that is disposed between the light guide plate and the light receiving unit and transmits light in the excitation wavelength band.
Emits irradiation light that irradiates an object and includes a predetermined irradiation wavelength band,
The irradiation light is received by the side surface, diffused inside, and irradiated to the surface of the object through a light guide plate that irradiates a predetermined range of the surface of the object substantially uniformly from the irradiation surface having a larger area than the side surface. The surface reflected light reflected by the surface of the object without substantially wavelength shift and the irradiation light irradiated on the surface of the object through the light guide plate are inside the object within the irradiation wavelength band. An optical measurement method in which internally reflected light that has been reflected by shifting to a predetermined excitation wavelength band is received by a plurality of pixels and the amount of received light is measured.