Biological information measurement device

Abstract

To stabilize a contact position of an electrode part with respect to the area around a subject's ear.SOLUTION: A biological information measurement device which includes at least one biological information measurement part worn on a subject's ear and measures biological information, comprises: a hook-shaped hooking part which is provided in the biological information measurement part, attachable to the subject's ear, and hooked on the root of the ear; at least one signal detection part which is provided on the hooking part, brought into contact with the head side of the root of the ear, and measures a potential used for biological information measurement; and a pressing part which has a predetermined amount of deflection and is capable of pressing the biological information measurement part against the periphery of the subject's ear. The hooking part is attached to the pressing part so as to be capable of at least one of rotational or swinging movement, and at least two signal detection parts are disposed at positions sandwiching the mounting positions of the pressing part and the hooking part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a biological information measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, it has become common to measure biological information on a daily basis and use the information obtained as an index of the subject's health condition and stress. Examples of biological information include heart rate, pulse wave, and brain wave.

[0003] For example, electroencephalograms (EEGs) can be obtained by measuring the potential generated on the surface of the head due to cranial nerve currents in the brain. Generally, the potential generated on the surface of the head is measured based on the potential difference generated between an electrode for measuring the potential near the head and an electrode for measuring a reference potential. In recent years, wearable EEG measurement devices that can be worn by subjects to monitor EEG activity have been developed and are used in a variety of fields.

[0004] Generally, EEGs are obtained by measuring minute electrical potentials on the order of microvolts, so stable contact impedance is required between the electrodes and the human body. Research and medical EEG monitors use wet electrodes with conductive gel to ensure reliable contact with the skin or scalp and improve signal quality. On the other hand, wearable EEG monitors used for daily EEG measurements prefer dry electrodes, which do not use conductive gel, for easier attachment. While dry electrodes are convenient, there are challenges in attaching them so that they maintain stable contact with the human body.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a brain activity measuring device that is a headset to be worn on the head of a subject and is configured to apply a load to electrodes that are brought into contact with the scalp to be measured. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, the point for measuring electroencephalograms is preferably around the ears, where there is less noise from body movements such as blinking and eye movement, but according to conventional techniques, the measurement point is on the head, not around the ears.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to stabilize the contact position of the electrode portion around the ear of the subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a bioinformation measuring device that measures bioinformation and has at least one bioinformation measuring unit that is worn on the ear of a subject, the device comprising: a hook-shaped hook portion that is attached to the bioinformation measuring unit and can be worn on the ear of the subject and hooked onto the base of the ear; at least one signal detection portion that is attached to the hook portion and comes into contact with the head side of the base of the ear and measures the electrical potential used for measuring the bioinformation; and a pressing portion that has a predetermined amount of deflection and allows the bioinformation measuring unit to be pressed against the periphery of the subject's ear, the hook portion being attached so as to be able to rotate or swing relative to the pressing portion, and at least two of the signal detection portions being provided are positioned on either side of the attachment positions of the pressing portion and the hook portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention has the effect of stabilizing the contact position of the electrode portion around the ear of the subject. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electroencephalogram measuring device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pressing unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electroencephalogram measuring unit. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of signal detection by a pair of electroencephalogram measurement units. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the location of the mastoid process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of rotation of the electroencephalogram measuring unit relative to the pressing unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rotation mechanism of the pressing unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of how the electroencephalogram measuring unit is attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first modification of the electroencephalogram measuring device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modification of the electroencephalogram measuring device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third modification of the electroencephalogram measuring device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of signal detection by the electroencephalogram measuring section. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a swing mechanism of the pressing unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism for rotating and swinging the pressing unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a monitor system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an electroencephalogram measuring apparatus. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a biological monitoring device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a biological monitoring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of a biological information measuring device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The type of biological information that can be acquired by the biological information measuring device is not particularly limited, and one type of biological information or multiple types of biological information may be acquired. The biological information is various information (also called vital data) obtained from the living body of a subject. Examples of the biological information include brain waves, pulse waves, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, respiration, weight, body temperature, and sleep depth. Below, an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device that measures brain waves, which is an example of biological information, will be described as an example of a biological information measuring device.

[0012] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 constituting the electroencephalogram measuring device 1 is attached to an ear 210 and held by a pressing unit 50.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the EEG measuring device 1 includes a pair of EEG measuring units 2 that can be worn on each of the left and right ears 210. The EEG measuring units 2 are biological information measuring units. The EEG measuring units 2 are located on the back of the head 205 of the subject 200 and are held by a U-shaped pressing unit 50 that is biased inward. The EEG measuring device 1 measures EEGs from the potential difference between the electrodes of the EEG measuring units 2 that are in contact with the bases of the ears 210 of the subject 200. The EEG measuring units 2 for the right and left ears have approximately symmetrical shapes.

[0014] 1, the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 includes a hook part 4. The hook part 4 is used when attaching the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 to the ear 210 of the subject 200. The hook part 4 is bent like a hook so as to be hooked onto the base of the ear 210 sandwiched between the ear 210 and the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0015] The upper part (hook-shaped part) of the hook part 4 is formed using an elastic material. The hook part 4 can improve adhesion around the ear 210 without causing pain to the base of the ear 210 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the elastic material. The elastic material is, for example, silicone or polyurethane. The hardness of the elastic material is preferably 30 to 80. The parts other than the upper part (hook-shaped part) of the hook part 4 are formed from a non-elastic ABS resin or the like. The entire hook part 4 may be formed using an elastic material.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pressing unit 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the pressing unit 50 has a predetermined amount of deflection before and after the EEG measurement unit 2 is attached to the ears 210 of the subject 200. This allows the pressing unit 50 to press the hook parts 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 against the peripheries of both the left and right ears 210 from the outside to the inside of the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0017] The pressing unit 50 is made of resin. The pressing unit 50 utilizes the springiness of the resin to press a pair of electroencephalogram measuring units 2 installed on both ends of the pressing unit 50 against the peripheries of both the left and right ears 210 from the outside to the inside of the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0018] It is also possible to use a metal spring, which is an elastic body, as the pressing unit 50. A metal spring has a large amount of deflection and can accommodate variations in the size of the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0019] 1, the pressing unit 50 includes a signal measuring circuit unit 8. The signal measuring circuit unit 8 includes an electronic circuit for measuring the EEG signal, a battery, etc. The signal measuring circuit unit 8 measures the potential generated around the ears 210 of the head 205 based on the potential difference generated between the pair of electrodes of the EEG measuring unit 2, thereby measuring the EEG signal.

[0020] By arranging the signal measuring circuit unit 8 integrally with the pressing unit 50 in this way, even if the EEG measurement unit 2 is configured to be rotatable relative to the pressing unit 50 as described below, it is installed at a location other than the rotating member. As a result, even if the signal measuring circuit unit 8 is heavy, it does not hinder the rotational movement of the EEG measurement unit 2.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the electroencephalogram measuring section 2 will be described.

[0022] Here, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the EEG measurement unit 2, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of signal detection by a pair of EEG measurement units 2. The EEG measurement unit 2 shown in Fig. 3 is the EEG measurement unit 2 for the right ear.

[0023] 3 and 4, a first signal detection unit 5, which is a signal electrode for measuring electroencephalograms, and a second signal detection unit 6, which is a BIAS electrode, are provided on both ends of the hook part 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 for the right ear. In other words, the hook part 4 functions as a holder for holding the two signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, only the third signal detection unit 7, which is a reference electrode, is provided on the hook part 4 of the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 for the left ear.

[0025] The signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6, third signal detection unit 7) may be made of a conductive elastic material. This makes it possible to improve the adhesion around the ear 210 without causing pain to the base of the ear 210 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the elastic material.

[0026] Furthermore, the signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6, third signal detection unit 7) may be formed by coating a metal with gold plating. By coating with gold plating in this way, the surface of the signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6, third signal detection unit 7) is less likely to deteriorate even if the number of times they are pressed increases.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first signal detection unit 5, which is a signal electrode for measuring EEG signals, the second signal detection unit 6, which is a BIAS electrode, and the third signal detection unit 7, which is a reference electrode for comparison, are separated into the left and right ears, thereby making it possible to obtain a large signal potential difference.

[0028] The first signal detection unit 5 is provided on the curved portion (approximately the center portion) of the hook part 4, and measures the potential used for electroencephalogram measurement. The first signal detection unit 5 is located above the ear 210 so as to come into contact with the base of the ear 210 sandwiched between the ear 210 and the head 205 of the subject 200 when the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 is attached to the ear 210 of the subject 200.

[0029] The second signal detection unit 6 is provided on the curved surface (approximately the center) of the hook 4, and measures the potential used for electroencephalogram measurement. The second signal detection unit 6 is located below the first signal detection unit 5 and in a position that contacts the base of the ear 210, sandwiched between the ear 210 and head 205 of the subject 200, on the head 205 side, when the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 is attached to the ear 210 of the subject 200.

[0030] Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the position of the mastoid process 220. More specifically, the second signal detection unit 6 is placed at a position in contact with the mastoid process 220 shown in Fig. 5. The mastoid process 220 is located at a relatively flat position relative to the surface of the scalp of the head 205, and is protruding and hard, so that the contact of the second signal detection unit 6 is likely to be stable. For this reason, the mastoid process 220 is particularly preferable as a position for contacting the second signal detection unit 6.

[0031] In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the EEG measurement unit 2 for the right ear allows the second signal detection unit 6 to rotate and swing, and the contact position can be finely adjusted so that it can contact the base of the ear 210 with high accuracy.

[0032] More specifically, the EEG measurement unit 2 for the right ear has a protrusion 6a with a spherical tip and a spherical hole 6b that fits into the protrusion 6a, on the back surface of the second signal detection unit 6. The second signal detection unit 6 can rotate and swing as the spherical protrusion 6a fits into the spherical hole 6b.

[0033] Brain waves are obtained by measuring the potential generated around the ear 210 due to cranial nerve currents in the brain. In order to accurately measure the potential generated around the ear 210, all of the signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6) must be securely in contact with the area around the ear 210. Because brain wave signals are weak, even a small gap between the signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6) and the area around the ear 210 makes measurement impossible.

[0034] In the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 of this embodiment, two signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6) are handled as a single unit using a hook unit 4, which is a holding member. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 is pressed around the ear 210 via a pressing unit 50 that enables the two signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6) to be pressed around the ear 210, thereby pressing the two signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6) around the ear 210, respectively.

[0035] However, if the hook portion 4 of the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 is simply pressed against the ear 210, one of the two signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5, the second signal detection unit 6) will hit first. If this happens, the other signal detection unit will not make sufficient contact, causing one of the two signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5, the second signal detection unit 6) to float from around the ear 210, and preventing sufficient signals from being obtained.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, the hook portion 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring section 2 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the fulcrum of the pressing section 50.

[0037] 6 is a diagram showing an example of rotation of the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 relative to the pressing unit 50, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a rotation mechanism 51 of the pressing unit 50. FIG. 7(a) is an external view of the rotation mechanism 51, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotation mechanism 51.

[0038] 7, the pressing unit 50 has a rotation mechanism 51 at its tip. The rotation mechanism 51 has a rotation member 52 having a rotation shaft 53 extending in the X-axis direction, and a bearing 54 fitted onto the rotation shaft 53.

[0039] 6, the hook portion 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 is attached by fitting to the rotation axis 53 of the pressing unit 50 between the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6. The hook portion 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 is rotatable around the rotation axis 53 of the pressing unit 50. The first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6 are arranged at positions separated from each other across the rotation axis 53 of the pressing unit 50, which is the attachment position of the pressing unit 50 and the hook portion 4.

[0040] The hook 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 for the left ear is attached by fitting it onto the rotation shaft 53 of the pressing unit 50 below the third signal detecting unit 7 .

[0041] The hook portion 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 can rotate around the rotation axis 53 of the rotating member 52 provided on the pressing unit 50, thereby adapting to the difference in vertical height of the side of the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0042] That is, according to this embodiment, when two signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6) are pressed against the area around the ear 210 via the pressing unit 50, one of the signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 or the second signal detection unit 6) first comes into contact with the area around the ear 210, and then rotates about the rotation axis 53 of the pressing unit 50, causing a rotational movement of the EEG measurement unit 2. Thereafter, in response to the rotational movement of the EEG measurement unit 2, a movement occurs in which the other signal detection unit (the first signal detection unit 5 or the second signal detection unit 6) other than the signal detection unit that came into contact first comes into contact with the area around the ear 210. This makes it possible for both signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6) to be reliably brought into contact with the area around the ear 210.

[0043] 8 is a diagram showing an example of how the EEG measurement unit 2 is worn. As shown in Fig. 8, when the EEG measurement unit 2 is pressed by the springiness of the pressing unit 50, both ends of the hooking portion 4 come into contact with each other through a rotational movement. Furthermore, when pressed by the springiness of the pressing unit 50, the elastic material forming the hooking portion 4 is deformed (the elastic material is distorted so as to escape), thereby ensuring sufficient adhesion even around the ear 210, which has a more distorted shape.

[0044] To confirm whether the signal detection units (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6, third signal detection unit 7) have made contact, the contact condition can be judged by contact impedance, and if it is not successful, a buzzer or the like can be sounded to notify the user. This can make handling even smoother.

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, the contact position of the electrode portion around the ear of the subject can be stabilized.

[0046] [Variation 1] Here, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing Modification 1 of the electroencephalogram measuring device. In Fig. 1 of this embodiment, the signal measuring circuit unit 8 is provided in the pressing unit 50, but this is not limitative. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, it may be installed below the hook portion 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 9, even if the signal measuring circuit unit 8 is heavy, the upper shape of the hook portion 4 of the EEG measuring unit 2 is bent like a hook, so it can withstand the weight of the signal measuring circuit unit 8.

[0048] [Variation 2] 10 is a diagram showing Modification 2 of the electroencephalogram measuring device. In Fig. 1 of this embodiment, the pressing unit 50 is positioned on the occipital side of the head 205 of the subject 200 to hold the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0049] 10(a), the pressing unit 50 may be in the form of headphones and placed on the top side of the head 205 of the subject 200. In this manner, the pressing unit 50 is less susceptible to the influence of its own weight.

[0050] 10(b), the pressing unit 50 may be a subchin type and placed under the chin of the head 205 of the subject 200. Such an embodiment is effective when the pressing unit 50 cannot be placed on the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0051] 10(c), the pressing unit 50 may be a behind-the-neck type, that is, placed behind the neck of the head 205 of the subject 200. Such an embodiment is effective when the subject 200 is wearing a mask.

[0052] 10(d), the pressing unit 50 may be a front type, and may be arranged on the frontal side of the head 205 of the subject 200. Such an embodiment is effective when the subject 200 is wearing a hat or the like.

[0053] The pressing unit 50 may be configured to be displaceable to each of the modes shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d).

[0054] [Variation 3] In this embodiment, the EEG measuring device 1 is configured using a pair of EEG measuring units 2, but this is not limited to this, and the EEG measuring device 1 may also be configured using a single EEG measuring unit 2.

[0055] 11 is a diagram showing a third modification of the electroencephalogram measuring device 1, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of signal detection by the electroencephalogram measuring section 2. As shown in FIG.

[0056] 11, in the third modification, while the electroencephalogram measurement units 2 are attached to both the left and right ears 210 of the subject 200 in the present embodiment, one of the electroencephalogram measurement units 2 (the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 for the left ear in FIG. 11) is changed to a pressure pad 10, and the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 is attached to only one ear 210. As shown in FIG. 12, the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 performs measurement by a unipolar induction method, with the first signal detection unit 5 used as a signal electrode and the second signal detection unit 6 used as a reference electrode and a BIAS electrode.

[0057] In variant 3, the distance between the electrodes is closer than in the case of measuring between electrodes on both the left and right ears 210 of the subject 200 as in this embodiment, so the measurable brain waves are smaller, but because brain waves can be measured using only one ear 210, the configuration is more compact and the burden of wearing it can be reduced.

[0058] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0059] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the hook portion 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 is swingable about the swing axis 63 of the pressing unit 50, and is therefore rotatable around the rotation axis 53 of the pressing unit 50. In the following description of the second embodiment, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a swing mechanism 61 of the pressing unit 50 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13A is an external view of the swing mechanism 61, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the swing mechanism 61.

[0061] 13, the pressing unit 50 has a swing mechanism 61 at its tip. The swing mechanism 61 has a swing member 62 having a swing shaft 63 extending in the Y-axis direction, and a bearing 64 fitted onto the swing shaft 63.

[0062] 6, the hook part 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 is attached by fitting to the swing shaft 63 of the pressing unit 50 between the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6. The hook part 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 is capable of swinging around the swing shaft 63 of the pressing unit 50 as a fulcrum. The first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6 are arranged at positions separated from each other across the swing shaft 63 of the pressing unit 50, which is the attachment position of the pressing unit 50 and the hook part 4.

[0063] The hook 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 for the left ear is attached by fitting it onto the swing shaft 63 of the pressing unit 50 below the third signal detecting unit 7 .

[0064] The hook part 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 swings around the swing axis 63 of the pressing part 50 as a fulcrum, thereby being able to accommodate the difference in height in the horizontal direction on the side of the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0065] That is, according to this embodiment, when two signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6) are pressed against the area around the ear 210 via the pressing unit 50, one of the signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 or the second signal detection unit 6) first comes into contact with the area around the ear 210, and then swings about the swing axis 63 of the pressing unit 50, causing a swinging movement in the EEG measurement unit 2. Thereafter, in response to the swinging movement of the EEG measurement unit 2, a movement occurs in which the other signal detection unit (the first signal detection unit 5 or the second signal detection unit 6) other than the signal detection unit that came into contact first comes into contact with the area around the ear 210. This makes it possible for both signal detection units (the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6) to be reliably brought into contact with the area around the ear 210.

[0066] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0067] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the hook portion 4 of the electroencephalogram measurement unit 2 is capable of rotating and swinging about the sphere 73 of the pressing unit 50, and is therefore capable of rotating about the rotation axis 53 of the pressing unit 50. In the following description of the third embodiment, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0068] 14A and 14B are diagrams showing an example of a rotation and swing mechanism 71 of the pressing unit 50 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14A is an external view of the rotation and swing mechanism 71, and Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the rotation and swing mechanism 71.

[0069] 14, the pressing unit 50 has at its tip a rotation and swing mechanism 71. The rotation and swing mechanism 71 has a rotation and swing member 72 having a sphere 73, and a bearing 74 that fits into the sphere 73.

[0070] 6, the hook part 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 is attached by fitting to the sphere 73 of the pressing unit 50 between the first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6. The hook part 4 of the EEG measurement unit 2 is capable of rotating and swinging around the sphere 73 of the pressing unit 50 as the center (fulcrum). The first signal detection unit 5 and the second signal detection unit 6 are arranged at positions separated from each other with the sphere 73 of the pressing unit 50, which is the attachment position of the pressing unit 50 and the hook part 4, sandwiched therebetween.

[0071] The hook 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 for the left ear is attached by fitting it into the sphere 73 of the pressing unit 50 below the third signal detecting unit 7 .

[0072] The hook 4 of the electroencephalogram measuring unit 2 rotates and swings around the sphere 73 as a center (fulcrum), thereby being able to simultaneously accommodate the difference in height between the vertical and horizontal directions on the side of the head 205 of the subject 200.

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0074] The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that it is a monitor system including an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device 1. In the following description of the fourth embodiment, the description of the same parts as those of the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0075] 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a monitoring system 1000 according to the fourth embodiment. The monitoring system 1000 includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device 1 and a biological monitoring device 30.

[0076] The electroencephalogram measuring device 1 is a device capable of measuring biological information (electroencephalogram) of a subject 200 who is to be monitored.

[0077] The electroencephalogram measuring device 1 includes a measuring section 26 (see FIG. 16) capable of measuring biological information, and measures (hereinafter also referred to as acquiring) biological information from the subject 200.

[0078] The EEG measuring device 1 acquires biological information from the subject 200 at predetermined intervals. The EEG measuring device 1 also acquires biological information in response to operations by the subject 200 or the like. The EEG measuring device 1 transmits the acquired biological information to the biological monitoring device 30. When a plurality of EEG measuring devices 1 are used, the biological information may be transmitted individually from each EEG measuring device 1, or the biological information may be collected by any one of the EEG measuring devices 1 and then transmitted from that EEG measuring device 1.

[0079] The biological monitoring device 30 is an example of a monitoring device in this embodiment. The biological monitoring device 30 is, for example, an information processing device (computer) such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or a server device, and is connected to the electroencephalogram measuring device 1 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0080] There are no particular restrictions on the connection method (communication method) between the EEG measuring device 1 and the biological monitoring device 30, and various methods can be adopted. In addition to a wired connection, for example, the EEG measuring device 1 and the biological monitoring device 30 may be connected by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the EEG measuring device 1 and the biological monitoring device 30 may be connected via a network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0081] The biological monitoring device 30 acquires biological information transmitted from the electroencephalogram measuring device 1. The biological monitoring device 30 performs processing for displaying a screen showing the health condition of the subject 200 based on the acquired biological information.

[0082] Next, the hardware configurations of the electroencephalogram measuring device 1 and biological monitoring device 30 described above will be described.

[0083] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electroencephalogram measuring device 1. As shown in Fig. 16, the electroencephalogram measuring device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, a measuring unit 26 (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6, third signal detection unit 7), a communication unit 27, etc.

[0084] The CPU 21 is an example of a processor and controls the overall operation of the electroencephalogram measuring device 1. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs or data even when the power is turned off. The RAM 23 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 21, etc.

[0085] The operation unit 25 has input devices such as various operation buttons and receives operations from the subject 200. The operation unit 25 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 24. The operation unit 25 includes a power switch. The power switch may be turned on by periodic operation of the measurement unit 26 (first signal detection unit 5, second signal detection unit 6, third signal detection unit 7) and the like and by detecting an output for a predetermined period of time.

[0086] The measuring unit 26 is a sensor device (first signal detecting unit 5, second signal detecting unit 6, third signal detecting unit 7) for measuring biological information. The measuring unit 26 outputs the acquired biological information to the CPU 21.

[0087] The communication unit 27 is a communication interface that complies with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication unit 27 establishes communication with the biological monitoring device 30 under the control of the CPU 21.

[0088] The CPU 21 reads out programs or data stored in the ROM 22 or the like onto the RAM 23 and executes various processes, thereby controlling the operation of the electroencephalogram measuring device 1. For example, the CPU 21 operates the measuring unit 26 at predetermined intervals or in response to an operation via the operating unit 25. The CPU 21 also sequentially transmits biological information measured by the measuring unit 26 to the biological monitoring device 30 via the communication unit 27.

[0089] The CPU 21 measures the operation timing of the measurement unit 26 and the current date and time based on the date and time measured by a timing unit (not shown) such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) provided in the electroencephalogram measurement device 1. The CPU 21 may also cause identification information capable of identifying the subject 200 to be transmitted together with the biological information.

[0090] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the biological monitoring device 30. As shown in Fig. 17, the biological monitoring device 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage unit 34, a display unit 35, an operation unit 36, a communication unit 37, and the like.

[0091] The CPU 31 is an example of a processor and controls the overall operation of the biological monitoring device 30. The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs or data even when the power is turned off. The RAM 33 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 31, etc.

[0092] The storage unit 34 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit 34 stores various programs that the CPU 31 can execute, various setting information, and the like.

[0093] The display unit 35 is formed of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. The operation unit 36 ​​has an input device such as various operation buttons, and accepts operations by the subject 200, etc. The operation unit 36 ​​may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 35.

[0094] The communication section 37 is a communication interface that complies with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication section 37 establishes communication with the electroencephalogram measuring device 1 under the control of the CPU 31.

[0095] The program executed by the biological monitoring device 30 of this embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0096] The program executed by the biological monitoring device 30 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the biological monitoring device 30 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0097] The program executed by the biological monitoring device 30 of this embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0098] The CPU 31 reads out programs or data stored in the ROM 32 or the storage unit 34 onto the RAM 33 and executes various processes to control the operation of the biological monitoring device 30. For example, the CPU 31 cooperates with programs stored in the ROM 32 or the storage unit 34 to cause the biological monitoring device 30 to realize various functional units.

[0099] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the biological monitoring device 30. As shown in Fig. 18, the biological monitoring device 30 may be implemented in an on-premise server 310 in order to handle long-term time-series data and ensure real-time performance. However, this is not limitative, and all or part of the biological monitoring device 30 may be implemented in a sensor unit 311 (EEG-measuring device 1) connected to the on-premise server 310, or in a cloud 312 connected to the on-premise server 310.

[0100] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A biological information measurement device that measures biological information and includes at least one biological information measurement unit that is worn by a subject in the ear, a hook-shaped hook portion that is provided in the biological information measurement unit, can be attached to the ear of the subject, and is hooked onto the base of the ear; At least one signal detection unit is provided on the hook portion, is brought into contact with the base of the ear on the head side, and measures a potential used for measuring biological information; a pressing unit having a predetermined amount of deflection and capable of pressing the biological information measurement unit against the vicinity of the ear of the subject; Equipped with the hook portion is attached to the pressing portion so as to be capable of rotating or swinging relative to the pressing portion, At least two of the signal detection units are disposed at positions sandwiching the attachment positions of the pressing unit and the hook unit. A biological information measuring device characterized by: <2> The hook portion is rotatable around a rotation axis of a rotation mechanism provided in the pressing portion. Characterized by <1> The biological information measuring device described in <3> The hook portion is swingable around a swing shaft of a swing mechanism provided in the pressing portion as a fulcrum. Characterized by <1> The biological information measuring device described in <4> The hook portion is rotatable and swingable around a sphere of a rotation and swing mechanism provided on the pressing portion as a center and a fulcrum. Characterized by <1> The biological information measuring device described in <5> The signal detection unit is rotatable and swingable relative to the hook unit. Characterized by <1> Or <4> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <6> the biological information measurement unit is attached to both the left and right ears of the subject, the biological information measurement unit attached to one ear has two of the signal detection units, The biological information measurement unit attached to the other ear has one of the signal detection units. Characterized by <1> Or <5> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <7> the pressing unit includes a pressing pad that is pressed against the vicinity of the ear of the subject instead of the biological information measurement unit, the biological information measurement unit is attached to one of the left and right ears of the subject, The pressing pad is attached to the other of the left and right ears of the subject, The biological information measurement unit attached to either the left or right ear has two of the signal detection units and measures the potential used for biological information measurement by a monopolar induction method. Characterized by <1> Or <5> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9 . <8> a signal measurement circuit unit for measuring the biological information, The signal measuring circuit unit is provided in the pressing unit. Characterized by <1> Or <7> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <9> a signal measurement circuit unit for measuring the biological information, The signal measuring circuit unit is provided below the hook portion. It is characterized by <1> Or <7> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <10> The hook portion is formed using an elastic material. Characterized by <1> Or <9> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <11> the signal detection unit is formed of a conductive elastic body; Characterized by <1> Or <10> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <12> the signal detection unit is formed by coating a metal with gold plating; Characterized by <1> Or <10> 10. The biological information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Biological information measuring device 2. Biometric information measurement unit 4 Hook 5, 6, 7 Signal detection section 8 Signal measurement circuit section 10 Pressing pad 50 Pressing part 51 Rotating mechanism 53 Rotating shaft 61 Swing mechanism 63 Swing axis 71 Rotating and swinging mechanism 73 Sphere [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6935660

Claims

1. A biological information measurement device for measuring biological information, comprising at least one biological information measurement unit attached to the ear of a subject, a hook-shaped hook portion that is provided in the biological information measurement unit, can be attached to the ear of the subject, and is hooked onto the base of the ear; At least one signal detection unit is provided on the hook portion, is brought into contact with the base of the ear on the head side, and measures a potential used for measuring biological information; a pressing unit having a predetermined amount of deflection and capable of pressing the biological information measurement unit against the vicinity of the ear of the subject; Equipped with the hook portion is attached to the pressing portion so as to be capable of rotating or swinging relative to the pressing portion, At least two of the signal detection units are disposed at positions sandwiching the attachment positions of the pressing unit and the hook unit. A biological information measuring device characterized by:

2. The hook portion is rotatable around a rotation axis of a rotation mechanism provided in the pressing portion.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The hook portion is swingable around a swing shaft of a swing mechanism provided in the pressing portion as a fulcrum.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

4. The hook portion is rotatable and swingable around a sphere of a rotation and swing mechanism provided on the pressing portion as a center and a fulcrum.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

5. The signal detection unit is rotatable and swingable relative to the hook unit.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

6. the biological information measurement unit is attached to both the left and right ears of the subject, the biological information measurement unit attached to one ear has two of the signal detection units, The biological information measurement unit attached to the other ear has one of the signal detection units.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

7. the pressing unit includes a pressing pad that is pressed against the vicinity of the ear of the subject instead of the biological information measurement unit, the biological information measurement unit is attached to one of the left and right ears of the subject, The pressing pad is attached to the other of the left and right ears of the subject, The biological information measurement unit attached to either the left or right ear has two of the signal detection units and measures the potential used for biological information measurement by a monopolar induction method.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

8. a signal measurement circuit unit for measuring the biological information, The signal measuring circuit unit is provided in the pressing unit.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

9. a signal measurement circuit unit for measuring the biological information, The signal measuring circuit unit is provided below the hook portion.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The hook portion is formed using an elastic material.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

11. the signal detection unit is formed of a conductive elastic body; 11. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the biological information measuring device comprises: a first electrode;

12. the signal detection unit is formed by coating a metal with gold plating; 11. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the biological information measuring device comprises: a first electrode;

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