Exhaled air component measuring device and exhaled air component detecting method using the same

Abstract

To provide a new exhaled air component measuring device that prevents foreign matter such as saliva from entering through an inlet, shortens a time required for measurement when a plurality of subjects are measured consecutively, and enables more accurate measurement by eliminating the remaining exhaled air of a previous person.SOLUTION: An exhaled air component measuring device includes: a sensor tube 4 having an exhaled air inlet end 40 and an exhaled air outlet end 41; a blowing section 3 on the exhaled air inlet end 40 side; an exhaled air sensor 5 for detecting the blowing of exhaled air 100; an exhaled air component detecting section 6 provided in the middle of the sensor tube 4; and a measurement microcomputer 7 for controlling the exhaled air component detecting section 6 and receiving detection data therefrom. The exhaled air component detecting section 6 has an exhaled air component sensor 60 and an air supply pump 61 arranged in series on the sensor tube 4. The measurement microcomputer 7 is configured to, when the exhaled air sensor 5 detects the exhaled air 100, drive the air supply pump 61 to guide the exhaled air 100 to the exhaled air component sensor 60 and receive exhaled air component data output by the exhaled air component sensor 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring alcohol, oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, odor, and other components contained in exhaled breath, or the temperature of the exhaled breath, body temperature, etc., and in particular to an exhaled breath component measuring apparatus capable of measuring the alcohol concentration in exhaled breath, and an exhaled breath component detection method using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] 4(A) and 4(B), the conventional exhaled breath component measuring device 400 includes an exhaled breath conduit 2 that traverses the main body of the device, a straw 30 that is detachably connected to the exhaled breath conduit 2, an exhaled breath component sensor 6 connected to a midpoint of the exhaled breath conduit 2, an exhaled breath component detecting unit 401 that includes a suction pump 402 that combines a balloon 403 with a solenoid 404, and an air pressure sensor 405 that serves as an exhaled breath sensor connected to a midpoint of the exhaled breath conduit 2. When the air pressure sensor 405 detects the blowing of exhaled breath 100, the conventional exhaled breath component measuring device 400 activates the solenoid 404, inflating the balloon 403 to fill the exhaled breath component sensor 6 with the exhaled breath 100, and measuring the exhaled breath components.

[0003] The conventional breath component measuring device 400 may encounter problems due to the ingress of foreign matter such as saliva through the straw 30. The conventional breath component measuring device 400 employs the air pressure sensor 405 as the breath sensor, but is unable to distinguish between breath and air, and is therefore unable to prevent fraudulent activities using pumps, balloons, etc. If the breath sensor 405 is an active type, a dedicated pump for the breath sensor 405 is required, resulting in an increase in the number of parts. In the conventional breath component measuring device 400, if the breath sensor 405 is positioned upstream of the breath 100 relative to the breath component detection unit 401, it is impossible to determine the timing for sending the breath 100 to the breath component detection unit 401.

[0004] When multiple subjects are to be measured consecutively in the conventional exhaled breath component measuring device 400, it is necessary to operate the solenoid 404 multiple times to exhaust the exhaled breath 100 of the previous subject from the exhaled breath component sensor 6 before the next subject starts measurement, which takes time before the next subject can be measured. Furthermore, when the exhaled breath 100 of the previous subject is exhausted, it is exhausted in the opposite direction to the inhaled breath through the same conduit, so that the exhaled breath 100 may remain in the exhaled breath component sensor 6, which may interfere with accurate measurement of the next subject. In the conventional breath component measuring device 400, if the breath sensor 405 is capable of distinguishing between the breath 100 and the atmosphere, then, like the breath component sensor 6, when the breath 100 of the previous subject remains in the sensor, it is necessary to wait for the solenoid 404 to operate multiple times until the breath 100 of the previous subject is no longer detected, resulting in a time loss before the test for the subsequent subject can begin.

[0005] Conventional breath component measurement devices include, for example, the paper breathalyzer mouthpiece or paper straw for an ampoule, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Utility Model Registration No. 3233606). The paper mouthpiece and straw are made of paper and have a small outer diameter of approximately 4 mm, yet can be used without any problems. The paper tape that makes up the mouthpiece and straw is 11 mm or less wide. By setting the width to such a narrow width, when manufacturing a paper pipe by wrapping it around a core rod, the paper tape can be applied with appropriate tension without bending or deforming, even if the core rod is thin. Therefore, even paper mouthpieces and straws with an outer diameter of approximately 4 mm can be easily manufactured with high precision. Compared to plastic mouthpieces and straws, they feel comfortable on the lips and are easy to use, and can be disposed of as general paper waste after use.

[0006] In addition, Patent Document 2 (JP 2009-52952 A) discloses a system in which breath blown through a breath inlet is temporarily trapped in a breath chamber, while air introduced through a breath inlet is trapped in an air chamber. The alcohol contained in the air trapped in the air chamber is detected by an alcohol sensor. The breath in the breath chamber and the air in the air chamber then mix together within a closed region including the breath chamber and the air chamber, forming a mixture, while being prevented from leaking out of the closed region. This alcohol detector then detects the alcohol contained in the mixture trapped within the closed region using the alcohol sensor. Then, by analyzing the results of two alcohol detections performed by the alcohol sensor, it is determined whether the alcohol-intoxicated subject is in a drinking state. This reduces the inconvenience of time constraints. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3233606 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-52952 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the paper breathalyzer mouthpiece or paper ampoule straw of Patent Document 1 cannot overcome the drawback that foreign matter such as saliva is blown into the breath component measuring device along with the exhaled breath.

[0009] The breathalyzer of Patent Document 2 has a plurality of propellers, a plurality of shutters, and a microcomputer that controls them in a timely manner, resulting in a complex structure.

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a novel exhaled breath component measuring device that can prevent foreign matter such as saliva from entering through the blowing port, shorten the measurement time when measuring multiple subjects consecutively, and eliminate the remaining exhaled breath, thereby enabling more accurate measurement. The present invention provides a novel exhaled breath component measuring device that can achieve the above effects, and a novel exhaled breath component detection method that uses the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an exhaled breath component measuring device for measuring specific components in exhaled breath, comprising a sensor tube branched off from an exhaled breath passage conduit having an exhaled breath inlet end and an exhaled breath outlet end, an exhaled breath component detection unit for detecting specific components in exhaled breath, and an air supply pump for guiding exhaled breath into the sensor tube, wherein the sensor tube has an exhaled breath introduction end branched off from a part way through the exhaled breath passage conduit, and an exhaled breath outlet end that joins the part way through the exhaled breath passage conduit closer to the exhaled breath outlet end than the exhaled breath introduction end, and the exhaled breath component detection unit is provided closer to the exhaled breath introduction end, and the air supply pump is provided closer to the exhaled breath outlet end.

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention also provides an exhaled breath component measuring device comprising: a sensor tube having an exhaled breath inlet end and an exhaled breath outlet end; a blowing section provided on the exhaled breath inlet end side of the sensor tube; an exhaled breath sensor for detecting the blowing of exhaled breath; an exhaled breath component detection section provided midway through the sensor tube; and a measurement microcomputer for controlling the exhaled breath component detection section and receiving detection data, wherein the exhaled breath component detection section has an exhaled breath component sensor and an air supply pump arranged in series on the sensor tube, and the measurement microcomputer drives the air supply pump to guide the exhaled breath to the exhaled breath component sensor when the exhaled breath sensor detects exhaled breath and receives exhaled breath component data output by the exhaled breath component sensor.

[0013] The sensor tube isolates the exhaled air blown through the blowing portion from the outside air and guides it to the exhaled air component detection portion, and guides the exhaled air that passes through the exhaled air component detection portion out of the sensor tube. The sensor tube has an exhaled air inlet end and an exhaled air outlet end, with the blowing portion provided near the exhaled air inlet end and the exhaled air component detection portion located midway. The sensor tube guides exhaled air and the atmosphere in one direction from the exhaled air inlet end to the exhaled air outlet end, allowing for smoother and faster intake and exhaust without stagnation compared to conventional types that allow for reciprocating flow. In other words, by flowing the exhaled air to be tested in one direction (unidirectionally), the exhaled air component detection portion and the exhaled air path leading to it can be quickly clarified. This is a significant improvement over the conventional method, which required multiple solenoid operations to clarify the exhaled air component detection portion and the exhaled air path leading to it. The blowing portion guides the exhaled air into the sensor tube. The blowing unit is detachable in its entirety or at its blowing port, and can be disposed of after each use or can be managed by each subject.

[0014] The breath sensor distinguishes between the atmosphere (outside air) and exhaled air. The breath sensor detects whether exhaled air is being blown in. The breath sensor detects exhaled air and prompts the start of the air supply pump. The breath sensor measures the amount of components contained in the exhaled air or the component ratio of multiple components, and compares the amount of components contained in the atmosphere (outside air) and exhaled air or the component ratio of multiple components to distinguish exhaled air. The amount or component ratio of the components of the atmosphere (outside air) can be determined based on a range of standard values.

[0015] The breath sensor detects at least one of, for example, carbon dioxide, oxygen, atmospheric pressure, temperature, moisture content (humidity), odor, etc. For example, the component ratios of breath are approximately 16% oxygen and approximately 4% carbon dioxide, while the component ratios of air are approximately 21% oxygen and approximately 0.03 to 0.04% carbon dioxide. If the breath sensor is an oxygen sensor, based on the detection data of the oxygen sensor, it can be determined that the breath is breath if the amount of oxygen is less than 18%, for example, and that the breath is air if it is 18% or more. If the breath sensor is a CO2 sensor, based on the detection data of the oxygen sensor, it can be determined that the breath is breath if the amount of carbon dioxide is 1% or more, for example, and that the breath is air if it is less than 1%.

[0016] If the breath sensor has an oxygen sensor and a CO2 sensor, it can determine that the breath is air if the oxygen content is, for example, 18% or more and the carbon dioxide content is less than 1% based on the respective detection data, and can determine that the breath is exhaled air if the oxygen content is, for example, less than 18% and the carbon dioxide content is 1% or more. The breath sensor can be, for example, at least one of a CO2 sensor, an air pressure (pressure) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an odor sensor, and an oxygen sensor. Since carbon dioxide has a large difference in the amount of a component between air and exhaled air, it is desirable that the breath sensor be a CO2 sensor. The breath sensor transmits a detection signal based on the detection data to the measurement microcomputer. The measurement microcomputer distinguishes between exhaled air and air based on the detection data.

[0017] If the breath sensor is a pressure sensor, flow rate sensor, or temperature sensor, it is possible to perform tampering by sending air using a pump, balloon, etc. If a CO2 sensor is used as the breath sensor, tampering can be prevented by detecting the CO2 contained in the breath.

[0018] If the breath sensor is an active type, a pump is required to guide the breath to the breath sensor, which has the disadvantage of increasing the number of parts. The breath sensor can be a passive CO2 sensor. When the breath sensor is connected to the breath passage conduit, the inner diameter of the intake tube to the breath sensor is smaller than that of the breath passage conduit, and the tube shape is narrowed and diverted, so that a portion of the breath is smoothly guided into the breath sensor. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for a dedicated pump and reduce the number of parts.

[0019] The exhaled breath component detection unit forcibly draws exhaled breath into the sensor tube, measures the exhaled breath components, and forcibly expels the exhaled breath. The exhaled breath component sensor measures the amount of components contained in the exhaled breath. The exhaled breath component sensor measures the concentration of a measurement target component contained in the exhaled breath. The exhaled breath component sensor measures the alcohol concentration contained in the exhaled breath. The exhaled breath component sensor may be a semiconductor gas sensor or an electrochemical (fuel cell) sensor. The exhaled breath component measuring device may be configured such that the exhaled breath component sensor also functions as the exhaled breath sensor, and may not have the exhaled breath sensor.

[0020] The air supply pump forcibly supplies exhaled air to the exhaled air component sensor upon detection of exhaled air by the exhaled air sensor. The air supply pump is controlled by the measurement microcomputer to supply an amount of air sufficient to fill the exhaled air component sensor. The air supply pump is controlled to operate for a period of time after the exhaled air sensor detects exhaled air, during which the amount of exhaled air exceeds the capacity of the exhaled air passage conduit or the sensor tube. The air supply pump may also be a fixed-volume type air supply pump capable of supplying an amount of air that exceeds the capacity of the exhaled air passage conduit or the sensor tube per operation.

[0021] The exhaled air passage conduit or the sensor conduit may have a flow meter that detects and transmits the flow rate of the exhaled air. The measurement microcomputer, upon receiving the exhaled air flow rate value, can perform feedback control of the air supply pump so that the pump supplies air at a flow rate that matches the flow rate value. The flow meter repeats detection and transmission multiple times during one breath, and the measurement microcomputer controls the flow rate of the air supply pump for each transmission. The suction operation that matches the exhaled air flow rate prevents the intrusion of air, more quickly fills the exhaled air inside the exhaled air component sensor, and enables more accurate measurement of the exhaled air components.

[0022] The air supply pump forcibly draws or pressure-supplies exhaled breath to the exhaled breath component sensor. The air supply pump, under the control of the measurement microcomputer, forcibly supplies gas in one direction from the exhaled breath inlet end to the exhaled breath outlet end of the sensor tube. The air supply pump supplies exhaled breath to the exhaled breath component sensor while exhaled breath is being blown in. When measurement of exhaled breath components is completed or when exhaled breath blowing ceases, the exhaled breath of the previous subject remaining in the exhaled breath component sensor is quickly exhausted and replaced with outside air not containing exhaled breath, thereby improving measurement accuracy for the subsequent subject. The air supply pump can be a gas transport vacuum pump, a positive displacement vacuum pump, a momentum transport vacuum pump, a centrifugal pump, a radial flow pump, an axial flow pump, a turbo pump, a positive displacement pump, a special pump, a blower fan, or the like.

[0023] The measurement microcomputer is connected to the exhaled breath component sensor, the air supply pump, and the exhaled breath sensor, and receives the exhaled breath component data output by the exhaled breath component sensor. When the exhaled breath sensor detects exhaled breath, the measurement microcomputer receives the detection signal, activates the air supply pump, and forcibly sends the exhaled breath to the exhaled breath component sensor. The measurement microcomputer receives the exhaled breath component data measured and output by the exhaled breath component sensor. The measurement microcomputer has a memory unit that records the received exhaled breath component data. The measurement microcomputer may be provided with a communication unit. The measurement microcomputer communicates with an operation terminal via the communication unit, is controlled by the operation terminal, and can transmit the exhaled breath component data to the operation terminal.

[0024] When the exhaled breath component sensor performs measurement, the measurement microcomputer starts the air supply pump and controls it to supply air for a time sufficient to fill the exhaled breath component sensor with exhaled breath. The measurement microcomputer receives an exhaled breath detection signal from the exhaled breath sensor, starts the air supply pump, fills the exhaled breath component sensor with exhaled breath at the flow rate of the air supply pump, and stops the air supply pump after a certain time has passed until the exhaled breath component sensor finishes measuring the exhaled breath components. During this time, the measurement microcomputer continues to receive the detection signal from the exhaled breath sensor, and if it detects something other than exhaled breath (such as air), it stops detection by the exhaled breath component sensor, and if it detects exhaled breath, it resumes detection by the exhaled breath component sensor.

[0025] In order for the breath component sensor to detect an alcohol concentration, the amount of breath taken into the breath component sensor must be constant. To achieve this, after receiving a breath detection signal from the breath sensor, the measurement microcomputer starts the air supply pump and drives it for a constant time sufficient to fill the breath component sensor with breath, or supplies a constant amount of air sufficient to fill the breath component sensor with breath. The measurement microcomputer has a control program, and the control program can include a subroutine that controls the air supply pump to supply air for the constant time or the constant amount sufficient to fill the breath component sensor with breath.

[0026] The present invention relates to an exhaled breath component measuring device having an exhaled breath passage conduit having an exhaled breath inlet end and an exhaled breath outlet end, the blowing section being provided at the exhaled breath inlet end, the exhaled breath introduction end branching off from a midway point of the exhaled breath passage conduit, and the exhaled breath outlet end joining the midway point of the exhaled breath passage conduit closer to the exhaled breath outlet end than the exhaled breath inlet end or opening to the atmosphere.

[0027] The expiratory gas passage conduit more smoothly guides the expiratory gas blown in from the blowing portion to the sensor tube. The blowing portion is provided at the expiratory gas inflow end of the expiratory gas passage conduit, and the expiratory gas is exhausted from the expiratory gas outlet end. The expiratory gas passage conduit can have a conduit shape that reduces airflow resistance and smooths the flow, such as a straight pipe, a spiral, or a vortex. The expiratory gas passage conduit can have a filter or a trap near the expiratory gas inflow end that collects foreign matter such as saliva in the expiratory gas. The filter or trap can be detachably provided in the expiratory gas passage conduit.

[0028] The sensor tube has an expiratory gas inlet end branching off from a midway point of the expiratory gas passage conduit, and an expiratory gas outlet end that can be directly opened to the outside air. The sensor tube has an expiratory gas inlet end branching off from a midway point of the expiratory gas passage conduit, and an expiratory gas outlet end that can join a midway point of the expiratory gas passage conduit, closer to the expiratory gas outlet end than the expiratory gas inlet end. The breath sensor can be located in either the breath passageway or the sensor tube.

[0029] The present invention relates to an exhaled breath component measuring device in which the blowing section comprises a straw having a connection end connected to the exhaled breath inlet end and a blowing port, and a trap provided midway through the straw, and a detachable section is provided at least either between the exhaled breath inlet end and the connection end or between the trap and the blowing port.

[0030] The trap prevents saliva, phlegm, and other foreign matter contained in the exhaled breath from flowing into the sensor tube or the exhaled breath passage. The trap separates and removes foreign matter from the exhaled breath using a filter, gravity, centrifugal force, or the like.

[0031] The blowing port is the part (mouthpiece) that the subject puts into their mouth when blowing breath. The detachable part can be airtightly connected, for example, by having a "tight fit" structure based on the difference in diameter, or a fitting structure consisting of male and female threads, fitting tabs, fitting grooves, etc. The straw and the trap can be made of soft or hard synthetic resin.

[0032] The operation terminal communicates with the measurement microcomputer of the exhaled breath component measurement device and constitutes part of the exhaled breath component measurement system of the present invention. It includes a control microcomputer communicably connected to the measurement microcomputer of the exhaled breath component measurement device, output devices such as a display and speaker, input devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, and microphone, and a wired or wireless communication unit. The exhaled breath component measurement device can be combined with the operation terminal and a network or cloud connected thereto to form an exhaled breath component measurement system. The operation terminal can be a tablet, laptop, desktop PC, smartphone, or other dedicated or general-purpose terminal device.

[0033] The present invention relates to an exhaled breath component detection method using the exhaled breath component measuring device, which includes an exhaled breath detection step of detecting the blowing of exhaled breath with the exhaled breath sensor, an exhaled breath suction step of drawing the exhaled breath into the exhaled breath component sensor upon detection of the exhaled breath, an exhaled breath component detection step of measuring the component concentrations in the exhaled breath with the exhaled breath component sensor and outputting the detection data, and a forced exhaust step of forcibly exhausting the exhaled breath within the exhaled breath component sensor.

[0034] The breath detection step detects that the subject is blowing breath into the blowing section. The breath sensor detects that breath is flowing into either the breath passage or the sensor tube. The breath sensor distinguishes between air and breath, and if it determines that the breath is breath, it transmits a detection signal to the measurement microcomputer.

[0035] In the breath suction step, breath is forcibly guided to the breath component sensor. After receiving the breath detection signal transmitted in the breath detection step, breath is forcibly guided to the breath component sensor. Upon receiving the breath detection signal transmitted in the breath detection step, the measurement microcomputer starts an air pump to forcibly send breath to the breath component sensor.

[0036] In the exhaled breath component detection step, the exhaled breath component sensor measures the concentration of components in the exhaled breath and outputs the detection data. In the exhaled breath component detection step, the exhaled breath component sensor measures the alcohol concentration in the exhaled breath and outputs the detection data. The exhaled breath component sensor outputs the detection data to a measurement microcomputer.

[0037] The forced exhaust process forcibly exhausts the exhaled air from the exhaled air component sensor. After measuring the concentrations of components in the exhaled air, the forced exhaust process forcibly exhausts the exhaled air remaining in the exhaled air component sensor and replaces the inside of the exhaled air component sensor with the atmosphere to refresh it in preparation for the next measurement. In the forced exhaust process, the measurement microcomputer, which has received the detection data and completed the exhaled air component detection process, starts an air supply pump to refresh the inside of the exhaled air component sensor.

[0038] In the forced exhaust process, the measurement microcomputer operates the air supply pump for a certain time or until a certain amount of air is exhausted to refresh the inside of the exhaled breath component sensor. In the forced exhaust process, after the measurement microcomputer completes the exhaled breath component detection process, the measurement microcomputer starts the air supply pump and receives a discrimination signal from the exhaled breath sensor. When the measurement microcomputer receives an air discrimination signal from the exhaled breath sensor, the measurement microcomputer determines that the inside of the exhaled breath component sensor has been refreshed and stops the air supply pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] The breath component measuring device and breath component detection method using the same of the present invention can prevent foreign matter such as saliva from entering through the inlet, shorten the measurement time when measuring multiple subjects consecutively, and eliminate residual breath, allowing for more accurate measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are front and cross-sectional views showing the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 of the present invention; (A) a front and cross-sectional view showing the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 of the present invention; (B) a front and cross-sectional view showing a separate blowing section 3; (C) a front and cross-sectional view showing the flow of exhaled breath 100 in the sensor tube 4; and (D) a front and cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the sensor tube 4. [Figure 2]1 is a conceptual diagram showing an exhaled breath component measuring system 200 having an exhaled breath component measuring device 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the exhaled breath component detection method of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are front cross-sectional views showing a conventional exhaled breath component measuring device 400, in which (A) is a front cross-sectional view showing the exhaled breath component measuring device 400 equipped with a straw 30, and (B) is a front cross-sectional view showing the flow of exhaled breath 100. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, the exhaled breath component measuring device according to this embodiment and the exhaled breath component detection method using the same will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In particular, this embodiment uses a Saliva trap straw 3 as the blowing section 3, which has a trap 31 midway through the straw 30, and is equipped with a sensor tube 4 having an exhaled breath inlet end 40 and an exhaled breath outlet end 41. This prevents foreign matter such as saliva from entering the sensor tube 4 from the blowing section 3, ensures that the flow of exhaled breath 100 through the sensor tube 4 is unidirectional with no backflow, shortens the time from the start to the end of measurement, eliminates residual exhaled breath 100 from the previous subject 500, and enables more accurate measurement.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1(A), the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 includes a housing (device main body) 10, which includes an exhaled breath passage conduit 2 having an exhaled breath inlet end 20 and an exhaled breath outlet end 21, a blowing section 3 provided at the exhaled breath inlet end 20, a sensor tube 4 having an exhaled breath introduction end 40 branching off from the middle of the exhaled breath passage conduit 2 and an exhaled breath outlet end 41 joining the middle of the exhaled breath passage conduit 2 closer to the exhaled breath outlet end 21 than the exhaled breath introduction end 40, an exhaled breath sensor 5 provided at the middle of the sensor tube 4 closer to the exhaled breath outlet end 41 and detecting the blowing of exhaled breath 100, an exhaled breath component detecting section 6 provided at the middle of the sensor tube 4 closer to the exhaled breath introduction end 40, and a measurement microcomputer 7 for controlling the exhaled breath component detecting section 6 and receiving detection data.

[0043] The exhaled breath sensor 5 is disposed closer to the exhaled breath outlet end 41 than the exhaled breath component sensor 60 of the sensor tube 4. The exhaled breath sensor 5 has a conduit shape in which the exhaled breath outlet end 41 is smaller in diameter than the exhaled breath passage conduit 2, and can be a passive exhaled breath sensor (CO2 sensor) 5. The passive exhaled breath sensor (CO2 sensor) 5 detects a part of the exhaled breath 100 diverted from the exhaled breath passage conduit 2 by the pressure of blowing.

[0044] If the breath sensor 5 is disposed closer to the breath inlet end 40 than the breath component sensor 60 of the sensor tube 4, or closer to the breath inlet end than the sensor tube 4 of the breath passage conduit 2, the breath sensor 5 will detect the breath 100 before it reaches the breath component sensor 60, making it impossible to determine the timing for starting the air supply pump 61 to send the breath 100 to the breath component sensor 60. As shown in Figures (A) to (C), since the breath sensor 5 is disposed closer to the breath outlet end 41 of the sensor tube 4 than the breath component sensor 60, the breath component sensor 60 can be filled with the breath 100 by starting the air supply pump 61 at the timing when the breath sensor 5 detects the breath 100.

[0045] The exhaled breath component detection unit 6 has an exhaled breath component sensor 60 and an air pump 61 arranged in series in the middle of the sensor tube 4, and when the exhaled breath sensor 5 detects the exhaled breath 100, the measurement microcomputer 7 drives the air pump 61 to guide the exhaled breath 100 to the exhaled breath component sensor 60, and receives exhaled breath component data detected and output by the exhaled breath component sensor 60. The exhaled breath component sensor 60 can be an alcohol concentration sensor (ALC sensor).

[0046] The inner diameter of the portion of the blowing section 3 connected to the exhaled gas inlet end 20 can be set to be the same as or approximately equal to the inner diameter of the exhaled gas passage conduit 2. The inner diameter of the sensor tube 4 can be set to be the same as or approximately equal to the bore diameter of both the exhaled gas component sensor 60 (exhaled gas component detection section 6) and the exhaled gas sensor 5. The inner diameter of the sensor tube 4 can be set to be the same as or approximately equal to the inner diameter of the exhaled gas passage conduit 2, or can be set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaled gas passage conduit 2. When the inner diameter of the sensor tube 4 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaled gas passage conduit 2, the exhaled gas inlet end 40 of the sensor tube 4 becomes the high-pressure (upstream) side and the exhaled gas outlet end 41 becomes the low-pressure (downstream) side, and the pressure difference between them causes the exhaled gas 100 (or the atmosphere) to flow more smoothly and quickly in one direction through the sensor tube 4.

[0047] The blowing section 3 can be a straw 30 having a connection end 30a (connection end straw section 30b) connected to the exhalation inlet end 20 and a blowing port 30c (blowing port straw section 30d), and a trap 31 provided between the connection end straw section 30b, which is the middle section of the straw 30, and the blowing port straw section 30d (hereinafter referred to as the "saliva trap straw 3").

[0048] The trap 31 has a trap chamber 31a. The trap chamber 31a can be set to a volume (e.g., 30 to 500 mL) that is sufficient to separate foreign matter such as saliva contained in the exhaled breath 100, but smaller than the volume of one breath. The trap chamber 31a has a bottom trap 31b at the bottom that separates and collects foreign matter such as saliva from the exhaled breath 100 by gravity.

[0049] The upstream end of the connection end straw portion 30b is connected to the top of the trap chamber 31a, and the downstream end is connected to the expiratory inlet end 20. The downstream end of the blow-inlet straw portion 30d is connected to the trap chamber 31a at a position sufficiently above the bottom trap 31b and slightly below the connection end straw portion 30b. The Saliva trap straw 3 has a connection portion 32 at the connection end 30a that is detachably connected to the expiratory inlet end 20, and the removed Saliva trap straw 3 can be managed and used individually for each subject.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1(B), the Saliva trap straw 3 has a connection part 32 at the downstream end of the blow-in straw part 30d that can be detachably connected to the trap 31 (trap chamber 31a), and the blow-in straw part 30d can be separated from the trap 31, allowing for individual management and use for each subject. Replacing only the blow-in straw part 30b and sharing the trap 31 reduces disposable waste and makes individual management easier.

[0051] 1(A) to 1(C), the sensor tube 4 has, in series in the middle thereof, an exhaled breath component detection unit 6 (exhaled breath component sensor 60, air supply pump 61) and a CO2 sensor 5, arranged in that order from the exhaled breath inlet end 40 to the exhaled breath outlet end 41. The measurement microcomputer 7 has a memory unit and a transmitting / receiving unit. The measurement microcomputer 7 is connected to the exhaled breath component sensor 60, air supply pump 61, and CO2 sensor 5 so as to control them, respectively.

[0052] The exhaled breath component measuring device 1 has an indicator lamp (not shown) that indicates the operating state, such as startup, pump operation (measurement in progress), pump stop (measurement completed), etc. The exhaled breath component measuring device 1 also has a power supply unit (not shown) that receives power from a built-in battery or an external power source and supplies power to each unit.

[0053] The breath component sensor 60 measures and outputs the alcohol concentration contained in the breath 100. The measurement microcomputer 7 receives the detected data (alcohol concentration), records it in the storage unit, and communicates with an external device via the transmitting / receiving unit.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1(D), the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 can be configured by individually connecting a sensor tube 4 to the midpoint of the exhaled breath passage 2 and a CO2 sensor 5 arranged downstream of the sensor tube 4. The sensor tube 4 has the exhaled gas inlet end 40 connected to an intermediate portion of the exhaled gas passage conduit 2, and the exhaled gas outlet end 41 opening to the outside of the housing 10. The exhaled gas component detection unit 6 has the exhaled gas component sensor 60 disposed near the exhaled gas inlet end 40 in the intermediate portion of the sensor tube 4, and the gas supply pump 61 disposed near the exhaled gas outlet end 41. Because the exhaled gas outlet end 41 is open to the outside, exhaust resistance is reduced, allowing for smoother and faster intake and exhaust.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1(A) to 1(D), the exhaled breath sensor 5, the sensor tube 4, the exhaled breath component detection unit 6 (exhaled breath component sensor 60, air pump 61), and the measurement microcomputer 7 are all arranged below the exhaled breath passage duct 2, but they can also be arranged to the side or above the exhaled breath passage duct 2.

[0056] The CO 2 sensor 5 can be provided in the middle of the sensor pipe 4 . The CO 2 sensor 5 can be connected to the expiratory gas passage conduit 2 at a position closer to the expiratory gas discharge end 21 than the expiratory gas introduction end 40 . If the CO2 sensor (exhalation sensor) 5 were located upstream of the exhalation component sensor 60, it would be impossible to determine the timing for sending the exhalation 100 to the exhalation component sensor 60. By locating the CO2 sensor (exhalation sensor) 5 midway through the exhalation conduit 2, closer to the exhalation discharge end 21 than the sensor tube 4 (the exhalation component sensor 60), it is possible to more reliably determine the timing for sending the exhalation 100 to the exhalation component sensor 60, making it possible to measure more accurately, and more reliably detect the components of the exhalation 100.

[0057] 2, the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 can be configured as a time attendance management system 200 with an alcohol testing function, which is configured in combination with an operation terminal 300 and a cloud (server) 340. The exhaled breath component measuring device 1 includes a temperature sensor 11, which is configured with a non-contact infrared thermometer, a thermal camera, or the like, and outputs the temperature measurement result to the measurement microcomputer 7.

[0058] The operation terminal 300 has a control microcomputer 310 having a transmission / reception unit 312 that communicates with the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 and the cloud 340, and a storage unit 311. The operation terminal 300 has output devices 320 such as a display 321 and a speaker 322, and input devices 330 such as a touch panel 331, a keyboard, a mouse, or a microphone. The operation terminal 300 has a card reader 332 that reads an employee ID card, an ID card, or the like, and communicates with the control microcomputer 310.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and Table 1, the breath component measuring device 1 and the attendance management system 200 with alcohol testing function that uses it operate as follows using control devices such as the measurement microcomputer 7, the control microcomputer 310, and the cloud 340, as well as software installed therein. A method for detecting components in exhaled air using the attendance management system 200 with an alcohol testing function in which the exhaled air component measuring device 1 is incorporated will be described below. [Table 1]

[0060] (Breath detection process) (Step 1) When the subject 500 holds the ID card 501 over the card reader 332 of the operation terminal 300, the control microcomputer 310 displays messages such as "Clock in and test ready" and "Please hold the sensor unit and blow into the breath intake port using the dedicated straw" on the display 321 of the operation terminal 300. The control microcomputer 310 can speak the displayed messages from the speaker 322. The control microcomputer 310 records the attendance time in the memory unit 311 and activates the CO2 detection mode, causing the CO2 sensor 5 to start detecting CO2 (600, 601). The ID card 501 can be a magnetic card, barcode card, IC card, or other card capable of reading ID information or information linked to a file associated with ID information.

[0061] (Steps 2 and 3) The subject 500 picks up the exhaled breath component measuring device (the sensor unit) 1, connects the blowing part 3 (the Saliva trap straw 3 or the straw 30) to the exhaled breath passage duct 2, and starts blowing exhaled breath 100 602.

[0062] (Breath suction process) (Step 4) When the CO2 sensor 5 detects a CO2 concentration in the exhaled breath, the measurement microcomputer 7 activates the air supply pump 61 to suck in the exhaled breath 100 and draw it into the exhaled breath component sensor 60 (603). At this time, because the CO2 sensor 5 is located downstream of the exhaled breath component sensor 60, the air supply pump 61 can be activated more accurately and with shorter timing. The air supply pump 61 continues supplying air for a certain period of time until the exhaled breath component sensor 60 completes measurement. During this time, the CO2 sensor 5 continues detection. If it determines that air other than the exhaled breath 100 has been mixed in, the air supply pump 61 stops measurement by the exhaled breath component sensor 60 and can resume measurement when the exhaled breath 100 is detected. Furthermore, the air supply pump 61 stops supplying enough exhaled breath 100 to fill the exhaled breath component sensor 60, allowing the exhaled breath 100 remaining at the exhaled breath component sensor 60 to be measured. The breath component sensor 60 can measure the alcohol concentration multiple times during one measurement and output the average value as the measurement value 604 .

[0063] When the breath component sensor 60 completes the measurement and receives a signal from the measurement microcomputer 7, the operation terminal 300 displays on the display 321 messages such as "Time stamping and testing completed," "Data analysis in progress," and "Please return the sensor unit to its designated position." The same messages are also spoken from the speaker 322.

[0064] (Exhaled breath component detection process) (Steps 5 and 6) The subject 500 finishes blowing the exhaled breath 100, removes the blowing part 3 (the Saliva trap straw 3 or the straw 30) from the exhaled breath passage 2, and hygienically manages and stores the blowing part 3. The exhaled breath component measuring device (the sensor unit) 1 is returned to its original position 605. The exhaled breath component sensor 60 measures the alcohol concentration in the exhaled breath 100 and outputs the detection result (alcohol concentration value: detection data) to the measurement microcomputer 7. Upon receiving the detection data, the measurement microcomputer 7 transmits the detection result (alcohol concentration value: detection data), body temperature, attendance time, and ID information to the control microcomputer 310 of the operation terminal 300 via wired or wireless communication 606. The operation terminal 300 displays the test result "body temperature: XX°C, alcohol value: XX mg / L not detected" on the display 321 607.

[0065] (forced exhaust stroke) (Steps 7 and 8) The measurement microcomputer 7 drives the air supply pump 61 for a fixed time or until a fixed amount of air is exhausted, thereby forcing air to be supplied. The exhaled air 100 of the previous subject 500 remaining in the exhaled air passage conduit 2, sensor tube 4, CO2 sensor 5, and exhaled air component sensor 60 is exhausted and replaced with the atmosphere 608. The exhaled air 100 flows in one direction through the exhaled air passage conduit 2 and sensor tube 4, so that it is exhausted smoothly and quickly without backflow. This allows the subsequent subject 500 to perform more accurate measurements in a shorter time without waiting time.

[0066] When the exhaled breath 100 is exhausted and replaced with air (step 608), the measurement microcomputer 7 determines, based on the detection value from the CO2 sensor 5, that the exhaled breath 100 has been completely exhausted and replaced with air. If the detection value from the CO2 sensor 5 indicates a carbon dioxide concentration of 0.03 to 0.04%, or less than 4%, e.g., less than 1%, the measurement microcomputer 7 determines that the refresh is complete. If the detection value from the CO2 sensor 5 does not match the air concentration, the measurement microcomputer 7 continues exhausting the exhaled breath until it does. In particular, in the case of the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 shown in FIGS. 1(A) to 1(C), the exhaled breath component sensor 60 is disposed upstream of the sensor tube 4, and the CO2 sensor 5 is disposed downstream. Therefore, when the CO2 sensor 5 detects air, both the exhaled breath component sensor 60 and the CO2 sensor 5 are filled with air. This allows the measurement of the next subject 500 to be started promptly.

[0067] If the time from starting the air supply pump 61 to refreshing is too short, the air will not be completely refreshed, and the test will have to be repeated until accurate detection data is obtained. Also, if the refreshing time is too long, the waiting time of the subject 500 will increase. Therefore, when the time for ventilation and refreshing the expiratory gas passage duct 2 and the sensor tube 4 is set to a fixed time, it can be set to the shortest time obtained experimentally (for example, 1 to 20 seconds).

[0068] The operation terminal 300 transmits 609 the ID card 501 information, the collected detection data, and the attendance time to the cloud 340. If the power is not turned off, the process returns to step 1 (600) and control resumes. If the power is turned off, the operation of the exhaled breath component measuring device 1 and the operation terminal 300 is stopped and terminated 610.

[0069] The cloud 340 links the received ID card 501 information of each of the multiple subjects 500 with the detection data and attendance times, records them in an attendance database, and manages them all together. The recorded attendance database can be checked and managed by an administrator, and can also include a system that warns of drunk attendance, unauthorized overtime work, long working hours, etc. The cloud 340 can also determine whether attendance is normal or abnormal, and notify the corresponding subjects 500 and administrators of normal attendance, abnormal attendance, etc. via email, short message, etc., on their smartphones, PCs, etc. Furthermore, the attendance database of the cloud 340 can also record the schedule of each subject 500 by linking it to the ID card 501 information. Each subject 500 can manage their schedule through their smartphone, PC, etc., and can, for example, check their daily alcohol concentration and body temperature, and manage their scheduled work dates and times, scheduled vacation dates and times, and scheduled work schedules. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] The exhaled breath component measuring device of the present invention can be used in attendance management devices, medical devices, health equipment, driving assistance for automobiles and other vehicles, automatic driving of automobiles and other vehicles, control of industrial machinery, sporting goods, attendance management systems, health management systems, management systems that manage these systems in an integrated manner, and communication networks, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Exhaled breath component measuring device 10 Same housing (device body) 11 Temperature sensor 2 Exhalation passage 20 Same as above Expiratory inflow end 21 Same as expiratory discharge end 3 Saliba trap straw (blowing part) 30 Same straw 30a Same connection end 30b Same as above, straw part at connecting end 30c same inlet 30d Same as above, straw part 31 Trap 31a Trap Room 31b Bottom trap 32 Same connection part 4 Sensor tube 40 Same as above Expiratory inlet end 41 Same expiratory outlet end 5 CO2 sensor (breath sensor) 6. Exhaled breath component detector 60 Exhaled breath component sensor 61 Same air supply pump 7 Measurement microcomputer 100 breaths 200 Attendance management system with alcohol testing function 300 Operation terminal 310 Control Microcomputer 311 Same memory section 312 Transmitting and Receiving Unit 320 Same output device 321 Same Display 322 same speaker 330 Same input device 331 Same touch panel 332 Same card reader 340 Same cloud (server) 400 Conventional breath component measuring device 401 Exhaled breath component detection unit 402 Same suction pump 403 Same balloon 404 Same solenoid 405 Same air pressure sensor (breath sensor) 500 subjects 501 ID card

Claims

1. An exhaled breath component measuring device for measuring specific components in exhaled breath, The device comprises a sensor tube branched from an exhaled breath passage conduit having an exhaled breath inlet end and an exhaled breath outlet end, an exhaled breath component detection unit for detecting specific components in the exhaled breath, and an air pump for guiding the exhaled breath into the sensor tube, the sensor tube has an expiratory gas inlet end branching from a midway portion of the expiratory gas passage conduit, and an expiratory gas outlet end joining the midway portion of the expiratory gas passage conduit closer to the expiratory gas outlet end than the expiratory gas inlet end, 10. An exhaled air component measuring device, wherein the exhaled air component detecting section is provided near an exhaled air introduction end, and the air supply pump is provided near an exhaled air discharge end.

2. a sensor tube having an exhaled breath introduction end and an exhaled breath extraction end; a blowing section provided on the breath introduction end side of the sensor tube; a breath sensor that detects the inhalation of breath; an exhaled breath component detection unit provided midway through the sensor tube; a measurement microcomputer for controlling the exhaled breath component detection unit and receiving detection data; and the exhaled breath component detection unit has an exhaled breath component sensor and an air supply pump arranged in series in the sensor tube, The measurement microcomputer is characterized in that, when the exhalation sensor detects exhalation, it drives the air supply pump to guide the exhalation to the exhalation component sensor, and receives the exhalation component data output by the exhalation component sensor.

3. an expiratory gas passage conduit having an expiratory gas inflow end and an expiratory gas discharge end; The blowing section is provided at the expiratory inflow end, The expiratory gas introduction end branches off from a midway portion of the expiratory gas passage conduit, 3. The exhaled gas component measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the exhaled gas outlet end joins the exhaled gas passage conduit at a position closer to the exhaled gas outlet end than the exhaled gas inlet end, or is open to the atmosphere.

4. The blowing unit is a straw having a connection end connected to the exhalation inflow end and a blowing port; a trap provided midway through the straw; and 3. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable part at least either between the exhaled breath inlet end and the connecting end or between the trap and the blowing port.

5. a breath detection step of detecting the blowing of breath with the breath sensor; an exhaled breath suction step of drawing the exhaled breath into the exhaled breath component sensor upon detection of the exhaled breath; an exhaled breath component detection step in which the exhaled breath component sensor measures the concentration of components in the exhaled breath and outputs the detected data; a forced exhaust step for forcibly exhausting the exhaled air from the exhaled air component sensor; 3. A method for detecting exhaled breath components, using the exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

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