Measuring device and measuring system

Abstract

A measuring device with improved measurement accuracy is provided. The measuring device of the present invention comprises: a biosensor for acquiring biometric information; a pressure detection unit for detecting a pressure generated by contact between the biosensor and a measuring part of a living body; and a processing unit for calculating a second measurement value by correcting a first measurement value obtained based on the biometric information based on the pressure, and outputting information on the second measurement value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device and a measuring system. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an oral moisture measuring device. The moisture measuring device described in Patent Document 1 is composed of a sensor that comes into direct contact with a measurement site or comes into contact with the site through a plastic film or the like and senses moisture in the site, and a measuring unit including the sensor.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2004 / 038359

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for a measuring device and a measuring system with improved measurement accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0005] A measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0006] The housing accommodates the biosensor, the pressure detection unit, and the processing unit, and has a long side direction.

[0007] The housing has:

[0008] A sensor portion, disposed at one end side in the long side direction;

[0009] A gripping portion disposed at the other end side in the longitudinal direction; and

[0010] The probe part is formed in a rod shape and connects the sensor part and the holding part.

[0011] The biosensor is disposed in the sensor unit.

[0012] The pressure detection unit is arranged on the sensor unit, or the pressure detection unit is arranged on the probe unit.

[0013] The processing unit is disposed on the probe unit.

[0014] A measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0015] an assay device; and

[0016] a processing device communicating with the measuring device,

[0017] The above measuring device has:

[0018] Biosensors, to obtain bio-information;

[0019] A pressure detection unit that detects a pressure generated by the contact between the biosensor and the measurement site of the living body;

[0020] a processing unit that calculates a second measurement value by correcting the first measurement value obtained based on the biological information based on the pressing force, and outputs information on the second measurement value;

[0021] A first communication unit sends information of the second measurement value to the processing device for detection; and

[0022] The housing accommodates the biosensor, the pressure detection unit, and the processing unit, and has a long side direction.

[0023] The housing has:

[0024] A sensor portion, disposed at one end side in the long side direction;

[0025] A gripping portion disposed at the other end side in the longitudinal direction; and

[0026] The probe part is formed in a rod shape and connects the sensor part to the holding part. The biosensor is arranged in the sensor part.

[0027] The pressure detection unit is arranged on the sensor unit, or the pressure detection unit is arranged on the probe unit.

[0028] The processing unit is arranged on the probe unit.

[0029] The processing device has:

[0030] a second communication unit that receives information on the second measurement value from the first communication unit of the measurement device; and

[0031] The calculation unit calculates the amount of the measurement object based on the information of the second measurement value.

[0032] According to the present invention, a measuring device and a measuring system with improved measurement accuracy can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an example of a measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of an example of a measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic enlarged bottom view of an example of a sensor unit in the measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a table showing an example of pressing force, first measurement value, correction coefficient, and second measurement value.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of calculating a correction coefficient.

[0039] Fig. 7A This is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calculating the average value of the pressing force.

[0040] Figure 7B This is a diagram for explaining another example of the method of calculating the average value of the pressing force.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is used.

[0043] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the internal structure of a measuring device according to a modified example of embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0044] Fig.11 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measuring device according to a modified example of embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.12 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a measuring device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0046] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measuring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.14 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a measurement system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0049] Description of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E…measuring device, 2…housing, 10…sensor unit, 10a…contact surface, 11…biological sensor, 11a…detection surface, 12…pressing detection unit, 20…probe unit, 21…processing unit, 30…holding unit, 31…operation display unit, 32…notification unit, 33…calculating unit, 34…first communication unit, 40…processing device, 41…second communication unit, 50…measuring system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] (Process of Completing the Invention)

[0052] As a measuring device, for example, there is known an oral moisture measuring device described in Patent Document 1. In the moisture measuring device described in Patent Document 1, a sensor is pressed against a measurement site in the oral cavity to measure the moisture in the oral cavity.

[0053] In such a device, if the contact between the sensor and the measurement site is insufficient, an accurate measurement value cannot be obtained. Therefore, during measurement, the sensor is pressed against the measurement site to ensure the contact between the measurement site and the sensor.

[0054] In such a device, a configuration has been devised to start measurement when the pressure applied by the sensor to the measurement site exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is a pressure value that ensures contact between the measurement site and the sensor.

[0055] However, there is a problem that even when the pressure applied by the sensor to the measurement part exceeds a predetermined threshold, the measurement value is deviated according to the magnitude of the pressure. As an example, a case where the measurement is performed with a first pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold and a case where the measurement is performed with a second pressure greater than the first pressure are described. In this example, the measurement value when the measurement is performed with the second pressure is greater than the measurement value when the measurement is performed with the first pressure. This is a new subject discovered by the inventors.

[0056] Therefore, the present inventors have found a configuration for correcting a measurement value according to the magnitude of a pressing force generated when the biosensor contacts a measurement site of a living body, and have completed the following invention.

[0057] A measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0058] Biosensors, to obtain bio-information;

[0059] a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure generated by the contact between the biosensor and a measurement site of a living body; and

[0060] The processing unit calculates a second measurement value by correcting the first measurement value obtained based on the biological information based on the pressing force, and outputs information on the second measurement value.

[0061] With such a configuration, it is possible to improve measurement accuracy.

[0062] The processing unit may increase the correction amount of the first measurement value as the pressing force increases.

[0063] With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0064] The processing unit may start the measurement process when the pressing force is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0065] With such a configuration, the measurement process can be started after the biosensor is in contact with the measurement site of the living body, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy.

[0066] The processing unit may correct the first measurement value based on an average value of the pressing force detected within a predetermined period from the start of measurement processing.

[0067] With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0068] The processing unit may correct the first measurement value based on the average value when the average value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value and less than or equal to a third threshold value.

[0069] With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0070] In the above measuring device,

[0071] It also includes a housing that accommodates the biosensor, the pressure detection unit, and the processing unit and has a long side direction.

[0072] The housing has:

[0073] A sensor portion, disposed at one end side in the long side direction;

[0074] A gripping portion disposed at the other end side in the longitudinal direction; and

[0075] The probe part is formed in a rod shape and connects the sensor part and the holding part.

[0076] The biosensor is disposed in the sensor unit.

[0077] The pressure detection unit is arranged on the sensor unit or the probe unit.

[0078] The processing unit is disposed on the probe unit.

[0079] This configuration makes it possible to easily and accurately detect the pressing force, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy.

[0080] The biosensor may include a detection surface for acquiring the biometric information.

[0081] The pressure detection portion is disposed inside the sensor portion and is disposed on an inner side than an outer periphery of the detection surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

[0082] This configuration makes it possible to detect the pressing force more easily and more accurately, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy.

[0083] The biosensor may be a capacitance sensor for detecting capacitance.

[0084] The processing unit converts the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor into a frequency.

[0085] With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0086] In the above measuring device,

[0087] The device further includes a calculation unit for calculating the amount of the measurement object based on the second measurement value.

[0088] With such a configuration, the amount of the object to be measured can be calculated in the measuring device.

[0089] The amount of the object to be measured may be the amount of water.

[0090] With such a configuration, the amount of water can be measured as the amount of the object to be measured.

[0091] The pressure detection unit may be a piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[0092] This configuration makes it possible to detect the pressing force more easily and more accurately, thereby further improving the measurement accuracy.

[0093] In the above measuring device,

[0094] It also has a notification section for notifying information.

[0095] The processing unit determines whether the pressing force is within a predetermined threshold range, and outputs information on the determination result to the notification unit.

[0096] With such a configuration, the usability of the measurement device is improved.

[0097] The measurement site of the living body may be a measurement site in the oral cavity.

[0098] With such a configuration, the state of the oral cavity can be measured with high accuracy.

[0099] A measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0100] an assay device; and

[0101] a processing device communicating with the measuring device,

[0102] The above measuring device has:

[0103] Biosensors, to obtain bio-information;

[0104] A pressure detection unit that detects a pressure generated by the contact between the biosensor and the measurement site of the living body;

[0105] a processing unit that calculates a second measurement value by correcting the first measurement value obtained based on the biological information based on the pressing force, and outputs information on the second measurement value; and

[0106] The first communication unit transmits information of the second measurement value to the processing device.

[0107] The processing device has:

[0108] a second communication unit that receives information on the second measurement value from the first communication unit of the measurement device; and

[0109] The calculation unit calculates the amount of the measurement object based on the information of the second measurement value.

[0110] With such a configuration, it is possible to improve measurement accuracy.

[0111] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following description is essentially for illustration only and does not limit the present disclosure, its application or its use. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of various dimensions, etc. are not necessarily consistent with the actual ratios.

[0112] (Implementation Method 1)

[0113] [Overall composition]

[0114] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an example of a measuring device 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of an example of the measuring device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a measuring device 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The X, Y, and Z directions in the figure respectively represent the width direction, length direction, and height direction of the measuring device 1A.

[0115] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the measuring device 1A is an intraoral measuring device is described. In Embodiment 1, an example in which the measuring object of the measuring device 1A is water and the water content in the oral cavity is measured using the measuring device 1A is described.

[0116] <Appearance>

[0117] The appearance of the measuring device 1A will be described. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the measuring device 1A includes a housing 2 . The housing 2 has a rod-like shape having a longitudinal direction D1 . Specifically, the housing 2 includes a sensor unit 10 , a probe unit 20 , and a grip unit 30 .

[0118] The sensor part 10 is a part that contacts the measurement part of the living body. The measurement part of the living body refers to the measurement part in the oral cavity. The measurement part in the oral cavity is, for example, the tongue. The sensor part 10 is provided at one end E1 in the long side direction D1 of the measurement device 1A. The outer dimensions of the sensor part 10 are designed to be smaller than the probe part 20 and the grip part 30. For example, the dimensions of the sensor part 10 in the X direction and the Y direction are designed to be smaller than those of the probe part 20 and the grip part 30.

[0119] The sensor unit 10 has a contact surface 10a that contacts a measurement site of a living body. The contact surface 10a is provided on the one end E1 side in the longitudinal direction D1 of the housing 2 and in a direction (X, Y direction) intersecting the end surface on the one end E1 side.

[0120] The probe part 20 connects the sensor part 10 and the grip part 30. The probe part 20 is formed in a rod shape. The size of the probe part 20 in the X direction and the size in the Z direction decrease from the grip part 30 toward the sensor part 10. That is, the probe part 20 has a shape that gradually becomes thinner from the grip part 30 toward the sensor part 10.

[0121] The grip portion 30 is a portion that the user grips. The grip portion 30 is provided at the other end E2 in the longitudinal direction D1 of the measuring device 1A. The grip portion 30 is formed in a rod shape. The outer dimensions of the grip portion 30 are designed to be larger than those of the sensor portion 10 and the probe portion 20. For example, the dimensions of the grip portion 30 in the X, Y, and Z directions are designed to be larger than those of the sensor portion 10 and the probe portion 20.

[0122] The housing 2 is formed of, for example, resin. Alternatively, a portion of the housing 2 may be formed of metal. Alternatively, the entire housing 2 may be formed of metal.

[0123] Next, the components constituting the measuring device 1A will be described. Figure 1 - Figure 3 As shown, the measurement device 1A includes a biosensor 11 , a pressure detection unit 12 , a processing unit 21 , and an operation display unit 31 .

[0124] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the measurement device 1A includes the operation display unit 31, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The operation display unit 31 is not an essential configuration and may be provided in a device different from the measurement device 1A.

[0125] <Biosensor>

[0126] The biosensor 11 acquires biometric information. Biometric information refers to various physiological and anatomical information generated by a living body. Examples of biometric information include capacitance, resistance, moisture content, temperature, hardness, heart rate, pulse, dielectric constant, electrocardiogram, and electromyography. The biosensor 11 contacts a measurement site in the user's oral cavity and acquires biometric information of the contacted measurement site.

[0127] In the first embodiment, the biosensor 11 is, for example, a capacitance sensor. The biosensor 11 contacts a measurement site in the oral cavity and acquires capacitance information. That is, in the first embodiment, the biometric information acquired by the biosensor 11 is capacitance information.

[0128] The biosensor 11 is disposed on the contact surface 10a. The biosensor 11 is disposed on the contact surface 10a at one end E1 of the longitudinal direction D1 of the measurement device 1A. For example, the biosensor 11 is disposed in a recessed portion on the contact surface 10a side of the sensor unit 10 provided in the housing 2.

[0129] Figure 4 1 is a schematic enlarged bottom view of an example of a sensor unit in a measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The biosensor 11 is formed in a planar shape. Specifically, the biosensor 11 has a detection surface 11a for acquiring biometric information. The detection surface 11a is exposed on the contact surface 10a side of the sensor unit 10. For example, when viewed from the height direction (Z direction) of the measuring device 1A, the detection surface 11a is formed in a rectangular shape. The detection surface 11a detects biometric information by contacting the measuring part. That is, the biosensor 11 acquires biometric information by bringing the detection surface 11a into contact with the measuring part.

[0130] The biological information acquired by the biological sensor 11 is sent to the processing unit 21 .

[0131] <Pressure detection unit>

[0132] The pressure detection unit 12 detects the pressure P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement site of the organism. The pressure P refers to the force that presses the biosensor 11 to the measurement site. For example, the pressure P refers to the load caused by the pressure. For example, the pressure detection unit 12 is a piezoelectric pressure sensor or a strain gauge pressure sensor. The piezoelectric pressure sensor can accurately measure a smaller force by setting the range of the charge amplifier (a processing part for obtaining a voltage output caused by pressure). The strain gauge pressure sensor has the advantages of no drift and less temperature dependence.

[0133] The pressure detection unit 12 may directly detect the pressure applied to the biosensor 11 , or may indirectly detect the pressure applied to the biosensor 11 by detecting the pressure generated on the housing 2 due to contact of the biosensor 11 .

[0134] The pressure detection unit 12 is disposed in the sensor unit 10. The pressure detection unit 12 is disposed inside the sensor unit 10 and is disposed inside the outer periphery of the detection surface 11a when viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the detection surface 11a of the biosensor 11. Specifically, the pressure detection unit 12 is disposed on the surface of the biosensor 11 on the opposite side of the detection surface 11a in the sensor unit 10 in the Z direction.

[0135] Information on the pressing force P detected by the pressing detection unit 12 is sent to the processing unit 21 .

[0136] <Processing Department>

[0137] The processing unit 21 calculates the second measurement value R2 by correcting the first measurement value R1 obtained based on the biological information based on the pressing force P. Then, the processing unit 21 outputs information on the second measurement value R2.

[0138] The processing unit 21 obtains the first measurement value R1 based on the biological information obtained by the biosensor 11. Specifically, the processing unit 21 receives the biological information from the biosensor 11, and converts the biological information into information of the first measurement value R1 based on the biological information. For example, the biological information is analog information, and the information of the first measurement value R1 is digital information. In the first embodiment, the processing unit 21 has a frequency conversion circuit that converts the biological information obtained by the biosensor 11, that is, the information of the electrostatic capacitance, into a frequency. The processing unit 21 receives the information of the electrostatic capacitance from the biosensor 11, and converts the electrostatic capacitance into a frequency through the frequency conversion circuit. Thus, the frequency is obtained as the first measurement value R1.

[0139] For example, the processing unit 21 repeatedly charges and discharges the biosensor 11 regarded as an electrostatic capacitance, and converts the charge and discharge into a frequency of a cycle determined by the charge and discharge speed.

[0140] The processing unit 21 receives information about the pressing force P from the pressing detection unit 12 and corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the pressing force P to calculate the second measurement value R2. In the first embodiment, the processing unit 21 includes a correction circuit that calculates the second measurement value R2 by correcting the first measurement value R1 based on the pressing force P. The processing unit 21 receives information about the pressing force P from the pressing detection unit 12 and corrects the frequency based on the information about the pressing force P through the correction circuit. Thus, the corrected frequency is acquired as the second measurement value R2.

[0141] As the pressing force P increases, the correction circuit increases the correction amount of the first measurement value R1. The correction circuit calculates the second measurement value R2 by correcting the first measurement value R1 using the correction coefficient Q. For example, the correction circuit calculates the second measurement value R2 by multiplying the first measurement value R1 by the correction coefficient Q. As the pressing force P increases, the correction circuit increases the correction coefficient Q.

[0142] Figure 5 is a table showing an example of the pressing force P, the first measured value R1, the correction coefficient Q, and the second measured value R2. Figure 5 In the example shown, if the pressing force P is smaller than 50 g, the contact between the measurement site and the biosensor 11 cannot be ensured, so the example in which the pressing force P is smaller than 50 g is not shown. Figure 5 As shown, the first measurement value R1 increases as the pressing force P becomes larger than 50 g. Thus, although the contact between the measurement site and the biosensor 11 can be ensured, the first measurement value R1 varies as the pressing force P increases.

[0143] The correction coefficient Q is set so that the correction amount increases as the pressing force P increases. The correction coefficient Q is set every time the pressing force P reaches a predetermined value or within a predetermined range. Figure 5 In the example shown, the correction coefficient Q is set every time the pressing force P changes by 10 g.

[0144] The correction circuit determines a correction coefficient Q based on the pressing force P, and multiplies the first measurement value R1 by the correction coefficient Q to calculate the second measurement value R2.

[0145] Figure 6 : is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calculating the correction coefficient Q. Figure 6 The data shown shows the first measured value R1 and the second measured value R2 when only the pressing force P is changed under the specified conditions. Figure 6 Data shown.

[0146] like Figure 6As shown, an approximate equation Eq1 of the pressing force P and the first measured value R1 is calculated. For example, the approximate equation Eq1 is a linear equation. For example, the approximate equation Eq1 can be calculated using the least square method. The correction coefficient Q is set according to the ratio of the approximate value of the first measured value R1 of the pressing force P that becomes the reference value to each approximate value of the first measured value R1 of the pressing force P other than the reference value.

[0147] In addition, although the example in which the approximation formula Eq1 is a linear formula is described in the first embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the approximation formula Eq1 may also be a quadratic formula. When the approximation formula Eq1 is a quadratic formula, the approximation formula Eq1 may also be calculated by polynomial approximation, linear approximation, exponential approximation, power approximation, or logarithmic approximation.

[0148] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, the case where the first measurement value R1 when the pressing force P is 50 g is used as a reference, that is, the case where the correction coefficient Q when the pressing force P is 50 g is set to "1" is shown.

[0149] The correction circuit selects a correction coefficient Q corresponding to the pressing force P, and multiplies the first measurement value R1 by the correction coefficient Q. Thus, the second measurement value R2 is calculated.

[0150] The processing unit 21 outputs information of the calculated second measurement value R2. For example, the processing unit 21 sends the information to a calculation unit that calculates the amount of the measurement object. The calculation unit may be included in the measurement device 1A or in a device different from the measurement device 1A.

[0151] In the first embodiment, the processing unit 21 starts the measurement process when the pressing force P is equal to or greater than the first threshold value S1. The measurement process is a process for measuring the amount of the measurement object. For example, the measurement process is a process based on a frequency conversion circuit and a correction circuit.

[0152] The processing unit 21 has a determination circuit for determining whether the pressing force P is above the first threshold value S1. The processing unit 21 determines whether the pressing force P is above the first threshold value S1 through the determination circuit. When the determination circuit determines that the pressing force P is above the first threshold value S1, the processing unit 21 starts the measurement process. When the determination circuit determines that the pressing force P is smaller than the first threshold value S1, the processing unit 21 does not start the measurement process. In this way. Although the processing unit 21 continuously receives the biological information from the biosensor 11 and the information of the pressing force P from the pressure detection unit 12, the measurement process is not started as long as the pressing force P is not above the first threshold value S1.

[0153] For example, the first threshold value S1 is set to a value of the pressing force P at a level that ensures contact between the measurement site and the biosensor 11. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, the first threshold value S1 may be set to 50 g. However, the first threshold value S1 is not limited to this, and may be set to any value.

[0154] In the first embodiment, the processing unit 21 may also calculate the second measurement value R2 by correcting the first measurement value R1 based on the average value Pz of the pressing force P detected within a prescribed period from the start of the measurement process. The processing unit 21 may also have a calculation circuit that calculates the average value Pz of the pressing force P detected within a prescribed period from the start of the measurement process. The pressure detection unit 12 detects the pressing force P within a prescribed period from the start of the measurement process. The processing unit 21 calculates the average value Pz of the pressing force P within the prescribed period through the calculation circuit. The correction circuit corrects the first measurement value R1 to the second measurement value R2 based on the average value Pz of the pressing force P. For example, the correction coefficient Q is calculated using the average value Pz of the pressing force P.

[0155] In Embodiment 1, the processing unit 21 may correct the first measurement value R1 to the second measurement value R2 based on the average value Pz when the average value Pz of the pressing force P detected within a predetermined period is greater than the second threshold value S2 and less than the third threshold value S3. For example, the second threshold value S2 is set to a value of the pressing force P that can ensure the contact between the measurement site and the biosensor 11. The second threshold value S2 may be the same as the first threshold value S1. The third threshold value S3 is set to a pressing force P that does not damage the measurement site. For example, the second threshold value S2 may be set to 50g, and the third threshold value S3 may be set to 130g. In addition, the second threshold value S2 and the third threshold value S3 are not limited to these values, and can be set to any value.

[0156] Fig. 7A FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calculating the average value Pz of the pressing force P. Fig. 7A As shown, the processing unit 21 starts the measurement process at the timing ts1 when the pressing force P detected by the pressing detection unit 12 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value S1. The measurement process is performed during a predetermined period ta. The predetermined period ta is, for example, 1.5 seconds.

[0157] The prescribed period includes a first period ta1 and a second period ta2. The first period ta1 ends at a timing ts2 after a prescribed time has passed from the timing ts1. The second period ta2 ends at a timing ts3 after a prescribed time has passed from the timing ts2. The second period ta2 is longer than the first period ta1. For example, the first period ta1 is 0.5 seconds. The second period ta2 is 1.0 seconds.

[0158] The processing unit 21 calculates the average value Pz based on the value of the pressing force P detected during the second period ta2. Thus, the average value Pz of the pressing force P can be calculated more accurately. That is, the processing unit 21 does not use the value of the pressing force P detected during the first period ta1 immediately after the measurement process is started for calculating the average value Pz. In the second period ta2, the pressing force P can be stably detected compared to the first period ta1. By calculating the average value Pz based on the value of the pressing force P detected during the second period ta2, a more accurate average value Pz of the pressing force P can be calculated.

[0159] Furthermore, the predetermined period ta may include a third period ta3 after the second period Ta2.

[0160] Figure 7B FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining another example of a method for calculating the average value Pz of the pressing force P. Figure 7B As shown, the prescribed period ta includes a first period ta1, a second period ta2, and a third period ta3. The first period ta1 ends at a timing ts2 after a prescribed time has passed since the timing ts1. The second period ta2 ends at a timing ts3 after a prescribed time has passed since the timing ts2. The third period ta3 ends at a timing ts4 after a prescribed time has passed since the timing ts3. The second period ta2 is longer than the first period ta1 and the third period ta3. The prescribed period ta is, for example, 2.0 seconds. For example, the first period ta1 is 0.5 seconds. The second period ta2 is 1.0 seconds. The third period ta3 is 0.5 seconds. The processing unit 21 calculates the average value Pz based on the value of the pressing force P detected during the second period ta2.

[0161] The processing unit 21 is disposed on the biosensor 11 side relative to the central portion C1 in the longitudinal direction D1 of the measurement device 1A. Specifically, the processing unit 21 is disposed inside the probe unit 20. This can suppress the generation of noise.

[0162] The processing unit 21 can be implemented using semiconductor elements and the like. For example, the processing unit 21 can be composed of a microcomputer, a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a DSP, an FPGA, an ASIC, a discrete element semiconductor, or an LSI. The functions of the processing unit 21 can be composed of hardware alone or by combining hardware and software. The processing unit 21 realizes the specified functions by reading out data and programs stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the processing unit 21 and performing various calculations. For example, the storage unit can be realized by a hard disk (HDD), an SSD, a RAM, a DRAM, a ferroelectric memory, a flash memory, a magnetic disk, or a combination thereof.

[0163] <Operation display>

[0164] The operation display unit 31 receives input from the user and displays information on the amount of the measurement object. For example, the operation display unit 31 includes an operation unit that receives an operation from the user and a display unit that displays information.

[0165] The operation unit includes one or more buttons for receiving input from the user. The plurality of buttons include, for example, a power button for switching the power on / off.

[0166] The display unit displays information on the amount of the object to be measured. The display unit is, for example, a display. The information on the amount of the object to be measured is sent to the display unit, for example, from a calculation unit included in the measuring device 1A. Alternatively, the information on the amount of the object to be measured is sent to the display unit from a calculation unit included in a device different from the measuring device 1A, for example, via a network.

[0167] The operation display unit 31 is disposed on the upper surface of the grip unit 30 .

[0168] The measuring device 1A includes a control unit that collectively controls the components constituting the measuring device 1A. The control unit includes, for example, a memory storing a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, in the control unit, the processor executes the program stored in the memory. In the first embodiment, the control unit controls the biosensor 11, the pressure detection unit 12, the processing unit 21, and the operation display unit 31.

[0169] [Operation of the measuring device]

[0170] An example of the operation of the measurement device 1A, that is, an example of a measurement method will be described. Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , in step ST1, the pressing force P generated by the biosensor 11 contacting the measurement site of the living body is detected by the pressing detection unit 12. Specifically, the user brings the biosensor 11 disposed in the sensor unit 10 of the measurement device 1A into contact with the measurement site in the oral cavity. In step ST1, the pressing detection unit 12 detects the pressing force P generated by the biosensor 11 pressing the measurement site in the oral cavity. Information on the pressing force P detected by the pressing detection unit 12 is sent to the processing unit 21.

[0172] In step ST2, the processing unit 21 determines whether the pressing force P is greater than the first threshold value S1. In step ST2, the processing unit 21 receives information about the pressing force P from the pressing detection unit 12. When the processing unit 21 determines that the pressing force P is greater than the first threshold value S1, the process proceeds to step ST3. When the processing unit 21 determines that the pressing force P is less than the first threshold value S1, the process returns to step ST1.

[0173] In step ST3 , biological information is acquired by the biological sensor 11 . The biological information acquired by the biological sensor 11 is sent to the processing unit 21 .

[0174] In the first embodiment, the biosensor 11 is a capacitance sensor. The biosensor 11 acquires capacitance information as biometric information. In addition, the biosensor 11 transmits the capacitance information to the processing unit 21.

[0175] In step ST4, the biological information is converted into information of the first measurement value R1 by the processing unit 21. In the first embodiment, the processing unit 21 receives information of electrostatic capacitance from the biosensor 11, and converts the electrostatic capacitance into frequency by the frequency conversion circuit.

[0176] In step ST5, the processing unit 21 corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the pressing force P, thereby calculating the second measurement value R2. The processing unit 21 determines the correction coefficient Q based on the pressing force P, and multiplies the first measurement value R1 by the correction coefficient Q to calculate the second measurement value R2. In the first embodiment, the processing unit 21 corrects the frequency by multiplying the frequency converted by the frequency conversion circuit by the correction coefficient Q. Thus, the second measurement value R2 is acquired.

[0177] In step ST6, the information of the second measurement value R2 is outputted by the processing unit 21. For example, the processing unit 21 outputs the information of the second measurement value R2 to a calculation unit included in the measuring device 1A. Alternatively, the processing unit 21 outputs the information of the second measurement value R2 to a calculation unit included in a device different from the measuring device 1A.

[0178] The calculation unit starts the calculation process of the amount of the measurement object based on the information of the second measurement value R2. In the first embodiment, the amount of the measurement object is the amount of water.

[0179] The information on the amount of the measurement object calculated by the calculation unit is sent to the operation display unit 31. The operation display unit 31 displays the information on the amount of the measurement object.

[0180] By performing steps ST1 to ST6 in this manner, the measurement device 1A can output information on the second measurement value R2 obtained by correcting the first measurement value R1 based on the pressing force P.

[0181] [How to use the measuring device]

[0182] use Fig. 9 An example of a method of using the measurement device 1A will be described. Fig. 9 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the measurement device 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is used. In addition, an example of a method of using the intraoral measurement device will be described below as an example of the measurement device 1A.

[0183] like Fig. 9 As shown, the sensor unit 10 and the probe unit 20 of the measuring device 1A are covered by the film 3. The power button of the operation display unit 31 is pressed to turn on the power of the measuring device 1A. Thus, the measuring device 1A is ready for measurement.

[0184] During measurement, the contact surface 10a of the measurement device 1A is brought into contact with a measurement site in the oral cavity of the user. For example, the contact surface 10a is brought into contact with the tongue of the user.

[0185] In the measuring device 1A, the Figure 8 An example of the action shown.

[0186] The measuring device 1A detects the pressing force P by the pressing detection unit 12. The measuring device 1A starts the measuring process when the pressing force P detected by the pressing detection unit 12 is greater than the first threshold. On the other hand, the measuring device 1A does not start the measuring process when the pressing force P detected by the pressing detection unit 12 is less than the first threshold. In this case, the measuring device 1A may display an error indicating that the measurement cannot be performed on the operation display unit 31. Alternatively, the measuring device 1A may output a voice message indicating that the measurement cannot be performed. When the measuring device 1A does not start the measurement, the user brings the contact surface 10a into contact with the tongue again.

[0187] When a predetermined period has passed since the start of measurement, the measurement device 1A converts the biological information acquired by the biosensor 11 into information of the first measurement value R1. The measurement device 1A calculates the second measurement value R2 by correcting the first measurement value R1 based on the pressing force P, and transmits the information of the second measurement value R2 to the calculation unit. The calculation unit calculates the water content as the amount of the measurement object based on the second measurement value R2.

[0188] When the measurement is completed, the measurement device 1A displays information about the amount of the measurement object as the measurement result on the operation display unit 31. At this time, the measurement device 1A may also notify the user of the completion of the measurement. For example, a message indicating the completion of the measurement may be displayed on the operation display unit 31. Alternatively, the user may be notified of the completion of the measurement by voice information from a speaker.

[0189] [Effect]

[0190] According to the measuring device 1A of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0191] The measuring device 1A includes a biosensor 11, a pressure detection unit 12, and a processing unit 21. The biosensor 11 acquires biometric information. The pressure detection unit 12 detects a pressure P generated by the biosensor 11 contacting a measurement site of a living body. The processing unit 21 calculates a second measurement value R2 by correcting a first measurement value R1 obtained based on the biometric information based on the pressure P, and outputs information on the second measurement value R2.

[0192] By such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be improved. According to the measurement device 1A, the measurement value can be corrected according to the magnitude of the pressing force P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement part of the living body. Therefore, even if the measurement part of the living body is fully in contact with the biosensor 11, the measurement value is deviated according to the change in the magnitude of the pressing force P. This can solve a new problem.

[0193] The pressing force P with which the biosensor 11 is pressed against the measurement site also varies depending on the usage situation, the user's proficiency, etc. According to the measurement device 1A, it is possible to easily perform highly accurate measurement.

[0194] The processing unit 21 increases the correction amount of the first measurement value R1 as the pressing force P increases. With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0195] The processing unit 21 starts the measurement process when the pressing force P is equal to or greater than the first threshold value S1. With such a configuration, the measurement can be started when the biosensor 11 is in sufficient contact with the measurement site, so the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0196] The processing unit 21 corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the average value Pz of the pressing force P detected within a predetermined period from the start of the measurement process. With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0197] When the average value Pz of the pressing force P is greater than or equal to the second threshold value S2 and less than or equal to the third threshold value S3, the processing unit 21 corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the average value Pz. With such a configuration, when the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement site during measurement is sufficient, the first measurement value R1 can be corrected based on the average value Pz of the pressing force P. Thus, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0198] The measuring device 1A includes a housing 2 that accommodates a biosensor 11, a pressure detection unit 12, and a processing unit 21 and has a longitudinal direction D1. The housing 2 includes a sensor unit 10, a probe unit 20, and a gripping unit 30. The sensor unit 10 is disposed on the side of one end E1 in the longitudinal direction D1. The gripping unit 30 is disposed on the side of the other end E2 in the longitudinal direction D1. The probe unit 20 is formed in a rod shape and connects the sensor unit and the gripping unit 30. The biosensor 11 is disposed on the sensor unit 10. The pressure detection unit 12 is disposed on the sensor unit 10. The processing unit 21 is disposed on the probe unit 20. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily detect the pressing force P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measuring part. Thus, the measurement accuracy can be further improved. In addition, by disposing the processing unit 21 on the probe unit 20, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise in the processing unit 21.

[0199] The biosensor 11 has a detection surface 11a for acquiring bio-information. The pressure detection unit 12 is arranged inside the sensor unit 10 and arranged inside the outer periphery of the detection surface 11a when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface 11a. With such a configuration, the pressing force P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement site can be easily and accurately detected. As a result, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0200] The biosensor 11 is a capacitance sensor that detects capacitance. The processing unit 21 converts the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor into a frequency. With such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

[0201] The pressure detection unit 12 is a piezoelectric pressure sensor. With such a configuration, the pressure P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement site can be easily and accurately detected. This can further improve the measurement accuracy.

[0202] In addition, although the example in which the measuring device 1A includes the biosensor 11, the pressure detection unit 12, the processing unit 21, and the operation display unit 31 is described in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The measuring device 1A may realize these components by a single device or by a plurality of devices. For example, the processing unit 21 and the operation display unit 31 may be formed integrally. The biosensor 11 and the processing unit 21 may also be formed integrally.

[0203] Although the example in which the operation display unit 31 is provided in the measurement device 1A is described in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The operation display unit 31 may not be provided in the measurement device 1A. For example, the operation display unit 31 may be provided in a device different from the measurement device 1A.

[0204] Although in the first embodiment, the measurement device 1A is an intraoral measurement device and measures the amount of water as the amount of the measurement object, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the measurement device 1A may also measure the amount of saliva secretion, bite force, tongue pressure, tongue color, and / or the amount of various substances contained in saliva. Specifically, the measurement device 1A may also measure the amount of secreted electrolytes, various enzymes, proteins, ammonia, etc. as the measurement object.

[0205] Alternatively, the measurement device 1A may be a pulse meter, a pulse oximeter, or the like.

[0206] In the first embodiment, an example in which the housing 2 includes the sensor unit 10 , the probe unit 20 , and the grip unit 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0207] Although the example in which the biosensor 11 is an electrostatic capacitance sensor is described in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The biosensor 11 may be any sensor capable of acquiring biometric information. For example, the biosensor 11 may be at least one of an impedance measurement sensor, a load sensor, and a humidity sensor.

[0208] Although the first embodiment describes an example in which the detection surface 11a of the biosensor 11 is formed into a rectangular shape when viewed from the height direction (Z direction) of the measuring device 1A, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection surface 11a of the biosensor may have a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape when viewed from the height direction (Z direction) of the measuring device 1A.

[0209] Although the first embodiment describes an example in which the pressure detection unit 12 is disposed in the sensor unit 10, the present invention is not limited thereto. The pressure detection unit 12 may be disposed at a position capable of detecting the pressure P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement site.

[0210] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a measuring device 1B according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 As shown, in the measurement device 1B, the pressure detection unit 12 may be disposed in the probe unit 20. In such a configuration, the pressure detection unit 12 can also detect the pressing force P easily.

[0211] In the first embodiment, an example in which the measurement device 1A includes one pressure detection unit 12 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The measurement device 1A may include one or more pressure detection units 12 .

[0212] Although the first embodiment describes an example in which the processing unit 21 corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the average value Pz of the pressing force P detected within a predetermined period, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processing unit 21 may correct the first measurement value R1 based on the median value of the pressing force P detected within a predetermined period.

[0213] Although the example in which the processing unit 21 includes a conversion circuit that converts electrostatic capacitance into frequency is described in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The processing unit 21 may also include a circuit that converts the biological information acquired by the biosensor 11 into information other than frequency. Alternatively, the processing unit 21 may not include a conversion circuit. In this case, the processing unit 21 may also directly use the biological information as the first measurement value R1.

[0214] In the first embodiment, an example in which the operation display unit 31 includes an operation unit and a display unit is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The operation display unit 31 only needs to include at least one of the operation unit and the display unit.

[0215] In the first embodiment, as an example of the operation of the measuring device 1A, Figure 8 Steps ST1 to ST6 are described in detail, but are not limited to these. Figure 8 Steps ST1 to ST6 shown in the figure may be combined or divided. Figure 8 The flowchart shown may also include additional steps. For example, a step of displaying the measurement result on the operation display unit 31 may be added. Figure 8 The order of steps ST1 to ST6 shown is not limited to this order.

[0216] Fig.11 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a measuring device 1C according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 As shown, the measuring device 1C may also include a notification unit 32 for notifying information. For example, the notification unit 32 is a device that outputs sound information and / or light information. For example, the notification unit 32 may also be a speaker, an LED, a display, etc. The notification unit 32 may also output information notifying the end of the measurement or information notifying a measurement error. The notification unit is controlled by the control unit.

[0217] For example, the processing unit 21 determines whether the pressing force P is within the range of a predetermined threshold value, and sends information on the determination result to the notification unit 32. The notification unit 32 outputs information based on the information on the determination result. For example, when the pressing force P is within the range of a predetermined threshold value, the notification unit 32 outputs information notifying the end of the measurement. Alternatively, when the pressing force P is not within the range of a predetermined threshold value, the notification unit 32 outputs information notifying a measurement error. With such a configuration, the convenience of use of the measurement device 1C is improved.

[0218] (Implementation Method 2)

[0219] A measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals for description. In the second embodiment, the descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0220] use Fig.12 An example of a measuring device according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig.12 This is a schematic perspective view of an example of a measuring device 1D according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0221] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a calculation unit 33 is provided.

[0222] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the measuring device 1D includes a calculating unit 33 . The calculating unit 33 calculates the amount of the measuring object based on the second measurement value R2 calculated by the processing unit 21 .

[0223] The calculation unit 33 is housed in the gripping portion 30 of the housing 2. The calculation unit 33 receives information on the second measurement value R2 from the processing unit 21. The calculation unit 33 calculates the amount of the measurement object based on the received information on the second measurement value R2. In the second embodiment, the information on the second measurement value R2 is information on the frequency. The calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content based on the information on the frequency. The calculation unit 33 is controlled by the control unit.

[0224] The calculation unit 33 can be realized by using semiconductor elements or the like. The function of the calculation unit 33 can be realized by hardware alone or by combining hardware and software. The calculation unit 33 has, for example, a moisture content calculation circuit that calculates the moisture content based on the amount of change in frequency. In addition, the amount of change in frequency refers to the difference between the reference frequency and the frequency converted based on the information of the electrostatic capacitance in the processing unit 21. The reference frequency refers to the frequency in the standard air environment.

[0225] The calculation unit 33 has a storage unit. For example, the storage unit can be implemented by a hard disk (HDD), an SSD, a RAM, a DRAM, a ferroelectric memory, a flash memory, a magnetic disk, or a combination thereof. For example, when the calculation unit 33 performs the calculation of the amount of the measured object, the information of the second measurement value R2 sent from the processing unit 21 is stored in the storage unit.

[0226] Information on the amount of moisture calculated by the calculation unit 33 is sent to the operation display unit 31 .

[0227] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measuring device 1D according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 Steps ST11 to ST13 and ST16 to ST18 shown in the figure are the same as those in the first embodiment. Figure 8 Steps ST1 to ST6 shown are the same, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0228] like Fig.13 As shown, in step ST11 , the pressing force P is detected by the pressing detection unit 12 .

[0229] In step ST12, the processing unit 21 determines whether the pressing force P is greater than the first threshold S1. If the pressing force P is greater than the first threshold S1, the process proceeds to step ST13. If the pressing force P is less than the first threshold S1, the process returns to step ST11.

[0230] In step ST13 , biological information is acquired by the biological sensor 11 .

[0231] In step ST14, the processing unit 21 calculates the average value Pz of the pressing force P detected in the predetermined period. The method of calculating the average value Pz of the pressing force P is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0232] In step ST15, the processing unit 21 determines whether the average value Pz of the pressing force P is greater than the second threshold value S2 and less than the third threshold value S3. If it is determined that the average value Pz is greater than the second threshold value S2 and less than the third threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST16. If it is determined that the average value Pz is less than the second threshold value S2 or greater than the third threshold value, the process returns to step ST11.

[0233] In step ST16 , the processing unit 21 converts the biological information into information of the first measurement value R1 .

[0234] In step ST17 , the processing unit 21 corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the average value Pz of the pressing force P, thereby calculating the second measurement value R2 .

[0235] In step ST18, the information of the second measurement value R2 is outputted by the processing unit 21. The processing unit 21 outputs the information of the second measurement value R2 to the calculation unit 33.

[0236] In step ST19, the amount of the object to be measured is calculated based on the information of the second measurement value R2 by the calculation unit 33. The calculation unit 33 receives the information of the second measurement value R2 from the processing unit 21, and calculates the amount of the object to be measured based on the second measurement value R2. The information of the calculated amount of the object to be measured is sent to the operation display unit 31.

[0237] In step ST20, the measurement result is displayed by the operation display unit 31. The operation display unit 31 receives the information on the amount of the measurement object from the calculation unit 33, and displays the information on the amount of the measurement object.

[0238] In this way, by performing steps ST11 to ST20 , the measurement device 1D can calculate the amount of the measurement object.

[0239] [Effect]

[0240] According to the measuring device 1D of the third embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0241] The measurement device 1D includes a calculation unit 33 that calculates the amount of the measurement object based on the second measurement value R2. With such a configuration, the amount of the measurement object can be calculated.

[0242] In addition, although the example in which the calculation unit 33 is arranged inside the holding unit 30 is described in the second embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the calculation unit 33 may be arranged inside the probe unit 20. In this case, the calculation unit 33 may be formed integrally with the processing unit 21.

[0243] Although the example in which the calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content as the amount of the measurement object is described in the second embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, although the example in which the calculation unit 33 includes a moisture content calculation circuit that calculates the moisture content based on the frequency change amount is described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the calculation unit 33 only needs to include a calculation circuit that calculates the amount of the measurement object.

[0244] (Implementation method 3)

[0245] A measurement system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals for description. In the third embodiment, the descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0246] use Fig.14An example of a measurement system according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig.14 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a measurement system 50 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0247] The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that information acquired by the measuring device 1E is sent to the processing device 40 and the amount of the measurement object is calculated by the processing device 40 .

[0248] like Fig.14 As shown, the measurement system 50 includes a measurement device 1E that comes into contact with a measurement site of a living body, and a processing device 40 that communicates with the measurement device 1E.

[0249] <Measurement device>

[0250] The measurement device 1E includes a biosensor 11, a pressure detection unit 12, a processing unit 21, and a first communication unit 34. In the third embodiment, the biosensor 11, the pressure detection unit 12, and the processing unit 21 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0251] The first communication unit 34 communicates with the processing device 40. Specifically, the first communication unit 34 transmits information on the second measurement value R2 output from the processing unit 21 to the processing device 40.

[0252] The first communication unit 34 includes a circuit for communicating with the processing device 40 according to a predetermined communication standard. The predetermined communication standard includes, for example, LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, HDMI (registered trademark), CAN (controller area network), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0253] The measuring device 1E includes a first control unit that controls the components constituting the measuring device 1E in a unified manner. The first control unit includes, for example, a memory storing a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, in the first control unit, the processor executes the program stored in the memory. In the third embodiment, the first control unit controls the biosensor 11, the pressure detection unit 12, the processing unit 21, and the first communication unit 34.

[0254] <Processing equipment>

[0255] The processing device 40 receives information from the measuring device 1E and calculates the amount of the measuring object based on the received information. Specifically, the processing device 40 receives information on the second measurement value R2 from the measuring device 1E and calculates the amount of the measuring object based on the information on the second measurement value R2.

[0256] The processing device 40 is a computer. For example, the processing device 40 may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the processing device 40 may be a server connected to a network.

[0257] The processing device 40 includes a second communication unit 41, an operation display unit 31, and a calculation unit 33. In the third embodiment, the operation display unit 31 and the calculation unit 33 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0258] The second communication unit 41 communicates with the measurement device 1E. Specifically, the second communication unit 41 receives information on the second measurement value R2 from the first communication unit 34 of the measurement device 1E.

[0259] The second communication unit 41 includes a circuit for communicating with the measuring device 1E according to a predetermined communication standard. The predetermined communication standard includes, for example, LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, HDMI (registered trademark), CAN (controller area network), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0260] The processing device 40 receives the information of the second measurement value R2 from the measuring device 1E via the second communication unit 41 .

[0261] In the processing device 40, the calculation unit 33 calculates the amount of the measurement object based on the information of the second measurement value R2 received from the measurement device 1D. In the third embodiment, the calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content based on the information of the second measurement value R2. The calculated moisture content information is sent to the operation display unit 31. The operation display unit 31 displays the calculated moisture content information.

[0262] The processing device 40 includes a second control unit that collectively controls the components constituting the processing device 40. The second control unit includes, for example, a memory storing a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, in the second control unit, the processor executes the program stored in the memory. In Embodiment 3, the second control unit controls the second communication unit 41, the operation display unit 31, and the calculation unit 33.

[0263] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the measurement system 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 Steps ST21 to ST26 shown in the figure are similar to those of the first embodiment. Figure 8 Steps ST1 to ST6 shown are the same, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0264] like Fig.15 As shown, in step ST21 , the pressing force P is detected by the pressing detection unit 12 .

[0265] In step ST22, the processing unit 21 determines whether the pressing force P is greater than the first threshold value S1. When the processing unit 21 determines that the pressing force P is greater than the first threshold value S1, the process proceeds to step ST23. When the processing unit 21 determines that the pressing force P is less than the first threshold value S1, the process returns to step ST21.

[0266] In step ST23 , biological information is acquired by the biological sensor 11 . The biological information acquired by the biological sensor 11 is sent to the processing unit 21 .

[0267] In step ST24 , the processing unit 21 converts the biological information into information of the first measurement value R1 .

[0268] In step ST25 , the processing unit 21 corrects the first measurement value R1 based on the pressing force P, thereby calculating the second measurement value R2 .

[0269] In step ST26, the information of the second measurement value R2 is outputted by the processing unit 21. The processing unit 21 transmits the information of the second measurement value R2 to the processing device 40 via the first communication unit 34.

[0270] In step ST27 , the information of the second measurement value R2 is received by the second communication unit 41 . The information of the second measurement value R2 received by the second communication unit 41 is sent to the calculation unit 33 .

[0271] In step ST28, the amount of the object to be measured is calculated based on the information of the second measurement value R2 by the calculation unit 33. In Embodiment 3, the calculation unit 33 calculates the amount of water as the amount of the object to be measured. The calculation unit 33 sends information on the calculated amount of the object to be measured to the operation display unit 31.

[0272] In step ST29 , the measurement result is displayed by operating the display unit 31 .

[0273] By performing steps ST21 to ST29 in this manner, the measurement system 50 can calculate the amount of the measurement object.

[0274] [Effect]

[0275] According to the measurement system 50 of the third embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0276] The measuring system 50 includes a measuring device 1E and a processing device 40 that communicates with the measuring device 1E. The measuring device 1E includes a biosensor 11, a pressure detection unit 12, a processing unit 21, and a first communication unit 34. The biosensor 11 acquires biometric information. The pressure detection unit 12 detects a pressure P generated by the biosensor 11 contacting a measuring part of a living body. The processing unit 21 calculates a second measurement value R2 by correcting a first measurement value R1 obtained based on the biometric information based on the pressure P, and outputs information about the second measurement value R2. The first communication unit 34 sends information about the second measurement value R2 to the processing device 40. The processing device 40 includes a second communication unit 41 and a calculation unit 33. The second communication unit 41 receives information about the second measurement value R2 from the first communication unit 34 of the measuring device 1E. The calculation unit 33 calculates the amount of the measured object based on the information about the second measurement value R2.

[0277] By such a configuration, the measurement accuracy can be improved. According to the measurement system 50, the measurement value can be corrected according to the magnitude of the pressing force P generated by the contact between the biosensor 11 and the measurement part of the living body. Therefore, even if the measurement part of the living body is fully in contact with the biosensor 11, the measurement value is deviated according to the change in the magnitude of the pressing force P. This can solve a new problem.

[0278] The pressing force P with which the biosensor 11 is pressed against the measurement site also varies depending on the usage situation, the user's proficiency, etc. According to the measurement system 50 , it is possible to easily perform highly accurate measurement.

[0279] In addition, although the example in which the processing device 40 is provided with the operation display unit 31 is described in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The operation display unit 31 is not an essential component in the processing device 40. For example, the operation display unit 31 may be provided in the measuring device 1E. Alternatively, the operation display unit 31 may be provided in other external devices.

[0280] Although the measurement system 50 has been described in the third embodiment as an example in which water is used as the measurement object, the present invention is not limited thereto. The measurement system 50 may be any system as long as it can measure the amount of the measurement object.

[0281] In the third embodiment, an example in which the measurement system 50 includes the measurement device 1E has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0282] Although the present invention has been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in relation to the preferred embodiments, various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations should be understood to be included therein as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention based on the appended claims.

[0283] The measuring device and the measuring system of the present invention can be applied to, for example, a moisture content measuring device for measuring the moisture content in the oral cavity.

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising: The housing accommodates the biosensor, the pressure detection unit, and the processing unit, and has a long side direction. The housing has: A sensor portion, disposed at one end side in the long side direction; A gripping portion disposed at the other end side in the longitudinal direction; and The probe part is formed in a rod shape and connects the sensor part and the holding part. The biosensor is disposed in the sensor unit. The pressure detection unit is arranged on the sensor unit. The processing unit is arranged on the probe unit. The above-mentioned biosensor acquires biometric information. The pressure detection unit detects a pressure generated by the contact between the biosensor and the measurement site of the living body. The processing unit calculates a second measurement value by correcting the first measurement value obtained based on the biological information based on the pressing force, and outputs information on the second measurement value.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The biosensor has a detection surface for acquiring biometric information. The pressure detection portion is disposed inside the sensor portion and is disposed on an inner side than an outer periphery of the detection surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The biosensor is a capacitance sensor that detects capacitance. The processing unit converts the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor into a frequency.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The measuring device further includes a calculation unit for calculating the amount of the measuring object.

5. The measuring device according to claim 4, wherein: The amount of the object to be measured is the amount of water.

6. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pressure detection unit is a piezoelectric pressure sensor.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: It also has a notification section for notifying information. The processing unit determines whether the pressing force detected by the pressing detection unit is within a predetermined range, and outputs information on the determination result to the notification unit.

8. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The measurement site of the living body that the biosensor contacts is the measurement site in the oral cavity.

9. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit increases the correction amount of the first measurement value as the pressing force increases.

10. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 9, wherein: The processing unit starts a measurement process when the pressing force is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

11. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 9, wherein: The processing unit corrects the first measurement value based on an average value of the pressing force detected within a predetermined period from the start of measurement processing.

12. The measuring device according to claim 11, wherein The processing unit corrects the first measurement value based on the average value when the average value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value and less than or equal to a third threshold value.

13. A measurement system comprising: an assay device; and a processing device communicating with the measuring device, The above measuring device has: Biosensors, to obtain bio-information; A pressure detection unit that detects a pressure generated by the contact between the biosensor and the measurement site of the living body; a processing unit that calculates a second measurement value by correcting the first measurement value obtained based on the biological information based on the pressing force, and outputs information on the second measurement value; A first communication unit sends information of the second measurement value to the processing device for detection; and The housing accommodates the biosensor, the pressure detection unit, and the processing unit, and has a long side direction. The housing has: A sensor portion, disposed at one end side in the long side direction; A gripping portion disposed at the other end side in the longitudinal direction; and The probe part is formed in a rod shape and connects the sensor part and the holding part. The biosensor is disposed in the sensor unit. The pressure detection unit is arranged on the sensor unit. The processing unit is arranged on the probe unit. The processing device has: a second communication unit that receives information on the second measurement value from the first communication unit of the measurement device; and The calculation unit calculates the amount of the measurement object based on the information of the second measurement value.

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