Finger-mounted device

Abstract

To provide a finger-mounted device capable of accurately determining a mounting direction of the finger-mounted device in various walking modes.SOLUTION: An acceleration sensor and a processing part are supported by an annular member that is mounted on a finger. An XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is defined such that an insertion / removal direction of the finger into / from the annular member corresponds to a Z direction. The processing part performs peak presence determination processing to check whether or not a peak exists in the frequency spectrum of at least either of X and Y components of an acceleration measurement value, at a frequency corresponding to half of the frequency at which the Z component of the acceleration measurement value measured by the acceleration sensor exhibits the maximum peak. Furthermore, based on the result of the peak presence determination processing and the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value, the processing part has a function to determine the mounting direction of the annular member with respect to the Z direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger-worn device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known electronic device that can determine the orientation of a wrist-worn electronic device when worn on the arm (Patent Document 1). This electronic device determines the orientation of the electronic device based on the range of detected acceleration. This determination utilizes the fact that when walking, the arm swings mainly forward from a position where it is hanging straight down, and rarely swings backward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-61176 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional electronic devices cannot accurately determine the orientation of a finger-worn device when walking without swinging the arm forward widely or when walking while holding a smartphone in the same hand as the electronic device. An object of the present invention is to provide a finger-worn device that can accurately determine the orientation of a finger-worn device in various walking patterns. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a ring-shaped member to be worn on a finger; an acceleration sensor supported by the annular member; a processing section supported by the annular member; Equipped with When an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is defined in which the insertion and removal direction of the finger into and from the annular member is the Z direction, The processing unit performing a peak presence / absence determination process to determine whether or not a peak exists in the frequency spectrum of at least one of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement value measured by the acceleration sensor at a frequency position that is half the frequency at which the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value exhibits its maximum peak; The finger-worn device has a function of determining the wearing orientation of the annular member in the Z direction based on the result of the peak presence / absence determination process and the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The above-described peak presence / absence determination process makes it possible to determine whether the person is walking normally or while carrying a smartphone, etc. The orientation of the finger-worn device is determined based on the type of walking state and the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a finger-worn device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a finger-worn device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3A to 3D are graphs showing the frequency spectrum of acceleration measurements taken during normal walking. [Figure 4] 4A to 4D are graphs showing the frequency spectrum of acceleration measurements taken while walking and using a smartphone. [Figure 5] 5A to 5D are graphs showing the time variation of the Z component of acceleration measurements taken during normal walking. [Figure 6] 6A to 6D are graphs showing the time variation of the Z component of acceleration measurements taken while walking and using a smartphone. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table summarizing information obtained from the measurement results shown in FIGS. 3A through 6D. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the processing unit 50 (FIG. 2). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of a finger-worn device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A to 10D are graphs showing the time variations of the X, Y, and Z components of acceleration measurements taken during normal walking. [Figure 11] 11A to 11D are graphs showing temporal changes in the X, Y, and Z components of acceleration measurements taken while walking and using a smartphone. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a table summarizing information obtained from the measurement results shown in FIGS. 10A to 11D. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the processing unit 50 (FIG. 2) of the finger wearable device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device for explaining a method for determining whether the finger-worn device is in a worn state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device according to a third embodiment, FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of a support member 80A of the finger-worn device shown in FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of several parts surrounding the support member 80A. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a finger-worn device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a state transition diagram of the control performed by the processing unit 50. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a timing chart of the control performed by the processing unit 50 in the first mode 51 and the second mode 52. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a state transition diagram when the processing unit 50 (FIG. 16) of the finger wearable device according to the fourth embodiment is performing control in the first mode 51. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure executed by the processing unit 50 of the finger wearable device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure executed by the processing unit 50 of the finger wearable device according to the modification of the fifth embodiment when transmitting biometric data (step SA6) in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a biological information collection device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the control terminal 110. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First Example] A finger-worn device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a finger-worn device according to a first embodiment. An acceleration sensor 20, a processing unit 50, and a memory 60 are supported on an annular member 80. The annular member 80 is used while worn on a finger. Although not shown in Fig. 1, a battery for operating the acceleration sensor 20, the processing unit 50, and the memory 60 is supported on the annular member 80.

[0009] A right-handed XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is defined, with the Z direction being the direction in which a finger is inserted into or removed from the annular member 80. In other words, when a right-handed screw is rotated from the positive direction of the X axis to the positive direction of the Y axis, the direction in which the screw advances is the positive direction of the Z axis. The acceleration sensor 20 can measure acceleration in the three axial directions of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis.

[0010] 2 is a block diagram of a finger-worn device according to the first embodiment. The finger-worn device according to the first embodiment includes an acceleration sensor 20, a processing unit 50, and a memory 60. In addition to the acceleration sensor 20, a gyro sensor may also be included. The processing unit 50 includes, for example, an MPU, and various functions are realized by the processing unit 50 executing programs stored in the memory 60. Various other data are also stored in the memory 60.

[0011] The Z component of the acceleration measurement value by acceleration sensor 20 when the finger-worn device is stationary with the positive Z axis pointing vertically downward is defined as "-1 G." Here, "G" is the acceleration due to gravity. The insertion / removal direction when the finger-worn device is worn on the finger with the positive Z axis pointing toward the fingertip is defined as the forward direction, and the insertion / removal direction when the finger-worn device is worn on the finger with the positive Z axis pointing toward the base is defined as the reverse direction.

[0012] When wearing a finger-wearable device on a finger and walking while swinging the arms (hereinafter referred to as "normal walking"), the reciprocal of the frequency at which the maximum peak appears in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement values ​​corresponds to the period of one walking step. The reciprocal of the frequency at which a peak appears in the frequency spectrum of at least one of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement values ​​corresponds to the period of the swing of the arms while walking. Because the period of the swing of the arms corresponds to the period of two steps, the peak of the frequency spectrum of at least one of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement values ​​appears at a position approximately half the frequency at which the maximum peak appears in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement values.

[0013] When walking while holding a smartphone in the hand wearing the finger-worn device (hereinafter referred to as "walking while using a smartphone"), the arm is hardly swung while walking, so a peak in the frequency spectrum of at least one of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement values ​​does not appear at a position approximately half the frequency at which the maximum peak appears in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement values.

[0014] The appearance of peaks in the frequency spectrum of the X, Y, and Z components of acceleration measurements differs between normal walking and walking while using a smartphone. By detecting this difference, it is possible to determine whether the person is walking normally or while using a smartphone. Note that the "walking while using a smartphone" state includes not only walking while holding a smartphone, but also walking while holding something other than a smartphone and without swinging one's arms widely.

[0015] Next, examples of frequency spectra of the X and Z components of acceleration measurements will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 4D. In this measurement, the finger-worn device was worn on the forefinger so that the Y direction of the finger-worn device was approximately parallel to the direction from the pad side to the dorsal side of the finger. The X direction corresponds to the direction of the arm swing when walking. During the measurement, the walking frequency was approximately 2 Hz. In other words, one step was taken to the left and one to the right per second.

[0016] Figures 3A to 3D are graphs showing the frequency spectrum of acceleration measurements taken while walking normally, and Figures 4A to 4D are graphs showing the frequency spectrum of acceleration measurements taken while walking and using a smartphone. In each graph, the lower part shows the frequency spectrum of the X component of the acceleration measurements, and the upper part shows the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurements. The sampling frequency for measuring acceleration was 20 Hz, and the frequency spectrum was calculated by processing 512 points of data measured over 25.6 seconds using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm.

[0017] Figures 3A and 4A show the frequency spectrum obtained when worn on the right hand in the forward direction, Figures 3B and 4B show the frequency spectrum obtained when worn on the right hand in the backward direction, Figures 3C and 4C show the frequency spectrum obtained when worn on the left hand in the forward direction, and Figures 3D and 4D show the frequency spectrum obtained when worn on the left hand in the backward direction.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3A to 3D, when the wearer is walking normally, the maximum peak of the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement values ​​appears at a frequency of approximately 2 Hz, and the peak of the frequency spectrum of the X component of the acceleration measurement values ​​appears at approximately half that frequency, or 1 Hz. In other words, if a frequency spectrum having this relationship is obtained, it can be determined that the wearer is walking normally. This characteristic peak appears regardless of whether the insertion / removal direction is forward or backward.

[0019] As shown in Figures 4A to 4D, in the case of a walking while using a smartphone state, peaks appear in the frequency spectrum of the Z and X components of the acceleration measurement values ​​at a frequency of approximately 2 Hz. The peak of the frequency spectrum of the X component of the acceleration measurement values ​​barely appears at a frequency of approximately 1 Hz. In other words, if a peak does not appear in the frequency spectrum of the X or Y component of the acceleration measurement values ​​at a frequency approximately half the frequency of the maximum peak in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement values, it can be determined that the person is not in a normal walking state but is in a walking while using a smartphone state.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3A to 4D, by determining whether a peak appears in the frequency spectrum of the X or Y component of the acceleration measurement value at a frequency approximately half the frequency of the maximum peak in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value, it is possible to distinguish between normal walking and walking while using a smartphone. This determination process will be referred to as the "peak presence / absence determination process."

[0021] Next, we will explain the change over time in the Z component of acceleration measurements with reference to Figures 5A to 6D. When measuring acceleration, walking was performed at approximately 2 Hz, similar to the case when obtaining the frequency spectrum shown in Figures 3A to 4D. Figures 5A to 5D are graphs showing the change over time in the Z component of acceleration measurements measured in a normal walking state, and Figures 6A to 6D are graphs showing the change over time in the Z component of acceleration measurements measured in a walking while using a smartphone state. The horizontal axis represents time in units of seconds, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of acceleration normalized by gravitational acceleration.

[0022] 5A and 6A show the time changes in acceleration measurements obtained when the device was worn on the right hand in the forward direction, FIGS. 5B and 6B show the time changes in acceleration measurements obtained when the device was worn on the right hand in the backward direction, FIGS. 5C and 6C show the time changes in acceleration measurements obtained when the device was worn on the left hand in the forward direction, and FIGS. 5D and 6D show the time changes in acceleration measurements obtained when the device was worn on the left hand in the backward direction.

[0023] During normal walking, the arm is swung with the fingertips pointing downward, so when the insertion / removal direction is forward, the positive direction of the Z axis is primarily downward, and when the insertion / removal direction is reverse, the positive direction of the Z axis is primarily upward. The Z component of the acceleration measurement value when the finger-worn device is stationary with the positive Z axis pointing vertically downward is defined as "-1 G." Therefore, when the insertion / removal direction is forward (FIGS. 5A and 5C), the Z component of the acceleration measurement value fluctuates near -1 G. When the finger-worn device is worn in the reverse Z direction (FIGS. 5B and 5D), the Z component of the acceleration measurement value fluctuates near +1 G.

[0024] When walking while using a smartphone, the tip of the hand holding the smartphone points slightly upward, so when the insertion / removal direction is forward, the positive direction of the Z axis points mainly upward, and when the insertion / removal direction is backward, the positive direction of the Z axis points mainly downward. When the insertion / removal direction is forward (Figures 6A and 6C), the Z component of the acceleration measurement value fluctuates near +0.5G. When the insertion / removal direction is backward (Figures 6B and 6D), the Z component of the acceleration measurement value fluctuates near -0.5G.

[0025] Therefore, if a distinction can be made between normal walking and walking while using a smartphone, it is possible to determine whether the insertion and removal direction of the finger-worn device is forward or backward based on the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a chart summarizing information obtained from the measurement results shown in FIGS. 3A to 6D. Based on the results of the peak presence / absence determination process, it is possible to determine whether the walking style is "normal walking" or "walking while using a smartphone." If a high peak appears in the frequency spectrum of the X component (examples of FIGS. 3A to 3D), it is determined to be a normal walking state, and if no peak appears or the peak is low (examples of FIGS. 4A to 4D), it is determined to be a walking while using a smartphone state. To determine whether a peak is high or low, a predetermined determination threshold can be set in advance and the relationship between the peak height and the determination threshold can be determined.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the processing unit 50 (FIG. 2). First, the processing unit 50 measures acceleration until a predetermined unit measurement time has elapsed and acquires acceleration measurement values ​​(step S1). Next, it determines whether the acceleration measurement values ​​are equal to or greater than a threshold (step S2). For example, it determines whether the average or median of the acceleration measurement values ​​measured during the unit measurement time is equal to or greater than a threshold. When periodic changes in the magnitude of the acceleration measurement values ​​exceeding a certain level occur, the processing unit 50 determines that walking is occurring and begins acquiring acceleration measurement values. Here, the "magnitude of the acceleration measurement values" refers to the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the X, Y, and Z components of the acceleration measurement values.

[0028] If the acceleration measurement value is less than the threshold, the acceleration measurement is restarted and continues until the unit measurement time has elapsed (step S1). If the acceleration measurement value is greater than or equal to the threshold and it is determined that walking is occurring, frequency analysis is performed on each of the X, Y, and Z components of the acceleration measurement value (step S3).

[0029] The number of steps taken while walking is generally within the range of 40 to 180 steps per minute (spm). The period per step is within the range of 0.33 to 1.5 seconds, and the frequency of acceleration measurements taken while walking is within the range of 0.66 to 3 Hz. When the number of steps exceeds 180 spm, it is considered that the person is running rather than walking. If the elapsed time from when the acceleration measurement exceeds a threshold, when it falls below the threshold, to when it exceeds the threshold again, is within the range of 0.33 to 1.5 seconds, it can be determined that walking has begun.

[0030] In step S3, a frequency analysis is performed on the acceleration measurement values ​​for a certain period of time, for example, 10 seconds, after it is determined that the person has started walking. This frequency analysis uses an FFT algorithm. Next, a peak presence / absence determination process is performed (step S4).

[0031] In the peak presence / absence determination process, the processing unit 50 extracts the largest peak within the range of 0.67 Hz to 3.0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value. It then determines whether a peak appears in the frequency spectrum of the X or Y component of the acceleration measurement value at a frequency approximately half the frequency at which the extracted largest peak appears. For example, if a peak appears at this frequency position with a height equal to or greater than 0.5 times the height of the peak in the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value, it is determined that a peak is present. Note that instead of determining whether a peak exists in the frequency spectrum of the X or Y component of the acceleration measurement value, it may also determine whether a peak exists in the frequency spectrum of the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement value.

[0032] If the peak presence / absence determination process (step S4) determines that "a peak is present," the processing unit 50 determines that the wearer is in a normal walking state, and counts the number of steps from the time change of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value (step S5). For example, the number of steps may be counted based on the occurrence period of points where the Z component of the acceleration measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold and is detected at a time interval corresponding to the reciprocal of the frequency at which the maximum peak is detected in the frequency spectrum of the Z component.

[0033] If the peak presence / absence determination process (step S4) determines that there is no peak, it is determined that the wearer is walking while using a smartphone, and the number of steps is counted from the change over time in the magnitude of the acceleration measurement values ​​(step S7). For example, the number of steps may be counted based on the occurrence period of points where the magnitude of the acceleration measurement values ​​exceeds a predetermined threshold and are detected at a time interval corresponding to the reciprocal of the frequency at which the maximum peak is detected in the frequency spectrum of the magnitude of the acceleration measurement values.

[0034] Next, the process branches depending on the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value (steps S6 and S8). When the walking style is determined to be a normal walking state, if the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value is positive (e.g., in the case of Figures 5B and 5D), the insertion / removal direction is determined to be reverse (step S9). If the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value is negative (e.g., in the case of Figures 5A and 5C), the insertion / removal direction is determined to be forward (step S10). When the walking style is determined to be a walking-with-smartphone state, if the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value is positive (e.g., in the case of Figures 6A and 6C), the insertion / removal direction is determined to be forward (step S11). If the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value is negative (e.g., in the case of Figures 6B and 6D), the insertion / removal direction is determined to be reverse (step S12). Note that the determination of whether the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value is positive or not may be based on the average or median value over a certain period of time, for example, about 10 seconds.

[0035] Next, the excellent effects of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 7, it is possible to determine whether the wearer is in a normal orientation or walking while using the smartphone, and whether the insertion / removal direction is forward or backward.

[0036] In addition, in the first embodiment, the method of counting steps is different between step S5 in the normal walking state and step S7 in the walking and smartphone using state shown in FIG. 8. For example, in a normal walking state with swinging arms, the frequency component of every two steps may be strong. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the X component of the acceleration measurement value is likely to contain a large frequency component of every two steps (e.g., a 1 Hz component). In this case, if the number of steps is counted taking into account the change over time in the X component of the acceleration measurement value, the calculated number of steps may be half the actual number of steps. Similarly, if the number of steps is counted taking into account the change over time in the Y component of the acceleration measurement value, the calculated number of steps may be half the actual number of steps.

[0037] In the first embodiment, when the user is walking normally, the number of steps is counted based on the change in the Z component over time without taking into account the change in the X or Y component of the acceleration measurement value (step S5), thereby improving the accuracy of counting the number of steps. Furthermore, since the user swings their arms less when walking while using a smartphone, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the X component of the acceleration measurement value hardly contains a frequency component (e.g., a 1 Hz component) occurring every two steps. Similarly, the Y component of the acceleration measurement value hardly contains a frequency component occurring every two steps. Therefore, the number of steps is counted based on the change in the magnitude of the acceleration measurement value over time, taking into account all of the X, Y, and Z components of the acceleration measurement value, thereby improving the accuracy of counting the number of steps.

[0038] When the wearer draws a circle with the fingertip of the finger wearing the finger wearable device (hereinafter referred to as finger rotation), the processing unit 50 can detect that the finger rotation has been performed from the characteristic waveforms of the X, Y, and Z components of the acceleration measurement values. The finger rotation may also be detected using measurements from a gyro sensor. However, if it is unclear whether the insertion / removal direction is forward or backward, it is not possible to determine whether the rotation direction of the finger rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the peak presence / absence determination process in step S4 (FIG. 8) can determine whether the insertion / removal direction is forward or backward, and therefore the rotation direction of the finger rotation motion can be identified. This function can be effectively used when clockwise and counterclockwise finger rotation motions are used as operation commands for external devices.

[0040] A finger rotation motion may occur accidentally in daily life. In order to distinguish between a finger rotation motion as an operation command and an accidental finger rotation, it is preferable to limit the number of rotations and the time width of the finger rotation motion as an operation command. For example, when two to three rotations of the finger rotation motion are detected consecutively within a time interval of 0.1 to 0.7 seconds, it may be determined that a finger rotation motion corresponding to an operation command has been performed. Alternatively, when a one-rotation finger rotation motion and a one-rotation finger rotation motion in the opposite direction are detected within a time interval of 0.1 to 0.7 seconds, it may be determined that a finger rotation motion corresponding to an operation command has been performed.

[0041] In addition to finger rotation, tapping may also be determined to be an operation command. For example, tapping the finger wearing the finger wearable device two to five times may be determined to be an operation command. For example, if acceleration measurement values ​​equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold are detected consecutively at time intervals of 0.1 to 0.7 seconds, it may be determined that an operation command by tapping has been issued. Note that, because two taps may occur accidentally in daily life, it may also be determined that an operation command by tapping has been issued when three or more taps are successively issued.

[0042] Examples of external devices to be operated include smartphones, smartwatches, personal computers, head-mounted displays, smart glasses, earphones, and hearing aids. By wirelessly connecting the finger-worn device to these external devices, operation commands can be sent from the finger-worn device to these external devices. Standards for this wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi.

[0043] For example, by moving your finger, you can control the volume of earphones or hearing aids. When rotating your finger, you can distinguish between clockwise and counterclockwise rotations, making it possible to distinguish between commands to increase or decrease the volume. Even people who have difficulty operating small screens such as smartwatches can give commands to their smartwatches by wearing a finger-worn device and making large gestures.

[0044] Next, a finger-worn device according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the insertion / removal direction is determined based on the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value (steps S8, S11, S12) not only when it is determined that a peak is present in the peak presence / absence determination process (step S4), but also when it is determined that a peak is absent. This is because, in a normal walking state, the fingertips generally point downward, and in a walking / smartphone state, it can be assumed that the fingertips point diagonally upward. However, in a walking / smartphone state, depending on the wearer's habits and walking conditions, it may not be possible to say that the fingertips point diagonally upward.

[0045] For example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5D, in a normal walking state, the Z component of the acceleration measurement value clearly swings in the positive or negative direction. However, in a walking-while-smartphone state, as shown in Figures 6A to 6D, the Z component of the acceleration measurement value shows a value closer to zero than in a normal walking state. Therefore, the result of determining the insertion / removal direction from the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value in a walking-while-smartphone state is not necessarily as accurate as the result in a normal walking state. Therefore, if "no peak" is determined in step S4 (Figure 8), the insertion / removal direction may not be determined. In other words, the insertion / removal direction may not be determined until a normal walking state is detected.

[0046] [Second Example] Next, a finger wearable device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 will be omitted.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a front view of a finger wearing device according to a second embodiment. The annular member 80 (FIG. 1) of the finger wearing device according to the first embodiment has a shape that is approximately symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane and the YZ plane. In contrast, the annular member 80 of the finger wearing device according to the second embodiment is asymmetric with respect to the XZ plane. For example, an asymmetric portion 80AS is provided at a location located in the positive direction of the Y axis from the center of the annular member 80. For example, the asymmetric portion 80AS is thicker or wider than other portions in the circumferential direction, or both. Alternatively, decoration may be applied to a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 80 that corresponds to the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0048] A finger-worn device configured in this manner is generally worn with the asymmetric portion 80AS positioned on the dorsal side of the finger. That is, the positive direction of the Y-axis points from the pad side to the dorsal side of the finger. In the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the positional relationship between the X and Y directions and the dorsal and ventral sides of the finger is indefinite, so the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement values ​​cannot be treated separately. In the second embodiment, the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement values ​​have different meanings. Note that a biosensor may be attached to a location on the inner circumferential surface of the annular member 80 that corresponds to the negative direction of the Y-axis, and the wearer may be accustomed to wearing the finger-worn device with the biosensor positioned on the pad side of the finger.

[0049] When the finger-worn device according to the second embodiment is worn on the right hand in the forward direction, the positive direction of the x-axis points toward the thumb, and when worn in the reverse direction, the positive direction of the x-axis points toward the little finger. When the finger-worn device is worn on the left hand in the forward direction, the positive direction of the x-axis points toward the little finger, and when worn in the reverse direction, the positive direction of the x-axis points toward the thumb. This difference in the orientation of the x-axis makes it possible to obtain detailed information from the acceleration measurement values.

[0050] Next, the time changes and magnitudes of the X, Y, and Z components of acceleration measurements will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 11D. Figures 10A to 10D are graphs showing the time changes of the X, Y, and Z components of acceleration measurements measured during normal walking, and Figures 11A to 11D are graphs showing the time changes of the X, Y, and Z components of acceleration measurements measured during walking while using a smartphone. The horizontal axis represents time in seconds, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of acceleration normalized by gravitational acceleration.

[0051] 10A and 11A show the change over time in acceleration measurements when worn on the right hand in the forward direction, FIGS. 10B and 11B show the change over time in acceleration measurements when worn on the right hand in the backward direction, FIGS. 10C and 11C show the change over time in acceleration measurements when worn on the left hand in the forward direction, and FIGS. 10D and 11D show the change over time in acceleration measurements when worn on the left hand in the backward direction.

[0052] Comparing Figures 10A and 10C when the insertion / removal direction is forward, and comparing Figures 11A and 11C, we can see that when the device is worn on the right hand, the average and median values ​​of the X component of the acceleration measurements are positive, and when the device is worn on the left hand, the average and median values ​​of the X component of the acceleration measurements are negative. Comparing Figures 10B and 10D when the insertion / removal direction is backward, and comparing Figures 11B and 11D, we can see that when the device is worn on the right hand, the average and median values ​​of the X component of the acceleration measurements are negative, and when the device is worn on the left hand, the average and median values ​​of the X component of the acceleration measurements are positive. This difference in the X component of the acceleration measurements occurs because the thumb side is often positioned higher than the little finger side, not just for the right or left hand, in both normal walking and walking while using a smartphone. This tendency is more pronounced when walking while using a smartphone.

[0053] Figure 12 is a table summarizing the information obtained from the measurement results shown in Figures 10A to 11D. The columns for walking style, insertion / removal direction, results of peak presence / absence determination processing, and the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value are the same as those in Figure 7. Once the walking style and insertion / removal direction have been determined, it is then possible to determine whether the hand wearing the device is right or left based on the sign of the X component of the acceleration measurement value.

[0054] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the processing unit 50 (FIG. 2). The procedure from step S1 to step S12 is the same as the procedure from step S1 to step S12 (FIG. 8) executed by the processing unit 50 of the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment. After determining the insertion / removal direction (steps S9, S10, S11, S12), the processing unit 50 determines the sign of the X component of the acceleration measurement value (steps S13, S14, S15, S16).

[0055] When the user is walking normally and the insertion / removal direction is reverse, if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is positive, it is determined that the device is being worn on the left hand (step S17), and if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is negative, it is determined that the device is being worn on the right hand (step S18).When the user is walking normally and the insertion / removal direction is forward, if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is positive, it is determined that the device is being worn on the right hand (step S19), and if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is negative, it is determined that the device is being worn on the left hand (step S20).

[0056] When the user is walking while using a smartphone and the insertion / removal direction is forward, if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is positive, it is determined that the device is being worn on the right hand (step S21), and if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is negative, it is determined that the device is being worn on the left hand (step S22).When the user is walking while using a smartphone and the insertion / removal direction is backward, if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is positive, it is determined that the device is being worn on the left hand (step S23), and if the X component of the acceleration measurement value is negative, it is determined that the device is being worn on the right hand (step S24).

[0057] The sign of the X component of the acceleration measurement value may be determined based on the average or median of the X component over a certain period of time, for example, a period of 6 to 10 seconds. Because one period of the X component of the acceleration measurement value may correspond to two steps, the average or median may be calculated over a period of four or more steps. Alternatively, the number of steps may be counted, and when the number of steps is confirmed to be between four and ten, the average or median of the X component of the acceleration measurement value over this period may be calculated.

[0058] After determining whether the finger-worn device is worn on the left or right hand, the processing unit 50 determines whether the finger-worn device is worn on the left or right hand (step S25). If the finger-worn device is not worn on the left or right hand, the processing ends. If the finger-worn device is not worn on the left or right hand, the determination results regarding the walking style, insertion / removal direction, and whether the hand is worn on the left or right hand are meaningless, and therefore these determination results are discarded without being saved. If the finger-worn device is worn on the left or right hand, the determination results are saved in memory 60 (FIG. 2) (step S26). For example, the determination results regarding the walking style, number of steps, insertion / removal direction, and whether the hand is worn on the left or right hand are saved. Note that instead of saving in memory 60, the results may be sent to an external device.

[0059] Next, an example of a method for determining whether or not the finger wearable device is in a worn state in step S25 will be described.

[0060] In order to determine whether the finger wearable device is in a worn state, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are attached to the annular member 80. As the light emitting element and the light receiving element, for example, a first light emitting element 21, a second light emitting element 22, and a light receiving element 23 provided in a finger wearable device according to a third embodiment, which will be described later with reference to Figs.

[0061] The light-emitting element emits light into the space surrounded by the annular member 80. This light is light in a wavelength range that is diffusely reflected within a living body, for example, light in a wavelength range from blue to yellow-green, light in a wavelength range from red to near-infrared, or both. The light-receiving element is positioned so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element and diffusely reflected within the living body is incident thereon, but direct light is not incident thereon.

[0062] When the finger wearable device is worn on a finger, light emitted from the light-emitting element is diffusely reflected within the body and received by the light-receiving element. When the finger wearable device is not worn, the light emitted from the light-emitting element does not enter the light-receiving element. Therefore, if the light reception level of the light received by the light-receiving element is equal to or greater than a determination threshold, it can be determined that the finger wearable device is worn, and if it is less than the determination threshold, it can be determined that the finger wearable device is not worn.

[0063] Next, another example of a method for determining whether a finger-worn device is in a worn state will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device for illustrating a method for determining whether a finger-worn device is in a worn state. To determine whether a finger-worn device is in a worn state, two temperature sensors 31 and 32 are attached to an annular member 80. One temperature sensor 31 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the annular member 80, and the other temperature sensor 32 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 80.

[0064] When the finger wearable device is worn, the temperature measurement value by temperature sensor 31 attached to the inner circumferential surface of annular member 80 is easily affected by the finger skin temperature. In contrast, the temperature measurement value by temperature sensor 32 attached to the outer circumferential surface of annular member 80 is easily affected by temperature changes in the external environment. Because the finger skin temperature is more stable than the environmental temperature, when the finger wearable device is worn, the standard deviation of the temperature measurement value by temperature sensor 32 attached to the outer circumferential surface is larger than the standard deviation of the temperature measurement value by temperature sensor 31 attached to the inner circumferential surface. When the finger wearable device is not worn, the temperature measurement values ​​by the two temperature sensors 31, 32 are approximately equal, and their standard deviations are also approximately equal.

[0065] By comparing the standard deviations of the temperature measurements by the two temperature sensors 31 and 32, it is possible to determine whether the finger-worn device is in a worn state or an unworn state.

[0066] It is also possible to determine whether or not the device is in an attached state by using both a method of determining whether or not the device is in an attached state using a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and a method of determining whether or not the device is in an attached state using a temperature sensor.

[0067] Next, the excellent effects of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the excellent effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the finger wearable device is worn on the right hand or the left hand. If it is known whether the hand is left or right, the amount of information about the finger movement detected by the acceleration sensor 20 increases. For example, when performing a finger rotation motion with the right hand, it is natural to rotate the finger clockwise as seen from the wearer's perspective. When performing a finger rotation motion with the left hand, it is natural to rotate the finger counterclockwise as seen from the wearer's perspective.

[0068] By knowing whether the hand on which the finger wearable device is worn is left or right, when a finger rotation motion is detected, it can be determined whether the finger was rotated in a natural rotation direction or an unnatural rotation direction. If the processing unit 50 detects a finger rotation motion and performs some processing according to the motion, it becomes possible to perform different processing depending on whether the finger rotation motion is performed in a natural rotation direction or an unnatural rotation direction.

[0069] Furthermore, if the walking style is determined to be a walking-smartphone state, it means that the smartphone is being held in the hand where the finger-worn device is worn, and therefore it can be determined whether the hand holding the smartphone is the right hand or the left hand.

[0070] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the wearer has moved the finger to the right or left while the back of the finger on which the finger wearable device is attached is facing upward. This finger movement can be used as a pointer movement command for a head-mounted display or smart glasses, for example.

[0071] When walking with a finger-worn device in a pocket or handbag, some information may be obtained by chance regarding the walking style, the insertion / removal direction, and whether the device is worn on the left or right hand. In the second embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the finger-worn device is worn (step S25), and if it is not worn, the obtained information is discarded, thereby preventing meaningless determination results from being saved.

[0072] Next, a finger-worn device according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, after determining whether the hand on which the device is worn is the left or right hand, a process for determining whether the device is being worn (step S25) is performed. To perform the process for determining whether the device is being worn, it is necessary to operate the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element or to measure the temperature using a temperature sensor. In the second embodiment, the process for determining whether the device is being worn is performed after completing the processes that can be performed using only the acceleration measurement value of the acceleration sensor 20.

[0073] As a modified example, the processing unit 50 may perform the process of determining whether the finger-worn device is in the worn state immediately after counting the number of steps (steps S5 and S7). If it is determined that the finger-worn device is not in the worn state, the subsequent process of determining the insertion / removal direction and the process of determining whether the finger-worn device is worn on the left or right hand are not performed.

[0074] [Third Example] Next, a finger wearing device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15A to 18. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearing device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 and the finger wearing device according to the second embodiment described with reference to Figures 9 to 13 will be omitted.

[0075] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device according to a third embodiment, FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of a support member 80A of the finger-worn device shown in FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of several parts surrounding the support member 80A.

[0076] The finger wearable device according to the third embodiment is equipped with an acceleration sensor 20, a processing unit 50, and a memory 60 (not shown in FIG. 15A), as well as a first light-emitting element 21, a second light-emitting element 22, and a light-receiving element 23. In the first and second embodiments, the detailed structure of the annular member 80 (FIGS. 1 and 9) and the specific structure of the substrate on which the acceleration sensor 20, processing unit 50, and memory 60 are mounted are omitted, but in the third embodiment, these structures will be described. Note that a similar structure can also be employed in the first and second embodiments.

[0077] The annular member 80 includes an annular support member 80A, a resin member 80B, and an outer member 80C. A battery 90, flexible substrates 91 and 92, and rigid substrates 93 and 94 are supported on the outer peripheral surface of the support member 80A.

[0078] Openings 80A1 and 80A2 (FIG. 15B) are provided at different circumferential positions of annular support member 80A. Rigid substrates 93 and 94 are arranged to cover openings 80A1 and 80A2 from the outer periphery, respectively. Rigid substrates 93 and 94 are larger than openings 80A1 and 80A2, respectively. This allows rigid substrates 93 and 94 to be pressed against the peripheries of openings 80A1 and 80A2 of support member 80A, making it easy to fix their positions.

[0079] A first light-emitting element 21 and a light-receiving element 23 are mounted on the inward-facing surface of one rigid substrate 93. An acceleration sensor 20 and a processing unit 50 are mounted on the outward-facing surface of the other rigid substrate 94, and a second light-emitting element 22 is mounted on the inward-facing surface. The acceleration sensor 20 and the processing unit 50 may also be mounted on the inward-facing surface. The processing unit 50 includes, for example, an MCU. A wireless charging module, a wireless communication unit 25 (FIG. 16), etc. are also mounted on the rigid substrates 93, 94 or the flexible substrates 91, 92.

[0080] Rigid substrates 93 and 94 are connected by a flexible substrate 92 that is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of support member 80A. A battery 90 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of support member 80A. Battery 90 and rigid substrate 93 are connected by a flexible substrate 91 that is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of support member 80A. Printed wiring is formed on rigid substrates 93 and 94 and flexible substrates 91 and 92. Rigid-flexible substrates in which rigid portions and flexible portions are integrated can be used as rigid substrates 93 and 94 and flexible substrates 91 and 92.

[0081] The rigid circuit boards 93 and 94 and the battery 90 are fixed to the support member 80A with adhesive, double-sided adhesive tape, or the like. A resin member 80B covers the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the support member 80A and each component from the battery 90 to the rigid circuit board 94. The resin member 80B is produced by, for example, injection molding. The inner circumferential surface of the annular outer member 80C is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the resin member 80B.

[0082] The first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 emit measurement light toward the inside of the finger on which the finger-worn device is worn. The light-receiving element 23 receives light that is diffusely reflected inside the finger. The light-receiving element 23 receives a light level that is input to the processing unit 50. The change over time in the light-receiving element 23's light-receiving level is called a photoplethysmogram. The first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 may be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The light-receiving element 23 may be, for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0083] The first light-emitting element 21 emits light in a wavelength range from blue to yellow-green (preferably a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm), for example. The second light-emitting element 22 emits light in a red wavelength range (preferably a wavelength range of 650 nm to 700 nm) or a near-infrared range (preferably a wavelength range of 850 nm to 950 nm).

[0084] Light in the red wavelength range or near-infrared wavelength range is less absorbed by the body than light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range, so photoplethysmograms measured with light in the red wavelength range or near-infrared wavelength range contain more biological information from relatively deep regions, while photoplethysmograms measured with light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range contain more biological information from relatively shallow regions.

[0085] The distance from the second light-emitting element 22 to the light-receiving element 23 is longer than the distance from the first light-emitting element 21 to the light-receiving element 23. The distance from the first light-emitting element 21 to the light-receiving element 23 is preferably, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The distance from the second light-emitting element 22 to the light-receiving element 23 is preferably, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Due to this positional relationship, light emitted from the first light-emitting element 21 and diffusely reflected in a shallow region is more likely to be received by the light-receiving element 23, and light emitted from the second light-emitting element 22 and diffusely reflected in a deep region is more likely to be received by the light-receiving element 23.

[0086] Fig. 16 is a block diagram of a finger wearable device according to the third embodiment. Although not shown in Fig. 15A, the finger wearable device according to the third embodiment has a wireless communication unit 25. Furthermore, like the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment (Fig. 2), it has a memory 60. The wireless communication unit 25 and memory 60 are mounted on rigid substrates 93 and 94 or flexible substrates 91 and 92. A gyro sensor may be mounted in addition to the acceleration sensor 20.

[0087] The processing unit 50 has a function of detecting that a predetermined command action has been performed by analyzing the change over time in the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 20. The command action may be, for example, a tapping action, a finger rotation action, or the like.

[0088] The processing unit 50 further controls the light emission of the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22. Furthermore, the processing unit 50 generates biometric data reflecting biometric information based on a photoplethysmogram obtained from the light reception level of the light-receiving element 23. Furthermore, the processing unit 50 transmits the biometric data to an external device via the wireless communication unit 25. The wireless communication unit 25 supports communication based on wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), and Wi-Fi. The external device may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a tablet, or a personal computer.

[0089] Next, the control by the processing unit 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a state transition diagram of the control performed by the processing unit 50. When the state of charge of the battery 90 is less than a specified value, the processing unit 50 maintains a stopped state 53. When the state of charge of the battery 90 becomes equal to or greater than the specified value, the processing unit 50 transitions to a first mode 51 and controls the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 in the first mode 51.

[0090] When the processing unit 50 analyzes the measurement results of the acceleration sensor 20 and detects that a command operation has been performed, it transitions from the first mode 51 to the second mode 52 and controls the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 in the second mode 52. When a predetermined return condition is satisfied, the processing unit 50 transitions from the second mode 52 to the first mode 51. If the state of charge of the battery 90 falls below a specified value while the processing unit 50 is performing control in the first mode 51 or the second mode 52, the processing unit 50 enters the stopped state 53.

[0091] Next, the control in the first mode 51 and the second mode 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a timing chart of the control performed by the processing unit 50 in the first mode 51 and the second mode 52.

[0092] When the processing unit 50 is in the first mode 51, the processing unit 50 operates the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 intermittently for a measurement time Tm1 at a fixed cycle Tc, and generates biological data from the measurement results of the light-receiving element 23. As an example, the cycle Tc is 10 minutes, and the measurement time Tm1 is 10 seconds.

[0093] During measurement, the processing unit 50 alternately causes the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 to emit light at a predetermined sampling rate of 50 Hz to 1000 Hz, and measures the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving element 23. Furthermore, by analyzing the obtained measurement data, biometric data representing various biometric information is generated. The biometric information includes, for example, photoplethysmography, oxygen saturation, and blood flow in capillaries. Oxygen saturation can be measured using the difference in absorption spectra between oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Blood flow in capillaries can be measured using the laser Doppler effect.

[0094] When the processing unit 50 is in the second mode 52, the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 are continuously operated until a predetermined return condition is met, and biological data is generated from the measurement results of the light-receiving element 23. For example, it can be determined that the return condition is met when a measurement time Tm2 has elapsed since the start of measurement. The measurement time Tm2 is, for example, 10 seconds or more and 120 seconds or less. The sampling rate in the second mode 52 is the same as the sampling rate in the first mode 51. When the predetermined return condition is met, the processing unit 50 transitions to the first mode 51.

[0095] As another example, it can be determined that the return condition is satisfied when a resting state continues for a predetermined time from the start of measurement in second mode 52. The predetermined time is, for example, from 0.5 minutes to 5 minutes. Here, the resting state refers to a state in which the magnitude of the acceleration measured by acceleration sensor 20 or the angular velocity measured by the gyro sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0096] Next, the excellent effects of the second embodiment will be described. If an operator wishes to perform a measurement immediately while waiting for intermittent measurement in first mode 51, the operator can move his / her finger to perform a command operation, thereby performing the measurement before the arrival of the next measurement cycle in first mode 51. Furthermore, when the return condition is met, the device automatically returns from second mode 52 to first mode 51, preventing the operator from forgetting to return to first mode 51.

[0097] Emitting the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 consumes more power than collecting measurement results from the acceleration sensor 20. It is difficult to install a large-capacity battery in a small device such as a finger-worn device. In the first mode 51, intermittent measurement is performed, which reduces power consumption compared to continuous measurement. As a result, the operating time of the finger-worn device per charge can be extended. Here, "continuous measurement" includes not only measurement performed by continuously emitting light from the light-emitting elements, but also measurement performed by intermittently emitting light at a predetermined sampling frequency.

[0098] When the user is exercising or performing strenuous activities, the biological information is affected by body movement. By returning to the first mode 51 after a period of rest, useful biological data that is not affected by body movement can be obtained through intermittent measurement in the first mode 51.

[0099] By making the measurement time Tm2 (FIG. 18) in the second mode 52 longer than the measurement time Tm1 (FIG. 18) in the first mode 51, it is possible to avoid missing any biological data required for various analyses.

[0100] Because the light receiving element 23 (FIG. 15A) is disposed within the opening 80A1 (FIG. 15B), the side surfaces of the opening 80A1 surround the light receiving element 23. Therefore, when the finger wearable device is worn on the finger, the support member 80A functions as a light shield that prevents ambient light from entering the light receiving element 23. This reduces the influence of external light, enabling measurements with a high S / N ratio.

[0101] Furthermore, because the inner peripheral surface of the support member 80A and the openings 80A1 and 80A2 are covered with the resin member 80B, there are no steps or gaps on the surface that comes into contact with the finger. This allows the finger-worn device to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. Another excellent effect is that dirt is less likely to accumulate on the inner peripheral surface of the finger-worn device. Furthermore, because the electronic circuit components, such as the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, the light-receiving element 23, the acceleration sensor 20, and the processing unit 50, are sealed with the resin member 80B, moisture penetration into the electronic circuit components is suppressed.

[0102] By mounting the second light-emitting element 22 on the rigid substrate 94 and the first light-emitting element 21 and light-receiving element 23 on the rigid substrate 93, misalignment of the elements is less likely to occur compared to mounting them on flexible substrates. By connecting the two rigid substrates 93, 94 and the battery 90 with the flexible substrates 91, 92, multiple electronic circuit components can be arranged along the annular support member 80A.

[0103] The inner peripheral surface of resin member 80B may have regions that overlap first light-emitting element 21, second light-emitting element 22, and light-receiving element 23 projecting toward the finger on which it is worn. This shape allows the projecting portions to stably adhere to the skin of the finger, providing the excellent effect of enabling stable measurement of the photoplethysmogram.

[0104] Next, a finger-worn device according to a modification of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the first light-emitting element 21 and the light-receiving element 23 are arranged adjacent to each other, but a light-shielding wall may be arranged between them. By providing a light-shielding wall, it is possible to reduce the amount of light (stray light) that is emitted from the first light-emitting element 21 and does not enter the finger but directly enters the light-receiving element 23. This reduces the adverse effects of stray light on photoplethysmographic measurement.

[0105] In order to further reduce stray light, it is preferable to make the height of the light-shielding wall higher than the height of the second light-emitting element 22 and the light-receiving element 23, with the inward-facing surface of the rigid substrate 93 as the height reference. It is also preferable to paint the light-shielding wall black. When the light-shielding wall is black, the reflected light of stray light incident on the light-shielding wall is weakened, so that the stray light incident on the light-receiving element 23 can be further reduced.

[0106] The finger-worn device may include at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood glucose sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, and an electromyogram sensor, in addition to the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23. These sensors enable the acquisition of more biometric information about the user.

[0107] For example, a temperature sensor can obtain information such as the temperature of the finger's skin and the ambient temperature. A piezoelectric sensor can detect when the finger-worn device is tapped or pressed. A blood pressure sensor can be used to measure the blood pressure of the finger from the pressure sensor's measurement value. A blood glucose sensor can be used to measure blood components using an infrared spectroscopic sensor or one that uses the metabolic heat confirmation (MHC) method.

[0108] The electrocardiogram sensor can be configured so that electrodes are exposed on both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of a finger-worn device. The electrocardiogram can be measured by touching the exposed electrodes on the outer circumferential surface with the hand that is not wearing the finger-worn device.

[0109] [Fourth Example] Next, a finger wearable device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearable device according to the third embodiment described with reference to Figs. 15A to 18 will be omitted.

[0110] 19 is a state transition diagram when the processing unit 50 (FIG. 16) of the finger wearable device according to the fourth embodiment is performing control in the first mode 51. When the processing unit 50 is performing control in the first mode 51, the control method differs between the resting state 51A and the non-resting state 51B. The processing unit 50 determines whether the user is in the resting state 51A or the non-resting state 51B based on the acceleration measurement value from the acceleration sensor 20 (FIG. 16) and the angular velocity measurement value from the gyro sensor.

[0111] For example, when the current state is resting state 51A, if the acceleration measurement value or angular velocity measurement value no longer satisfies the condition indicating a resting state, processing unit 50 transitions to non-resting state 51B. When the current state is non-resting state 51B, if the acceleration measurement value or angular velocity measurement value satisfies the condition indicating a resting state, processing unit 50 transitions to resting state 51A.

[0112] A condition indicating a resting state may be, for example, that the proportion of time during which acceleration measurement values ​​or angular velocity measurement values ​​are equal to or less than a predetermined value exceeds a judgment threshold. Alternatively, a condition indicating a resting state may be that the average or median value of acceleration measurement values ​​or angular velocity measurement values ​​over a predetermined time period is equal to or less than a predetermined judgment threshold. The resting state 51A includes a waking resting state and a sleeping state. When the processing unit 50 is in the resting state 51A, i.e., when the acceleration measurement values ​​or angular velocity measurement values ​​satisfy the condition indicating a resting state, the processing unit 50 performs the intermittent measurement shown in FIG. 18, and when the processing unit is in the non-resting state 51B, the processing unit 50 suspends the measurement.

[0113] Next, the excellent effects of the fourth embodiment will be described. When not in a resting state, such as during exercise, biological information, particularly information related to blood, such as pulse rate, blood flow, and blood pressure, is affected by body movement. Therefore, biological information obtained when not in a resting state may be useless when determining health status, etc. In the fourth embodiment, when the control state of the processing unit 50 is in the non-resting state 51B, the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 are not operated, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0114] Next, a finger-worn device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a determination is periodically made as to whether the state is resting 51A or non-resting 51B. In a modification of the fourth embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the state is resting 51A or non-resting 51B based on acceleration measurement values ​​or angular velocity measurement values ​​in accordance with the timing of intermittent measurement in first mode 51 (FIG. 6). If the determination result is resting state 51A, measurement is performed, and if the determination result is non-resting state 51B, measurement is not performed. In this modification as well, power consumption due to unnecessary light emission is suppressed.

[0115] [Fifth Example] Next, a finger wearable device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearable device according to the third embodiment described with reference to Figs. 15A to 18 will be omitted.

[0116] 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure executed by the processing unit 50 of the finger wearable device according to the fifth embodiment. When the charge state of the battery 90 (FIG. 15A) reaches or exceeds a specified value, the processing unit 50 executes intermittent measurement, similar to the first mode 51 (FIG. 17) of the third embodiment. During execution of intermittent measurement, the processing unit 50 determines whether a command operation has been performed based on the acceleration measurement value (step SA1). If a command operation has not been performed, the processing unit 50 determines whether the current time is the timing to execute intermittent measurement (step SA2).

[0117] If it is now time to perform intermittent measurement, the measurement is performed (step SA3). This measurement is the same as the measurement for one cycle performed when the finger wearable device according to the third embodiment is in first mode 51. When the measurement is completed, the biometric data is transmitted to an external device via wireless communication unit 25 (FIG. 16) (step SA6). Thereafter, the procedure from step SA1 is repeated.

[0118] If it is determined in step SA2 that the current time is not the timing for performing intermittent measurement, the procedure from step SA1 is repeated without performing measurement.

[0119] When the processing unit 50 detects that the command operation has been performed in step SA1, it immediately performs measurement (step SA4). Furthermore, it assigns a command operation flag to the biometric data generated from the measurement results (step SA5). The command operation flag indicates that the biometric data has been generated from the measurement results measured at the time of the command operation.

[0120] After the flag is added to the biometric data, the biometric data with the flag is transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication unit 25 (FIG. 16) (step SA6), after which the procedure from step SA1 is repeated.

[0121] Next, the excellent effects of the fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a user can issue a command to immediately perform a measurement to obtain biometric information. Furthermore, a command flag is assigned to the biometric data, allowing the external device receiving the biometric data to distinguish whether the received biometric data was obtained by intermittent measurement or by a command. If the biometric data was obtained by a command, it becomes possible to execute special processing that differs from that executed when biometric data obtained by intermittent measurement is received.

[0122] Next, a finger-worn device according to a modification of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the steps executed by the processing unit 50 of a finger wearable device according to a modification of the fifth embodiment when transmitting biometric data (step SA6) in Fig. 20. In the fifth embodiment, if a wireless communication line is not established by the wireless communication unit 25 (Fig. 16), the biometric data to be transmitted is discarded. In the modification shown in Fig. 21, the biometric data is not discarded even if a wireless communication line is not established.

[0123] When a request to transmit biometric data is made, the processing unit 50 determines whether wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 25 (Fig. 16) is possible (step SB1). If wireless communication is not possible, the biometric data to be transmitted is stored in the memory 60 (Fig. 16) (step SB3). If the command operation flag assigned in step SA5 (Fig. 20) is assigned to the biometric data, the biometric data and the command operation flag are associated and stored in the memory 60. If it is determined in step SB1 that wireless communication is possible, the processing unit 50 determines whether any unsent biometric data remains in the memory 60 (step SB2).

[0124] If there is no unsent biometric data, the latest biometric data to be transmitted is transmitted (step SB4). If it is determined in step SB2 that there is remaining unsent biometric data, the unsent biometric data and the latest biometric data are transmitted (step SB5).

[0125] In the modified example of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the biometric data generated when the wireless communication line is not established is stored in memory 60 and transmitted when the wireless communication line is established, thereby preventing the biometric data from being discarded.

[0126] Next, a finger wearable device according to yet another modification of the fifth embodiment will be described. In the modification shown in FIG. 21, when a request to transmit biometric data is received in step SA6 (FIG. 20), a determination is made (step SB1) as to whether communication is possible. However, the determination as to whether communication is possible may be made periodically regardless of whether a request to transmit biometric data is received. When communication becomes possible, the biometric data stored in memory 60 should be immediately transmitted. In this modification, the delay time from the generation to transmission of the biometric data stored in memory 60 is shortened.

[0127] [Sixth Example] Next, a biological information collection apparatus according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0128] 22 is a block diagram of a biometric information collection device according to Example 6. The biometric information collection device according to Example 6 includes a finger-worn device 100, a control terminal 110, and a server 120. The biometric information collection device according to Example 6 monitors, for example, the health condition of a user of the finger-worn device 100.

[0129] The finger wearable device 100 is the finger wearable device according to the fifth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 20 . The control terminal 110 includes a location information acquisition unit 111, an image display unit 112, and an input unit 113. The location information acquisition unit 111 includes a receiver such as a GNSS. The image display unit 112 and the input unit 113 are configured with, for example, a touch panel. The control terminal 110 may be, for example, a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, or a personal computer. The finger wearable device 100 and the control terminal 110 can communicate data wirelessly. The control terminal 110 and the server 120 can communicate data via a communication network 130.

[0130] In step SA6 (FIG. 20), the finger wearable device 100 transmits the biometric data to the control terminal 110. The biometric data may or may not have a command operation flag attached.

[0131] 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the control terminal 110. When the control terminal 110 receives biometric data, it stores the received biometric data in a storage unit (step SC1). If a command operation flag is assigned to the biometric data, the biometric data is stored together with the command operation flag. Furthermore, the control terminal 110 adds user information, time information, etc. to the biometric data and transmits it to the server 120 (step SC2).

[0132] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a command operation flag is assigned to the biometric data (step SC3). If a command operation flag is assigned to the biometric data, processing for when a command operation flag is assigned is executed (step SC4). If a command operation flag is not assigned to the biometric data, the processing is terminated. In other words, the control terminal 110 executes different processing depending on whether or not a command operation flag is assigned.

[0133] Next, the processing executed by the server 120 will be described. The server 120 analyzes the received biometric data and transmits the analysis results to the control terminal 110. The control terminal 110, upon receiving the analysis results, displays the analysis results on a display. The analysis results include information about the user's health condition.

[0134] Next, the excellent effects of the sixth embodiment will be described. A small finger wearable device 100 cannot store a large amount of biometric data. In the sixth embodiment, the biometric data is stored in the control terminal 110 (FIG. 22), making it possible to store biometric data for a long period of time. Furthermore, since the biometric data to which a command operation flag is assigned is stored together with the command operation flag, when the biometric data is read out from the storage unit and checked, it is possible to determine whether the read out biometric data was collected when a command operation was performed. It is also possible to read out only the biometric data to which a command operation flag is assigned and check the contents.

[0135] Next, various methods for using the command operation flag will be described. For example, if a user performs a command action when taking medicine or eating, the biometric data collected at the time of taking medicine or eating can be easily extracted and confirmed.

[0136] Next, various examples of the process when a command operation is issued in step SC4 will be described. An example will be described in which the finger wearable device 100 is used by a person who is expected to experience an illness attack. Examples of illnesses include cardiac disorders such as arrhythmia, epilepsy, and asthma. The user is required to take a command action if an attack occurs. If a command action flag is assigned to the received biometric data, the control terminal 110 has a function to send the biometric data to pre-registered contacts. It is recommended to register email addresses of family members, doctors, nursing facilities, etc. as contacts.

[0137] Family members, doctors, care facilities, etc. who receive the biometric data with the command action flag can be informed early on that the user has had a seizure, enabling them to respond to the seizure promptly.

[0138] The control terminal 110 has a function to send current location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 111 along with biometric data to the contacts. Based on the current location information sent to the contacts, emergency services can rush to the user's location. This function is particularly effective, for example, when the user becomes unable to walk or loses consciousness after performing a commanded action.

[0139] The finger wearable device according to the sixth embodiment can be effectively used not only by people who are expected to suffer from an illness, but also by workers who perform dangerous work (such as working at heights), workers who work in hot environments, and people at risk of heatstroke or hypothermia. For example, when a user feels something is wrong with their body, they can issue a command that automatically notifies contacts such as a work supervisor, family, or doctor. In particular, even if the user does not have time to take out their smartphone and operate it to contact contacts when they feel something is wrong, they can still notify a work supervisor, family, doctor, or other person of their physical abnormality by issuing a simple command.

[0140] Next, an example of adding various additional information to biometric data will be described. When a command operation flag is assigned to the received biometric data, the control terminal 110 displays a comment input screen for adding a comment on the image display unit 112 (FIG. 22). When the user inputs various information such as the condition of the attack, the type and dosage of medication taken, the contents of the meal, physical condition, and mood, the control terminal 110 associates the input comment with the biometric data and stores it in the storage unit.

[0141] By allowing comments to be entered in this way, when the contents of the biometric data are checked later, it is possible to know what events occurred when the biometric data was collected.

[0142] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

[0143] Based on the above examples described in this specification, the following invention is disclosed. <1> a ring-shaped member to be worn on a finger; an acceleration sensor supported by the annular member; a processing section supported by the annular member; Equipped with When an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is defined in which the insertion and removal direction of the finger into and from the annular member is the Z direction, The processing unit performing a peak presence / absence determination process to determine whether or not a peak exists in the frequency spectrum of at least one of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement value measured by the acceleration sensor at a frequency position that is half the frequency at which the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value exhibits its maximum peak; The finger-worn device has a function of determining the wearing orientation of the annular member in the Z direction based on the result of the peak presence / absence determination process and the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value.

[0144] <2> the annular member is asymmetric with respect to the XZ plane; The processing unit has a function of determining whether the finger on which the annular member is worn is a finger of the right hand or a finger of the left hand based on the result of the peak presence / absence determination process, the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value, and the sign of the X component of the acceleration measurement value. <1> The finger-worn device described in

[0145] <3> The processing unit If the result of the peak presence / absence determination process is "peak presence", the number of steps is calculated based on the time change of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value; If the result of the peak presence / absence determination process is "no peak," the number of steps is calculated based on the change over time in the magnitude of the acceleration measurement value. <1> or <2> The finger-worn device described in

[0146] <4> The processing unit a function of detecting that a predetermined command operation has been performed based on a change over time in the acceleration measurement value; When the command operation is detected, a process corresponding to the command operation is executed. <1> ~ <3> 10. A finger-worn device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0147] <5> Further, the wireless communication device includes a wireless communication unit supported by the annular member, The processing unit transmits an operation command to an external device via the wireless communication unit as a process corresponding to the command operation. <4> The finger-worn device described in

[0148] <6> moreover, a light-emitting element that emits light into a space surrounded by the annular member and a light-receiving element that receives diffusely reflected light of the emitted light, or temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of the inner peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side of the annular member, are supported by the annular member; The processing unit has a function of determining whether the annular member is worn on a finger based on a measurement result by the light emitting element and the light receiving element or a measurement result by the temperature sensor. <1> ~ <5> 10. A finger-worn device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0149] <7> When it is determined that the annular member is not worn on a finger, the processing unit does not execute the peak presence / absence determination process. <6> The finger-worn device described in [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 20 Acceleration sensor 21 First light-emitting element 22 Second light-emitting element 23 Photodetector 25 Radio Communication Department 31, 32 Temperature sensor 50 Processing section 51 First Mode 51A Rest state 51B Non-resting state 52 Second Mode 53 Stopped 60 memory 80 Annular member 80A Support member 80A1, 80A2 opening 80AS asymmetric part 80B Resin material 80C outer member 90 Battery 91, 92 Flexible substrate 93, 94 Rigid board 100 Finger-worn Device 110 Control Terminal 111 Location information acquisition unit 112 Image display unit 113 Input section 120 servers 130 Communication Network

Claims

1. a ring-shaped member to be worn on a finger; an acceleration sensor supported by the annular member; a processing section supported by the annular member; Equipped with When an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is defined in which the insertion and removal direction of the finger into and from the annular member is the Z direction, The processing unit performing a peak presence / absence determination process to determine whether or not a peak exists in the frequency spectrum of at least one of the X and Y components of the acceleration measurement value measured by the acceleration sensor at a frequency position that is half the frequency at which the frequency spectrum of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value exhibits its maximum peak; The finger-worn device has a function of determining the wearing orientation of the annular member in the Z direction based on the result of the peak presence / absence determination process and the sign of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value.

2. the annular member is asymmetric with respect to the XZ plane; 2. The finger wearing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit has a function of determining whether the finger on which the annular member is worn is a finger of a right hand or a finger of a left hand based on a result of the peak presence / absence determination process, a sign of a Z component of the acceleration measurement value, and a sign of an X component of the acceleration measurement value.

3. The processing unit If the result of the peak presence / absence determination process is "peak presence", the number of steps is calculated based on the time change of the Z component of the acceleration measurement value; The finger wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the result of the peak presence / absence determination process is "no peak," the number of steps is calculated based on a change over time in the magnitude of the acceleration measurement value.

4. The processing unit a function of detecting that a predetermined command operation has been performed based on a change over time in the acceleration measurement value; The finger wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the command action is detected, a process corresponding to the command action is executed.

5. Further, the wireless communication device includes a wireless communication unit supported by the annular member, The finger wearable device according to claim 4 , wherein the processing unit transmits an operation command to an external device via the wireless communication unit as a process corresponding to the command operation.

6. moreover, a light-emitting element that emits light into a space surrounded by the annular member and a light-receiving element that receives diffusely reflected light of the emitted light, or temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of the inner peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side of the annular member, are supported by the annular member; 3. The finger wearing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit has a function of determining whether the annular member is worn on a finger based on a measurement result by the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element or a measurement result by the temperature sensor.

7. The finger wearable device according to claim 6 , wherein the processing unit does not execute the peak presence / absence determination process when it determines that the annular member is not worn on the finger.

Images