Blood component concentration detection device

Abstract

To provide a blood component concentration detection device that enables the precise detection of the concentration of a predetermined component in the blood.SOLUTION: A blood component concentration detection device 1 is a device for detecting the concentration of a predetermined component in blood from a subject at a measurement target site F. The device includes: a vascular position detection mechanism 10 for detecting the position of a predetermined blood vessel in the measurement target site F at a detection position S; and a blood component concentration detection mechanism 20 for detecting the concentration of the predetermined component in the blood within the predetermined blood vessel in the measurement target site F at the detection position S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blood constituent concentration detection device that detects the concentration of a predetermined constituent in blood. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to prevent drunk driving, a technique is known that detects the driver's drinking level and prohibits the start of the vehicle engine if the detected drinking level is equal to or exceeds a predetermined level. One technique for detecting the drinking level includes a group of light-emitting elements that irradiate the fingertip with two lights of different wavelengths, and a light-receiving element that detects the pulse wave by receiving a part of the light that is irradiated on the fingertip and reflected and scattered by biological tissue, and calculates an index of the blood alcohol concentration based on the pulse wave (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-36799 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the detection device described in Patent Document 1, a light receiving element is fixedly disposed below the position where the tip of the finger is expected to be placed, and a group of light emitting elements is fixedly disposed inside the housing closer to the base of the finger. Therefore, depending on the length or thickness of the finger of the person to be detected, or depending on how the finger is placed on the housing (for example, when placed at an angle), there is a risk that the pulse wave, which is the basis for calculating an index of blood alcohol concentration, may not be detected accurately.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure relates to providing a blood component concentration detection device capable of detecting the concentration of a predetermined component in blood with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A blood constituent concentration detection device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a device for detecting the concentration of a predetermined constituent in blood at a measurement target site of a subject, and includes a blood vessel position detection mechanism for detecting the position of a predetermined blood vessel at the measurement target site at a detection position, and a blood constituent concentration detection mechanism for detecting the concentration of the predetermined constituent in blood in the predetermined blood vessel at the measurement target site at the detection position. Here, the predetermined blood vessel is typically a blood vessel in which the concentration of the predetermined constituent is easily detected.

[0007] According to the blood component concentration detection device relating to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to grasp the position of a blood vessel in which the concentration of a specified component is easily detected, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the concentration of a specified component in blood.

[0008] In addition, a blood component concentration detection device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the blood component concentration detection device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, further comprising a moving mechanism for moving the blood vessel position detection mechanism and the blood component concentration detection mechanism.

[0009] According to the blood component concentration detection device relating to the second aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to move the blood vessel position detection mechanism to locate a specific blood vessel, and it is also possible to move the blood component concentration detection mechanism to the position of the specific blood vessel or in its vicinity.

[0010] In addition, a blood component concentration detection device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the blood component concentration detection device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, is provided with a control device that controls the moving mechanism to move the blood vessel position detection mechanism to identify the position of the specified blood vessel and move the blood component concentration detection mechanism to the identified blood vessel position.

[0011] According to the blood component concentration detection device relating to the third aspect of the present disclosure, a specific blood vessel in the measurement target area can be searched for by moving the blood vessel position detection mechanism, and then the blood component concentration detection mechanism can be moved to the position of the identified specific blood vessel to detect the concentration of a specific component in blood within the specific blood vessel.

[0012] A blood constituent concentration detection device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the blood constituent concentration detection device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, in which the blood vessel position detection mechanism includes a light emitting device that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and a light receiving device that irradiates the light emitted by the light emitting device on the measurement target site and measures the intensity of the light absorbed or reflected. Here, the light of the predetermined wavelength is typically light of a wavelength that is easily absorbed by blood.

[0013] According to the blood constituent concentration detecting device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to identify blood vessels with a large blood flow rate by measuring the intensity of light received by the light receiving device.

[0014] A blood constituent concentration detecting device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the blood constituent concentration detecting device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the light emitted by the light emitting device is green light.

[0015] According to the blood component concentration detecting device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the light emitting device can emit light that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin that is contained in relatively large amounts in blood.

[0016] In addition, a blood component concentration detection device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a blood component concentration detection device according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in which the position of the specified blood vessel is identified when the intensity of the light measured by the light receiving device is within a specified range including a threshold value.

[0017] According to the blood constituent concentration detecting device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the position of a predetermined blood vessel can be easily identified. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to grasp the position of a blood vessel in which the concentration of a predetermined component is easily detected, and to improve the detection accuracy of the concentration of a predetermined component in blood. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a usage mode of a blood constituent concentration detecting device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic configuration diagram of the blood constituent concentration detecting device. [Diagram 2] 4 is a graph illustrating an example of absorbance in a first optical sensor included in a blood component concentration detecting device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of a control device provided in a blood component concentration detection device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a blood constituent concentration detecting device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0021] First, referring to Fig. 1(A) and Fig. 1(B), a blood component concentration detection device 1 according to one embodiment (hereinafter, simply referred to as "detection device 1") will be described. Fig. 1(A) is a schematic diagram showing a usage mode of detection device 1, and Fig. 1(B) is a schematic configuration diagram of detection device 1. In this embodiment, detection device 1 is described as a device that is mounted in an automobile and detects the alcohol concentration (corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component) in the blood of the driver's finger F before the driver starts driving. Therefore, in this embodiment, the driver corresponds to the subject, and the driver's finger F corresponds to the measurement target part. In this embodiment, detection device 1 also serves as a start button for the automobile engine.

[0022] The detection device 1 is capable of detecting the alcohol concentration in the blood of the finger F by aligning the finger F with the detection position S as shown in FIG. 1(A). The detection position S indicates a range to which the finger F should be aligned in order to detect the blood alcohol concentration of the finger F, and is typically formed to a size that includes the part between the first joint (DIP joint) of the finger F and the fingertip (the part where the fingerprint is present). The boundary (outer edge) of the detection position S is circular in this embodiment, but may be a polygon such as a rectangle or hexagon, or an ellipse, or other shape other than a circle. The section of the detection position S is typically formed of a flat plate-like material that transmits light. The detection position S is typically provided on a part of the dashboard beside the steering shaft of the automobile, but may be provided on the back surface of the steering wheel of the automobile, etc. In this embodiment, the detection position S is provided with a measurement target part detector (not shown) such as an electrostatic switch or a pressure-sensitive switch that can detect that the finger F is aligned with the detection position S. The detection device 1 includes a first optical sensor 10, a second optical sensor 20, a moving mechanism 30, and a control device 50, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The first optical sensor 10 detects the position of a predetermined blood vessel in the driver's finger F at the detection position S, and corresponds to a blood vessel position detection mechanism. The predetermined blood vessel is typically a blood vessel in which the blood alcohol concentration (concentration of a predetermined component) is easily detected, and may be, for example, a relatively thick blood vessel. Here, assuming that the back of the hand is "up" and the palm side is "down", it is generally known that the finger F has relatively thick blood vessels on both sides of the flexor tendon located under the bone, and the relatively thick blood vessels on both sides of the flexor tendon may correspond to the predetermined blood vessel. Note that since veins are often located closer to the epidermis than arteries, it is preferable that the predetermined blood vessel detected by the first optical sensor 10 is a vein. In addition, since veins have a low oxygen saturation in the blood, they reflect a relatively dark red color, and since arteries have a high oxygen saturation, they reflect a relatively weak red color. A spectroscopic sensor may typically be applied to the first optical sensor 10. The first optical sensor 10 has a light source 11 and a detector 13.

[0024] The light source 11 can emit light of a wavelength that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin. When a vein is intended as the predetermined blood vessel to be detected by the first optical sensor 10, the light source 11 may emit light of a wavelength that is easily absorbed by reduced hemoglobin. In this embodiment, the light source 11 may include a light-emitting element such as an LED that emits light including light having a wavelength of about 490 nm to 550 nm, preferably 520 nm to 530 nm. The light of the exemplified wavelength is green light, which is easily absorbed by hemoglobin. The light source 11 emits light of a predetermined wavelength that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin, and corresponds to a light-emitting device. The light source 11 may have a spectroscopic unit composed of a diffraction grating, a prism, or the like that can separate the light emitted from the light-emitting element into light of desired wavelengths.

[0025] In this embodiment, the detector 13 receives light reflected by the finger F from the light source 11 and measures the intensity of the received light, and corresponds to a light receiving device. The detector 13 may include a light receiving element such as a photodiode that receives light. As described above, the light emitted from the light source 11 and received by the detector 13 has a wavelength that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin, so the amount of light received by the detector 13 decreases as the amount of hemoglobin in the blood of the reflected finger F increases. Since the amount of hemoglobin is proportional to the amount of blood, the position of the large and small blood amount (blood flow rate) can be estimated based on the amount of light received by the detector 13. The amount of light received by the detector 13 may be expressed as a ratio to the amount of light emitted by the light source 11. The detector 13 is configured to be able to output the intensity of the received light. The detector 13 is connected to the control device 50 by a control signal line (wired or wireless; the same applies below), and is configured to be able to transmit output data of the intensity of the received light to the control device 50 as a signal. In this embodiment, the detector 13 is disposed adjacent to the light source 11.

[0026] The second optical sensor 20 is a sensor that detects the blood alcohol concentration of the driver's finger F at the detection position S, and corresponds to a blood component concentration detection mechanism. A spectroscopic sensor can typically be applied to the second optical sensor 20. The second optical sensor 20 has a light source 21 and a detector 23.

[0027] The light source 21 emits light of a wavelength that is easily absorbed by alcohol. The light source 21 may include a light-emitting element such as an LED that emits light including light of wavelengths of 910 nm and 1190 nm. The light source 21 may have a spectroscopic unit composed of a diffraction grating, a prism, or the like, that can separate the light emitted from the light-emitting element into light of desired wavelengths. The light source 21 may have the same configuration as the light source 11, except for the configuration based mainly on the difference in the wavelength of the light emitted.

[0028] In this embodiment, the detector 23 receives light reflected by the finger F out of the light emitted by the light source 21. The detector 23 may include a light receiving element such as a photodiode that receives light. Since the light emitted from the light source 21 and received by the detector 23 has a wavelength that is easily absorbed by alcohol as described above, the higher the blood alcohol concentration of the finger F, the less light the detector 23 receives. In other words, the blood alcohol concentration of the finger F can be estimated based on the amount of light received by the detector 23. The amount of light received by the detector 23 may be expressed as a ratio to the amount of light emitted by the light source 21. The detector 23 is capable of outputting the intensity of the received light for each wavelength. The detector 23 may have the same configuration as the detector 13. The detector 23 is connected to the control device 50 by a control signal line, and is configured to be able to transmit the output data of the intensity of the received light for each wavelength to the control device 50 as a signal. In this embodiment, the detector 23 is disposed adjacent to the light source 21.

[0029] The moving mechanism 30 moves the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 30 is configured to at least linearly move the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 back and forth within the range of the detection position S. A linear motor can typically be applied to the moving mechanism 30, but a mechanism capable of linearly moving an object, such as a ball screw, may also be applied.

[0030] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 30 includes a mover 31, a stator 33, and a driver 35. The moving mechanism 30 is configured to move the mover 31 along the stator 33 in any direction to any position on the stator 33 by adjusting the amount of current supplied by the driver 35. The stator 33 is a member extending linearly and determines the trajectory of the mover 31. The stator 33 is typically disposed at a position on the diameter of a circle forming the outer boundary of the detection position S in a plan view and at a position perpendicular to the direction in which the finger F extends at a position where the designed finger F is placed (for example, the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1(A)). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the direction in which the stator 33 extends may be referred to as the x-direction, and the stator 33 may be regarded as forming the x-axis in a virtual plane coordinate system (virtual coordinate system).

[0031] The first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 are disposed on the movable element 31. The first optical sensor 10 has a light source 11 and a detector 13 disposed adjacent to each other in the x direction. The second optical sensor 20 has a light source 21 and a detector 23 disposed adjacent to each other in the x direction. In this embodiment, the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 are disposed adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the x axis in a plan view, as shown in FIG. 1B. It is preferable that the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 are disposed as close as possible to each other. The first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 are disposed on the movable element 31 that moves on the stator 33 disposed on the diameter of the circle of the detection position S, so that the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 can function within the range of the detection position S.

[0032] The driver 35 is provided at one end of the stator 33 that extends linearly. In this embodiment, the driver 35 adjusts the supply of current to a coil provided inside the stator 33. The driver 35 is connected to the control device 50 by a control signal line, and is configured to adjust the magnitude and direction of the current supplied to the coil based on a command from the control device 50. In this embodiment, for convenience, the position where the movable element 31 that linearly moves back and forth on the stator 33 is closest to the driver 35 within its movable range is set as the origin of the virtual coordinate system, and the value on the x-axis of the virtual coordinate system increases as the movable element 31 moves away from the driver 35. The first optical sensor 10, the second optical sensor 20, and the moving mechanism 30 described so far are typically arranged on the back side (the side opposite to the side where the finger F is placed) of a translucent plate-like member that forms the detection position S.

[0033] The control device 50 is a device that controls the operation of the detection device 1. The control device 50 is individually connected to the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 by a control signal line, and is configured to be able to adjust the presence or absence of light emission from each of the light sources 11 and 21 by transmitting a control signal. The control device 50 is also configured to be able to receive, as a signal, data on the output of the intensity of light received by each of the detectors 13 and 23 via the control signal line. The control device 50 is also connected to the moving mechanism 30 by a control signal line, and is configured to be able to move the mover 31 to an arbitrary position on the stator 33 by transmitting a control signal, and to be able to grasp the position on the x-axis in the virtual coordinate system. From this, the control device 50 is able to grasp the relationship between the position on the x-axis in the virtual coordinate system and the intensity of light received by the detector 13 of the first optical sensor 10, as shown in FIG. 2. The control device 50 also stores, as a threshold value, the value of the intensity of light received by the detector 13, which can be tentatively assumed to be a predetermined blood vessel in the driver's finger F. The control device 50 is also connected to a measurement target part detector (not shown) such as an electrostatic switch or a pressure-sensitive switch by a control signal line, and is configured to be able to detect when a finger F is placed at a detection position S. Additionally, the control device 50 is connected to an ignition switch (not shown) of an automobile in which the detection device 1 is implemented by a control signal line, and is configured to be able to control the activation of the ignition switch by transmitting a control signal.

[0034] Here, the hardware configuration of the control device 50 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 3. The block diagram shown in FIG. 3 shows a concept of the physical configuration of the control device 50. The control device 50 has a processor 55, a memory 56, a storage 57, and a communication interface 58. The processor 55 processes various information in the control device 50. The various information processed by the processor 55 includes transmission and reception of data (including control commands) between the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 and the moving mechanism 30, and determination of whether or not driving is possible based on the blood alcohol concentration. The processor 55 may be a single processor or may be two or more processors. The processor 55 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a circuit board, or other electric circuit. The processor 55 can execute a program and manipulate data to perform the operation of the control device 50, including the operation using any algorithm, method, function, process, flow, and procedure described in this disclosure.

[0035] The memory 56 temporarily or permanently records programs and / or data used for information processing in the control device 50. The memory 56 may record data of the output of the intensity of light received by each detector 13, 23 received by the control device 50 for each position on the x-axis, and / or may store programs for the control device 50 to perform various judgments and determinations. These programs can be added or changed after the fact (i.e., after the control device 50 is manufactured). The memory 56 may be a single memory, or may be two or more memories. The memory 56 may include a volatile memory such as a RAM or a cache, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM.

[0036] The storage 57 stores a threshold value for estimating a blood vessel as a predetermined blood vessel, a reference value for a blood alcohol concentration, and the like. The storage 57 may store a program for the control device 50 to perform various determinations and judgments. The storage 57 may hold other programs including an operating system that can be executed by the control device 50 or other devices. The storage 57 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and / or a flash memory, and the like.

[0037] The communication interface 58 communicates with the first optical sensor 10, the second optical sensor 20, and the moving mechanism 30. The communication interface 58 can transmit, to the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20, a control signal related to the intensity of light emitted from each of the light sources 11, 21. The communication interface 58 can receive, from the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20, output data on the intensity of light received by each of the detectors 13, 23. The communication interface 58 can transmit, to the moving mechanism 30, a control signal related to a current value for moving the mover 31 to a desired position. The communication interface 58 also communicates with a measurement target portion detector (not shown) and an ignition switch (not shown).

[0038] The components of the control device 50 (including the processor 55, memory 56, storage 57, and communication interface 58) are connected to one another via a bus such as a system bus or a control bus, and can communicate with one another. The control device 50 also has a power supply 59. The power supply 59 typically includes a power plug that takes in power from a commercial power source or other power source. The power supply 59 may include a replaceable or non-replaceable battery, and the battery may be capable of being charged by receiving power from the commercial power source or other power source.

[0039] Next, the operation of the detection device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation procedure of the detection device 1. In this explanation, the operation of the detection device 1 when starting an automobile engine will be illustrated. In the following explanation, when referring to the configuration of the detection device 1, Figs. 1(A) to 3 will be referred to as appropriate. In the following explanation, the operation of the detection device 1 is controlled by the control device 50 unless otherwise specified.

[0040] When the detection device 1 is not in operation, the movable element 31 is typically located at the origin of the virtual coordinate system. A driver who intends to drive a car equipped with the detection device 1 first sets a finger F at the detection position S (S1). When the finger F is aligned with the detection position S, a measurement target part detector (not shown) detects the presence of the finger F and starts the operation of the first optical sensor 10 via the control device 50 (S2). When the first optical sensor 10 starts to operate, the light source 11 emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and the detector 13 receives the light emitted from the light source 11 that is reflected by the finger F or the like. At this time, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 11 is green light having a wavelength that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin, so that the light absorbed by the blood increases as the blood flow rate increases, and the amount of light received by the detector 13 decreases.

[0041] When the first optical sensor 10 starts to operate, the movement of the first optical sensor 10 starts (S3). The movement of the first optical sensor 10 is performed by moving the movable element 31 on the stator 33 by a command from the control device 50. As a result, the first optical sensor 10 moves on the x-axis of the virtual coordinate system. In this embodiment, the movable element 31 is provided with the second optical sensor 20 together with the first optical sensor 10, so that the second optical sensor 20 also moves with the movement of the first optical sensor 10, but at this stage the second optical sensor 20 is not operating (emitting or receiving light). While the first optical sensor 10 is moving on the x-axis, the detector 13 continuously measures the amount of light received. This makes it possible to obtain the relationship between the position on the x-axis and the amount of light received by the detector 13 as shown in FIG. 2. The measurement results exemplified in FIG. 2 are typically temporarily recorded in the control device 50 (particularly the memory 56).

[0042] The control device 50 detects the position of the predetermined blood vessel from the relationship between the position on the x-axis and the amount of light received by the detector 13 acquired during the movement of the first optical sensor 10 (S4). As described above, the predetermined blood vessel is typically a blood vessel in which the blood alcohol concentration is easy to detect, in other words, a relatively thick blood vessel (a blood vessel with a relatively large blood flow rate). As described above, the amount of light received by the detector 13 decreases as the blood flow rate increases, so the position where the amount of light received by the detector 13 is small can be estimated as the position of the predetermined blood vessel. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the amount of light received by the detector 13 begins to decrease suddenly at the position x1, becomes the lowest at the positions x2 to x3, and has the same value as at the position x1 at the position x4. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the control device 50 identifies the presence of the predetermined blood vessel at the positions x2 to x3 based on the measurement results of the detector 13 temporarily recorded.

[0043] When the first optical sensor 10 is moved in the x-axis direction to identify the predetermined blood vessel, the detector 13 may measure from one end of the width of the finger F to the other end, and the position where the amount of received light is the smallest may be identified as the predetermined blood vessel. Alternatively, a simplified identification method as described below may be used. In this simplified identification method, the amount of received light when the detector 13 of the first optical sensor 10 detects the predetermined blood vessel is stored in advance as a threshold value in the control device 50. Then, the amount of received light detected by the detector 13 is monitored while the first optical sensor 10 is moved in the x-axis direction, and if the amount of received light is within a predetermined range including the threshold value, it is determined that the predetermined blood vessel is located at that position, and the next step is promptly performed without further detection by the detector 13. At this time, the smaller the amount of received light by the detector 13, the closer it is to the predetermined blood vessel, so the predetermined range including the threshold value means that the amount of received light is less than the threshold value. Once the position of the predetermined blood vessel is identified, the first optical sensor 10 has performed its role, and the operation of the first optical sensor 10 may be stopped.

[0044] Once the position of the predetermined blood vessel has been identified, the second optical sensor 10 is set at the position on the x-axis of the virtual coordinate system where the first optical sensor 10 has identified the position of the predetermined blood vessel (S5). In this embodiment, the light source 11 of the first optical sensor 10 and the light source 21 of the second optical sensor 20, and the detector 13 of the first optical sensor 10 and the detector 23 of the second optical sensor 20 are each disposed at the same position on the x-axis. Therefore, when the first optical sensor 10 is moved to the position of the predetermined blood vessel on the x-axis, the second optical sensor 20 is also located at the position of the predetermined blood vessel on the x-axis.

[0045] Once the second optical sensor 20 has been set at a predetermined blood vessel position, measurement of the blood alcohol concentration by the second optical sensor 20 begins (S6). When the second optical sensor 20 begins measurement, light is emitted from the light source 21, and the light emitted from the light source 21 that is reflected back by the finger F or the like is received by the detector 23. At this time, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 21 has a wavelength that is easily absorbed by alcohol, so that the amount of light received by the detector 23 decreases as the blood alcohol concentration increases.

[0046] After the blood alcohol concentration is measured, it is determined whether the measured alcohol concentration is normal (S7). This determination is typically made by the control device 50 by comparing the alcohol concentration detected by the second optical sensor 20 with a reference value stored in the control device 50 (typically the storage 57). If the detected alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than the stored reference value, it is determined that the alcohol concentration is not normal, and the process returns to the step (S3) of starting the movement of the first optical sensor 10, and the above-mentioned procedure is repeated. If the driver's blood alcohol concentration is actually equal to or higher than the reference value, even if the measurement of the blood alcohol concentration is started again to determine whether the alcohol concentration is normal, it usually does not become normal, so the procedure up to this determination (S7) is repeated. Generally, it takes a considerable amount of time for the blood alcohol concentration to fall below the reference value, so at this timing, there is a high possibility that the car will not be able to start until the driver is changed.

[0047] In the step (S7) of judging whether the detected alcohol concentration is a normal value or not, if it is judged that the detected alcohol concentration is less than the reference value and is a normal value, the automobile engine is started (S8). This engine starting is typically performed by the control device 50 sending a signal to an ignition switch (not shown) to start the engine. This completes the series of operations of the detection device 1 when starting the engine. Note that in the above-mentioned judgment step (S7), if it is not possible to proceed to the next step for a predetermined period of time, the processing may be interrupted and the process may return to a standby state.

[0048] As described above, according to the detection device 1 of this embodiment, the position of a predetermined blood vessel is identified by the first optical sensor 10, and the second optical sensor 20 is moved to the identified position of the predetermined blood vessel to measure the alcohol concentration, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the blood alcohol concentration. Also, since the first optical sensor 10 for identifying the position of a predetermined blood vessel and the second optical sensor 20 for detecting the blood alcohol concentration are provided separately, highly accurate measurements can be performed for each purpose.

[0049] In the above description, the detection device 1 is mounted on an automobile as an example. However, the detection device 1 can also be applied to vehicles other than automobiles, such as buses, forklifts, and railroad cars, or to equipment that requires an operator to operate the device according to the situation, such as cranes and remote-controlled devices.

[0050] In the above description, the concentration of a specific component in blood detected by the second optical sensor 20 is the alcohol concentration. However, depending on the purpose or application, the concentration may be the concentration of a component other than alcohol, such as the oxygen concentration.

[0051] In the above description, the measurement target site is a finger, but it may be a part of the subject's body other than a finger, such as the neck.

[0052] In the above description, the movable element 31 on which the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 are provided is one-dimensionally movable in the x-axis direction of the virtual coordinate system. However, for example, the entire moving mechanism 30 may be configured to be movable in the direction of an axis (hereinafter referred to as the "y-axis") perpendicular to the x-axis along the plane on which the detection position S spreads, so that the movable element 31 is two-dimensionally movable on the xy plane. With this configuration, by knowing in advance the distance between the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 in the y-axis direction, the second optical sensor 20 can be moved to the position of the first optical sensor 10 when a predetermined blood vessel is detected on the xy plane. In other words, by moving the second optical sensor 20 to the position of the predetermined blood vessel in the x-axis direction and moving it in the y-axis direction by the distance between the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20, the second optical sensor 20 can be placed at the position of the predetermined blood vessel identified by the first optical sensor 10. Generally, relatively thick blood vessels in a finger F are often present along the longitudinal direction of the finger F, and it is considered that if the finger F is placed at the detection position S along the y-axis, both the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 can be moved one-dimensionally to the positions of the predetermined blood vessels. However, if the movable element 31 can be moved two-dimensionally, measurement by the second optical sensor 20 can be appropriately performed even if the identified predetermined blood vessel does not extend parallel to the y-axis, for example, when the finger F is placed at the detection position S at an angle to the y-axis.

[0053] In the above explanation, the first optical sensor 10 and the second optical sensor 20 are arranged on one movable element 31 and move simultaneously, but they may also be arranged on separate movable elements and move individually in the x direction.

[0054] In the above description, the light source 11 of the first optical sensor 10 emits green light (visible light), but it may also be configured to emit light other than green light that is easily absorbed by blood, such as infrared light.

[0055] In the above description, the blood vessel position detection mechanism is the first optical sensor 10, but a force sensor capable of measuring the pulsation of the blood vessels of the finger F may also be used. When using a force sensor as the blood vessel position detection mechanism, it is preferable to form the force sensor with a curved surface that conforms to the shape of the pad of the finger F so that the surface of the finger F that detects the blood vessels is brought into contact with the force sensor.

[0056] In addition, the present disclosure can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications are included in the technical concept of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Detection device (blood component concentration detection device) 10. First optical sensor (blood vessel position detection mechanism) 11 Light source (light emitting device) 13 Detector (light receiving device) 20 Second optical sensor (blood component concentration detection mechanism) 30 Moving mechanism 50 Control device F Finger (measurement area) S Detection position

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting the concentration of a predetermined component in the blood of a subject at a measurement target site, a blood vessel position detection mechanism for detecting the position of a predetermined blood vessel in the measurement target site at a detection position; a blood component concentration detection mechanism for detecting the concentration of the predetermined component in the blood in the predetermined blood vessel at the measurement target site located at the detection position, Blood component concentration detection device.

2. a moving mechanism for moving the blood vessel position detection mechanism and the blood constituent concentration detection mechanism, The blood constituent concentration detection device according to claim 1 .

3. a control device for controlling the movement mechanism to move the blood vessel position detection mechanism to specify the position of the predetermined blood vessel and to move the blood constituent concentration detection mechanism to the specified position of the blood vessel; The blood constituent concentration detection device according to claim 2 .

4. The blood vessel position detection mechanism includes a light emitting device that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, and a light receiving device that irradiates the light emitted by the light emitting device on the measurement target site and measures the intensity of the light absorbed or reflected. The blood constituent concentration detection device according to claim 1 .

5. The light emitted by the light-emitting device is green light. The blood constituent concentration detection device according to claim 4.

6. a position where the light intensity measured by the light receiving device is within a predetermined range including a threshold value is identified as the position of the predetermined blood vessel; The blood constituent concentration detecting device according to claim 4 or 5.

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