Biological information measuring device

Abstract

A biometric information measuring device, worn on a human body, is used to measure at least the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body. The biometric information measuring device includes: a main body housing with main body-side electrical contacts; and a strap portion worn on the human body. The strap portion includes: a plurality of electrodes disposed on a contact surface on the side that contacts the human body during wear; and a main body receiving portion having strap-side electrical contacts configured to connect to the main body-side electrical contacts, and detachably accommodating the main body housing. The strap portion has wiring inside that connects the strap-side electrical contacts to the electrodes. The strap portion is configured such that, when the main body housing is accommodated in the main body receiving portion, at least the strap-side electrical contacts are covered by the main body housing and not exposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of healthcare, and specifically relates to a biological information measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, it has become common for individuals to regularly measure their own blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other information related to their physical health (hereinafter referred to as biometrics) using measuring devices, and to effectively utilize these results for health management. In particular, in recent years, the need for early disease detection and appropriate treatment through the continuous acquisition of biometric information by wearing measuring devices on the body at all times in daily life has been increasing, and devices that can meet these needs have been proposed in large numbers (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a wearable biometrics measuring device equipped with electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and capable of measuring ECG waveforms. The biometrics measuring device described in Patent Document 1 comprises a band-shaped strap (belt bundle) extending along its longitudinal dimension (circumferential direction of the wrist) and a main body portion disposed on the strap, with multiple electrodes arranged on both the strap and the main body portion. Thus, by simply wearing the device on one arm, biometrics such as heartbeat and ECG signals can be continuously detected (during device operation).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-141955 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, when using wearable devices, the size of the part of the device to be worn varies from person to person, so it is desirable to have a configuration that allows for easy size changes based on these individual differences. For example, when using a strap as described in Patent Document 1, adjusting the length of the strap is considered, but this limits the range of sizes that can be accommodated. Therefore, it would be more convenient if the strap itself could be easily replaced with a strap of a different size. Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to easily replace the strap during repairs or maintenance in case of malfunctions.

[0009] However, in devices like the one described in the aforementioned patent documents, where electrodes for acquiring electrocardiogram signals and bioimpedance are placed in the strap, and the electrodes of the strap are connected to the main body via wires, if the main body is to be separated from the strap, the joint will be exposed, and moisture (including sweat, etc.) may seep into the device.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a technology in which the strap part of a wearable biometric measuring device with electrodes is easily replaceable and water can be prevented from entering the device.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the biological information measuring device of the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is,

[0013] A bio-information measuring device, worn on the human body, capable of measuring at least the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, the bio-information measuring device having:

[0014] The main housing has electrical contacts on the main body side; and

[0015] The strap is attached to the human body.

[0016] The strap portion includes:

[0017] Multiple electrodes are disposed on the contact surface of the side that comes into contact with the human body during wear; and

[0018] The main body receiving portion is provided with a strap-side electrical contact configured to connect with the main body-side electrical contact, and the main body housing is detachably accommodated.

[0019] The strap portion has internal wiring that connects the strap-side electrical contacts to the electrodes.

[0020] The strap portion is configured such that, when the main body housing is housed within the main body housing portion, at least the strap-side electrical contacts are not exposed by being covered by the main body housing.

[0021] With this configuration, the main body and the strap are pre-assembled as separate, detachable parts, thus enabling the main body to be highly waterproof and allowing for easy replacement of the strap. Furthermore, with the main body housed within the main body housing of the strap (i.e., in the usable state), the connection between the electrical contacts on the main body side and the electrical contacts on the strap side is not exposed, resulting in high waterproofness.

[0022] Alternatively, the main body receiving portion may have a plurality of strap-side electrical contacts corresponding to the plurality of electrodes, and the main body housing may have a plurality of main body-side electrical contacts corresponding to the plurality of strap-side electrical contacts.

[0023] Alternatively, the main body receiving portion may have an opening on one side that contacts the human body when worn, and the main body housing may be inserted into and fitted into this space to be received within the main body receiving portion. With this configuration, the opening (fitting portion) will not be exposed when the device is worn, thus easily improving water resistance. Furthermore, a configuration where the main body is completely covered by a strap can prevent snagging on clothing, etc.

[0024] Alternatively, the main housing may include a display unit for displaying information, and at least a portion of the main housing portion may be formed by a light-transmitting member. The main housing and the main housing portion are configured such that the main housing is housed within the main housing portion in a manner that allows visual confirmation of the display unit on the main housing via the light-transmitting member. With this configuration, the information displayed on the display unit on the main housing, even when the cover is attached, can be visually confirmed via the light-transmitting member.

[0025] Alternatively, the main body housing may be formed of a non-conductive resin, and the strap-side electrical contacts may be formed of metal. In order to hold the main body in place within the main body housing, the main body housing requires a certain degree of rigidity. However, by providing multiple metal strap-side electrical contacts on the inner wall surface of the main body housing, corresponding to the number of electrodes, the rigidity required to hold the main body housing can be achieved even if the main body housing is formed of a resin such as polyurethane.

[0026] Alternatively, at least one of the contact surface of the strap portion adjacent to the electrode or the periphery of the opening in the main body receiving portion may be provided with a waterproof structure implemented by a sealing member. Here, the sealing member may include, for example, a rubber gasket. By providing a waterproof structure such as a gasket for areas that may be submerged in water, the water resistance can be further improved.

[0027] Alternatively, at least one of the contact surface of the strap portion adjacent to the electrode or the periphery of the opening in the main body receiving portion may be configured to be hydrophobic. By configuring the portion potentially susceptible to water immersion with a hydrophobic material, or by applying a hydrophobic coating with fluorine or the like, water resistance can be further improved.

[0028] Alternatively, the portion of the strap other than the main body receiving portion may be hollow, and the wiring may have a length that flexes in the hollow portion. With this configuration, even if a strong external force is applied to the strap causing warping or twisting, wire breakage can be prevented.

[0029] It should be noted that, as long as no technical contradictions arise, the above-mentioned components can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to the present invention, a technology is provided that allows for easy replacement of the strap portion in a wearable biometric measurement device having electrodes in the strap portion and prevents water from entering the device. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the biological information measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the inner peripheral surface of the biological information measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the main body of the biological information measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the strap portion of the biological information measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device according to the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0037] <Implementation Method>

[0038] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative configurations, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0039] (Overall structure of the device)

[0040] Figure 1 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the biological information measuring device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 A perspective view of the external appearance of the biological information measuring device 1. Figure 2 This refers to a rough outline of the inner circumferential surface (the surface in contact with the skin surface, hereinafter also referred to as the "contact surface," etc.) of the bio-information measuring device 1 on the side that contacts the human body. The bio-information measuring device 1 of this embodiment is a wearable device worn on the arm or other part of the human body to measure electrocardiogram waveforms and pulse waves (and blood pressure values ​​based thereon). Hereinafter, the side that contacts the human body when wearing the bio-information measuring device 1 will be described as the "inner side," and the opposite side will be described as the "outer side," etc.

[0041] The biological information measuring device 1 is generally composed of a main body 20 and a strap 10. The strap 10 accommodates the main body 20 in a detachable manner and has a fixed strap for wearing on the measuring object, i.e., the human body. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the general structure of the main body 20. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the strap section 10. Furthermore, Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the biological information measuring device 1.

[0042] (The composition of the main body)

[0043] The main body 20 is configured to include a roughly rectangular body shell 21, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicator 22, an operation button 23, an electrical contact 24, a photoelectric pulse wave sensor 25, a computing device (not shown), a storage device (not shown), a battery (not shown), a communication interface (not shown), etc.

[0044] Multiple LED indicators 22 are provided on the top surface (the outer side) of the main housing 21, and provide various information based on the color of the light, the number of lights, and the flashing rhythm. Multiple operation buttons 23 are provided on one side of both ends of the main housing 21 in the short dimension direction (hereinafter, the side where the operation buttons are located will be described as the front of the main housing 21), including power on / off switches, user input related to starting / stopping biometric measurements, and communication with other devices. Multiple electrical contacts 24 are formed of a conductive material (alloy, etc.) and are provided on both sides of the main housing 21 (at positions corresponding to the electrical contacts 31 on the strap 10 side, as described later). The photoelectric pulse wave sensor 25 is a reflective photoelectric pulse wave sensor located on the bottom surface of the main housing 21 (i.e., the side that contacts the human body when the device is worn).

[0045] (The structure of the straps)

[0046] The strap portion 10 is configured to include: a main body receiving portion 11, formed of non-conductive resin, which accommodates the main body portion 20 in a detachable manner; a fixing strap 14, formed of non-conductive resin, having an elongated dimension; a strap passing loop 15; and a plurality of electrodes 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the electrodes will be described as electrode 30 below.

[0047] The main body receiving portion 11 has a receiving space 16, which is defined by an inner wall mainly formed of resin to the same size as the main body shell 21, and opens on the side in contact with the human body. The receiving space 16 accommodates the main body portion 20. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the main body shell 21 is inserted from its top side into the receiving space 16, thereby accommodating the main body 20 in the main body receiving portion 11.

[0048] A plurality of electrical contacts 31 are provided on the inner wall of the accommodating space 16 on the sides corresponding to the two sides of the main housing 21. As described later, each of the plurality of electrical contacts 31 corresponds to any one of the electrodes 30 and is located at a position abutting against the electrical contacts 24 of the main housing 21. Furthermore, each electrical contact 31 is formed of a metal such as an alloy, so the inner wall of the accommodating space 16 can be configured to have rigidity that allows it to fit into the main housing 21.

[0049] Furthermore, the top surface of the main body receiving portion 11 is formed of transparent resin, becoming a window 12 that allows visibility of the interior. Thus, with the main body 20 housed within the main body receiving portion 11, the display of the LED indicator 22 on the main body 20 can be visually confirmed. Additionally, an operation assistance portion 13 is provided on the front of the main body receiving portion 11. This operation assistance portion 13 is formed of a soft resin such as rubber and is configured to allow indirect operation of the operation buttons 23 of the main body 20 when it is housed.

[0050] The securing strap 14 is made of a non-conductive material (such as polyurethane) and is hollow. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, each electrode 30 is configured to protrude in a dome shape on the contact surface of the fixing strap 14 with the human body. Each electrode 30 is made of a conductive material (such as stainless steel) and is electrically connected to an electrical contact 31 provided on the inner wall of the main body receiving portion 11 via a wire 32 disposed in the hollow portion of the fixing strap 14.

[0051] Each wire 32 connecting each electrode 30 to each electrical contact 31 has a length that allows for bending within the hollow portion of the fixing strap 14. Therefore, even if a strong external force is applied to the fixing strap 14, causing warping, twisting, or other damage, wire breakage can be prevented.

[0052] It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the fixing strap 14 is provided with a hook and loop fastener. After one end of the fixing strap 14 is passed through the strap and loop 15, it is folded back to engage the hook and loop, thereby fixing the fixing strap 14 in a loop shape to the wearing area. For example, the user wears the biometric information measuring device 1 on the upper left arm with the fixing strap 14 in contact with the skin surface of each electrode 30, thereby acquiring electrocardiogram signals through each electrode 30.

[0053] (Functional Composition)

[0054] Next, based on Figure 5 The functional structure of the biological information measuring device 1 is explained. Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the biological information measuring device 1. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the biological information measuring device 1 is configured to include various functional units such as a control unit 110, an electrode unit 101, a pulse wave sensor unit 102, a timing unit 104, a storage unit 105, a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a power supply unit 108, and a communication unit 109.

[0055] The control unit 110 is a unit responsible for controlling the bio-information measuring device 1, and is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the operation unit 107 receives an operation from the user, the control unit 110 controls each component of the bio-information measuring device 1 to perform various processes such as bio-information measurement and information communication according to a predetermined program. It should be noted that the predetermined program is stored in the storage unit 105 (described later) and read from the storage unit 105. Furthermore, the control unit 110, as a functional module, includes an electrocardiogram measuring unit 111 and a pulse wave measuring unit 112.

[0056] The ECG measurement unit 111 acquires timing data of the ECG signal from the electrode unit 101, measures the user's ECG waveform, and stores the ECG (Electrocardiogram) data in the storage unit 105. The pulse wave measurement unit 112 acquires timing data of the pulse wave signal from the pulse wave sensor unit 102, measures the user's pulse wave waveform, and stores the PPG (Photoplethysmogram) data in the storage unit 105.

[0057] The electrode section 101 includes six electrodes 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f, which function as a sensor section for detecting electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Specifically, when the bio-information measuring device 1 is worn, the two electrodes in opposite positions are paired, and the ECG signal is detected based on the potential difference between the paired electrodes. That is, three ECG signals can be detected simultaneously from three pairs of electrodes.

[0058] The pulse wave sensor unit 102 includes a photoelectric pulse wave sensor 25, which functions as a sensor unit for detecting pulse wave signals. For example... Figure 2As shown, the photoelectric pulse wave sensor 25 in this embodiment is a reflective photoelectric pulse wave sensor disposed on the lower surface of the main body housing 21 (i.e., the surface that contacts the skin when worn). The reflective photoelectric pulse wave sensor irradiates infrared, red, or green light toward the living organism, and uses a photodiode or the like to detect the light reflected within the living organism, thereby detecting the blood flow (changes in blood vessel capacity) that change with the heartbeat.

[0059] It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, each of the above-mentioned sensor units, including the electrode unit 101, includes: an amplifier unit that amplifies the signal output from the sensor, an A / D converter unit that converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and a filter circuit that removes noise components.

[0060] The timing unit 104 has the function of measuring time with reference to an RTC (Real Time Clock) not shown. For example, it counts the time when a specified event occurs and outputs it.

[0061] The storage unit 105 is configured to include a main storage device (not shown) such as RAM (Random Access Memory) to store various information, including application programs and biological information data measured by the various measurement units described later. In addition to the main storage device, it also includes an auxiliary storage device such as flash memory, enabling long-term storage of biological information.

[0062] The display unit 106 is configured to include an LED indicator 22, which transmits the device status and the occurrence of specified events to the user through the lighting and flashing of the LED indicator 22. In addition, the operation unit 107 includes a plurality of operation buttons 23, which have the function of accepting input operations from the user via the operation buttons and causing the control unit 110 to perform processing corresponding to the operation.

[0063] The power supply unit 108 is configured to include a battery (not shown) that supplies the power required for the operation of the device. The battery can be a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, or a primary battery. Furthermore, when configured to include a secondary battery, it may also include a charging terminal. The communication unit 109 includes an antenna for wireless communication, a wired communication terminal (neither shown), etc., and has the function of communicating with other devices such as an information processing terminal. It should be noted that the communication unit 109 may also be configured to function as a charging terminal.

[0064] According to the biological information measuring device 1 of this embodiment as described above, the strap 10 can be easily replaced. Moreover, when the main body 20 is housed in the strap 10, the connection between the main body 20 and the strap 10 is completely covered, and when the device is worn on the human body, the exposed parts are completely covered by resin components, thus achieving high water resistance and immersion resistance.

[0065] <Other>

[0066] The above examples are merely illustrative of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. In addition to the examples described above, the invention can be modified and combined in various ways within its technical concept. For example, at least one of the area of ​​the strap portion 10 in contact with the human body adjacent to the electrode 30 or the peripheral portion of the main body receiving portion 11 can be configured to have a waterproof structure achieved by a sealing member such as a gasket. For such areas, the possibility of water immersion cannot be completely ruled out; therefore, by employing such a waterproof structure, the reliability of water resistance can be further improved. Furthermore, the waterproof structure is not limited to gaskets; the aforementioned area can also be configured to be hydrophobic. For example, by forming the area with a hydrophobic material or by applying a hydrophobic coating with fluorine or the like, water resistance can be further improved.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the display portion 106 of the main body 20 is implemented by an LED indicator 22, but the display portion 106 can also be implemented by an image display unit such as a liquid crystal display. Additionally, the display portion 106 of the main body 20 may not be provided on the top surface of the main body but on the side surface; in this case, the side surface of the corresponding main body receiving portion 11 may be light-transmitting. Furthermore, the main body receiving portion 11 as a whole may be formed of a light-transmitting resin.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body receiving portion 11 of the strap portion 10 has an opening on the side that contacts the human body and is inserted into the fitting main body housing 21 from the top surface, but this configuration is not mandatory. When accommodating the main body portion 20, it is sufficient to cover the electrical contacts with the main body housing 21, or the opening of the main body receiving portion 11 can be configured to accommodate the main body housing 21 from the bottom or side surface. Moreover, it is also possible to configure the strap portion 10 to have a cover member that covers the opening of the main body receiving portion 11 in a way that allows the opening to be opened / closed, regardless of which direction the main body receiving portion 11 opens.

[0069] Furthermore, as a biological information measuring device, this invention can be applied to measuring devices that only measure electrocardiogram waveforms without requiring a pulse wave sensor.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 1: Organism information measurement device;

[0072] 10: Strapping section;

[0073] 11: Main body housing;

[0074] 12: Window area;

[0075] 13: Operation Support Department;

[0076] 14: Secure straps;

[0077] 15: The strap passes through the loop;

[0078] 16: Accommodation space;

[0079] 20: Main body;

[0080] 21: Main body shell;

[0081] 22: LED indicator;

[0082] 23: Operation buttons;

[0083] 24, 31: Electrical contacts;

[0084] 25: Photoelectric pulse wave sensor;

[0085] 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f: Electrodes;

[0086] 32: Wire;

[0087] 101: Electrode section;

[0088] 102: Pulse wave sensor unit;

[0089] 104: Timing Department;

[0090] 105: Storage Department;

[0091] 106: Display Unit;

[0092] 107: Operations Department;

[0093] 108: Power Supply Section;

[0094] 109: Ministry of Communications;

[0095] 110: Control Department.

Claims

1. A bio-information measuring device, worn on a human body for use, capable of measuring at least the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, the bio-information measuring device comprising: The main housing has electrical contacts on the main body side; and The strap is attached to the human body. The strap portion includes: Multiple electrodes are disposed on the contact surface of the side that comes into contact with the human body during wear; and The main body receiving portion is provided with a strap-side electrical contact configured to connect with the main body-side electrical contact, and the main body housing is detachably accommodated. The strap portion has internal wiring that connects the strap-side electrical contacts to the electrodes. The strap portion is configured such that, when the main body housing is housed within the main body housing portion, at least the strap-side electrical contacts are not exposed by being covered by the main body housing.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body receiving portion is provided with a plurality of strap-side electrical contacts corresponding to the plurality of electrodes. The main body housing is provided with a plurality of main body side electrical contacts corresponding to the plurality of strap side electrical contacts.

3. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body receiving portion has an opening on the side that contacts the human body when it is put on. The main housing is accommodated in the main housing portion by being inserted and fitted into the space.

4. The biological information measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The main housing has a display unit for displaying information. At least a portion of the main body receiving portion is formed of a light-transmitting component. The main housing and the main housing portion are configured such that the main housing is housed within the main housing portion in a manner that allows for visual confirmation of the display unit of the main housing via the light-transmitting member.

5. The biological information measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The main body housing is formed of non-conductive resin, and the electrical contacts on the strap side are formed of metal.

6. The biological information measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the contact surface of the strap portion adjacent to the electrode or the periphery of the opening in the main body receiving portion is provided with a waterproof structure implemented by a sealing member.

7. The biological information measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the contact surface of the strap portion adjacent to the electrode or the periphery of the opening in the main body receiving portion is configured to be hydrophobic.

8. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The portion of the strap, excluding the main body receiving portion, is hollow, and the wiring has a length that flexes in the hollow portion.

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