Sensor

Abstract

To provide a sensor that can improve properties.SOLUTION: A sensor includes: a flexible first layer; an adhesive second layer fixed to the first layer; and a detector fixed to the first layer. The detector includes a light-emitting device and an optical detection element. The second layer is configured to be detachably fixed to a detection object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a sensor for detecting the breathing rate of a subject. It is desirable to improve the characteristics of the sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7272367 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The embodiments provide a sensor that can have improved performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, the sensor includes a flexible first layer, an adhesive second layer fixed to the first layer, and a detection unit fixed to the first layer, the detection unit including a light emitting element and a light detecting element, and the second layer is configured to be detachably fixed to a detection target. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios of each part may be different depending on the drawing. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a sensor 110 according to the embodiment includes a first layer 11, a second layer 12, and a detection unit 30.

[0009] The first layer 11 is flexible. The second layer 12 is fixed to the first layer 11. The second layer 12 has adhesive properties. The detection unit 30 is fixed to the first layer 11. In this example, at least a portion of the first layer 11 is provided between the second layer 12 and the detection unit 30. The detection unit 30 includes a light-emitting element 31 and a light-detecting element 32. The second layer 12 is configured to be detachably fixed to the detection target 80. For example, the first layer 11 may be mesh-like. For example, the first layer 11 may be porous.

[0010] The detection target 80 may be a human or an animal. The detection target 80 includes a skin 80a of a human or an animal. The second layer 12 can be in close contact with the skin 80a.

[0011] The first light L1 emitted from the light-emitting element 31 is incident on the detection object 80. The first light L1 is modulated in response to the breathing of the detection object 80 to become the second light L2. The second light L2 is, for example, reflected light. The second light L2 is incident on the light detection element 32. The light detection element 32 is capable of outputting a first signal S1 in response to the second light L2. The first signal S1 includes information regarding the intensity of breathing.

[0012] For example, breathing causes vibrations in the detection object 80. The second light L2 is modulated in response to the vibrations. Information about breathing can be obtained by detecting the second light L2.

[0013] In the sensor 110, the second layer 12 is in close contact with the object to be detected 80. The second layer 12 and the first layer 11 can be displaced in response to the body movement of the object to be detected 80. The body movement of the object to be detected 80 may include the displacement of defects under the skin. In the sensor 110, noise caused by the body movement of the object to be detected 80 is suppressed. A signal corresponding to respiration can be detected with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0014] In the first reference example, the sensor is not in close contact with the detection object 80. In the first reference example, when the body of the detection object 80 moves, at least a part of the components of the second light L2 changes according to the body movement. The second light L2 includes a component caused by the body movement and a component caused by breathing. The component caused by the body movement becomes noise. In the first reference example, it is difficult to detect the state of breathing with high accuracy.

[0015] In contrast, in the embodiment, the second layer 12 is in close contact with the detection object 80. The detection unit 30 is fixed to the flexible first layer 11. With this configuration, the detection unit 30 can be displaced in conjunction with the body movement of the detection object 80. This suppresses noise components. Changes in the second light L2 caused by breathing can be extracted efficiently with high accuracy. The state of breathing can be detected with high accuracy. According to the embodiment, a sensor with improved characteristics can be provided. The state of breathing includes the strength of breathing. The body movement includes, for example, walking.

[0016] 1, in this example, at least a portion of the first layer 11 is provided between the second layer 12 and the detection unit 30. The first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are optically transparent. The first light L1 passes through the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 and is incident on the detection target 80. The second light L2 passes through the second layer 12 and the first layer 11 and is incident on the detection unit 30.

[0017] In this example, the light detection element 32 is provided between the first layer 11 and the light emitting element 31. The light emitting element 31 is preferably a surface light source. The light detection element 32 is provided between the second layer 12 (and the first layer 11) and the surface light source. For example, the first light L1 emitted from the light emitting element 31 may be diffuse light (or divergent light). The divergence angle of the first light L1 is, for example, ±5 degrees or more and ±80 degrees or less. Since the light emitting element 31 is a surface light source, the influence of the body movement of the detection object 80 is suppressed. The state of breathing can be detected with higher accuracy. The light detection element 32 may include, for example, an organic EL element. The light detection element 32 may be, for example, flexible.

[0018] In the embodiment, the peak wavelength of the first light L1 is not less than 400 nm and not more than 1500 nm.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 110 may further include a third layer 13. The detection unit 30 may be provided between the second layer 12 and the third layer 13. In this example, the detection unit 30 is provided between the first layer 11 and the third layer 13. The third layer 13 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a nonwoven fabric and a woven fabric. By providing such a third layer 13, the discomfort felt by the detection object 80 when using the sensor 110 is suppressed. It becomes easy to fix the sensor 110 to the detection object 80 for a long period of time and to continuously detect breathing for a long period of time.

[0020] The third layer 13 preferably has air permeability. The air permeability of the third layer 13 is, for example, 10 cm 3 / (cm 2 ·s) or more, 200cm 3 / (cm 2 The third layer 13 preferably has moisture permeability. The moisture permeability of the third layer 13 is, for example, 100 g / (m 2 ·24h) or more, 15000g / (m 2The moisture permeability of the third layer 13 is, for example, 300 g / (m 2 ·24h) or more, 4000g / (m 2 24 hours or less is also acceptable.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 110 may further include a fourth layer 14. The detection unit 30 is provided between the second layer 12 and the fourth layer 14. In this example, the detection unit 30 is provided between the first layer 11 and the fourth layer 14. The fourth layer 14 is, for example, a light attenuating layer. The fourth light transmittance of the fourth layer 14 is lower than the second light transmittance of the second layer. The fourth light transmittance is lower than the first light transmittance of the first layer 11. The light from the light-emitting element 31 is suppressed from leaking to the outside. The fourth layer 14 may be light-reflective.

[0022] The fourth layer 14 may have air permeability. The air permeability of the fourth layer 14 is, for example, 10 cm 3 / (cm 2 ·s) or more, 200cm 3 / (cm 2 The fourth layer 14 may have moisture permeability. The moisture permeability of the fourth layer 14 is, for example, 100 g / (m 2 ·24h) or more, 15000g / (m 2 The moisture permeability can be measured by the method described in JIS K 7129.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 30 may include a substrate 33. The light emitting element 31 and the light detecting element 32 are fixed to the substrate 33. The substrate 33 may be flexible. The detection unit 30 may be, for example, a Pulse Wave Sensor. The first light L1 is, for example, pulsed. The frequency of the pulse is, for example, 50 Hz or more and 500 Hz or less.

[0024] 1, the sensor 110 may further include a control circuit 70. At least a portion of the first layer 11 is provided between the second layer 12 and the control circuit 70. The control circuit 70 can control the light-emitting element 31. The control circuit 70 can process a signal (e.g., a first signal S1) obtained from the light-detecting element 32.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 110 may further include the above-mentioned control circuit 70 and holder 61. At least a portion of the first layer 11 is provided between the second layer 12 and the holder 61. The holder 61 can hold a battery 62. The battery 62 is, for example, sheet-shaped. The battery 62 can supply power to the control circuit 70. The control circuit 70 can control the light-emitting element 31 based on the power. The control circuit 70 can process a signal (first signal S1) obtained from the light-detecting element 32. For example, the control circuit 70 amplifies the first signal S1. The signal processing may include, for example, filter processing. The signal processing may include, for example, AD conversion.

[0026] The sensor 110 may include a battery 62. The battery 62 is removably fixed to the holder 61.

[0027] In the embodiment, the Young's modulus of the first layer 11 is preferably 10 MPa or more and 2600 MPa or less. As shown in FIG. 1, the first layer 11 has a first thickness z1 along a first direction D1 from the second layer 12 to the first layer 11. The first layer 11 has a first length x1 along a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The first length x1 is, for example, 20 times or more and 1500 times or less the first thickness z1. Good flexibility is obtained. In one example, the first thickness z1 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The first thickness z1 may be, for example, 2 μm or more and 50 μm or less. In one example, the first length x1 is, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The first length x1 may be, for example, 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the second layer 12 has a second thickness z2 along the first direction D1. The second layer 12 has a second length x2 along the second direction D2. The second length x2 is, for example, 1000 times or more and 20000 times or less than the second thickness z2. Good flexibility is obtained. In one example, the second thickness z2 is 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The second length x2 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less. For example, the area of ​​the second layer 12 may be substantially the same as the area of ​​the first layer 11. For example, the second length x2 may be substantially the same as the first length x1.

[0029] The first layer 11 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyethylene, and EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer). In this case, the thickness of the first layer 11 (first thickness z1) may be 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The second layer 12 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, acrylic resin, silicone, and rubber. In this case, the thickness of the second layer 12 (second thickness z2) may be 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the sensor according to the first embodiment. 2 illustrates an example of a signal obtained from the photodetector element 32. The horizontal axis represents time tm. The vertical axis represents the intensity of the signal SS1. The signal SS1 is an amplified signal of the first signal S1 obtained from the photodetector element 32.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the signal SS1 changes substantially periodically with respect to time tm. The signal SS1 corresponds to respiration. The intensity of the signal SS1 corresponds to the strength of respiration. The change in the signal SS1 with respect to time tm corresponds to the time change in respiration. For example, the change in the signal SS1 with respect to time tm includes information about the respiratory wave of the detection object 80 (human). Based on the information about the respiratory wave, the human can be diagnosed.

[0032] A second reference example is considered in which a respiratory rate is detected. The respiratory rate is the number of breaths per unit time. In the embodiment, in addition to the respiratory rate, a respiratory wave can be detected. This enables a highly accurate diagnosis. The sensor 110 is, for example, an optical respiratory wave sensor.

[0033] Second embodiment FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. 3, the sensor 111 according to the embodiment further includes a fifth layer 15. Except for this, the configuration of the sensor 111 may be similar to the configuration of the sensor 110.

[0034] 3, the second layer 12 is provided between the fifth layer 15 and the first layer 11. The fifth layer 15 is, for example, a release sheet. The fifth layer 15 is peeled off, and the second layer 12 is brought into close contact with the detection target 80. The fifth layer 15 is separated from the second layer 12 during operation of the light detection element 32.

[0035] The embodiment may include the following features. (Configuration 1) A flexible first layer and a second layer secured to the first layer and being adhesive; A detection portion fixed to the first layer; Equipped with the detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light detecting element, The second layer is configured to be removably fixed to an object to be detected.

[0036] (Configuration 2) At least a portion of the first layer is provided between the second layer and the detection unit, 2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the first layer and the second layer are optically transparent.

[0037] (Configuration 3) The sensor of configuration 1 or 2, wherein the light detection element is provided between the first layer and the light emitting element.

[0038] (Configuration 4) Further comprising a third layer; The detection unit is provided between the second layer and the third layer, The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the third layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a nonwoven fabric and a woven fabric.

[0039] (Configuration 5) The third layer has a breathability of 10 cm 3 / (cm 2 ·s) or more, 200cm 3 / (cm 2 The sensor according to configuration 4, wherein:

[0040] (Configuration 6) The moisture permeability of the third layer is 100g / (m 2 ·24h) or more, 15000g / (m 2 6. The sensor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sensor has a thermal stability of 24 h or less.

[0041] (Configuration 7) Further comprising a fourth layer; The detection unit is provided between the second layer and the fourth layer, The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein a fourth light transmittance of the fourth layer is lower than a second light transmittance of the second layer.

[0042] (Configuration 8) 8. The sensor of claim 7, wherein the fourth light transmittance is lower than the first light transmittance of the first layer.

[0043] (Configuration 9) The fourth layer has a breathability of 10 cm 3 / (cm 2 ·s) or more, 200cm 3 / (cm 2 The sensor according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein:

[0044] (Configuration 10) The moisture permeability of the fourth layer is 100 g / (m 2 ·24h) or more, 15000g / (m 210. The sensor according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, wherein the sensor has a life span of 24 hours or less.

[0045] (Configuration 11) A control circuit is further provided. At least a portion of the first layer is provided between the second layer and the control circuit; The control circuit is capable of controlling the light-emitting element, 11. The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the control circuit is capable of processing a signal obtained from the light detection element.

[0046] (Configuration 12) A control circuit; A holder and Further equipped with At least a portion of the first layer is provided between the second layer and the holder; the holder is capable of holding a battery; the battery is capable of supplying power to the control circuit; The control circuit is capable of controlling the light-emitting element, 11. The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the control circuit is capable of processing a signal obtained from the light detection element.

[0047] (Configuration 13) 13. The sensor of claim 12, further comprising the battery.

[0048] (Configuration 14) The light emitting element is a surface light source, 14. The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the light detection element is provided between the second layer and the surface light source.

[0049] (Configuration 15) Further comprising a fifth layer, the second layer is provided between the fifth layer and the first layer, 15. The sensor of any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the fifth layer is separated from the second layer during operation of the light detection element.

[0050] (Configuration 16) The Young's modulus of the first layer is 10 MPa or more and 2600 MPa or less, the first layer has a first thickness along a first direction from the second layer to the first layer; the first layer has a first length along a second direction intersecting the first direction; 16. The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the first length is at least 20 times and at most 1500 times the first thickness.

[0051] (Configuration 17) the first layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyethylene, and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; The second layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, acrylic resin, silicone, and rubber, 17. The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the second layer has a thickness of 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

[0052] (Configuration 18) The detection target is a human or an animal, a first light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident on the detection object, The first light is modulated in response to breathing of the detection subject to become a second light, The second light is incident on the light detection element, 18. The sensor according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, wherein the light detection element is capable of outputting a first signal according to the second light.

[0053] (Configuration 19) 19. The sensor of claim 18, wherein the first signal includes information regarding the intensity of the respiration.

[0054] (Configuration 20) A flexible first layer and A detection portion fixed to the first layer; Equipped with the detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light detecting element, The first light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident on a detection target, such as a human or an animal, The first light is modulated in response to breathing of the detection subject to become a second light, The second light is incident on the light detection element, the photodetector element is capable of outputting a first signal in response to the second light, The first signal includes information regarding the intensity of the respiration.

[0055] According to the embodiment, a sensor with improved characteristics can be provided.

[0056] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of each element, such as the layer, detection unit, light-emitting element, detection element, and control circuit included in the sensor, are included in the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in the same way and obtain the same effect by appropriately selecting them from the known range.

[0057] Furthermore, any combination of two or more elements of each of the specific examples, within the scope of technical feasibility, is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0058] In addition, all sensors that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the sensor described above as an embodiment of the present invention also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0059] In addition, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it will be understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 11-15: 1st to 5th layers, 30: detection unit, 31: light emitting element, 32: light detection element, 33: substrate, 61: holder, 62: battery, 70: control circuit, 80: detection object, 80a: skin, 110, 111: sensor, D1, D2: 1st and 2nd directions, L1, L2: 1st and 2nd light, S1: 1st signal, SS1: signal, tm: time, x1, x2: 1st and 2nd lengths, z1, z2: 1st and 2nd thicknesses

Claims

1. A flexible first layer, a second layer secured to the first layer and being adhesive; A detection portion fixed to the first layer; Equipped with the detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light detecting element, The second layer is configured to be removably fixed to an object to be detected.

2. At least a portion of the first layer is provided between the second layer and the detection unit, The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are optically transparent.

3. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the light detecting element is disposed between the first layer and the light emitting element.

4. Further comprising a third layer; The detection unit is provided between the second layer and the third layer, The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the third layer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a nonwoven fabric and a woven fabric.

5. Further comprising a fourth layer; The detection unit is provided between the second layer and the fourth layer, The sensor of claim 1 , wherein a fourth light transmittance of the fourth layer is lower than a second light transmittance of the second layer.

6. A control circuit; A holder and Further equipped with At least a portion of the first layer is provided between the second layer and the holder, the holder is capable of holding a battery; the battery is capable of supplying power to the control circuit; The control circuit is capable of controlling the light-emitting element, The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is capable of processing signals obtained from the light detecting elements.

7. The light emitting element is a surface light source, The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the light detection element is disposed between the second layer and the area light source.

8. The detection target is a human or an animal, A first light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident on the detection object, The first light is modulated in response to breathing of the detection subject to become a second light, The second light is incident on the light detection element, The sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the light detection element is capable of outputting a first signal in response to the second light.

9. The sensor of claim 8 , wherein the first signal includes information regarding an intensity of the respiration.

10. A flexible first layer, A detection portion fixed to the first layer; Equipped with the detection unit includes a light emitting element and a light detecting element, The first light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident on a detection target, such as a human or an animal, The first light is modulated in response to breathing of the detection subject to become a second light, The second light is incident on the light detection element, the photodetector element is capable of outputting a first signal in response to the second light, The first signal includes information regarding the intensity of the respiration.

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