Head-mounted device

Abstract

A head-mounted device (100) includes: a hollow casing (10) to be worn on an ear of a user; a cylindrical ear canal insertion portion (12) that is a part of the casing (10) and is provided at a portion of the casing (10) on an ear canal side; a thermistor (18) for the head-mounted device that is provided on the ear canal side inside the casing (10); a temperature sensor (24) on a main substrate (25) for the head-mounted device that is provided on the opposite side of the ear canal side inside the casing (10); and an arithmetic portion (22) that measures a body temperature of the user based on an output of the thermistor (18) and an output of the temperature sensor (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to head-mounted devices. Background Technology

[0002] Techniques for measuring deep body temperature have been known since the past (e.g., Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-212407 discloses a non-heated deep body thermometer, which sequentially includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, starting from the measuring surface in contact with the body surface, and an insulating material is provided between these first and second temperature sensors. This non-heated deep body thermometer is characterized by having at least two sets of temperature sensors, namely, a set of the first and second temperature sensors and a set of the first and second temperature sensors, wherein the thermal resistance value of the insulating material between these first and second temperature sensors is different for each set of the first and second temperature sensors.

[0004] In the paper "A Discussion on Correction in the Calculation of Deep Body Temperature Using External Auditory Canal Temperature Measured by Thermistor" by Akira Ikejiri et al. ([No.19-306] Proceedings of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Symposium: Kinematics and Human Dynamics 2019), a technique for calculating deep body temperature using external auditory canal temperature measured by thermistor was disclosed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, in the existing technology, additional sensors for body temperature measurement are required, which complicates the device structure of the head-mounted device.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a head-mounted device that can measure body temperature with high accuracy without adding an additional sensor for body temperature measurement.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed head-mounted device comprises: a hollow housing worn on a user's ear; a cylindrical external auditory canal insertion portion, which is part of the housing and disposed on the external auditory canal side of the housing; a first sensor for the head-mounted device disposed inside the housing on the external auditory canal side; a second sensor for the head-mounted device disposed inside the housing on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side; and a computing unit that measures the user's body temperature based on the output of the first sensor and the output of the second sensor.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the user's body temperature is measured based on the output of a first sensor for a head-mounted device located inside the housing on the external auditory canal side and the output of a second sensor for a head-mounted device located inside the housing on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side. Thus, body temperature can be measured with high accuracy without adding an additional temperature-measuring sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a method for estimating deep body temperature in a head-mounted device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the parameters used in deep body temperature estimation. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the head-mounted device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the computing unit of a head-mounted device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an example graph representing temperature data measured during the development of a head-mounted device. Figure 6 It means that for t B / t e For t e / t A Example distribution diagram. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of performing thermometer measurement using a head-mounted device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a method for estimating deep body temperature using a head-mounted device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the parameters used to estimate deep body temperature. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the head-mounted device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the computing unit of a head-mounted device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the content of temperature measurement processing using a head-mounted device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the head-mounted device involved in Embodiment 1. Figure 14This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the head-mounted device involved in Embodiment 2. Figure 15 This is a graph showing the measurement results of deep body temperature in the head-mounted device involved in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [First Implementation] <Summary of the first embodiment of the technology disclosed herein> In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, no additional structure is added for measuring deep body temperature; instead, a sensor already present in conventional head-mounted devices is used to determine the deep body temperature.

[0012] As an example, a temperature conduction system comprising a basic sensor structure, namely a "thermometer" and a "temperature sensor on the main substrate," is used to measure deep body temperature.

[0013] Figure 1 , Figure 2 This indicates the structure of the thermal resistance and parameters in the temperature conduction system.

[0014] The temperature measured by the thermistor is taken as T. b The temperature measured by the temperature sensor on the main substrate is taken as T. a Using room temperature as T A Using deep body temperature as T B Additionally, room temperature T A With temperature T a The temperature difference between them is taken as the first temperature difference t. A Temperature T b With temperature T a The temperature difference between them, i.e., the temperature difference within the head-mounted device, is taken as the second temperature difference t. e T1 B With temperature T b The temperature difference between them is t B Additionally, the temperature difference t A The corresponding thermal resistance is R A , will be related to temperature difference t e The corresponding thermal resistance is R e , will be related to temperature difference t B The corresponding thermal resistance is R B .

[0015] As a preliminary preparation for the measurement, namely as the parameter creation during the development of the head-mounted device, the room temperature T was measured in advance using a thermometer and a clinical thermometer. A and deep body temperature T BBased on this, we can find "R" in any state. B / R e "value" and "t" B / t e For t e / t A Distribution.

[0016] Therefore, in deep body temperature measurement, the temperature difference t can be calculated. A Temperature difference t e Temperature difference t B and deep body temperature T B .

[0017] Here, for room temperature T A This will prevent the perception of localized temperature increases caused by body temperature while maintaining a constant overall temperature (Temperature T) within the head-mounted device. a T b The temperature under the same conditions is taken as room temperature T. A .

[0018] Furthermore, since the head-mounted device warms up locally due to body temperature, the room temperature T cannot be determined. A In this condition, the deep body temperature T is calculated using the parameters used in the previous temperature measurement. B .

[0019] <Structure of the Head-Mounted Device According to the First Embodiment of the Technology of this Disclosure> like Figure 3 As shown, the head-mounted device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure has a hollow housing 10 that houses various functional components and is worn on the user's ear. The housing 10 is the frame of the head-mounted device 100. In addition, the head-mounted device 100 has a cylindrical external auditory canal insertion portion 12, which is part of the housing 10 and is provided in the portion of the housing 10 on the external auditory canal side when worn on the user's ear, and has a hollow portion.

[0020] In addition, the head-mounted device 100 has a drive unit 14 for sound signal output located inside the housing 10.

[0021] Additionally, the head-mounted device 100 includes: a drive unit 14 that outputs sound signals; a microphone 16 configured to collect signals propagating to the hollow portion of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12; a thermistor 18 for the head-mounted device disposed inside the housing 10 on the external auditory canal side; a temperature sensor 24 for the head-mounted device disposed inside the housing 10 on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side; a playback unit 20 that outputs sound signals from the drive unit 14; a calculation unit 22 that measures deep body temperature based on the outputs of the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24; a communication unit 23 that receives sound signals from an information processing terminal (not shown) and sends the measurement results of the calculation unit 22 to the information processing terminal; and a main board 25.

[0022] The regeneration unit 20, the computing unit 22, the communication unit 23, and the temperature sensor 24 are mounted on the main base plate 25 disposed inside the housing 10.

[0023] Thermistor 18 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the external auditory canal space and is used to measure the charging and discharging operating temperature of the battery (not shown) located inside the housing 10.

[0024] Temperature sensor 24 is a sensor that is built into a sensing IC (such as a 9-axis sensor) mounted on the main substrate 25, and is located in a part that is not in contact with the housing 10.

[0025] The computing unit 22 measures the user's deep body temperature based on the output from the thermistor 18 and the output from the temperature sensor 24.

[0026] The arithmetic unit 22 is functionally as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it includes an authentication unit 30, a room temperature estimation unit 32, a deep body temperature estimation unit 34, and a regeneration control unit 36.

[0027] The authentication unit 30 uses ear sound authentication via microphone 16 to identify the user wearing the head-mounted device 100.

[0028] The room temperature estimation unit 32 estimates the room temperature based on the outputs of the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24 under specified conditions. Specifically, the room temperature estimation unit 32 estimates the room temperature based on the temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 24. a and the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18 b Under the same conditions, temperature T a and temperature T b It is the temperature of the enclosure, determined to be related to room temperature T. A Equal, temperature T a Or temperature T b Estimated as room temperature T A .

[0029] The deep body temperature estimation unit 34 receives the outputs from the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24. The deep body temperature estimation unit 34 estimates the room temperature T based on this output. A The temperature T measured from the output of temperature sensor 24 a The first temperature difference t between A and the temperature T measured from the output of temperature sensor 24 a and the temperature T measured from the output of thermistor 18 b The second temperature difference t between e This is used to estimate the user's core body temperature.

[0030] Specifically, the standby time continues until the thermistor 18 and temperature sensor 24 become warm, after which the outputs of the thermistor 18 and temperature sensor 24 are acquired, as explained below, to estimate the deep body temperature T. B .

[0031] First, after estimating the room temperature T A In this case, "t" is calculated based on measurement data obtained during the development of the head-mounted device. B / t e For t e / t A Based on the distribution of [the body temperature], the following formula is used to estimate the deep body temperature T. B .

[0032]

[0033] Here, f(x) in the above equation is taken as an example, representing multiple measured data and distributions. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the following formula is used to express the results, based on measurement data obtained during the development of the head-mounted device.

[0034] f(x) = -0.8136x 2 +1.5978x -0.3045

[0035] Therefore, based on the deep body temperature T calculated above... B and the temperature T measured from the output of the thermistor 18 b The second temperature difference t e Calculate and record the thermal resistance ratio R according to the following formula. B / R e value.

[0036]

[0037] Additionally, at temperature T a and temperature T bIn cases where the values ​​are unequal, i.e., when the measurement begins while the frame is warming up, the last recorded R value is used. B / R e The value, according to the above formula (2), is the temperature difference t inside the head-mounted device. e Multiply by R B / R e The value obtained is related to temperature T. b Add them together to estimate the deep body temperature (T). B

[0038] Furthermore, in R where the last record does not exist B / R e Given a value, R is obtained using prior measurements. B / R e The value is sufficient.

[0039] The regeneration control unit 36 ​​controls the output of the sound signal received from the information processing terminal by means of the regeneration unit 20 and the drive unit 14.

[0040] <Operation of the Head-Mounted Device According to the First Embodiment of the Technology of this Disclosure> When the housing 10 of the head-mounted device 100 is worn on the user's ear, and the user's information processing terminal (not shown) receives an instruction from the deep body temperature meter via wireless communication, the arithmetic unit 22 executes... Figure 7 The temperature measurement process is as shown in the diagram.

[0041] First, in step S100, the authentication unit 30 identifies the user of the head-mounted device 100 by using ear sound authentication via the microphone 16.

[0042] In step S102, the room temperature estimation unit 32 acquires the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18. b And the temperature T measured by temperature sensor 24. a .

[0043] In step S104, the room temperature estimation unit 32 determines the temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 24. a and the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18 b Are they equal? ​​At temperature T a and temperature T b If they are equal, proceed to step S106. On the other hand, at temperature T... a and temperature T b If the values ​​are not equal, proceed to step S116. Furthermore, the temperature T measured by temperature sensor 24 is... a and the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18 b Equal, this is an example of a specified condition.

[0044] In step S106, the room temperature estimation unit 32 sets the temperature T a Or temperature T b Estimated as room temperature T A .

[0045] In step S108, the deep body temperature estimation unit 34 stands by for a specified time until the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24 become warm.

[0046] In step S110, the deep body temperature estimation unit 34 obtains the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18 after a predetermined time has elapsed. b and the temperature T measured by temperature sensor 24 a .

[0047] In step S112, the deep body temperature estimation unit 34 estimates the deep body temperature T according to the above formula (1). B Therefore, the deep body temperature T is transmitted via the communication unit 23. B The estimation results are sent to the information processing terminal.

[0048] In step S114, the deep body temperature estimation unit 34 calculates the deep body temperature T based on the above-mentioned calculation. B The temperature T measured from the output of thermistor 18 b And the second temperature difference t e Based on the above formula (2), calculate and record R. B / R e The temperature measurement process ends upon reaching the specified value.

[0049] In step S116, the deep body temperature estimation unit 34 stands by for a specified time until the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24 become warm.

[0050] In step S118, the deep body temperature estimation unit 34 uses the last recorded R... B / R e Based on the above formula (2), the deep body temperature T is estimated. B Therefore, through the communication unit 23, the deep body temperature T is transmitted. B The estimated result is sent to the information processing terminal, ending the thermometer measurement process.

[0051] As explained above, the head-mounted device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure measures the user's body temperature based on the outputs of a thermistor for the head-mounted device disposed inside the housing on the external auditory canal side and a temperature sensor for the head-mounted device disposed inside the housing on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side. Therefore, body temperature can be measured with high accuracy without the need for additional temperature measuring sensors.

[0052] Furthermore, the above embodiment was described using a combination of a thermistor and a temperature sensor on the main substrate as an example, but it is not limited to this. Deep body temperature can also be measured using either a thermistor on the external auditory canal side or a proximity sensor (described later), or a temperature sensor on the main substrate opposite to the external auditory canal side or a touchpad (described later).

[0053] [Second Implementation] The head-mounted device according to the second embodiment will now be described. Parts with the same structure as those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the output of four sensors used in the head-mounted device is used to estimate the deep body temperature, which differs from the first embodiment.

[0055] <Summary of the second embodiment of the present disclosure> In head-mounted devices, multiple temperature sensing devices are sometimes incorporated. In this embodiment, deep body temperature is measured using a multiple temperature conduction system formed by four sensors that serve as temperature sensing devices.

[0056] Here, Figure 8 This describes the structure of the thermal resistance and parameters of multiple temperature conduction systems. Furthermore, descriptions of the same variables as in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0057] The temperature measured by the thermistor is taken as T. thm The temperature measured by the temperature sensor on the main substrate is taken as T. pwb The temperature measured by the proximity sensor is taken as T. prox The temperature measured by the touchpad is used as T. touch Additionally, room temperature T A With temperature T pwb Temperature difference as t Ai , room temperature T A With temperature T touch Temperature difference as t Aj Temperature T thm With temperature T pwb Temperature difference as t i +t n Temperature T prox With temperature T pwb Temperature difference as t i +t m Temperature T thm With temperature T touch Temperature difference as t j +t n Temperature T proxWith temperature T touch Temperature difference as t j +t m T1 B With temperature T thm Temperature difference as t Bn T1 B With temperature T prox Temperature difference as t Bm .

[0058] In addition, the temperature difference t Ai The corresponding thermal resistance is R Ai , will be related to temperature difference t Aj The corresponding thermal resistance is R Aj , will be related to temperature difference t i +t n The corresponding thermal resistance is R i +R n , will be related to temperature difference t i +t m The corresponding thermal resistance is R i +R m , will be related to temperature difference t j +t n The corresponding thermal resistance is R j +R n , will be related to temperature difference t j +t m The corresponding thermal resistance is R j +R m , will be related to temperature difference t Bn The corresponding thermal resistance is R Bn , will be related to temperature difference t Bm The corresponding thermal resistance is R Bm .

[0059] In addition, Figure 9 The above-mentioned temperature differences and thermal resistances are represented by t, which is the temperature difference t between the first embodiment and the first embodiment. A t e t B and thermal resistance R A R e R B The correspondence. In Figure 9 The diagram shows the parameter structure elements in the presence of four temperature conduction systems, but this varies depending on the number of sensors installed.

[0060] The following section explains the limitations of each sensor. The thermal resistance (R) inside the head-mounted device... i R j R m R nBecause their construction is identical, there will be no differences between the various products. Additionally, depending on the ambient air conditioning or sunlight conditions, the thermal resistance R between the head-mounted device and the room temperature... Ai R Aj Variations occur with each measurement. Furthermore, the wearing condition differs for each user, thus affecting the thermal resistance R between the head-mounted device and deep body temperature. Bm R Bn Individual differences exist. Therefore, when measuring the core body temperature of multiple users using the same frame and parameters, errors will occur.

[0061] In this embodiment, deep body temperature is measured as follows.

[0062] First, during the pre-development phase, specifically in creating parameters for the head-mounted device, the room temperature T was measured using a thermometer and a clinical thermometer. A Based on the deep body temperature T, the t values ​​for each of the four temperature conduction systems are calculated. A t e The ratio.

[0063] Therefore, deep body temperature can be measured in the following manner.

[0064] Here, the thermal resistance R is determined based on the wearer's condition or the influence of air conditioning during the measurement. A R B The value of t varies with each measurement. Therefore, the value of t is determined for a specified standby time until the sensor warms up. A t e The ratio, compared with t in the four temperature conduction systems calculated in the prior preparation. A t e Compared to the ratio, select the temperature conduction system that best matches the conditions prepared in advance.

[0065] Therefore, by utilizing the selected temperature conduction system t A t e To calculate the temperature difference t B and deep body temperature T B .

[0066] In addition, for room temperature T A This will prevent the observation of a localized temperature rise caused by body temperature while the overall temperature of the frame remains constant (temperature T). pwb T thm The temperature under the same conditions is taken as room temperature T. A .

[0067] Since body temperature causes localized warming, it is impossible to determine room temperature (T) using this method. AUnder these conditions, the deep body temperature T is calculated using parameters from a previous body temperature measurement of a specified temperature conduction system. B .

[0068] <Structure of the Head-Mounted Device according to the Second Embodiment of the Present Disclosure> like Figure 10 As shown, the head-mounted device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has the same structure as the head-mounted device 100 according to the first embodiment, but also includes a head-mounted device proximity sensor 218 disposed inside the housing 10 on the external auditory canal side and a head-mounted device touchpad 224 disposed inside the housing 10 on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side.

[0069] The proximity sensor 218 is an electrostatic capacitive sensor used to determine whether something is worn on the ear. The sensor output of the proximity sensor 218 has a linear relationship with temperature, so the temperature of the proximity sensor 218 can be measured from its output.

[0070] Touchpad 224 is an electrostatic capacitive sensor used to detect user operations (regenerate, stop, etc.). In addition, the sensor output of touchpad 224 has a linear relationship with temperature, so the temperature of touchpad 224 can be measured from the output of touchpad 224.

[0071] The computing unit 22 measures the deep body temperature based on the output from the thermistor 18, the output from the temperature sensor 24, the output from the proximity sensor 218, and the output from the touchpad 224.

[0072] Specifically, the arithmetic unit 22 functions as follows: Figure 11 As shown, it includes an authentication unit 30, a room temperature estimation unit 32, a system selection unit 233, a deep body temperature estimation unit 234, and a regeneration control unit 36.

[0073] The system selection unit 233 selects any one of the four temperature conduction systems formed by the combination of either the thermistor 18 on the external auditory canal side and the proximity sensor 218, and either the temperature sensor 24 on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side and the touchpad 224.

[0074] Specifically, the system selection unit 233 acquires the outputs from the thermistor 18, the temperature sensor 24, the proximity sensor 218, and the touchpad 224 during a specified standby time until the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24 become warm. The system selection unit 233 calculates the temperature difference t from room temperature for each of the four temperature conduction systems. A and the temperature difference t inside the head-mounted device eThe ratio. Therefore, the system selection unit 233 compares the temperature difference t calculated in advance for each of the four temperature conduction systems with room temperature. A and the temperature difference t inside the head-mounted device e The ratio is calculated at the current moment. Therefore, the system selection unit 233 selects the temperature conduction system that is closest to the ratio calculated in advance.

[0075] The deep body temperature estimation unit 234 acquires the sensor output of the selected temperature conduction system and compares it with the estimated room temperature T from the selected temperature conduction system. A The first temperature difference t A And the second temperature difference t within the head-mounted device e This is used to estimate the user's core body temperature.

[0076] Specifically, as explained below, the estimated deep body temperature T... B .

[0077] First, after estimating the room temperature T A In this case, "t" is calculated based on measurement data from the development of the head-mounted device. B / t e For t e / t A The distribution of deep body temperature T is estimated based on the above formula (1). B .

[0078] At this point, if the selected temperature conduction system is a combination of thermistor 18 and temperature sensor 24, the temperature T measured from the output of thermistor 18 will be... thm As T b The temperature difference t i +t n As t e The temperature difference t Ai As t A The parameter for f(x) is a value determined using measurement data from this temperature conduction system.

[0079] Furthermore, if the selected temperature conduction system is a combination of thermistor 18 and touchpad 224, the temperature T measured from the output of thermistor 18 will be... thm As T b The temperature difference t j +t n As t e The temperature difference t Aj As t A The parameter for f(x) is a value determined using measurement data from this temperature conduction system.

[0080] Furthermore, if the selected temperature conduction system is a combination of proximity sensor 218 and touchpad 224, the temperature T measured from the output of proximity sensor 218 will be... prox As T b The temperature difference t j +t m As t e The temperature difference t Aj As t A The parameter for f(x) is a value determined using measurement data from this temperature conduction system.

[0081] Furthermore, when the selected temperature conduction system is a combination of proximity sensor 218 and temperature sensor 24, the temperature T measured from the output of proximity sensor 218 will be... prox As T b The temperature difference t i +t m As t e The temperature difference t Ai As t A The parameter for f(x) is a value determined using measurement data from this temperature conduction system.

[0082] Therefore, the deep body temperature T calculated above... B and the temperature T corresponding to this temperature conduction system b And the second temperature difference t e According to the above formula (2), R is calculated. B / R e The value is recorded as R of the selected temperature conduction system. B / R e value.

[0083] Additionally, at temperature T pwb and temperature T thm In cases where the values ​​are unequal, i.e., when the measurement begins while the frame is warming up, for the temperature conduction system consisting of the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24, the last recorded R is used. B / R e Value and the temperature T corresponding to this temperature conduction system b And the second temperature difference t e Based on the above formula (2), the deep body temperature T is estimated. B .

[0084] Furthermore, for this temperature conduction system, there is no final recorded R value. B / R eGiven a value, R is calculated in advance for this temperature conduction system. B / R e The value is sufficient.

[0085] <Operation of the Head-Mounted Device According to the Second Embodiment of the Technology of this Disclosure> When the housing 10 of the head-mounted device 200 is worn on the user's ear, and the user receives an indication of deep body temperature measurement via wireless communication from the user's information processing terminal (not shown), Figure 12 The temperature measurement process shown is executed by the arithmetic unit 22.

[0086] First, in step S100, the authentication unit 30 determines the user wearing the head-mounted device 200 by using ear sound authentication via the microphone 16.

[0087] In step S102, the room temperature estimation unit 32 obtains the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18. thm and the temperature T measured by temperature sensor 24 pwb .

[0088] In step S104, the room temperature estimation unit 32 determines the temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 24. pwb and the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18 thm Are they equal? ​​At temperature T pwb and temperature T thm If they are equal, proceed to step S106. On the other hand, at temperature T... pwb and temperature T thm If they are not equal, proceed to step S116.

[0089] In step S106, the room temperature estimation unit 32 sets the temperature T pwb Or temperature T thm Presumed to be room temperature T A .

[0090] In step S108, the system selection unit 233 stands by for a specified time until the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24 become warm.

[0091] In step S200, the system selection unit 233 obtains the temperature T measured by the thermistor 18. thm The temperature T measured by temperature sensor 24 pwb The temperature T is measured by the output of the proximity sensor 218. prox And T measured by the output from touchpad 224 touch .

[0092] In step S202, the system selection unit 233 calculates the temperature difference t between the system and room temperature for each of the four temperature conduction systems. A and the temperature difference t inside the head-mounted device e The ratio. Therefore, the system selection unit 233 compares the temperature difference t calculated during pre-preparation for each of the four temperature conduction systems with the room temperature. A and the temperature difference t inside the head-mounted device e The ratio is calculated at the current moment, and the ratio is used to select the temperature conduction system that is closest to the ratio calculated in the prior preparation.

[0093] In step S204, the deep body temperature estimation unit 234 connects to the estimated room temperature T from the selected temperature conduction system. A The first temperature difference t A And the second temperature difference t within the head-mounted device e Based on the above formula (1), the deep body temperature T is estimated. B Therefore, through the communication unit 23, the deep body temperature T is transmitted. B The estimation results are sent to the information processing terminal.

[0094] In step S206, when the selected temperature conduction system is a combination of thermistor 18 and temperature sensor 24, the deep body temperature estimation unit 234 calculates the deep body temperature T from the above-mentioned temperature. B and the temperature Tb corresponding to the temperature conduction system and the second temperature difference t e According to the above formula (2), R is calculated. B / R e The value is recorded as R of the temperature conduction system. B / R e The temperature reading has been taken; the temperature measurement process is now complete.

[0095] In step S116, the deep body temperature estimation unit 234 stands by for a specified time until the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24 become warm.

[0096] In step S118, the deep body temperature estimation unit 234 uses the R value last recorded by the temperature conduction system composed of the thermistor 18 and the temperature sensor 24. B / R e The value, and the temperature T corresponding to this temperature conduction system. b And the second temperature difference t e According to the above formula (2), the deep body temperature T is determined. B An estimate is made. Therefore, through the communication unit 23, the deep body temperature T is transmitted. B The inference results are sent to the information processing terminal, and the thermometer measurement and processing ends.

[0097] As explained above, the head-mounted device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure measures the user's body temperature based on the output of a thermistor and a proximity sensor located inside the housing on the external auditory canal side, and the output of a temperature sensor and a touchpad located inside the housing on the opposite side of the external auditory canal side. Thus, body temperature can be measured with high accuracy without adding an additional temperature-measuring sensor.

[0098] In addition, any one of four temperature conduction systems—combining a thermistor and a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a touchpad—can be selected to measure the user's body temperature. This allows for high-precision temperature measurement, taking into account variations in each measurement and individual differences.

[0099] In addition, by using a thermistor that can measure temperature in absolute value and a temperature sensor on the main substrate among multiple sensors, room temperature can be estimated.

[0100] <Example 1> An embodiment of the head-mounted device according to the first embodiment described above will be described. Figure 13 As shown, in the housing 10 of the head-mounted device of this embodiment, the main housing 1a and the front housing 1b are fitted together.

[0101] The main housing 1a, as a whole, is a hollow cylindrical component, with its rear opening blocked by the cover 2. Inside the main housing 1a, a main substrate 25 is disposed opposite to the opening. The main substrate 25 is a substrate on which electronic components functioning as the regeneration unit 20, the arithmetic unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are mounted, and a temperature sensor 24 is disposed on the main substrate 25. Thus, the temperature sensor 24 is disposed in a position that is not in direct contact with the housing 10 or the cover 2.

[0102] In front of the main substrate 25, the battery 6 is positioned with the battery buffer 7 and the battery cap 8 in between.

[0103] A housing rubber 9 is provided on the outer periphery of the main housing 1a. The housing rubber 9 is a cylindrical elastic component embedded in the outer periphery of the main housing 1a, which buffers the contact with the ear and prevents water from entering the housing 10.

[0104] The front housing 1b is configured to block the front opening of the cylindrical main housing 1a. The front housing 1b is integrally formed in the shape of a truncated cone, with a portion of its periphery bulging slightly toward the tympanic membrane.

[0105] At the front of the front housing 1b, an external auditory canal insertion portion 12 is provided, protruding from the top of the truncated cone toward the tympanic membrane. The external auditory canal insertion portion 12 is cylindrical in shape and is located on a portion of the front housing 1b, with openings at both the front and rear, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the front housing 1b. Inside the external auditory canal insertion portion 12, a drive portion 14 with a cylindrical outer shell is provided. Therefore, a positioning portion 11 of the drive portion 14 is provided close to the front opening of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12, and the drive portion 14 is fixed to the inner side of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12 by engaging the front end of the drive portion 14 with the positioning portion 11. The rear end of the drive portion 14 is positioned near the front end of the front housing 1b. The drive portion 14 includes a magnetic circuit and a diaphragm for generating an output signal within the cylindrical outer shell, and can appropriately employ a known structure.

[0106] The head-mounted device of this embodiment has a microphone 16. The microphone 16 is located near the external auditory canal insertion portion 12 inside the front housing 1b, that is, behind the drive portion 14.

[0107] Microphone 16 is mounted on microphone substrate 15. Microphone substrate 15 is fixed to block 416. Block 416 is a block-shaped component that supports microphone 16 and microphone substrate 15. Openings 15a and 16a are provided on microphone substrate 15 and block 416 so that sound signals from the external auditory canal can reach microphone 16.

[0108] In addition, the thermistor 18 is provided for measuring the operating temperature of the battery 6 during charging and discharging. Furthermore, the thermistor 18 is positioned near the openings 15a and 16a, thus enabling it to measure the temperature of the external auditory canal.

[0109] On the inner surface of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12, there is a groove, namely a second hollow portion 16A, formed along the axial direction of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12. The second hollow portion 16A communicates with the corner groove-shaped space formed between the external auditory canal insertion portion 12 and the side of the drive portion 14, and communicates with the opening 16a of the block 416 fixed from the front end of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12 to the front housing 1b.

[0110] An earplug 13 is fixed to the outer periphery of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12. The earplug 13 may also be called an ear core, ear pad, or ear cap, and is made of elastic components such as silicone. At the front end of the cylindrical portion 13b of the earplug 13, which is embedded in the outer periphery of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12, there is a hemispherical fitting portion 13a that fits tightly against the wall of the external auditory canal. An earplug mounting groove 412 is provided on the outer periphery of the external auditory canal insertion portion 12, and a fitting portion 13c is provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 13b of the earplug 13. The earplug 13 is fixed to the external auditory canal insertion portion 12 by engaging with the earplug mounting groove 412.

[0111] <Example 2> An embodiment of the head-mounted device according to the second embodiment described above will be described. Furthermore, structural parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0112] like Figure 14 As shown, the proximity sensor 218 is positioned close to the ear, opposite to the microphone 16 of the microphone substrate 15. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 218 is positioned near the openings 15a and 16a, thus enabling it to measure the temperature of the external auditory canal.

[0113] Additionally, a touchpad 224 is disposed on a portion of the cover 2. The touchpad 224 is disposed at the part furthest from the body, thus enabling it to detect temperature changes of the cover 2 itself.

[0114] The following explanation addresses the results of the deep body temperature measurement in Example 2. Figure 15 As shown, the deep body temperature is estimated using the method (proposed method) described in the second embodiment above, taking into account the temperature difference and room temperature within the head-mounted device of each subject. Alternatively, as a conventional method for comparison, the deep body temperature is calculated using the above formula (2).

[0115] Therefore, the error variance can be calculated using the following formula. Furthermore, x n The deep body temperature (T) was calculated on the nth measurement. Bn It is the deep body temperature (measured using specialized equipment) as the target in the nth measurement.

[0116]

[0117] The variance of the error in the existing method is 0.367, while the variance of the error in the proposal method is 0.300. This shows that the proposal method has a smaller error compared to the existing method.

[0118] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications or applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0119] For example, in the second embodiment described above, the case using four sensors was used as an example, but it is not limited to this. Three sensors can also be used. In this case, body temperature can be measured using two temperature conduction systems consisting of two sensors on the external auditory canal side and one sensor on the opposite side, or two temperature conduction systems consisting of one sensor on the external auditory canal side and two sensors on the opposite side. Alternatively, five or more sensors can be used. In this case, body temperature can be measured using multiple temperature conduction systems consisting of one or more sensors on the external auditory canal side and one or more sensors on the opposite side.

[0120] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application 2021-060540, in its entirety, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0121] All documents, patent applications and technical standards set forth in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as the individual documents, patent applications and technical standards specifically and separately described herein.

Claims

1. A head-mounted device, wherein, include: A hollow shell that is worn around the user's ears; A cylindrical external auditory canal insertion portion, which is part of the housing and is located on the external auditory canal side of the housing; The first sensor for the head-mounted device is located inside the housing on the external auditory canal side and in a space communicating with the external auditory canal space; The second sensor for the head-mounted device is located on the opposite side of the external auditory canal inside the housing and is not connected to the housing. as well as The computing unit measures the user's body temperature based on the outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor. If the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor is equal to the temperature measured from the output of the second sensor, the processing unit estimates the temperature as room temperature, which is the temperature outside the housing. After a specified standby time, the outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor are obtained. The user's body temperature is measured based on a first temperature difference between the estimated room temperature and the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor, and a second temperature difference between the temperature measured from the output of the second sensor and the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor.

2. The head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor includes: a proximity sensor for detecting the wearing status or a thermistor for measuring the temperature inside the housing. The second sensor includes a sensor mounted on the main substrate or a touchpad for detecting operations from the user.

3. The head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor is a plurality of sensors. The second sensor is a plurality of sensors. The computing unit selects a combination of any one sensor from the plurality of sensors of the first sensor and any one sensor from the plurality of sensors of the second sensor based on the temperatures measured from the outputs of the multiple sensors of the first sensor and the multiple sensors of the second sensor. The user's body temperature is measured based on the temperature measured from the output of the sensors included in the selected combination.

4. The head-mounted device according to claim 3, wherein, The arithmetic unit: The combination is selected by calculating the ratio of the first temperature difference to the second temperature difference from any combination of any one of the multiple sensors of the first sensor and any one of the multiple sensors of the second sensor. The user's body temperature is measured using the temperature measured from the output of the sensors included in the selected combination and parameters pre-determined for the combination.

5. The head-mounted device according to claim 4, wherein, When measuring the user's body temperature, the computing unit measures the user's body temperature based on the selected combination of the first temperature difference, the second temperature difference, and the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor.

6. A head-mounted device, wherein, include: A hollow shell that is worn around the user's ears; A cylindrical external auditory canal insertion portion, which is part of the housing and is located on the external auditory canal side of the housing; The first sensor for the head-mounted device is located inside the housing on the external auditory canal side; The second sensor for the head-mounted device is located on the opposite side of the external auditory canal inside the housing; as well as The computing unit measures the user's body temperature based on the outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor. The first sensor is a plurality of sensors. The second sensor is a plurality of sensors. The computing unit selects a combination of any one sensor from the plurality of sensors of the first sensor and any one sensor from the plurality of sensors of the second sensor based on the temperatures measured from the outputs of the multiple sensors of the first sensor and the multiple sensors of the second sensor. The user's body temperature is measured based on the temperature measured from the output of the sensors included in the selected combination. The arithmetic unit: If the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor is equal to the temperature measured from the output of the second sensor, the temperature is estimated to be room temperature, which is the temperature outside the housing. After a specified standby time, the outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor are obtained. The combination is selected by the ratio of a first temperature difference to a second temperature difference calculated for each combination of any one of the multiple sensors of the first sensor and any one of the multiple sensors of the second sensor, wherein the first temperature difference is the temperature difference between the estimated room temperature and the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor, and the second temperature difference is the temperature difference between the temperature measured from the output of the second sensor and the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor. The user's body temperature is measured using the temperature measured from the output of the sensors included in the selected combination and parameters pre-determined for the combination.

7. The head-mounted device according to claim 6, wherein, The first sensor includes: a proximity sensor for detecting the wearing status or a thermistor for measuring the temperature inside the housing. The second sensor includes a sensor mounted on the main substrate or a touchpad for detecting operations from the user.

8. The head-mounted device according to claim 7, wherein, When measuring the user's body temperature, the computing unit measures the user's body temperature based on the selected combination of the first temperature difference, the second temperature difference, and the temperature measured from the output of the first sensor.

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