Measurement system, measurement device, and analysis device

Abstract

This measurement system is provided with: a first measurement device that is provided with a first wireless communication unit and a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal; and a second measurement device that is provided with a second wireless communication unit and a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal. The first measurement device is provided with a first synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples the trigger signal and the first measurement signal received by the first wireless communication unit, and outputs a first synchronous trigger signal and a first synchronous measurement signal, respectively. The first wireless communication unit transmits a first signal pair including a first synchronization trigger signal and a first synchronization measurement signal. The second measurement device is provided with a second synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples the trigger signal and the second measurement signal received by the second wireless communication unit, and outputs a second synchronous trigger signal and a second synchronous measurement signal, respectively. The second wireless communication unit transmits a second signal pair including a second synchronization trigger signal and a second synchronization measurement signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a measurement system using a plurality of sensors with a wireless communication function. BACKGROUND

[0002] A biological signal measurement system is described in Patent Literature 1. The biological signal measurement system of Patent Literature 1 has a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals each has a biological signal sensor that measures a biological signal.

[0003] Each biological signal sensor generates a serial number that indicates an order in which data based on a biological signal is acquired. Each terminal imparts the serial number to the data and transmits it to the other terminals. The other terminals reset the serial number when it is received. Thus, synchronization is achieved among the plurality of terminals.

[0004] A biological information management system is described in Patent Literature 2. The biological information management system of Patent Literature 2 has a biological information measurement unit, a time measurement unit, and a management server. The management server provides the time measurement unit with information indicating a standard time or information indicating a corrected time that is corrected based on the information indicating the standard time.

[0005] The time measurement unit corrects the time at which the biological information measurement unit measures biological information using the information indicating the standard time or the information indicating the corrected time. Thus, synchronization is achieved for the plurality of times at which biological information is measured.

[0006] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0007] PATENT LITERATURE

[0008] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 033942

[0009] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-178626 SUMMARY

[0010] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0011] However, in the system described in Patent Literature 1, resetting by each terminal takes a delay time. In addition, the delay times of the respective terminals must be consistent. Therefore, in the system of Patent Literature 1, it is difficult to achieve synchronization of data measured by the plurality of terminals by an easy structure and an easy process.

[0012] In addition, in the system described in Patent Literature 2, the information indicating the standard time and the information indicating the corrected time are communicated wirelessly, but the delay caused by this wireless communication is not taken into account. Therefore, in the system of Patent Literature 2, it is also difficult to achieve synchronization of data measured by the plurality of terminals by an easy structure and an easy process.

[0013] Thus, an object of the present application is to achieve synchronization of data measured by a plurality of terminals by an easy structure and an easy process.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] A measurement system according to an embodiment of the present application includes a first measurement device including a first wireless communication section and a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal, and a second measurement device including a second wireless communication section and a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal. The first measurement device includes a first synchronous sampling section that synchronously samples a trigger signal received by the first wireless communication section and the first measurement signal, and outputs a first synchronous trigger signal and a first synchronous measurement signal, respectively. The first wireless communication section transmits a first signal pair including the first synchronous trigger signal and the first synchronous measurement signal. The second measurement device includes a second synchronous sampling section that synchronously samples a trigger signal received by the second wireless communication section and the second measurement signal, and outputs a second synchronous trigger signal and a second synchronous measurement signal, respectively. The second wireless communication section transmits a second signal pair including the second synchronous trigger signal and the second synchronous measurement signal.

[0016] In this structure, the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are synchronously sampled with the common trigger signal. Thus, by referring to the trigger signal, synchronization of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal can be achieved.

[0017] A measurement device according to an embodiment of the present application includes a sensor, a wireless communication section, and a synchronous sampling section. The sensor outputs a measurement signal. The wireless communication section receives a trigger signal. The synchronous sampling section synchronously samples the measurement signal and the trigger signal received by the wireless communication section. The wireless communication section transmits a signal pair including the synchronously sampled trigger signal and the measurement signal.

[0018] In this structure, since the measurement signal that is synchronized using the trigger signal is transmitted, in a case where a plurality of measurement devices exist, and a measurement device that performs a predetermined analysis using the measurement signals of the plurality of measurement devices exists, the analysis device can synchronize the measurement signals of the plurality of measurement devices according to the trigger signal.

[0019] An analysis device according to one embodiment of the present application includes a trigger signal generation section, a wireless communication section, a synchronization processing section, and an analysis section. The trigger signal generation section generates a trigger signal. The wireless communication section transmits the trigger signal. The wireless communication section receives a first signal pair and a second signal pair, the first signal pair including a first measurement signal and the trigger signal that are synchronously sampled based on the trigger signal, and the second signal pair including a second measurement signal and the trigger signal that are synchronously sampled based on the trigger signal. The synchronization processing section performs synchronization processing of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on the trigger signal included in each of the first signal pair and the second signal pair. The analysis section performs analysis of an event based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal after the synchronization processing.

[0020] In this configuration, even if different first measurement signals and second measurement signals generated due to an event that is an analysis target are received from the outside, the first measurement signals and the second measurement signals can be subjected to synchronization processing based on the trigger signal. Thus, data analysis (how various reactions and actions are correlated) for the event can be performed with high accuracy.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present application, synchronization of data measured by a plurality of terminals can be achieved by an easy configuration and an easy process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 2 is a graph showing a relationship of each signal of the measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present application on a time axis.

[0025] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a measurement device according to a second embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a measurement device according to a third embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a measurement device according to a fourth embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] [First Embodiment]

[0031] A measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship of each signal of the measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present application on a time axis.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 , the measurement system 1 includes a measurement device 11, a measurement device 12, and a data analysis device 20. The measurement system 1 is a system that measures a plurality of occurrence events (for example, a reaction of the brain, a voice, a reaction of the body, and the like) using a single (common) trigger signal and performs a prescribed data analysis in a state in which these events are synchronized. Further, in the present embodiment, a case in which two measurement devices are shown, but three or more can also be used.

[0033] The measurement device 11 and the measurement device 12 are, for example, devices (portable devices) of a size that can be worn by a subject. Further, the measurement device 11 and the measurement device 12 can also be devices that measure the motion of a subject from the outside. The measurement device 11 and the measurement device 12 correspond to the "first measurement device" and the "second measurement device" of the present application. Hereinafter, the measurement device 11 will be described as corresponding to the "first measurement device" and the measurement device 12 will be described as corresponding to the "second measurement device" for ease of explanation.

[0034] (Configuration of the measurement device 11)

[0035] The measurement device 11 includes a wireless communication section 111, a trigger signal demodulation section 112, a sensor 113, a synchronous sampling section 114, and an antenna ANT11. The sensor 113 can also be a sensor that can measure a vital sign signal of a subject, such as a voltage sensor that measures a brain wave, a potential sensor, an acceleration sensor that measures a heartbeat and blood pressure, a piezoelectric sensor, and the like. In addition, the sensor 113 is not limited to a vital sign sensor, and can also be a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a vibration sensor, or the like that captures a physical phenomenon generated by a measurement target.

[0036] The wireless communication section 111, the trigger signal demodulation section 112, and the synchronous sampling section 114 are realized by, for example, electronic circuits. The wireless communication section 111 corresponds to the "first wireless communication section" of the present application, and the synchronous sampling section 114 corresponds to the "first synchronous sampling section" of the present application. The sensor 113 corresponds to the "first sensor" of the present application.

[0037] The antenna ANT11 is connected to the wireless communication section 111. The wireless communication section 111 is connected to the trigger signal demodulation section 112 and the synchronous sampling section 114. The sensor 113 is connected to the synchronous sampling section 114.

[0038] (Structure of the measurement device 12)

[0039] The measurement device 12 includes a wireless communication section 121, a trigger signal demodulation section 122, a sensor 123, a synchronous sampling section 124, and an antenna ANT12.

[0040] The wireless communication section 121, the trigger signal demodulation section 122, and the synchronous sampling section 124 are implemented by, for example, electronic circuits. The wireless communication section 121 corresponds to the "second wireless communication section" of the present application, and the synchronous sampling section 124 corresponds to the "second synchronous sampling section" of the present application. The sensor 123 corresponds to the "second sensor" of the present application. The sensor 123 has the same structure as the sensor 113. The types of signals measured by the sensor 123 and the sensor 113 can be the same or different. For example, in the case of the same, the sensor 123 and the sensor 113 are arranged at different positions of the measurement object, and in the case of the different, the sensor 123 and the sensor 113 are arranged at the same or different positions of the measurement object.

[0041] The antenna ANT12 is connected to the wireless communication section 121. The wireless communication section 121 is connected to the trigger signal demodulation section 122 and the synchronous sampling section 124. The sensor 123 is connected to the synchronous sampling section 124.

[0042] (Structure of the data analysis device 20)

[0043] The data analysis device 20 includes a trigger signal generation section 21, a data conversion section 22, a wireless communication section 23, a synchronous processing section 24, a data processing section 25, and an antenna ANT2. The trigger signal generation section 21, the data conversion section 22, the wireless communication section 23, the synchronous processing section 24, and the data processing section 25 are implemented by an electronic circuit, a PC (personal computer), or the like. The wireless communication section 23 corresponds to the "third wireless communication section" of the present application.

[0044] The trigger signal generation section 21 is connected to the data conversion section 22, and the data conversion section 22 is connected to the wireless communication section 23. The wireless communication section 23 is connected to the antenna ANT2. The wireless communication section 23 is connected to the synchronous processing section 24, and the synchronous processing section 24 is connected to the data processing section 25.

[0045] (Specific processing of the measurement system 1)

[0046] (Processing 1 of the data analysis device 20)

[0047] The trigger signal generating section 21 generates a trigger signal. The trigger signal is a signal of a frequency in the audible range, and is a voice signal or a sound signal. The trigger signal generating section 21 includes a plurality of intermittent pulses that repeat at a prescribed period. The trigger signal generating section 21 outputs the trigger signal to the data conversion section 22.

[0048] The data conversion section 22 data-converts the trigger signal to convert it into a communication trigger signal and outputs it to the wireless communication section 23. If the wireless communication section 23 has the function of the data conversion section 22, the data conversion section 22 can be omitted.

[0049] The wireless communication section 23 transmits the communication trigger signal from the antenna ANT2. For example, the wireless communication section 23 transmits the communication trigger signal using the LE Audio (Low Energy Audio) standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). Thereby, the data analysis device 20 can transmit the communication trigger signal in substantially synchronization with the connection for communication with the measurement device 11 and the measurement device 12. In addition, a method that does not perform the connection for communication (wideband transmission (distribution) of the communication trigger signal) can also be used, as long as it is a method that can transmit the communication trigger signal in substantially synchronization with the measurement device 11 and the measurement device 12, and other methods can also be used.

[0050] (Process of measurement device 11)

[0051] The wireless communication section 111 receives the communication trigger signal through the antenna ANT11. The wireless communication section 111 outputs the communication trigger signal to the trigger signal demodulation section 112.

[0052] The trigger signal demodulation section 112 demodulates the trigger signal St11a from the communication trigger signal. The trigger signal demodulation section 112 outputs the trigger signal St11a to the synchronous sampling section 114.

[0053] The sensor 113 detects the first event (reaction, action) of the subject, and generates a measurement signal S11a corresponding to the detection result. The measurement signal S11a corresponds to the “first measurement signal” of the present application. The sensor 113 outputs the measurement signal S11a to the synchronous sampling section 114.

[0054] The synchronous sampling section 114 has a sampler 1141 and a sampler 1142. The sampler 1141 and the sampler 1142 perform AD sampling. The AD sampling is sampling an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0055] The sampler 1141 digitally samples the trigger signal St11a and outputs a trigger signal St11 (first synchronous trigger signal). The sampler 1142 digitally samples the measurement signal S11a and outputs a measurement signal S11 (first synchronous measurement signal).

[0056] The samplers 1141 and 1142 sample synchronously. That is, the trigger signal St11 sampled by the sampler 1141 is synchronous with the measurement signal S11 sampled by the sampler 1142.

[0057] Further, the sampler 1141 samples the trigger signal St11 with attaching time information. For example, as shown in Figure 2 the sampler 1141 samples with attaching time stamps TS11, TS12, T13, and the like.

[0058] The sampler 1142 attaches time information or a counter value to the measurement signal S11 at the time of sampling. For example, a counter value that is increased one by one at each sampling is saved together with the sampled measurement signal S11.

[0059] The synchronously sampled trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 are output to the wireless communication section 111. The synchronously sampled trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 to which the counter value is attached correspond to the "first signal pair" of the present application. The trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 are a collection of time series data sampled a plurality of times within a certain time.

[0060] The wireless communication section 111 converts the synchronously sampled trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 into a data form for wireless communication and transmits them from the antenna ANT11. Further, the wireless communication section 111 also transmits the counter value and the measurement signal S11 for a period during which the first signal pair is not obtained (a period during which the pulse portion is not obtained).

[0061] (Process of the measurement device 12)

[0062] The wireless communication section 121 receives the communication trigger signal through the antenna ANT12. The wireless communication section 121 outputs the communication trigger signal to the trigger signal demodulation section 122.

[0063] The trigger signal demodulation section 122 demodulates the trigger signal St12a from the communication trigger signal. The trigger signal St12a is the same signal as the trigger signal St11a. The trigger signal demodulation section 122 outputs the trigger signal St12a to the synchronous sampling section 124.

[0064] The sensor 123 detects the second event (reaction, action) of the subject and generates a measurement signal S12a corresponding to the detection result. The measurement signal S12 corresponds to the "second measurement signal" of the present application. The sensor 123 outputs the measurement signal S12 to the synchronous sampling section 124.

[0065] The synchronous sampling section 124 has a sampler 1241 and a sampler 1242. The samplers 1241 and 1242 perform AD sampling.

[0066] The sampler 1241 digitally samples the trigger signal St12a, and outputs a trigger signal St12 (second synchronous trigger signal). The sampler 1242 digitally samples the measurement signal S12a, and outputs a measurement signal S12 (second synchronous measurement signal).

[0067] The sampler 1241 and the sampler 1242 sample synchronously. That is, the trigger signal St12 sampled by the sampler 1241 is synchronous with the measurement signal S12 sampled by the sampler 1242.

[0068] Also, the sampler 1241 samples the trigger signal St12 with attaching time information. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the sampler 1141 samples with attaching a time stamp TS21, TS22, TS23, etc. set in the measurement device 12. Figure 2

[0069] The sampler 1242 attaches time information or a counter value at the time of sampling to the measurement signal S12. For example, a counter value that is increased one by one at each sampling is saved together with the sampled measurement signal S12.

[0070] The synchronous sampling section 124 outputs the synchronously sampled trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 to the wireless communication section 121. The synchronously sampled trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 to which a counter value is attached correspond to the "second signal pair" of the present application. The trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 are a collection of time series data sampled a plurality of times within a certain time.

[0071] The wireless communication section 121 converts the synchronously sampled trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 into a data form for wireless communication and transmits them from the antenna ANT12. Also, the wireless communication section 121 transmits the measurement signal S12 also for a period in which the second signal pair is not obtained (a period in which the pulse portion is not obtained).

[0072] (Processing 2 of the data analysis device 20)

[0073] The wireless communication section 23 receives the first signal pair of the trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 through the antenna ANT2. The wireless communication section 23 receives the second signal pair of the trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 through the antenna ANT2. The wireless communication section 23 outputs the first signal pair and the second signal pair to the synchronous processing section 24.

[0074] ​The synchronization processing section 24 performs synchronization processing of the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 using the time information of the trigger signal St11 and the time information of the trigger signal St12. Specifically, the synchronization processing section 24 adjusts the positions of the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 on the time axis in such a manner that the time stamp TS11 of the trigger signal St11 coincides with the time stamp TS21 of the trigger signal St12. By using the time stamps, even if the signals cannot be paired due to a communication error or the like, the synchronization processing can be performed more reliably.

[0075] The synchronization processing section 24 outputs the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 after the synchronization processing to the data processing section 25.

[0076] The data processing section 25 performs prescribed data processing based on the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12. The prescribed data processing is, for example, processing of analyzing how various reactions and actions of the subject are correlated.

[0077] In such a configuration, even if the time involved in the communication from the measurement device 11 to the data analysis device 20 and the time involved in the communication from the measurement device 12 to the data analysis device 20 sometimes differ, the data processing section 25 can perform high-precision data processing (analysis).

[0078] Specifically, for example, in the case of Figure 2 , the timing of the trigger signal St11 in the measurement device 11 and the timing of the trigger signal St12 in the measurement device 12 are substantially the same.

[0079] Also, the measurement signal S11 is synchronized with the trigger signal St11, and the measurement signal S12 is synchronized with the trigger signal St12. Therefore, at the time of measurement, the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 are substantially synchronized.

[0080] However, at the time point at which the data analysis device 20 receives (before synchronization), the timing of the trigger signal St11 and the timing of the trigger signal St12 sometimes differ depending on the difference between the communication state with respect to the measurement device 11 and the communication state with respect to the measurement device 12, or the like.

[0081] Therefore, the data analysis device 20 performs synchronization processing of the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12 in the synchronization processing section 24. The trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 are sampled synchronously, and the trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 are sampled synchronously.

[0082] Thus, by synchronizing the trigger signal St11 with the trigger signal St12, the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 are synchronized. Thereby, the data analysis device 20 can reproduce the timing at which the measurement signal S11 is measured and the timing at which the measurement signal S12 is measured. In other words, the data analysis device 20 can acquire the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 that are measured at the same timing.

[0083] Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case where the trigger signal of the pulse is continuously used at a prescribed period is shown. However, the trigger signal of the pulse can be intermittently used. Specifically, the trigger signal of the pulse is continuously used at a first period, and the trigger signal is not used at a second period. Then, the first period and the second period are repeated. In this case, the measurement device 11 generates and transmits the first signal pair at the first period, and transmits only the measurement signal at the second period. Likewise, the measurement device 12 generates and transmits the second signal pair at the first period, and transmits only the measurement signal at the second period.

[0084] By grasping in advance the relationship of the time information or the count value that is respectively given to the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 at the time when the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12 in the first period are synchronized using the time information (time stamp, etc.), the synchronization can be performed by comparing the time information or the count value that is given to the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 in the second period.

[0085] By repeating the first period and the second period at a prescribed period, even in the case where the internal clocks of the living body signal measurement device 11 and the living body signal measurement device 12 deviate, the synchronization state can be periodically updated. Specifically, by using the time information (time stamp, etc.) that is given to the pulse of the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12, the relationship of the time information or the count value that is respectively given to the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 to be synchronized can be periodically updated.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the count that is given to the measurement signal and the time stamp that is given to the pulse of the trigger signal are set as different indexes, but the time information or the count value of the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 and the time information (time stamp, etc.) of the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12 can be the same. That is, for example, a count value that corresponds to a change point like the pulse of the trigger signal in the count value can be used as the time stamp.

[0087] Further, although not described in detail in the above embodiment, it is preferable to measure the delay time Tdly of the wireless communication between the measurement device 11 and the data analysis device 20 in advance, and set the period Ttrg of the trigger signal based on the delay time Tdly. Specifically, the period Ttrg of the trigger signal is set to be longer than the delay time Tdly. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a plurality of trigger signals from being included in the delay time Tdly. Thus, it is possible to achieve more reliable synchronization.

[0088] [Second Embodiment]

[0089] A measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the structure of a measurement device according to the second embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0090] As shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 , the measurement system according to the second embodiment differs from the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the plurality of measurement devices and a part of the processing of the data analysis device. Hereinafter, only the differences between the measurement system according to the second embodiment and the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0091] The measurement system according to the second embodiment includes measurement devices 11A and 12A. The measurement device 11A differs from the measurement device 11 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a binarization processing section 115. The measurement device 12A differs from the measurement device 12 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a binarization processing section 125.

[0092] The binarization processing section 115 and the binarization processing section 125 are configured by, for example, an electronic circuit, a microcomputer, or the like. The binarization processing section 115 and the binarization processing section 125 have the same structure, and the processing is also the same, so only the processing of the binarization processing section 115 will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0093] The binarization processing section 115 performs binarization processing on the trigger signal St11 output from the sampler 1141 to generate a binarization signal St11BI.

[0094] The binarization processing section 115 sets and stores a threshold value Vth for binarization of the trigger signal St11. The binarization processing section 115 compares the trigger signal St11 with the threshold value Vth to generate the binarization signal St11BI.

[0095] At this time, the binarization processing section 115 sets the period in which the voltage value of the trigger signal St11 is higher than the threshold value Vth (the period of the voltage value VDD in the figure) to "1". The binarization processing section 115 sets the period in which the voltage value of the trigger signal St11 is lower than the threshold value Vth (the period of the voltage value VDD / 2 in the figure) to "0".

[0096] By such processing, the trigger signal St11 is converted into a 2-bit binarization signal St11BI. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of transmission data from the measurement device 11A to the data analysis device 20.

[0097] Further, the data analysis device performs synchronization processing of the measurement signals using the binarization signal St11BI.

[0098] As a result, it is possible to increase the number of measurement devices that can be connected to the data analysis device.

[0099] Alternatively, in the case where the number of connections is constant, it is possible to increase the number of retransmissions at the time of wireless failure, and thus the robustness of communication is improved. Further, by having the above-described structure, even if wireless communication failure occurs from the measurement device to the data analysis device, synchronization of a plurality of measurement signals can be performed with high precision.

[0100] [Third Embodiment]

[0101] A measurement system according to the third embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the structure of a measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of each signal of a measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0102] As shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 , the measurement system according to the third embodiment differs from the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the plurality of measurement devices. Hereinafter, only the differences between the measurement system according to the third embodiment and the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0103] The measurement system according to the third embodiment includes the measurement device 11B and the measurement device 12B. The measurement device 11B is different from the measurement device 11 according to the first embodiment in that it includes the reference potential signal generation section 116, the switching circuit 117, and the switching detection section 118. The measurement device 12B is different from the measurement device 12 according to the first embodiment in that it includes the reference potential signal generation section 126, the switching circuit 127, and the switching detection section 128. The measurement device 12B has the same configuration as the measurement device 11B, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0104] The switching circuit 117 includes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 have a common terminal. The common terminal is connected to the input terminal of the sampler 1141. The independent terminal of the first switch SW1 is connected to the trigger signal demodulation section 112. The independent terminal of the second switch SW2 is connected to the reference potential signal generation section 116.

[0105] The switching detection section 118 is connected to the output terminal of the trigger signal demodulation section 112 and the switching circuit 117.

[0106] The trigger signal St11B according to the third embodiment has the switching signal at a position earlier than the synchronization pulse on the time axis, compared with the trigger signal St11 according to the first embodiment. The switching signal is a pulse signal, and the pulse width Tos of the switching signal is larger than the pulse width Tp of the synchronization pulse.

[0107] The switching detection section 118 performs the on control of the first switch SW1 and the off control of the second switch SW2 during the prescribed period Ts from the falling timing of the switching signal when the switching signal is detected. The prescribed period Ts is set to a time including the timing of the synchronization pulse.

[0108] The switching detection section 118 performs the off control of the first switch SW1 and the on control of the second switch SW2 at other times.

[0109] The reference potential signal generation section 116 generates the reference potential signal of direct current. The voltage of the reference potential signal is set to be the same as the Low voltage of the trigger signal St11B, for example, in the range of 0 to 1 V. Figure 6In this case, the reference potential signal is set to VDD / 2. The reference potential signal generation section 116 outputs the reference potential signal to the second switch SW2 of the switching circuit 117. The reference potential signal generation section 116 corresponds to the "first auxiliary signal generation section" of the present application, and the reference potential signal of the reference potential signal generation section 116 corresponds to the "first synchronous auxiliary signal" of the present application. Further, the reference signal generation section 126 of the measurement device 12B corresponds to the "second auxiliary signal generation section" of the present application, and the reference potential signal of the reference potential signal generation section 126 corresponds to the "second synchronous auxiliary signal" of the present application.

[0110] In this structure, the measurement device 11B generates the first signal pair of the trigger signal and the measurement signal during the period including the pulse for synchronization (the period during which the trigger signal of the pulse is received) and transmits it to the data analysis device 20. On the other hand, the measurement device 11B generates the third signal pair of the reference potential signal and the measurement signal during the period not including the pulse for synchronization (the period during which the trigger signal of the pulse is not received) and transmits it to the data analysis device 20.

[0111] Similarly, the measurement device 12B generates the second signal pair of the trigger signal and the measurement signal during the period including the pulse for synchronization (the period during which the trigger signal of the pulse is received) and transmits it to the data analysis device 20. On the other hand, the measurement device 12B generates the fourth signal pair of the reference potential signal and the measurement signal during the period not including the pulse for synchronization (the period during which the trigger signal of the pulse is not received) and transmits it to the data analysis device 20.

[0112] In the case where the wireless communication function of the trigger signal (a voice signal or the like) is intermittently operated, the signal to be input to the synchronous sampling section at the time when the communication of the trigger signal is not performed depends on the specifications of the hardware of the measurement device. In addition, at the timing of the operation switching at which the communication of the trigger signal is started or stopped, an unwanted signal can be generated. In contrast to this, as in the present embodiment, by using the switching signal, the disorder of the waveform of the input signal to the synchronous sampling section in association with the start or stop of the communication of the trigger signal can be avoided. Thus, the measurement devices 11B and 12B can realize stable synchronization.

[0113] Further, the waveform of the reference potential signal is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the voltage of the reference potential signal can be set to GND (0 V) instead of VDD / 2. In addition, the switching signal is not limited to the above-described example. For example, a certain constant rectangular wave can be received a plurality of times as a determination reference of the switching.

[0114] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0115] A measurement system according to a fourth embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7is a functional block diagram showing an example of the structure of the measurement device according to the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0116] As Figure 7 shown, the measurement system according to the fourth embodiment differs from the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the measurement devices. Hereinafter, only the differences between the measurement system according to the fourth embodiment and the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0117] The measurement system according to the fourth embodiment includes the measurement devices 11C and 12C. The measurement device 11C includes the brain wave sensor 113EEG instead of the sensor 113, in place of the measurement device 11 according to the first embodiment. The measurement device 12C includes the microphone 123M instead of the sensor 123, in place of the measurement device 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0118] With this structure, the measurement system can accurately synchronize the auditory stimulus signal (sensory stimulus signal) obtained by the microphone 123M with the measurement result of the brain wave in response to the auditory stimulus signal. Thus, the measurement system can improve the accuracy of the ERP measurement.

[0119] Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the auditory stimulus is measured is shown, but the measurement system according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a system for measuring a visual stimulus or the like.

[0120] [Modified Example]

[0121] In the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment, by providing the sensor 113 and the sensor 123 as acceleration sensors and mounting them to different parts of the subject, a motion measurement signal representing the motion at each part of the body can be obtained. By synchronizing these two sensors, the motion of the entire body can be detected. In addition, the sensors are not limited to two, and even if there are three or more, the motion of different parts of the body can be detected by synchronizing the trigger signals. The acceleration sensor can also be an angular velocity sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a 9-axis sensor can be used.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of generating a trigger signal, synchronizing received biological signals, and analyzing the synchronized signals are performed by one data analysis device, but these functions can be implemented by different devices, or only a part of the functions can be implemented by different devices.

[0123] <1> A measurement system including:

[0124] a first measurement device including a first wireless communication section and a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal; and

[0125] a second measuring device that includes a second wireless communication unit and a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal,

[0126] wherein the first measuring device includes a first synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples a trigger signal received by the first wireless communication unit and the first measurement signal, and outputs a first synchronous trigger signal and a first synchronous measurement signal, respectively,

[0127] the first wireless communication unit transmits a first signal pair including the first synchronous trigger signal and the first synchronous measurement signal,

[0128] the second measuring device includes a second synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples the trigger signal received by the second wireless communication unit and the second measurement signal, and outputs a second synchronous trigger signal and a second synchronous measurement signal, respectively,

[0129] the second wireless communication unit transmits a second signal pair including the second synchronous trigger signal and the second synchronous measurement signal.

[0130] <2> The measurement system according to <1>, wherein

[0131] the measurement system includes an analysis device,

[0132] the analysis device includes:

[0133] a third wireless communication unit that receives the first signal pair and the second signal pair; and

[0134] a synchronization processing unit that synchronizes the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on a time difference between the first synchronous trigger signal and the second synchronous trigger signal.

[0135] <3> The measurement system according to <2>, wherein

[0136] the analysis device includes:

[0137] a trigger signal generation unit that generates the trigger signal; and

[0138] an analysis unit that performs analysis of the event based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal that are synchronized by the synchronization processing unit,

[0139] the trigger signal is transmitted from the third wireless communication unit to the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit.

[0140] <4> The measurement system according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein

[0141] The first measurement device includes a first binarization processing section that binarizes the first synchronization trigger signal output from the first synchronization sampling section,

[0142] The first synchronization trigger signal included in the first signal pair is a signal that is sampled by the first synchronization sampling section and binarized by the first binarization processing section,

[0143] The second measurement device includes a second binarization processing section that binarizes the second synchronization trigger signal output from the second synchronization sampling section,

[0144] The second synchronization trigger signal included in the second signal pair is a signal that is sampled by the second synchronization sampling section and binarized by the second binarization processing section.

[0145] <5> The measurement system according to <3>, wherein

[0146] The trigger signal generation section intermittently generates the trigger signal in a manner that alternately generates a period in which the trigger signal is generated and a period in which the trigger signal is not generated,

[0147] The third wireless communication section transmits the trigger signal to the first wireless communication section and the second wireless communication section only during the period in which the trigger signal is generated,

[0148] The first synchronization sampling section generates the first signal pair upon receiving the trigger signal,

[0149] The first wireless communication section transmits the first signal pair to the third wireless communication section upon generating the first signal pair,

[0150] The second synchronization sampling section generates the second signal pair upon receiving the trigger signal,

[0151] The second wireless communication section transmits the second signal pair to the third wireless communication section upon generating the second signal pair.

[0152] <6> The measurement system according to <5>, wherein

[0153] The first wireless communication section continuously transmits the first measurement signal even during a period in which the trigger signal is not received,

[0154] The second wireless communication section continuously transmits the second measurement signal even during a period in which the trigger signal is not received.

[0155] <7> The measurement system according to <5> or <6>, wherein

[0156] The first measuring device includes a first auxiliary signal generation section that generates an auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal,

[0157] The first synchronous sampling section outputs a first synchronous auxiliary signal and a first synchronous measuring signal by synchronously sampling the first auxiliary signal and the first measuring signal,

[0158] The first wireless communication section transmits a third signal pair including the first synchronous auxiliary signal and the first synchronous measuring signal to the third wireless communication section during a period in which the first signal pair is not transmitted,

[0159] The second measuring device includes a second auxiliary signal generation section that generates an auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal,

[0160] The second synchronous sampling section outputs a second synchronous auxiliary signal and a second synchronous measuring signal by synchronously sampling the second auxiliary signal and the second measuring signal,

[0161] The second wireless communication section transmits a fourth signal pair including the second synchronous auxiliary signal and the second synchronous measuring signal to the third wireless communication section during a period in which the second signal pair is not transmitted.

[0162] <8> The measuring system according to <7>, wherein

[0163] The auxiliary signal is a reference potential signal of direct current.

[0164] <9> The measuring system according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein

[0165] The trigger signal is a voice signal.

[0166] <10> The measuring system according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein

[0167] The first sensor is an electroencephalograph, and the first measuring signal is an electroencephalogram,

[0168] The second sensor is a sensor that measures a response to a sensory stimulus, and the second measuring signal is a sensory stimulus signal.

[0169] <11> The measuring system according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein

[0170] The first sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, and the second sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor,

[0171] The first sensor and the second sensor are installed at different parts of the subject, and the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are motion measurement signals that measure the motion of the subject's body.

[0172] Reference Signs

[0173] 1: measurement system; 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: measurement device; 20: data analysis device; 21: trigger signal generation section; 22: data conversion section; 23: wireless communication section; 24: synchronization processing section; 25: data processing section; 111, 121: wireless communication section; 112, 122: trigger signal demodulation section; 113, 123: sensor; 113 EEG: brain wave sensor; 114, 124: synchronous sampling section; 115, 125: binary processing section; 116, 126: reference potential signal generation section; 117, 127: switching circuit; 118, 128: switching detection section; 123M: microphone; 1141, 1142, 1241, 1242: sampler; ANT11, ANT12, ANT2: antenna; S11, S12: measurement signal; St11, St11B, St12: trigger signal; St11BI: binary signal; SW1: first switch; SW2: second switch; VDD, VDD / 2: voltage value; Vth: threshold value.

Claims

1. A measurement system comprising: a first measurement device including a first wireless communication section and a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal; and a second measurement device including a second wireless communication section and a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal, the first measurement device including a first synchronous sampling section that synchronously samples a trigger signal received by the first wireless communication section and the first measurement signal, and outputs a first synchronous trigger signal and a first synchronous measurement signal, the first wireless communication section transmitting a first signal pair including the first synchronous trigger signal and the first synchronous measurement signal, the second measurement device including a second synchronous sampling section that synchronously samples the trigger signal received by the second wireless communication section and the second measurement signal, and outputs a second synchronous trigger signal and a second synchronous measurement signal, the second wireless communication section transmitting a second signal pair including the second synchronous trigger signal and the second synchronous measurement signal.

2. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement system includes an analysis device, the analysis device including: a third wireless communication section that receives the first signal pair and the second signal pair; and a synchronization processing section that synchronizes the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on a time difference between the first synchronous trigger signal and the second synchronous trigger signal.

3. The measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the analysis device includes: a trigger signal generation section that generates the trigger signal; and an analysis section that analyzes the event based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal synchronized by the synchronization processing section, the trigger signal being transmitted from the third wireless communication section to the first wireless communication section and the second wireless communication section. wherein 4. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the first measurement device includes a first binarization processing section that binarizes the first synchronous trigger signal output from the first synchronous sampling section, the first synchronous trigger signal included in the first signal pair being a signal that is sampled by the first synchronous sampling section and binarized by the first binarization processing section, the second measurement device includes a second binarization processing section that binarizes the second synchronous trigger signal output from the second synchronous sampling section, the second synchronous trigger signal included in the second signal pair being a signal that is sampled by the second synchronous sampling section and binarized by the second binarization processing section.

5. The measurement system according to claim 3, wherein the trigger signal generation section intermittently generates the trigger signal in a manner that alternately produces a period during which the trigger signal is generated and a period during which the trigger signal is not generated, the third wireless communication section transmitting the trigger signal to the first wireless communication section and the second wireless communication section only during the period during which the trigger signal is generated. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the first synchronous sampling section generates the first signal pair upon receiving the trigger signal, the first wireless communication section transmits the first signal pair to the third wireless communication section upon generating the first signal pair, the second synchronous sampling section generates the second signal pair upon receiving the trigger signal, the second wireless communication section transmits the second signal pair to the third wireless communication section upon generating the second signal pair.

6. The measurement system according to claim 5, wherein the first wireless communication section continuously transmits the first measurement signal even during a period in which the trigger signal is not received, the second wireless communication section continuously transmits the second measurement signal even during a period in which the trigger signal is not received.

7. The measurement system according to claim 5, wherein the first measurement device includes a first auxiliary signal generation section that generates an auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal, the first synchronous sampling section outputs a first synchronous auxiliary signal and a first synchronous measurement signal by synchronously sampling the first auxiliary signal and the first measurement signal, the first wireless communication section transmits a third signal pair including the first synchronous auxiliary signal and the first synchronous measurement signal to the third wireless communication section during a period in which the first signal pair is not transmitted, the second measurement device includes a second auxiliary signal generation section that generates an auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal, the second synchronous sampling section outputs a second synchronous auxiliary signal and a second synchronous measurement signal by synchronously sampling the second auxiliary signal and the second measurement signal, the second wireless communication section transmits a fourth signal pair including the auxiliary signal and the second measurement signal to the third wireless communication section during a period in which the second signal pair is not transmitted.

8. The measurement system according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary signal is a direct-current reference potential signal.

9. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trigger signal is a voice signal.

10. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first sensor is an electroencephalograph, and the first measurement signal is an electroencephalogram signal, the second sensor is a sensor that measures a response to a sensory stimulus, and the second measurement signal is a sensory stimulus signal.

11. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, and the second sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor are mounted to different parts of a subject, and the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are motion measurement signals that measure a motion of the body of the subject.

12. A measurement device including: a sensor that outputs a measurement signal; a wireless communication section that receives a trigger signal; and a synchronous sampling section, wherein, the synchronous sampling section synchronously samples the measurement signal and the trigger signal received by the wireless communication section, The wireless communication unit transmits a signal pair including the trigger signal and the measurement signal that are synchronously sampled.

13. An analysis apparatus comprising: a trigger signal generation unit that generates a trigger signal; a wireless communication unit that transmits the trigger signal and receives a first signal pair and a second signal pair, the first signal pair including a first measurement signal and the trigger signal that are synchronously sampled, and the second signal pair including a second measurement signal and the trigger signal that are synchronously sampled; a synchronization processing unit that performs synchronization processing of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on the trigger signal included in each of the first signal pair and the second signal pair; and an analysis unit that performs analysis of an event based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal after the synchronization processing.

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