Wireless communication system and wireless communication method

Abstract

To store a large amount of data while maintaining accuracy of measurement time as a whole system even if a slave unit is a small size unit, in a wireless communication system performing wireless communication between a master unit and the slave unit.SOLUTION: A wireless communication system includes a master unit and a slave unit. The slave unit includes: a first sensor for performing first sensing; a first storage part for storing first data acquired by the first sensing; and a first wireless communication part for communicating with the master unit. The master unit includes: a second storage part having a larger storage capacity than the storage capacity of the first storage part; and a second wireless communication part for communicating with the slave unit. The master unit transmits a synchronization start signal to the slave unit. The slave unit cause the first sensor to start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal, transmits the first data acquired by the first sensor from the start to the end of the first sensing and stored in the first storage part to the master unit at the time of the end of the first sensing. The master unit cause the second storage part to store the first data received from the slave unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and a wireless communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] A system in which a parent unit controls a child unit by wireless communication is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this system, the parent unit controls the child unit by synchronizing the time between the parent unit and the child unit by continuing wireless communication during the control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-35030 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1, the child device and parent device continue wireless communication for synchronization after sensing starts, resulting in large battery consumption. Therefore, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the battery installed in the child device must be larger than a certain size, which increases the size of the child device itself.

[0005] On the other hand, there are cases where the slave unit needs to be miniaturized, such as when the slave unit is used as an in vivo device. When the slave unit is small, it cannot be equipped with a large battery or a large memory. For example, when examining sleep apnea syndrome, audio data such as the subject's posture, internal temperature, and snoring is required. However, a wired connection causes discomfort to the subject, and a wireless connection causes the device size to be large due to the large size of the audio data.

[0006] In a wireless communication system in which a parent unit and a child unit communicate wirelessly, even if the child unit is small, the wireless communication system as a whole is required to store large amounts of data while ensuring the accuracy of measurement time.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a wireless communication system and wireless communication method that can store large amounts of data while ensuring the accuracy of measurement time for the wireless communication system as a whole, even if the slave unit is small in a wireless communication system that performs wireless communication between a parent unit and a slave unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication system comprising a parent unit and a child unit, wherein the child unit comprises a first sensor that performs a first sensing, a first memory unit that stores first data acquired by the first sensing by the first sensor, and a first wireless communication unit that communicates with the parent unit, and the parent unit comprises a second memory unit having a memory capacity larger than the memory capacity of the first memory unit, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates with the child unit, wherein the parent unit transmits a synchronization start signal to the child unit for synchronizing the parent unit and the child unit, the child unit causes the first sensor to start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal received from the parent unit, and transmits the first data acquired by the first sensor and stored in the first memory unit from the start to the end of the first sensing by the first sensor to the parent unit at the end of the first sensing by the first sensor, and the parent unit stores the first data received from the child unit in the second memory unit.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system described above, the synchronization start signal includes timing information indicating a timing at which the first sensor performs the first sensing.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system described above, the first sensor includes a plurality of types of sensors, and the timing information indicates timing set for each of the plurality of types of sensors.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system described above, the first sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor and an attitude sensor.

[0012] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication system described above, further comprising a plurality of the child devices.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system, at least one of the slave units is placed inside a body of a subject of the first sensing.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system described above, the slave device causes the first sensor to end the first sensing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor started the first sensing.

[0015] Also, one aspect of the present invention is that in the above-mentioned wireless communication system, when the child unit receives an end signal from the parent unit indicating to end the first sensing by the first sensor, the child unit causes the first sensor to end the first sensing.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, in the above wireless communication system, the slave unit causes the first sensor to terminate the first sensing based on the contents of the first data acquired by the first sensing by the first sensor.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system described above, the master unit further includes a second sensor that performs second sensing.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system described above, the master unit stores in the second storage unit in real time the second data acquired by the second sensing performed by the second sensor.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, in the wireless communication system, the second sensor includes at least one of a pressure sensor and a microphone.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication method in a wireless communication system including a parent unit and a child unit, the child unit including a first sensor that performs a first sensing, a first memory unit that stores first data acquired by the first sensing by the first sensor, and a first wireless communication unit that communicates with the parent unit, the parent unit including a second memory unit having a memory capacity larger than that of the first memory unit, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates with the child unit, the parent unit including a synchronization start signal that transmits to the child unit a synchronization start signal for synchronizing the parent unit and the child unit, The wireless communication method includes a transmission step, a sensing start step in which the child unit causes the first sensor to start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal received from the parent unit, a transmission step in which the child unit transmits to the parent unit at the end of the first sensing by the first sensor, the first data acquired by the first sensor from the start to the end of the first sensing by the first sensor and stored in the first memory unit, and a storage step in which the parent unit stores the first data received from the child unit in the second memory unit. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, in a wireless communication system in which a parent unit and a child unit communicate wirelessly with each other, even if the child unit is small, the wireless communication system as a whole can store large amounts of data while ensuring the accuracy of measurement time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a parent device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a slave unit 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a parent device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a slave unit 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of time-series data according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system 1 according to this embodiment. The wireless communication system 1 includes a master unit 2 and a slave unit 3. The master unit 2 and the slave unit 3 communicate with each other via wireless communication. The master unit 2 controls the slave unit 3 via wireless communication. In the control of the slave unit 3 by the master unit 2, the time is synchronized between the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3 based on a synchronization start signal A1, which will be described later.

[0024] The wireless communication system 1 is, for example, a system for performing sensing of a living body. Sensing of a living body includes, for example, measuring the body temperature, breathing, and posture of a subject while sleeping.

[0025] The slave unit 3 is provided in a living body. The slave unit 3 is placed, for example, in the oral cavity of the subject. In the present embodiment, as an example, the slave unit 3 measures the body temperature and posture of the subject. The size of the slave unit 3 is, for example, 5 mm in width, 15 mm in depth, and 2 mm in height. Therefore, the slave unit 3 is a small device. A small device is, for example, a device whose maximum size among the width, depth, and height is 30 mm. Note that the maximum size of a small device may be 30 mm or more as long as it is smaller than the size of the parent unit.

[0026] The parent unit 2 is provided outside the living body of the subject. The parent unit 2 measures the sound emitted from the oral cavity of the subject as a measurement of the breathing of the subject. The sound includes the sound of snoring, breathing sounds, etc. The size of the parent unit 2 is larger than the size of the child unit 3.

[0027] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the parent unit 2 according to the present embodiment. The parent unit 2 includes a communication I / F 40, a microphone 41, an operation button 42, a processor 43, a memory 44, and a power supply 45. The communication I / F 40, the microphone 41, the operation button 42, the processor 43, the memory 44, and the power supply 45 are connected to each other by signal lines.

[0028] The communication I / F 40 is hardware for performing short-distance wireless communication. The communication I / F 40 includes, for example, an antenna, a transmission / reception circuit, and a modulation / demodulation circuit. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, short-distance wireless communication based on the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard.

[0029] The microphone 41 picks up the sound generated from the oral cavity of the subject near the subject while sleeping. Note that a pressure sensor may be provided instead of the microphone 41. The pressure sensor measures sound pressure. Also, a pressure sensor may be provided together with the microphone 41.

[0030] The operation buttons 42 include a button for turning on the power of the parent unit 2 and a button for turning off the power of the parent unit 2. Instead of the operation buttons 42, or together with the operation buttons 42, a switch, a touch panel, or the like may be provided.

[0031] The processor 43 executes various controls and calculations by the base unit 2. The processor 43 is, for example, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0032] The memory 44 stores various types of information and includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0033] The power source 45 supplies the parent unit 2 with power for operating the parent unit 2. The power source 45 is an internal power source such as a button battery, a dry cell, a lithium ion battery, etc. Note that the power source 45 may be an external power source connected by wire.

[0034] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the slave unit 3 according to the present embodiment. The slave unit 3 includes a communication I / F 50, a temperature sensor 51, an attitude sensor 52, a processor 53, a memory 54, and a power supply 55. The communication I / F 50, the temperature sensor 51, the attitude sensor 52, the processor 53, the memory 54, and the power supply 55 are connected to each other by signal lines.

[0035] The communication I / F 50 is hardware for performing short-distance wireless communication. The communication I / F 50 includes, for example, an antenna, a transmission / reception circuit, and a modulation / demodulation circuit. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, short-distance wireless communication based on the BLE standard.

[0036] The temperature sensor 51 measures the temperature inside the oral cavity of the subject while he or she is sleeping. The posture sensor 52 measures the posture of the subject during sleep. The posture sensor 52 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The posture sensor 52 may be an acceleration sensor other than a three-axis acceleration sensor, or may include a gyro sensor.

[0037] The processor 53 executes various controls and calculations by the child device 3. The processor 53 is, for example, a microprocessor (ASIC) or the like. The processor 53 may be a CPU.

[0038] The memory 54 stores various types of information and includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

[0039] The power supply 55 supplies power for operating the child device 3 to the child device 3. The power supply 55 is an internal power supply such as a button battery, a dry cell, or a lithium ion battery.

[0040] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the parent unit 2 according to the present embodiment. The parent unit 2 includes a parent unit control unit 20, a parent unit sensor 21, a parent unit storage unit 22, a parent unit wireless communication unit 23, and an operation reception unit 24.

[0041] The parent unit control unit 20 performs various controls on the parent unit 2. The parent unit control unit 20 includes a parent unit communication connection unit 200, a parent unit synchronization initiation unit 201, a parent unit clock unit 202, a child unit sensing data reception unit 203, a parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204, and a data processing unit 205. Each of these functional units is realized, for example, by the processor 43 loading a program read from the ROM into the RAM and executing processing according to the program. The ROM and RAM are included in the memory 44.

[0042] The parent unit communication connection unit 200 establishes a communication connection with the child unit 3. The parent unit communication connection unit 200 receives a communication standby signal D1 from the child unit 3. The parent unit communication connection unit 200 transmits a connection request to the child unit 3.

[0043] The parent device synchronization start unit 201 transmits a synchronization start signal A1 to the child device 3. The synchronization start signal A1 is a signal for synchronizing the parent device 2 and the child device 3. The synchronization start signal A1 includes, for example, time information. The time information is information indicating the current time.

[0044] In addition, in one example of the present embodiment, the synchronization start signal A1 includes timing information. The timing information is information indicating the timing at which the child device sensor 31 provided in the child device 3 performs the first sensing. The timing is, for example, a predetermined period. Note that the timing may be a predetermined timing that is not periodic.

[0045] Parent device clock section 202 performs timekeeping. Parent device synchronization start section 201 generates time information to be included in synchronization start signal A1 based on the timekeeping by parent device clock section 202.

[0046] The child device sensing data receiving unit 203 receives the child device sensing data B1 from the child device 3. The child device sensing data receiving unit 203 stores the child device sensing data B1 received from the child device 3 in the parent device storage unit 22.

[0047] The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to perform the second sensing. The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 acquires parent unit sensing data C1 acquired by the parent unit sensor 21. The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 stores the acquired parent unit sensing data C1 in the parent unit storage unit 22.

[0048] The data processing unit 205 performs various processes on the data. For example, the data processing unit 205 generates time series data by synchronizing the first sensing result by the child machine sensor 31 and the second sensing result by the parent machine sensor 21 based on the child machine sensing data B1 and the parent machine sensing data C1.

[0049] The parent sensor 21 performs second sensing. The second sensing by the parent sensor 21 is, for example, acquiring the voice of the subject while sleeping. The parent sensor 21 includes a microphone 41. The parent sensor 21 acquires the voice of the subject while sleeping by the microphone 41. The parent sensor 21 may include one or more of a pressure sensor and a microphone. By including the parent sensor 21 in a pressure sensor and one or more of a microphone, the wireless communication system 1 is suitable for measuring data used in diagnosing sleep apnea syndrome, for example.

[0050] The parent device storage unit 22 stores various types of information. The parent device storage unit 22 includes a memory 54. The parent device storage unit 22 stores, for example, child device sensing data B1 received from the child device 3 and parent device sensing data C1 acquired by second sensing by the parent device sensor 21. Here, the parent device storage unit 22 has a storage capacity larger than that of the child device storage unit 32.

[0051] The master unit wireless communication unit 23 communicates with the slave unit 3. The master unit wireless communication unit 23 transmits and receives various information to and from the slave unit 3 by wireless communication. The master unit wireless communication unit 23 includes a communication I / F 40.

[0052] The operation receiving unit 24 receives various operations from a user of the wireless communication system 1. The operations include an operation to turn on the power of the master unit 2 and an operation to cause the master unit sensor 21 to start or stop the second sensing. The operation receiving unit 24 includes an operation button 42.

[0053] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the child device 3 according to the present embodiment. The child device 3 includes a child device control unit 30, a child device sensor 31, a child device storage unit 32, and a child device wireless communication unit 33.

[0054] The child device control unit 30 performs various controls on the child device 3. The child device control unit 30 includes a child device communication connection unit 300, a child device synchronization initiation unit 301, a child device clock unit 302, a child device sensing data acquisition unit 303, and a child device sensing data transmission unit 304. Each of these functional units is realized, for example, by the processor 53 loading a program read from the ROM into the RAM and executing processing according to the program. The ROM and RAM are included in the memory 54.

[0055] The child device communication connection unit 300 establishes a communication connection with the parent device 2. The child device communication connection unit 300 transmits a communication standby signal D1 to the parent device 2 at regular intervals.

[0056] The child device synchronization initiation unit 301 causes the child device sensor 31 to start the first sensing based on the synchronization initiation signal A1 received from the parent device 2. The first sensing by the child device sensor 31 is, for example, temperature measurement and posture measurement of the subject while sleeping.

[0057] The child device clock unit 302 performs clocking.

[0058] The child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 causes the child unit sensor 31 to perform the first sensing. The child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 causes the child unit sensor 31 to perform the first sensing at a timing indicated by timing information included in the synchronization start signal A1 received by the child unit synchronization start unit 301. The child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 acquires child unit sensing data B1 acquired by the child unit sensor 31. The child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 stores the acquired child unit sensing data B1 in the child unit storage unit 32.

[0059] The child unit sensing data transmission unit 304 transmits the child unit sensing data B1 acquired by the child unit sensor 31 from the start to the end of the first sensing by the child unit sensor 31 and stored in the child unit memory unit 32 to the parent unit 2 at the end of the first sensing by the child unit sensor 31.

[0060] The slave sensor 31 performs the first sensing. In this embodiment, the slave sensor 31 includes a plurality of types of sensors. The slave sensor 31 includes, for example, a temperature sensor 51 and a posture sensor 52. The slave sensor 31 acquires the temperature in the oral cavity of the subject as the body temperature of the subject while sleeping by the temperature sensor 51. The slave sensor 31 also acquires the acceleration of the subject's head in three directions as information indicating the posture of the subject while sleeping by the posture sensor 52. Since the slave sensor 31 includes the temperature sensor 51 and the posture sensor 52, the wireless communication system 1 is suitable for measuring data used in diagnosing sleep apnea syndrome, for example.

[0061] The child device storage unit 32 stores various types of information. The child device storage unit 32 includes a memory 54. The child device storage unit 32 stores, for example, child device sensing data B1 acquired by the child device sensor 31 through the first sensing.

[0062] The child device wireless communication unit 33 communicates with the parent device 2. The child device wireless communication unit 33 transmits and receives various information to and from the parent device 2 by wireless communication. The child device wireless communication unit 33 includes a communication I / F 50.

[0063] Next, a data acquisition process for acquiring data based on wireless communication between the parent device 2 and the child device 3 in the wireless communication system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data acquisition process according to the present embodiment. The data acquisition process is started when the parent device 2 and the child device 3 are each powered on.

[0064] Step S10: The child device communication connection section 300 transmits a communication standby signal D1 to the parent device 2 periodically.

[0065] Step S20: The parent unit communication connection unit 200 receives a communication standby signal D1 from the child unit 3. Upon receiving the communication standby signal D1, the parent unit communication connection unit 200 authenticates the child unit 3 that transmitted the communication standby signal D1. The parent unit communication connection unit 200 transmits a connection request to the authenticated child unit 3. The child unit communication connection unit 300 receives the connection request transmitted from the parent unit 2. As a result, a pairing connection between the parent unit 2 and the child unit 3 is established.

[0066] Step S30: The master unit synchronization start unit 201 transmits a synchronization start signal A1 to the slave unit 3. In one example of this embodiment, the synchronization start signal A1 includes time information and timing information.

[0067] Step S40: The child device communication connection unit 300 receives the synchronization start signal A1 from the parent device 2. Upon receiving the synchronization start signal A1, the child device communication connection unit 300 transmits to the parent device 2 a synchronization start signal reception signal which is a signal indicating that the synchronization start signal A1 has been received.

[0068] Step S50: The child unit synchronization initiation unit 301 causes the child unit sensor 31 to start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal A1 received from the parent unit 2. The child unit synchronization initiation unit 301 causes the child unit sensor 31 to start the first sensing based on the time information included in the synchronization start signal A1. Here, the child unit synchronization initiation unit 301 outputs a command to the child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 to start the first sensing. The child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 causes the child unit sensor 31 to perform the first sensing based on the command.

[0069] The time when the first sensing is started by the slave unit sensor 31 is approximately the same as the time indicated by the time information included in the synchronization start signal A1 received from the master unit 2. Note that the two times being approximately the same means that the two times are the same except for the time required for the master unit 2 to process the transmission of the synchronization start signal A1, the time required for wireless communication between the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3, and the time required for the slave unit 3 to start controlling the slave unit sensor 31 based on the synchronization start signal A1.

[0070] After starting the first sensing by the slave sensor 31, the slave sensor data acquisition unit 303 causes the slave sensor 31 to perform the first sensing at a predetermined cycle indicated by the timing information included in the synchronization start signal A1. In the first sensing, in one example of this embodiment, the temperature sensor 51 measures the subject's body temperature at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the posture sensor 52 measures the acceleration in three axial directions as the posture of the subject at a predetermined cycle.

[0071] The child machine sensing data acquisition unit 303 acquires child machine sensing data B1 acquired by the child machine sensor 31 each time the first sensing is performed. The child machine sensing data acquisition unit 303 stores the acquired child machine sensing data B1 in the child machine storage unit 32 each time the child machine sensing data B1 is acquired from the child machine sensor 31.

[0072] In the present embodiment, as an example, the timing at which the temperature sensor 51 performs measurement is common to the timing at which the attitude sensor 52 performs measurement. In other words, the timing of measurement is common among the multiple types of sensors included in the child sensor 31.

[0073] Note that the timing of measurement may differ between the multiple types of sensors included in the child sensor 31. In this case, the timing information included in the synchronization start signal A1 indicates the timing set for each of the multiple types of sensors. For example, the timing at which the attitude sensor 52 measures acceleration may have a shorter cycle than the timing at which the temperature sensor 51 measures temperature. By indicating the timing set for each of the multiple types of sensors, sensing can be performed at an appropriate timing according to the type of sensor, thereby improving the accuracy of sensing.

[0074] Step S60: The child device sensing data acquisition unit 303 causes the child device sensor 31 to end the first sensing. In the present embodiment, as an example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the child device sensor 31 started the first sensing, the child device sensing data acquisition unit 303 causes the child device sensor 31 to end the first sensing. Information indicating the predetermined time at which the child device sensor 31 ends the first sensing is stored in advance, for example, in the child device storage unit 32. The information may be included in the synchronization start signal A1 instead of being stored in advance in the child device storage unit 32.

[0075] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first sensing by the child device sensor 31, the first sensing by the child device sensor 31 is ended, so that the first sensing can be ended before reaching the upper limit of the storage capacity of the child device storage unit 32. The predetermined time is set according to the storage capacity of the child device storage unit 32.

[0076] Note that, when the child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 receives an end signal from the parent unit 2, it may cause the child unit sensor 31 to end the first sensing. The end signal is a signal indicating the end of the first sensing by the child unit sensor 31. When the first sensing by the child unit sensor 31 is ended based on the end signal received from the parent unit 2, for example, when the operation acceptance unit 24 provided in the parent unit 2 presses a button among the operation buttons 42 for causing the child unit 3 to end the first sensing, the parent unit synchronization initiation unit 201 transmits an end signal to the child unit 3.

[0077] When the child device 3 receives the end signal from the parent device 2, the first sensing by the child device sensor 31 is ended, so that the child device 3 can end the first sensing at a desired timing. The master unit synchronization initiation unit 201 may transmit an end signal to the slave unit 3 immediately after the second sensing by the master unit sensor 21 ends.

[0078] The child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 may cause the child unit sensor 31 to end the first sensing based on the contents of the child unit sensing data B1 acquired by the first sensing by the child unit sensor 31. For example, the child unit sensing data acquisition unit 303 may cause the child unit sensor 31 to end the first sensing when an abnormal value is measured as the measurement value indicated by the child unit sensing data B1. The abnormal value is, for example, a value larger than a predetermined threshold value or a value smaller than the threshold value.

[0079] By terminating the first sensing by the slave unit sensor 31 based on the contents of the slave unit sensing data B1, the first sensing by the slave unit 3 can be terminated if an abnormal value is measured as the slave unit sensing data B1, thereby preventing unnecessary data volume increases due to continued measurement after an abnormal value is measured.

[0080] Step S80: The child machine sensing data transmission unit 304 transmits the child machine sensing data B1 to the parent machine 2. Here, the child machine sensing data B1 is the child machine sensing data B1 acquired by the child machine sensor 31 from the start to the end of the first sensing by the child machine sensor 31 and stored in the child machine storage unit 32.

[0081] Meanwhile, in parallel with the processes of steps S50 and S60 performed by the child device 3, the parent device 2 performs the processes of steps S90 and S100.

[0082] Step S90: The parent unit synchronization initiation unit 201 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to start the second sensing based on the synchronization start signal A1. The parent unit synchronization initiation unit 201 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to start the second sensing based on the time information included in the synchronization start signal A1. Note that, if the child unit synchronization initiation unit 301 has not received a synchronization start signal reception signal from the child unit 3, it does not cause the parent unit sensor 21 to start the second sensing.

[0083] Here, the parent unit synchronization start unit 201 outputs a command to the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 to start the second sensing. The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to perform the second sensing based on the command. In the present embodiment, as an example, the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 causes the microphone 41 to measure the voice of the subject.

[0084] The time at which the first sensing by the slave unit 3 starts and the time at which the second sensing by the master unit 2 starts are synchronized based on the time information included in the synchronization start signal A1.

[0085] After the parent unit sensor 21 starts the second sensing, the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to perform the second sensing at predetermined intervals. In the second sensing, in one example of the present embodiment, the subject's voice is measured by the microphone 41 at a predetermined sampling rate.

[0086] The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 acquires parent unit sensing data C1 acquired by the parent unit sensor 21 every time the second sensing is performed. Every time the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 acquires parent unit sensing data C1 from the parent unit sensor 21, the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 stores the acquired parent unit sensing data C1 in the parent unit storage unit 22. Therefore, the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 stores the parent unit sensing data C1 acquired by the second sensing by the parent unit sensor 21 in real time in the parent unit storage unit 22. Note that the parent unit sensing data C1 includes the time at which the second sensing was performed for each predetermined sampling rate.

[0087] By storing the parent unit sensing data C1 acquired by the second sensing by the parent unit sensor 21 in the parent unit memory unit 22 in real time, even if the overall size of the parent unit sensing data C1 is large, the parent unit sensing data C1 is stored in the parent unit memory unit 22 each time it is measured, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of data temporarily stored.

[0088] As described above, the parent unit 2 is placed outside the body and measures the voice of the subject by the parent unit sensor 21. The measurement period for measuring the voice is required to be shorter than the measurement period for the body temperature and the three-axis acceleration (first sensing) corresponding to the posture by the child unit sensor 31. Therefore, the size of the parent unit sensing data C1 is larger than the size of the child unit sensing data B1. Since the parent unit 2 includes the parent unit storage unit 22 having a larger storage capacity than the storage capacity of the child unit storage unit 32, the parent unit sensing data C1 can be stored even if the size of the parent unit sensing data C1 is large.

[0089] Step S100: The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to end the second sensing. In the present embodiment, as an example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the second sensing, the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 causes the parent unit sensor 21 to end the second sensing.

[0090] The parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 may cause the parent unit sensor 21 to end the second sensing based on the contents of the parent unit sensing data C1 acquired by the second sensing by the parent unit sensor 21. For example, the parent unit sensing data acquisition unit 204 may cause the parent unit sensor 21 to end the second sensing when an abnormal value is measured as the measurement value indicated by the parent unit sensing data C1. The abnormal value is, for example, a value larger than a predetermined threshold value or a value smaller than the threshold value.

[0091] By terminating the second sensing by the parent unit sensor 21 based on the contents of the parent unit sensing data C1, the second sensing by the parent unit 2 can be terminated if an abnormal value is measured as the parent unit sensing data C1, thereby preventing measurement from continuing after an abnormal value is measured, which would result in an increase in the amount of unnecessary data.

[0092] Step S110: The child device sensing data receiving unit 203 receives the child device sensing data B1 from the child device 3.

[0093] Step S120: The child device sensing data receiving unit 203 stores the child device sensing data B1 received from the child device 3 in the parent device storage unit 22. With this, the wireless communication system 1 ends the data acquisition process.

[0094] When the data acquisition process is completed, the data acquired by the data acquisition process is processed by the data processing unit 205 provided in the parent unit 2. For example, based on the child unit sensing data B1 and the parent unit sensing data C1, the data processing unit 205 generates time series data by synchronizing the first sensing result by the child unit sensor 31 and the second sensing result by the parent unit sensor 21 with each other.

[0095] As described above, the time when the first sensing by the slave unit 3 starts and the time when the second sensing by the master unit 2 starts are synchronized based on the time information included in the synchronization start signal A1. The first sensing by the slave unit 3 is performed at a predetermined period indicated by the timing information included in the synchronization start signal A1. The data processing unit 205 determines each time when the first sensing is performed based on the time information and timing information included in the synchronization start signal A1.

[0096] On the other hand, as described above, the parent machine sensing data C1 includes the time at which the second sensing was performed for each predetermined sampling rate. The data processing unit 205 associates the time at which the first sensing was performed with the time at which the second sensing was performed. In other words, the data processing unit 205 matches each time at which the child machine sensing data B1 was acquired with each time included in the parent machine sensing data C1 stored in the parent machine storage unit 22. By this matching, the data processing unit 205 generates time series data in which the first sensing result and the second sensing result are integrated by synchronizing the time.

[0097] As described above, in the wireless communication system 1, the synchronization of the time between the parent unit 2 and the child unit 3 is performed only once when the synchronization start signal A1 is transmitted from the parent unit 2 to the child unit 3 immediately before the sensing is started. The timekeeping by the child unit clock unit 302 provided in the child unit 3 has a degree of accuracy that does not deviate during the period from the start to the end of the first sensing in the child unit 3. The timekeeping by the child unit clock unit 302 does not deviate for, for example, about 24 hours. In one example of this embodiment, the child unit 3 is provided in the oral cavity of the subject during sleep, and if the timekeeping by the child unit clock unit 302 does not deviate for about 24 hours, the synchronization of the time between the parent unit 2 and the child unit 3 only at the start of the first sensing is sufficient to ensure the time accuracy for the first sensing by the child unit 3 throughout the night.

[0098] Here, the time series data in which the first sensing result and the second sensing result are integrated will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the time series data according to this embodiment.

[0099] Two types of graphs are shown in Fig. 7(A). The first graph shown in Fig. 7(A) is a graph showing the time change in the volume (also written as level) of the subject's voice measured by microphone 41. The second graph shown in Fig. 7(A) is a graph showing the time change in the determination result of the subject's posture determined based on the time change in the acceleration of the subject in three axial directions measured by posture sensor 52. As an example, the posture determination result is any one of "sitting position", "prone position", "left", "right", "lateral position", and "N / A".

[0100] 7(B) is a graph showing the change over time in the body temperature of the subject measured by temperature sensor 51. FIG. 7(C) is a graph showing the change over time in acceleration in each of the three axial directions as the posture of the subject measured by posture sensor 52.

[0101] In the present embodiment, an example in which the synchronization start signal A1 includes timing information has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The timing information may be stored in the child device storage unit 32 in advance, without being included in the synchronization start signal A1.

[0102] Furthermore, timing information may not be used in the first sensing by the child device sensor 31. For example, the child device sensing data acquisition unit 303 generates first sensing time information, which is information indicating the time when the first sensing was performed. The child device sensing data transmission unit 304 includes the first sensing time information in the child device sensing data B1 and transmits it to the parent device 2. In this case, the child device sensing data B1 includes a pair of the first sensing time information and the measurement value of the first sensing for each first sensing. Note that if timing information is not used, the synchronization start signal A1 does not need to include timing information.

[0103] However, if the first sensing time information is included in the child device sensing data B1, the amount of data included in the child device sensing data B1 will be large. In this embodiment, by including timing information in the synchronization start signal A1, the amount of data transmitted from the child device 3 to the parent device 2 can be reduced.

[0104] In the present embodiment, an example in which the child device sensor 31 includes the temperature sensor 51 and the attitude sensor 52 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The child device sensor 31 may be only one of the temperature sensor 51 and the attitude sensor 52. Therefore, the child device sensor 31 includes one or more of the temperature sensor 51 and the attitude sensor 52.

[0105] In the present embodiment, an example in which one child device 3 is provided in the wireless communication system 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of child devices may be provided in the wireless communication system 1. By providing a plurality of child devices, more types of sensing can be performed in synchronization between the parent device 2 and the plurality of child devices, compared to a case in which only one child device is provided.

[0106] When multiple slave units are provided in the wireless communication system 1, at least one of the slave units may be placed inside the body of a subject of the first sensing. With this configuration, sensing can be performed inside the body. A small slave unit is suitable for placement inside the body.

[0107] In the present embodiment, an example in which the parent unit sensor 21 is provided in the parent unit 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The parent unit sensor 21 may be omitted from the configuration of the parent unit 2. In other words, the second sensing does not have to be performed in the parent unit 2. However, if the parent unit 2 is provided with the parent unit sensor 21, multiple types of data can be measured simultaneously in synchronization with the first sensing by the child unit 3.

[0108] As described above, the wireless communication system 1 according to this embodiment includes the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3. The child device 3 includes a first sensor (in this embodiment, the child device sensor 31), a first memory unit (in this embodiment, the child device memory unit 32), and a first wireless communication unit (in this embodiment, the child device wireless communication unit 33). The first sensor (in this embodiment, the child device sensor 31) performs first sensing (in this embodiment, temperature measurement and attitude measurement). The first memory unit (in this embodiment, the child device memory unit 32) stores first data (in this embodiment, the child device sensing data B1) acquired by the first sensing (in this embodiment, temperature measurement and attitude measurement) by the first sensor (in this embodiment, the child device sensor 31). The first wireless communication unit (in this embodiment, the child device wireless communication unit 33) communicates with the parent device 2. The parent device 2 includes a second storage unit (parent device storage unit 22 in this embodiment) and a second wireless communication unit (parent device wireless communication unit 23 in this embodiment). The second storage unit (parent device storage unit 22 in this embodiment) has a storage capacity larger than that of the first storage unit (child device storage unit 32 in this embodiment). The second wireless communication unit (parent device wireless communication unit 23 in this embodiment) communicates with the child device 3. The master unit 2 transmits to the slave unit 3 a synchronization start signal A1 for synchronizing the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3. Based on the synchronization start signal A1 received from the parent unit 2, the child unit 3 causes the first sensor (in this embodiment, the child unit sensor 31) to start the first sensing (in this embodiment, temperature measurement and posture measurement), and transmits the first data (in this embodiment, the child unit sensing data B1) acquired by the first sensor (in this embodiment, the child unit sensor 31) from the start to the end of the first sensing (in this embodiment, temperature measurement and posture measurement) by the first sensor (in this embodiment, the child unit sensor 31) and stored in the first memory unit (in this embodiment, the child unit memory unit 32) to the parent unit 2 at the end of the first sensing (in this embodiment, temperature measurement and posture measurement) by the first sensor (in this embodiment, the child unit sensor 31). The master unit 2 stores the first data (in this embodiment, slave unit sensing data B1) received from the slave unit 3 in a second storage unit (in this embodiment, master unit storage unit 22).

[0109] With this configuration, in the wireless communication system 1 according to this embodiment, the slave unit 3 can start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal A1 received from the master unit 2, and the first data acquired by the first sensing can be stored in a second storage unit provided in the master unit 2. Therefore, even if the slave unit 3 is small in the wireless communication system 1 that performs wireless communication between the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3, the wireless communication system 1 as a whole can store a large amount of data while ensuring accuracy of the measurement time.

[0110] If the slave unit 3 is small, it may only be able to be equipped with a small memory and a small battery. In the wireless communication system 1, even if the slave unit 3 can only be equipped with a small memory and a small battery, the wireless communication system 1 as a whole can store a large amount of data.

[0111] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system 1, when the synchronization start signal A1 is transmitted from the parent unit 2, there is no need for wireless communication between the parent unit 2 and the child unit 3 until the child unit 3 transmits the first data acquired by the first sensing to the parent unit 2 at the end of the first sensing. Therefore, in the wireless communication system 1, it is possible to reduce battery consumption due to wireless communication compared to the conventional technology in which wireless communication between the parent unit and the child unit is continued during sensing.

[0112] Furthermore, in the wireless communication system 1, measurements can be performed in an environment where the parent unit 2 having accurate time information and the child unit 3 are far apart. Therefore, even if the environment of the child unit 3 (for example, inside a living body) is unstable, the child unit 3 can start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal A1 received from the parent unit 2, so that the accuracy of the measurement time of the first sensing by the child unit 3 can be guaranteed. The first data acquired by the first sensing is transmitted to the parent unit 2, and the parent unit 2 can analyze the first data.

[0113] Moreover, in the wireless communication system 1 according to this embodiment, the master unit 2 further includes a second sensor (master unit sensor 21 in this embodiment) that performs second sensing. In the wireless communication system 1, the start timing of the first sensing by the slave unit 3 and the second sensing by the master unit 2 are synchronized. Therefore, even if the first sensing and the second sensing are performed by the slave unit 3 and the master unit 2 at separate locations, if all the first data acquired by the first sensing by the slave unit 3 are transmitted from the slave unit 3 to the master unit 2, the measurement times of the first data and the second data can be synchronized.

[0114] As described above, in the wireless communication system 1 according to this embodiment, the small handset 3 is provided in the oral cavity of the subject, and the base unit 2 is provided near the subject to measure the body temperature, posture, and voice of the subject while sleeping. The wireless communication system 1 can perform measurements by synchronizing the time inside and outside the body. The wireless communication system 1 is suitable for measuring data used in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome, for example.

[0115] The wireless communication system 1 may be used for measurements other than body temperature, posture, and voice during sleep. For example, if multiple slave units as small devices are installed at multiple locations, sensing can be performed simultaneously at each of the multiple locations. Therefore, the wireless communication system 1 is suitable for use in various measurements.

[0116] For example, if the hand posture and body temperature are measured using the impact sound of a bat or racket as a trigger, it is possible to check an athlete's form and manage the athlete's physical condition at the same time.

[0117] As another example, to monitor an animal's behavior, a video camera and a microphone can be installed in an ex vivo device as a parent unit, and an in vivo device as a child unit equipped with a temperature sensor and an acceleration sensor, thereby measuring the animal's behavior and vocal biometric information.

[0118] As another example, if multiple slave units, each equipped with an EMG sensor, are attached to different parts of the muscles to be measured, the master unit can have the functions of a data logger and of measuring accurate time information, while the EMG sensor can measure data for each part.

[0119] The base unit 2 may be a mobile phone having the functional configuration shown in FIG.

[0120] In addition, a part of the parent unit 2 or the child unit 3 in the above-mentioned embodiment, for example, the parent unit control unit 20 and the child unit control unit 30, may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this control function may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system to realize the control function. In addition, the "computer system" here refers to a computer system built into the parent unit 2 or the child unit 3, and includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" may also include a device that dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a device that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above program may be for realizing part of the functions described above, and may further be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. In addition, the parent unit 2 or the child unit 3 in the above-described embodiment may be partly or entirely realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the parent unit 2 or the child unit 3 may be individually made into a processor, or partly or entirely integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the advancement of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0121] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1... wireless communication system, 2... parent unit, 3... child unit, 22... parent unit memory unit, 23... parent unit wireless communication unit, 31... child unit sensor, 32... child unit memory unit, 33... child unit wireless communication unit, A1... synchronization start signal, B1... child unit sensing data

Claims

1. The parent unit and A child unit and Equipped with The child device is a first sensor that performs a first sensing; a first storage unit configured to store first data acquired by the first sensing performed by the first sensor; A first wireless communication unit that communicates with the parent device; Equipped with The parent unit is A second storage unit having a storage capacity larger than that of the first storage unit; A second wireless communication unit that communicates with the child device; Equipped with The parent device transmits a synchronization start signal to the child device for synchronizing the parent device and the child device, the child device causes the first sensor to start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal received from the parent device, and transmits the first data acquired by the first sensor from the start time to the end time of the first sensing by the first sensor and stored in the first storage unit to the parent device at the end of the first sensing by the first sensor; The parent device stores the first data received from the child device in the second storage unit. Wireless communication system.

2. The synchronization start signal includes timing information indicating a timing at which the first sensor performs the first sensing.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

3. The first sensor includes a plurality of types of sensors, The timing information indicates timing set for each of the plurality of types of sensors.

3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2.

4. The first sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor and an attitude sensor.

4. The wireless communication system according to claim 3.

5. A plurality of the child units are provided.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

6. At least one of the slave units is disposed inside the body of the subject of the first sensing.

6. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 5.

7. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first sensing by the first sensor, the child device causes the first sensor to end the first sensing.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

8. When the child device receives an end signal indicating that the first sensing by the first sensor is to be ended from the parent device, the child device causes the first sensor to end the first sensing.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

9. The slave device causes the first sensor to end the first sensing based on the content of the first data acquired by the first sensing by the first sensor.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

10. The parent device further includes a second sensor for performing a second sensing.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1.

11. The parent device stores the second data acquired by the second sensing by the second sensor in the second storage unit in real time.

11. The wireless communication system of claim 10.

12. The second sensor includes at least one of a pressure sensor and a microphone.

11. The wireless communication system of claim 10.

13. The parent unit and A child unit and A wireless communication method in a wireless communication system comprising: The child device is a first sensor that performs a first sensing; a first storage unit configured to store first data acquired by the first sensing performed by the first sensor; A first wireless communication unit that communicates with the parent device; Equipped with The parent unit is A second storage unit having a storage capacity larger than that of the first storage unit; A second wireless communication unit that communicates with the child device; Equipped with a synchronization start signal transmission step in which the master unit transmits to the slave unit a synchronization start signal for synchronizing the master unit and the slave unit; a sensing start step in which the child device causes the first sensor to start the first sensing based on the synchronization start signal received from the parent device; a transmission step in which the child device transmits, to the parent device, the first data acquired by the first sensor from the start to the end of the first sensing by the first sensor and stored in the first storage unit, at the end of the first sensing by the first sensor; a storage step of causing the parent device to store the first data received from the child device in the second storage unit; A wireless communication method comprising:

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