Living body monitoring device

Abstract

The in vivo monitoring device of the present invention comprises: a sensor included in a sensor device, performing a detection process to detect the medical state inside a patient's body, and performing a process to generate first detection data, the first detection data indicating the result of the detection process; a generation unit, performing a process to generate second detection data based on the first detection data, the second detection data indicating content related to the detection process and having a data volume less than the first detection data; a communication unit implemented by the sensor device, performing a process to send the second detection data to a terminal corresponding to the patient; and a control unit, which, when it is determined that the sensor device is present inside the patient's body, causes the communication unit to perform a process to send the second detection data to the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a live monitoring device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-165931, filed in Japan on September 30, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, progress is being made in the development of technologies that use sensors installed in medical devices or instruments used inside a patient's body to detect the patient's medical condition and to perform medical actions based on the detected results.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liveness detection device comprising a sensor, a reading unit, a transmitting unit, and a power supply unit. The sensor is installed inside the oral cavity to measure the user's liveness information. The reading unit is positioned inside the oral cavity to read external information from an information transmitting device located outside the oral cavity. The transmitting unit transmits the liveness information detected by the sensor and the read external information. The power supply unit supplies power to these transmitting units and the sensor. The reading unit reads identifier information stored in the information transmitting device attached to the user's oral cavity when the user brings the user's personal item close to their mouth.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6376588.

[0008] However, regardless of whether the aforementioned biometric measurement device is installed in the user's mouth, it uses sensors to measure the user's biometric information, reads external information from the information transmitting device using the reading unit, and transmits the biometric information detected by the sensors and the read external information using the transmitting unit. Therefore, there is a possibility that the aforementioned biometric measurement device prematurely reduces the power supply available to the power unit. Furthermore, because the aforementioned biometric measurement device does not notify the user of information related to the biometric measurement, it sometimes fails to increase the user's enthusiasm for biometric measurement and treatment using biometric information. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a live monitoring device that can reduce power consumption and increase patients' enthusiasm for monitoring and managing their medical condition.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] (1) A living body monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a sensor, included in a sensor device, performing a detection process to detect a medical state within a patient's body, and performing a process to generate first detection data, the first detection data indicating the result of the detection process; a generation unit, implemented by the sensor device, performing a process to generate second detection data based on the first detection data, the second detection data indicating content related to the detection process and having a data volume less than the first detection data; a communication unit, implemented by the sensor device, performing a process to send the second detection data to a terminal corresponding to the patient; a determination unit, determining whether the sensor device exists within the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data; and a control unit, which, when it is determined that the sensor device exists within the patient's body, causes the sensor to perform the process of generating the first detection data, causes the generation unit to perform the process of generating the second detection data, and causes the communication unit to perform the process of sending the second detection data to the terminal.

[0013] (2) Alternatively, if it is determined that the sensor device is not present in the patient's body, the control unit stops the sensor from generating the first detection data, stops the generation unit from generating the second detection data, and stops the communication unit from sending the second detection data to the terminal.

[0014] (3) Alternatively, if it is determined that the sensor device is present in the patient's body, the control unit controls the communication unit to send the second detection data to the terminal in a first cycle.

[0015] (4) Alternatively, if it is determined that the sensor device is not present in the patient's body, the control unit controls the communication unit to send the second detection data to the terminal in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle.

[0016] (5) Alternatively, the determination unit may calculate the time during which the sensor device is not present in the patient’s body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data, and further determine whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the time exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit may lengthen the second cycle.

[0017] (6) Alternatively, the determination unit calculates the time during which the sensor device is not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data, and further determines whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the determination is that the time exceeds the predetermined threshold, the generation unit generates recommended data for the terminal to perform output information processing. The information recommends to the patient that the sensor device is present in the patient's body. The communication unit sends the recommended data to the terminal.

[0018] (7) Alternatively, the communication unit may send the second detection data to the terminal without receiving a request to send the second detection data to the terminal.

[0019] (8) Alternatively, it may also include a storage unit for storing the first detection data.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, power consumption can be reduced and patients' enthusiasm for monitoring and managing their medical condition can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the live monitoring device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the sensor device and fixing part included in the liveness monitoring device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor device, terminal, and data acquisition device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the sensor device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display mounted on a terminal, based on second detection data generated by the sensor device of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes in which the liveness monitoring device, including the embodiment, performs processing separately for the sensor, the generation unit, and the communication unit, and does not perform processing separately for the sensor, the generation unit, and the communication unit.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the intraoral monitoring device in an embodiment when it is determined that the sensor device is not present in the patient's oral cavity.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a live monitoring device according to other embodiments.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the engagement force measured by a sensor device included in a liveness monitoring device of another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] [Implementation Method]

[0032] Reference Figures 1-5 An example of a live monitoring device, terminal, and data acquisition device according to an embodiment will be described.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the live monitoring device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the sensor device and fixing part included in the liveness monitoring device of the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor device, terminal, and data acquisition device according to an embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the live animal monitoring device 1 includes a sensor device 10 and a fixing part 11. Figure 3 As shown, the sensor device 10 includes a sensor 12, a processor 13, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a battery 16.

[0035] The fixing part 11 is a component that fixes the sensor device 10 inside the patient's body. Here, "inside the patient's body" refers to, for example, the inside of the patient's mouth, nasal cavity, or external auditory canal. However, "inside the patient's body" may also include areas other than the patient's mouth, nasal cavity, and external auditory canal.

[0036] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fixing part 11 is a resin component that connects to the orthodontic appliance 700 and fixes the sensor device 10 to the lateral side of the mandibular body of the patient's mandible. Figure 2 As shown, preferably, the fixing part 11 seals the sensor device 10 to prevent moisture such as the patient's saliva from adhering to the sensor device 10.

[0037] Sensor 12 is included in sensor device 10 and performs detection processing to monitor the patient's medical condition, generating first detection data that shows the results of the detection processing. The first detection data may, for example, show data on the physical quantity detected by the detection processing, or it may indicate whether the detection processing was performed correctly. Sensor 12 is controlled by an IC (Integrated Circuit) and may operate intermittently, for example, every ten seconds.

[0038] Sensor 12 is, for example, a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter includes a light-emitting element such as an LED (light-emitting diode) and a light-detecting element. The pulse oximeter shines light emitted from the light-emitting element onto the inside of the patient's cheek, and the light-detecting element detects the light reflected from the patient's cheek. Based on the light detected by the light-detecting element, the pulse oximeter measures the patient's blood oxygen concentration and generates first detection data showing the patient's blood oxygen concentration.

[0039] However, sensor 12 can be, for example, a chemical sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, a pulse wave sensor, a heart rate sensor, or a blood flow sensor.

[0040] A chemical sensor is a sensor that generates first detection data showing the type and quantity of bacteria present in a patient's body by detecting the presence or concentration of a specific chemical substance in the patient's body.

[0041] An accelerometer is a sensor that performs detection processing to measure the acceleration of a part of a patient's body and generates initial detection data showing, for example, steps, activity level, or the movement of that part of the body. A gyroscope sensor is a sensor that performs detection processing to measure the angular velocity of a part of a patient's body and measures, for example, steps, activity level, or the movement of that part of the body. Here, "part of the patient's body" refers to, for example, the patient's chin.

[0042] When the live monitoring device 1 is installed on the patient's chin and the sensor 12 includes at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope sensor, the sensor 12 generates first detection data showing, for example, the number of times the patient chews, the number of times the patient swallows, and the number of times the patient grinds their teeth.

[0043] A pressure sensor is a sensor that performs detection processing to measure the pressure applied to a part of a patient's body and generates first detection data showing the movement of that part of the patient's body. A strain sensor is a sensor that performs detection processing to measure the strain applied to a part of a patient's body and generates first detection data showing the movement of that part of the patient's body. Here, "part of the patient's body" refers to, for example, the patient's jaw.

[0044] When the live monitoring device 1 is installed on the patient's chin and the sensor 12 includes at least one of a pressure sensor and a strain sensor, the sensor 12 can measure, for example, the number of chewing strokes and the magnitude of the force applied to teeth, dentures, or orthodontic appliances due to chewing. In this case, the sensor 12 can also measure, for example, the number of swallowing strokes, the number of teeth grinding strokes, the magnitude of the force applied to teeth, dentures, or orthodontic appliances due to teeth grinding, and the duration of wearing orthodontic appliances.

[0045] A pulse wave sensor uses light to measure a patient's pulse wave, generating initial detection data showing the patient's pulse wave. A heart rate sensor uses light to measure a patient's heart rate, generating initial detection data showing the patient's heart rate. A blood flow sensor uses laser light to measure a patient's blood flow, generating initial detection data showing the patient's blood flow.

[0046] Furthermore, if the sensor 12 includes a sensor that uses light such as a laser, at least a portion of the fixing part 11 needs to be made of a material that allows the light to pass through. For example, if the sensor 12 includes a sensor that uses light with wavelengths belonging to the near-infrared or visible light regions, at least a portion of the fixing part 11 needs to be made of a material that allows light with wavelengths of 400 nm to 1000 nm to pass through.

[0047] The processor 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 13 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 14 to implement the functions of controlling the sensor 12, controlling the communication unit 15, and other functions. The processor 13 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 14 to implement the generation unit 131, the determination unit 132, and the control unit 133, which will be described later.

[0048] The storage unit 14 includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM included in the storage unit 14 stores, for example, a program read and executed by the processor 13. On the other hand, the RAM included in the storage unit 14 stores the program read and executed by the processor 13. Furthermore, the storage unit 14 stores the first detection data generated by the sensor 12.

[0049] Ministry of Communications 15 and Figure 3 The terminal 2, data acquisition device 3, and other devices shown perform communication. For example, the communication unit 15 uses wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to communicate with the terminal 2, data acquisition device 3, and other devices. In this case, the communication unit 15 has circuitry corresponding to the BLE standard.

[0050] Terminal 2 is a smartphone, tablet, or other terminal corresponding to the patient wearing the liveness monitoring device 1. Examples of such terminals include those corresponding to the patient wearing the liveness monitoring device 1, the patient's guardian, or the patient's attending physician. Terminal 2 can also perform a scan response to the liveness monitoring device 1 as needed, requesting the liveness monitoring device 1 to send additional detection data.

[0051] Data acquisition device 3 acquires the first detection data generated by the liveness monitoring device 1 and sends it to a computer used by the patient's attending physician, dental care worker, nurse, etc. The first detection data is used in the computer for, for example, to discuss the effectiveness of the treatment implemented on the patient, to discuss future treatment plans, and to analyze the patient's medical condition.

[0052] The battery 16 supplies power to various parts of the sensor device 10, such as the sensor 12, processor 13, storage unit 14, and communication unit 15.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a live monitoring device according to an embodiment.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the live monitoring device 1 includes a generation unit 131, a determination unit 132, and a control unit 133. The generation unit 131, the determination unit 132, and the control unit 133 are implemented by the processor 13 reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 14.

[0055] The generation unit 131 performs a process to generate second detection data based on the first detection data. The second detection data shows content related to the detection process performed by the sensor 12 and has a smaller data volume than the first detection data. As long as the sensor 12 continues to perform the detection process, the generation unit 131 can continuously perform the process of generating the second detection data.

[0056] The second detection data shows, for example, a portion of what the first detection data shows, values ​​calculated based on the first detection data, and the amount of power that battery 16 can supply to sensor 12. The second detection data differs from the first detection data; it is not data used by the patient's attending physician, dental hygienist, nurse, etc., in the patient's treatment, medical research, etc., but rather data used to inform the patient in an easily understandable way about their history of using the orthodontic appliance 700, their current health status, etc. Therefore, it is preferable that the second detection data shows content that is easier for the patient to understand than medically accurate content.

[0057] The second detection data is sent from the communication unit 15 to the terminal 2. In this case, the communication unit 15 may also send the second data to the terminal 2 without receiving a request to do so. For example, the communication unit 15 may also send the second detection data to the terminal 2 via advertising data packets, beacons, or broadcasts.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display of a terminal based on second detection data generated by the sensor device 10 of the embodiment. Figure 5 The image P shown includes display area A1, display area A2 and display area A3.

[0059] The areas with horizontal shading displayed in display area A1 indicate the lower range of health indicators. The areas with dotted shading displayed in display area A1 indicate the medium range of health indicators. The areas with vertical shading displayed in display area A1 indicate the higher range of health indicators.

[0060] The shaded area displayed in display area A1 is the cursor that shows the patient's current health indicators. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, when the cursor indicates a health indicator within a region shaded by a vertical line, the health indicator is displayed as "A" in display area A1. Alternatively, when the cursor indicates a health indicator within a region shaded by a dot, the health indicator is displayed as "B" in display area A1. Alternatively, when the cursor indicates a health indicator within a region shaded by a horizontal line, the health indicator is displayed as "C" in display area A1.

[0061] Display area A2 shows a graph of blood oxygen concentration measured by sensor 12. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents blood oxygen concentration. Figure 5 The chart shown illustrates an example of measurement results in a case where blood oxygen concentration gradually decreases and then increases towards normal levels.

[0062] Display area A3 shows the patient's current body temperature "36.6℃", pulse "112bpm", and blood oxygen concentration "99%", indicating that the patient's chimerism is weak.

[0063] The determination unit 132 determines whether the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data. For example, if at least one of the blood oxygen concentration shown by the first detection data and the blood oxygen concentration shown by the second detection data is close to the blood oxygen concentration of a healthy person, the determination unit 132 determines that the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body. On the other hand, if at least one of the blood oxygen concentration shown by the first detection data and the blood oxygen concentration shown by the second detection data is not a meaningful level of blood oxygen concentration, the determination unit 132 determines that the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body.

[0064] If the sensor device 10 is determined to be present in the patient's body, the control unit 133 causes the sensor 12 to generate first detection data, causes the generation unit 131 to generate second detection data, and causes the communication unit 15 to send the second detection data to the terminal 2. Conversely, if the sensor device 10 is determined not to be present in the patient's body, the control unit 133 causes the sensor 12 to stop generating the first detection data, causes the generation unit 131 to stop generating the second detection data, and causes the communication unit 15 to stop sending the second detection data to the terminal 2.

[0065] If the sensor device 10 is determined to be present in the patient's body, the control unit 133 controls the communication unit 15 to send the second detection data to the terminal 2 at a first cycle. The first cycle is a cycle of any set length, for example, 5 minutes. On the other hand, if the sensor device 10 is determined not to be present in the patient's body, the control unit 133 controls the communication unit 15 to send the second detection data to the terminal 2 at a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. The second cycle is a cycle of any set length, for example, 5 seconds.

[0066] Furthermore, the wireless signal transmitted from the communication unit 15 to the terminal 2 is significantly attenuated due to the presence of moisture within the patient's body and tissues. Therefore, compared to the case where the sensor device 10 is located outside the patient's body, when the sensor device 10 is located inside the patient's body, the communication unit 15 needs to increase the strength of the wireless signal in order to transmit the second detection data outside the body. Consequently, when the sensor device 10 is located inside the patient's body, the communication unit 15 consumes more power.

[0067] The determination unit 132 can also calculate the time during which the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data, and further determine whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. Moreover, if it is determined that the time exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit 133 may also lengthen the second cycle. In addition, in this case, the control unit 133 may lengthen the second cycle within a range not exceeding the length of the first cycle, or it may lengthen the second cycle regardless of the length of the first cycle.

[0068] The determination unit 132 can also calculate the time during which the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data, and further determine whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, if it is determined that the time exceeds the predetermined threshold, the generation unit 131 generates recommended data for causing the terminal 2 to perform output information processing, the information recommending a state where the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body. The recommended data is sent to the terminal 2 by the communication unit 15 and used by the terminal 2 to output the information using a display, speaker, or other means mounted on the terminal 2.

[0069] Then, refer to Figure 6 The explanation will address the case where the live monitoring device 1 is selected so that the sensor 12, the generation unit 131, and the communication unit 15 perform processing respectively, and the case where the sensor 12, the generation unit 131, and the communication unit 15 do not perform processing respectively.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes in which the liveness monitoring device, including the embodiment, performs processing separately for the sensor, the generation unit, and the communication unit, and does not perform processing separately for the sensor, the generation unit, and the communication unit.

[0071] In step S61, the determination unit 132 determines whether the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body. If the determination unit 132 determines that the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body (step S61: Yes), the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if the determination unit 132 determines that the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body (step S61: No), the process proceeds to step S63.

[0072] In step S62, the control unit 133 causes the sensor 12 to perform the process of generating first detection data, causes the generation unit 131 to perform the process of generating second detection data, and causes the communication unit 15 to perform the process of sending the second detection data to the terminal 2.

[0073] In step S63, the control unit 133 causes the sensor 12 to stop generating the first detection data, the generation unit 131 to stop generating the second detection data, and the communication unit 15 to stop sending the second detection data to the terminal 2.

[0074] Then, refer to Figure 7 An example of the processing of the cycle in which the liveness monitoring device of the determined implementation sends second detection data to the terminal will be described.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the intraoral monitoring device in an embodiment when it is determined that the sensor device is not present in the patient's oral cavity. Figure 7 The processing shown is based on the premise that the sensor 12 and the generation unit 131 are continuously working.

[0076] In step S71, the determination unit 132 calculates the time during which the sensor device 10 was not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data.

[0077] In step S72, the determination unit 132 determines whether the time during which the sensor device 10 has not been present in the patient's body exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the determination unit 132 determines that the time during which the sensor device 10 has not been present in the patient's body exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S72: Yes), the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if the determination unit 132 determines that the time during which the sensor device 10 has not been present in the patient's body is less than the predetermined threshold (step S72: No), the process proceeds to step S75.

[0078] In step S73, the control unit 133 lengthens the second cycle.

[0079] In step S74, the control unit 133 controls the communication unit 15 to send the second detection data to the terminal 2 in a second cycle.

[0080] In step S75, the generation unit 131 generates recommended data for causing the terminal 2 to perform processing of output information, the information recommending to the patient that the sensor device 10 be present in the patient's body.

[0081] In step S76, the communication unit 15 sends the recommendation data to the terminal 2.

[0082] The above describes the liveness monitoring device 1 according to the embodiment. The liveness monitoring device 1 includes a sensor 12, a generation unit 131, a communication unit 15, a determination unit 132, and a control unit 133.

[0083] Sensor 12, included in sensor device 10, performs detection processing to monitor the patient's medical condition and generates first detection data, which shows the result of the detection processing. Generation unit 131, implemented by sensor device 10, performs processing to generate second detection data based on the first detection data. This second detection data shows content related to the detection processing and has a smaller data volume than the first detection data. Communication unit 15, implemented by sensor device 10, performs processing to send the second detection data to terminal 2 corresponding to the patient.

[0084] The determination unit 132 determines whether the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data. If the sensor device 10 is determined to be present in the patient's body, the control unit 133 causes the sensor 12 to perform the process of generating the first detection data, causes the generation unit 131 to perform the process of generating the second detection data, and causes the communication unit 15 to perform the process of sending the second detection data to the terminal 2. Conversely, if the sensor device 10 is determined not to be present in the patient's body, the control unit 133 causes the sensor 12 to stop generating the first detection data, causes the generation unit 131 to stop generating the second detection data, and causes the communication unit 15 to stop sending the second detection data to the terminal 2.

[0085] Therefore, when it is determined that the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body, the liveness monitoring device 1 can send the second detection data to the terminal 2 to notify the patient of the detection process in an easily understandable manner, thereby increasing the patient's willingness to cooperate with the detection and processing of their medical condition. Conversely, when it is determined that the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body, the liveness monitoring device 1 can stop the processing performed by the sensor 12, the generation unit 131, and the communication unit 15, conserving power supplied from the battery 16 and extending the continuous operating time.

[0086] The liveness monitoring device 1 sends the second detection data to the terminal 2 without receiving a request to send the second detection data to the terminal 2.

[0087] Therefore, the liveness monitoring device 1 does not communicate with the terminal 2 before sending the second detection data to the terminal 2, thus saving the power supplied from the battery 16 and extending the continuous working time.

[0088] When the liveness monitoring device 1 determines that the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body, it controls the communication unit 15 to send second detection data to the terminal 2 in a first cycle. On the other hand, when the liveness monitoring device 1 determines that the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body, it controls the communication unit 15 to send second detection data to the terminal 2 in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle.

[0089] That is, when the live monitoring device 1 needs to consume more power to send the second detection data to the terminal 2 because the sensor device 10 is located inside the patient's body, it adopts a first cycle that is longer than the second cycle as the cycle for sending the second detection data.

[0090] Thus, the liveness monitoring device 1 can save power supplied from the battery 16 and extend its continuous operating time by using a first cycle that is longer than the second cycle when more power is needed to send the second detection data to the terminal 2.

[0091] The liveness monitoring device 1 calculates the time during which the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first and second detection data, and determines whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, if the liveness monitoring device 1 determines that the time exceeds the predetermined threshold, it lengthens the second cycle.

[0092] Therefore, when the live monitoring device 1 does not need to send the second detection data to the terminal 2 because the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body, the second cycle can be lengthened, saving the power supplied from the battery 16 and extending the continuous working time.

[0093] The liveness monitoring device 1 calculates the time during which the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first and second detection data, and determines whether this time exceeds a predetermined threshold. Then, if the liveness monitoring device 1 determines that the time exceeds the predetermined threshold, it generates recommended data for the terminal to perform output information processing, recommending a state where the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body. Furthermore, the liveness monitoring device 1 sends the recommended data to the terminal 2.

[0094] Therefore, even when the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body, the live monitoring device 1 can urge the patient to wear the live monitoring device 1, thus more reliably guiding the effect of orthodontic treatment using the orthodontic appliance 700.

[0095] The liveness monitoring device 1 includes a storage unit 14 for storing first detection data. Therefore, the liveness monitoring device 1 only needs to store the first detection data in the storage unit 14 unless it receives a request to send the first detection data from the data acquisition device 3. Thus, there is no need to consume the power stored in the battery 16 to send the first detection data, extending the continuous operating time.

[0096] Furthermore, at least a portion of the functions of the live monitoring device 1 can also be implemented by hardware including circuitry such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0097] The sensor device 10 described above does not need to be fixed to the orthodontic appliance 700 using the fixing part 11. For example, the sensor device 10 can be fixed to the occlusal plate used by the patient. In this case, the live monitoring device can also be fixed to the patient's body without intruding on the patient's body.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the case where the live monitoring device 1 is a single device has been described as an example, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, a part of the live monitoring device 1 may be implemented by a first device, and another part of the live monitoring device 1 may be implemented by a second device different from the first device. Preferably, all of these devices are sealed by the fixing part 11.

[0099] In the above embodiments, the example given is that the sensor device 10 is sealed by the fixing part 11, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fixing part 11 only needs to cover a part of the sensor device 10.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the example given is that the sensor device 10 has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, but it is not limited to this. For example, the sensor device 10 may also have a microcontroller with these three functions instead of a CPU, ROM, and RAM.

[0101] In the above embodiments, the example given is that the sensor device 10 is connected to the orthodontic appliance 700 by means of the fixing part 11, but it is not limited to this.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a live monitoring device according to another embodiment.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the live monitoring device 1a has a sensor device 10a on the portion of the orthodontic appliance 800 worn on the patient's mandible that covers the patient's incisors. The sensor device 10a includes a pressure sensor that measures the patient's occlusal force.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the engagement force measured by a sensor device included in another embodiment of a liveness monitoring device.

[0105] exist Figure 9 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the interlocking force. Figure 9 During periods T1 and T3, as shown, the pressure sensor did not detect a meaningful engagement force. On the other hand, in Figure 9 During period T2, the pressure sensor measured the engagement force as the patient engaged their maxilla and mandible. In the first half of period T2, the patient began to engage their maxilla and mandible, thus increasing the engagement force. In the second half of period T2, the patient ended the engagement, thus showing a roughly constant engagement force.

[0106] In this case, for example, if the number of times that at least one of the engagement force shown by the first detection data and the engagement force shown by the second detection data exceeds a predetermined engagement force exceeds a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the determination unit 132 determines that the sensor device 10 is present in the patient's body. On the other hand, if the period during which at least one of the engagement force shown by the first detection data and the engagement force shown by the second detection data is insufficient to the predetermined engagement force exceeds a predetermined period and continues, the determination unit 132 determines that the sensor device 10 is not present in the patient's body.

[0107] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and at least one of various combinations, modifications, substitutions, and design changes can be applied to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0108] Symbol Explanation

[0109] 1, 1a…Living monitoring device; 2…Terminal; 3…Data acquisition device; 10, 10a…Sensor device; 11…Fixing part; 12…Sensor; 13…Processor; 14…Storage part; 15…Communication part; 16…Battery; 131…Generation part; 132…Judgment part; 133…Control part; 700, 800…Orthodontic appliance; A1, A2, A3…Display area; P…Image; G…Gingives.

Claims

1. A live monitoring device, wherein, have: A sensor, included in a sensor device, performs detection processing to detect the medical state within a patient's body, and performs processing to generate first detection data, the first detection data indicating the result of the detection processing; The generation unit, implemented by the sensor device, performs processing to generate second detection data based on the first detection data. The second detection data shows content related to the detection processing and has a smaller data volume than the first detection data. The communication unit, implemented by the sensor device, performs the process of sending the second detection data to the terminal corresponding to the patient; The determination unit determines whether the sensor device exists in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data. as well as When the control unit determines that the sensor device is present in the patient's body, it causes the sensor to perform processing to generate the first detection data, causes the generation unit to perform processing to generate the second detection data, and causes the communication unit to perform processing to send the second detection data to the terminal. If it is determined that the sensor device is present in the patient's body, the control unit controls the communication unit to send the second detection data to the terminal in a first cycle. If it is determined that the sensor device is not present in the patient's body, the control unit controls the communication unit to send the second detection data to the terminal at a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. The determination unit calculates the time during which the sensor device was not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data, and further determines whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the control unit determines that the time exceeds a predetermined threshold, it lengthens the second cycle.

2. The live monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, The determination unit calculates the time during which the sensor device was not present in the patient's body based on at least one of the first detection data and the second detection data, and further determines whether the time exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the time is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, the generation unit generates recommended data for the terminal to perform output information processing, and the information recommends to the patient that the sensor device be present in the patient's body. The communication unit sends the recommendation data to the terminal.

3. The live monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit sends the second detection data to the terminal without receiving a request to do so.

4. The live monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, It also has a storage unit for storing the first detection data.

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