Tongue pressure measurement device and sensor unit

Abstract

To measure tongue pressure at an arbitrary part of a tongue.SOLUTION: A tongue pressure measurement device includes: a sensor part arranged at an arbitrary arrangement position on a tongue so as to detect tongue pressure; a sensor unit having a wiring part connected to the sensor part; and a reception unit for receiving a pressure signal from the sensor part via the wiring part. The sensor unit includes keeping means to keep a state where the sensor part is positioned at the arrangement position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tongue pressure measuring device and a sensor unit for measuring tongue pressure. [Background technology]

[0002] Measuring tongue pressure is useful in diagnosing patients with swallowing disorders or speech disorders resulting from cerebrovascular disorders or neuromuscular diseases. Patent Document 1 describes a tongue pressure measuring device that includes an elastic balloon that can be inserted into the oral cavity and a pressure sensor. The balloon is connected to the pressure sensor via a tube. The pressure sensor detects fluctuations in the internal pressure of the balloon when the balloon inserted into the oral cavity is pressed by the tongue. The tongue pressure measuring device then measures tongue pressure from the amount of change in pressure when the balloon is pressed by the tongue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-162883 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the tongue pressure measuring device of Patent Document 1, a balloon and a pressure sensor are connected by a tube to form an air flow path. This results in a thick tube, which must be held between the teeth, limiting the location at which tongue pressure can be measured to the tip of the tongue. On the other hand, determining which part of the tongue to measure tongue pressure at is particularly important in diagnosing a patient. Therefore, there has been a demand for a tongue pressure measuring device that can measure tongue pressure at any part of the tongue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A tongue pressure measuring device according to one aspect includes a sensor unit having a sensor unit that is placed at an arbitrary position on the tongue and detects tongue pressure, and a wiring unit that is connected to the sensor unit; a receiving unit that receives a pressure signal from the sensor unit via the wiring unit, The sensor unit has a maintaining means for maintaining the sensor portion in the arrangement position.

[0006] A sensor unit according to another aspect includes a sensor portion disposed at an arbitrary position on the tongue to detect tongue pressure; a wiring portion connected to the sensor portion; and a maintaining means for maintaining the state in which the sensor unit is located at the arrangement position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This allows tongue pressure to be measured at any location on the tongue. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a tongue pressure measuring device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an arrangement state of a tongue pressure measuring device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a measurement state of the tongue pressure measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are schematic side views showing examples of a retaining means, in which A shows a sensor unit equipped with a suction cup, and B shows a sensor unit equipped with an attachment member. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a first wiring portion provided with a shape maintaining member. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing states before and after the placement of a sensor unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a tongue pressure measuring device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a tongue pressure measuring device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9]1A and 1B are schematic side views showing examples in which a maintaining means is provided on a cover member, where FIG. 1A shows a configuration in which a maintaining means is provided on a sensor section together with a cover member, and FIG. 1B shows a configuration in which a maintaining means is not provided on a sensor section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed depending on the configuration of the device or method to which the present invention is applied, or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0010] [First embodiment] A tongue pressure measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the tongue pressure measuring device 100 in a state where a sensor unit 111 is placed on the tongue TG of a subject. Note that the two imaginary rectangles indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 1 represent a sensor unit 110 and a receiving unit 120, respectively, as components of the tongue pressure measuring device 100. Figs. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the sensor unit 111 placed on the tongue TG of a subject.

[0011] The tongue pressure measuring device 100 measures the tongue pressure of a subject. The tongue pressure measuring device 100 includes a sensor unit 110 and a display device 130. The tongue pressure measuring device 100 also includes a receiving unit 120 provided in the display device 130. The sensor unit 110 includes a sensor unit 111 that is inserted into the oral cavity of the subject and placed at an arbitrary position on the tongue TG to detect tongue pressure. The sensor unit 110 also includes a first wiring unit 113 that is electrically connected to the sensor unit 111. The receiving unit 120 receives a pressure signal from the sensor unit 111 via the first wiring unit 113. For example, the subject may insert the sensor unit 111 into their own oral cavity to measure tongue pressure. Alternatively, a medical professional or the subject's family member may insert the sensor unit 111 into the oral cavity of the subject to measure tongue pressure.

[0012] Furthermore, the sensor unit 110 has a maintaining means for maintaining the state in which the sensor section 111 is placed at the placement position on the tongue TG. As an example, the maintaining means is a suction cup 112a or an adhesive member 112b, which will be described later, or the like, and maintains the state in which the sensor section 111 remains at the placement position. The sensor unit 110 also has a first connector section 114 as a connector section that is detachably connected to the receiving unit 120. The first connector section 114 is located at the end of the sensor unit 110 opposite the end where the sensor section 111 is located.

[0013] The display device 130 incorporates a receiving section 121. The display device 130 has a receiving unit 120 including the receiving section 121, a second wiring section 122 extending from the receiving section 121, and a second connector section 123 provided at an end of the second wiring section 122. That is, the receiving unit 120 has the second connector section 123 that is detachably connected to the first connector section 114 of the sensor unit 110. The receiving section 121 of the receiving unit 120 receives a pressure signal detected by the sensor section 111. The second connector section 123 is connected to the receiving section 121 via the second wiring section 122. As a result, the pressure signal transmitted from the sensor unit 110 is transmitted to the receiving section 121 via the second connector section 123 and the second wiring section 122.

[0014] The display device 130 displays information related to tongue pressure detected by the sensor unit 111. For example, the display device 130 is a computer device and has a display unit 132 such as a liquid crystal display panel or an LED display. The display unit 132 may be a touch panel. As an example, the display unit 132 and the receiving unit 121 are housed together in the same housing 131. For example, the display unit 132 displays the tongue pressure value obtained by converting the pressure signal as a numerical value in units of "kPa." Alternatively, the display unit 132 may display the magnitude of tongue pressure relative to the average tongue pressure value in stages such as high, medium, or low.

[0015] The display device 130 also includes a control unit 133 that controls the transmission of pressure signals and the display of information related to tongue pressure. The control unit 133 is configured as a computer that combines a processor that performs various calculations and operational control according to programs stored in a storage unit (not shown) with other peripheral devices. The control unit 133 is also electrically connected to the receiving unit 121 and the display unit 132. For example, the control unit 133 controls the entire tongue pressure measuring device 100 and converts the pressure signal received by the receiving unit 120 into a tongue pressure value. The control unit 133 then displays the tongue pressure value on the display unit 132. Alternatively, the control unit 133 may compare the converted tongue pressure value with the average tongue pressure value of a healthy subject or a subject with dysphagia to calculate the magnitude of the tongue pressure relative to the average tongue pressure value.

[0016] The sensor section 111 of the sensor unit 110 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected tongue pressure as a pressure signal. The output pressure signal is transmitted to the receiving unit 120 via the first wiring section 113. The pressure sensor used as the sensor section 111 outputs a pressure signal corresponding to the applied pressure. For example, a piezoelectric sensor, a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber sensor, or a capacitance sensor may be used as the sensor section 111.

[0017] Although the sensor unit 111 in FIG. 1 has a circular outer shape, the shape of the sensor unit 111 is not particularly limited and may have a rectangular outer shape. Furthermore, the sensor unit 111 has a size that does not interfere with the subject's swallowing of the test food or beverage when the sensor unit 111 is placed on the subject's tongue TG. For example, the test food or beverage (hereinafter also referred to as food or beverage) is adjusted to have a predetermined viscosity or thickness using a thickening food. As an example, the predetermined viscosity is in the range of 50 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less at a measurement temperature of 20°C.

[0018] Furthermore, the sensor unit 111 is smaller than a conventional balloon inserted into the oral cavity. This reduces the discomfort felt by the subject when the sensor unit 111 is placed on the tongue TG of the subject. As an example, the sensor unit 111 in the first embodiment is a disk-shaped pressure sensor with a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm and a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0019] Furthermore, the range of pressure that the sensor unit 111 can detect is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the sensor unit 111 can detect the tongue pressure of both healthy individuals and patients with dysphagia. For example, the average tongue pressure value of healthy individuals is in the range of 45 kPa ± 10 kPa. The average tongue pressure value of patients with dysphagia is in the range of 15 kPa or more and 23 kPa or less. A sensor having a detection range of 0 kPa or more and 70 kPa or less can be used for the sensor unit 111. This makes it possible to measure the tongue pressure of healthy individuals and patients with dysphagia without using different sensor units 111. The sensor unit 111 includes a sensor terminal 111a as a connection terminal with the first wiring unit 113. This electrically connects the sensor unit 111 and the first wiring unit 113.

[0020] [Arrangement of sensor unit 111] The sensor unit 111 is placed at a placement position on the tongue TG of the subject. As an example, in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 111 is placed on the base end side of the tongue TG of the subject (i.e., the back of the tongue). The sensor unit 111 is maintained in the placement position by a maintaining means provided in the sensor unit 110. This allows the sensor unit 111 to detect tongue pressure at any part of the tongue TG of the subject. The sensor unit 111 can be placed at any position on the tongue TG of the subject. That is, the sensor unit 111 is not limited to being placed on the base end side of the tongue TG, but can be placed at any position such as the tip side of the tongue TG (i.e., the tip of the tongue), the center of the tongue TG, or the left or right end of the tongue TG.

[0021] When measuring tongue pressure, the tongue TG of the subject is pressed against the palate PL with the sensor unit 111 placed at the placement position. Then, the sensor unit 111 is pressed between the tongue TG and the palate PL as shown in FIG. 3. This causes the sensor unit 111 to detect the tongue pressure of the subject. At this time, the sensor unit 111 is maintained in a state of being placed at the placement position on the tongue TG of the subject. Therefore, it is possible to detect the tongue pressure at the location where the sensor unit 111 is placed. In other words, it is possible to measure tongue pressure in association with the placement position on the tongue TG.

[0022] Furthermore, by having the subject swallow food or drink with the sensor unit 111 placed at the placement position, the tongue pressure when the subject swallows the food or drink can be measured. The test food or drink can be, for example, a liquid such as water or a drink thickened with a thickening food. Specifically, by having the subject swallow thickened water, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be measured. Note that the test food or drink is not limited to a thickened liquid, and liquids such as water, tea, or juice, or liquid foods can also be used.

[0023] The general action of swallowing food or drink includes the action of consciously bringing the tip of the tongue TG into contact with the lip side of the palate PL, and the action of gradually moving the contact point between the tongue TG and the palate PL toward the back of the tongue. This action is performed consciously, and the subject can swallow food or drink by linking the action of moving the laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage (the so-called Adam's apple) with the conscious movement of the tongue TG.

[0024] Therefore, by measuring the tongue pressure of any part of the tongue TG when consciously moving the tongue TG, the subject can know the state of the tongue pressure. As a result, the subject can know the shortcomings of the swallowing action. Then, the subject can improve the shortcomings of the conscious movement of the tongue TG in the swallowing action. This allows the subject to improve the swallowing action, which leads to the improvement of dysphagia.

[0025] The sensor portion 111 detects tongue pressure and outputs a pressure signal corresponding to the detected tongue pressure. The output pressure signal is then transmitted to the receiving unit 120 via the first wiring portion 113 and the first connector portion 114. The first wiring portion 113 has a length sufficient to allow the first connector portion 114 to be drawn out of the oral cavity when the sensor portion 111 is placed at a position on the tongue TG. As an example, the first wiring portion 113 has a length sufficient to allow the first connector portion 114 to be drawn out of the oral cavity when the sensor portion 111 is placed at the back of the tongue.

[0026] Furthermore, the first wiring unit 113 is thin or narrow enough not to interfere with the subject's swallowing of food and drink when the sensor unit 111 is placed on the subject's tongue TG. Specifically, the first wiring unit 113 is thin enough to pass through the subject's teeth and lips when the subject has their mouth closed. As an example, the outer dimension of the first wiring unit 113 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. This allows the subject to measure tongue pressure while swallowing food and drink.

[0027] Sensor unit 110 is detachably connected to receiving unit 120 via first connector 114 and second connector 123. Therefore, sensor unit 110 inserted into the oral cavity can be detached from receiving unit 120 and disposed of. This allows a new sensor unit 110 to be used each time tongue pressure is measured, making it possible to reuse receiving unit 120. Furthermore, tasks such as cleaning or sterilizing sensor unit 110 can be omitted.

[0028] Next, an example of the retaining means will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4A is a schematic side view showing the suction cup 112a of the sensor unit 111 placed on the tongue TG of the subject. Fig. 4B is a schematic side view showing the adhesive member 112b of the sensor unit 111 placed on the tongue TG of the subject. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the shape retaining member 112c of the first wiring section 113. Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the states before and after the sensor unit 110 having the shape retaining member 112c is inserted into the oral cavity of a patient.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4A , the sensor unit 110 in the first embodiment includes a suction cup 112a, an example of a retaining means, that adheres the sensor unit 111 to the placement position. The suction cup 112a is provided on the surface of the sensor unit 111 facing the tongue TG. During measurement, the concave surface of the suction cup 112a, together with the sensor unit 111, is pressed firmly against the subject's tongue TG. This expels air, saliva, and the like between the suction cup 112a and the tongue TG. This allows the suction cup 112a to adhere the sensor unit 111 to the placement position on the tongue TG. Therefore, the sensor unit 111 is prevented from shifting from its placement position during tongue pressure measurement, and is maintained in its placement position. The suction cup 112a has flexibility that allows it to easily adhere to the tongue TG and can be made of a material that does not contain harmful substances. As an example, the suction cup 112a can be made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), silicone rubber, or elastomer.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4B , the sensor unit 110 may include, as another example of the maintaining means, an adhesive member 112b that adheres the sensor unit 111 to the arrangement position. The adhesive member 112b is provided on the surface of the sensor unit 111 on the tongue TG side. One surface of the adhesive member 112b is attached to the sensor unit 111, and the other surface of the adhesive member 112b adheres to the tongue TG of the subject. This allows the sensor unit 111 to be adhered to the arrangement position on the tongue TG. Therefore, the sensor unit 111 can be maintained in the arrangement position when measuring tongue pressure. Alternatively, one surface of the adhesive member 112b may be adhered to the sensor unit 111.

[0031] As one example, the adhesive member 112b is a medical adhesive tape. As another example, the sensor unit 111 can be fixed at the arrangement position by adhering the adhesive member 112b, which is made of an intraoral adhesive film, to the sensor unit 111. In this case, the adhesive member 112b is attached to the sensor unit 111 in advance. This can save the trouble of adhering the adhesive member 112b to the sensor unit 111 every time tongue pressure is measured.

[0032] Alternatively, the maintaining means may be a medical adhesive. For example, a viscous liquid (for example, an oral composition that has a high retention time in the oral cavity) may be applied as the adhesive to the surface of the sensor unit 111 on the tongue TG side, thereby temporarily adhering the sensor unit 111 to the placement position. Note that the maintaining means is not limited to being provided on the sensor unit 111. For example, the maintaining means may be provided on the surface of the sensor terminal 111a on the tongue TG side.

[0033] 5, another example of the maintaining means may be a shape-maintaining member 112c having enough rigidity to maintain the shape after deformation. For example, the first wiring portion 113 of the sensor unit 110 has the shape-maintaining member 112c. For example, the first wiring portion 113 includes a core wire 113a that transmits a pressure signal from the sensor portion 111, two shape-maintaining members 112c positioned so as to sandwich the core wire 113a, and a covering member 113b that covers the core wire 113a and the two shape-maintaining members 112c. As an example, the shape-maintaining member 112c is made of a metal or a shape-memory alloy having enough rigidity to maintain its shape once it is deformed.

[0034] When measuring the tongue pressure of a subject, the subject deforms the first wiring portion 113 in advance so that the sensor portion 111 is disposed at the arrangement position, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6. Then, the subject inserts the sensor portion 111 into the oral cavity to the desired arrangement position, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 6. The deformed shape of the first wiring portion 113 is maintained by the shape maintaining member 112c even after the sensor portion 111 is inserted into the oral cavity. Therefore, the state in which the sensor portion 111 is disposed at the arrangement position is maintained. Therefore, when measuring the tongue pressure of a subject while repeatedly inserting and removing the sensor portion 111, it is possible to save the trouble of fixing the sensor portion 111 to the tongue TG of the subject each time it is inserted.

[0035] Furthermore, the first wiring section 113 has flexibility that allows it to be deformed by human hands. This allows the first wiring section 113 to be easily deformed when inserting the sensor section 111 into the oral cavity of a subject. Alternatively, the core wire 113a or the covering member 113b of the first wiring section 113 may have rigidity that allows it to maintain its shape after deformation, and may function as the shape maintaining member 112c. In this case, the two shape maintaining members 112c positioned to sandwich the core wire 113a can be omitted. This allows the structure of the first wiring section 113 to be simplified. Furthermore, the number of shape maintaining members 112c may be one or three or more.

[0036] By providing the sensor unit 110 with a maintaining means, the sensor unit 111 is maintained in a position on the tongue TG of the subject, even when measuring tongue pressure during swallowing. Therefore, the sensor unit 111 can reliably detect tongue pressure at any part of the tongue TG. Furthermore, the maintaining means can prevent the position of the sensor unit 111 from shifting due to the movement of the tongue TG when swallowing food or drink. Then, by measuring the tongue pressure at a specific part of the tongue TG when the subject swallows food or drink, the subject can recognize any shortcomings in the movement of the tongue TG when swallowing food or drink. Therefore, the subject can improve the movement of the tongue TG.

[0037] According to the tongue pressure measuring device 100 of the first embodiment described above, the sensor section 111 of the sensor unit 110 can be maintained in a position on the tongue TG of the subject. That is, the tongue pressure of any part of the tongue TG of the subject can be measured. Also, by having the subject swallow food or drink, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be measured. Furthermore, since the tongue pressure measuring device 100 can be replaced with a new sensor unit 110 for each measurement, the receiving unit 120 can be reused.

[0038] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a tongue pressure measuring device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0039] The tongue pressure measuring device 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include a second wiring section 122 and a second connector section 123. The tongue pressure measuring device 200 also differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a detachable cover member 215.

[0040] In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the components already described, and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the components with the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7 , the tongue pressure measuring device 200 includes a sensor unit 210 and a receiving unit 220. The sensor unit 210 includes a sensor section 211 and a first wiring section 213. The sensor section 211 is electrically connected to the receiving unit 220 via a sensor terminal 211 a and the first wiring section 213. The sensor unit 210 also includes a maintaining means for maintaining the sensor section 211 in a position on the tongue TG. The sensor unit 210 also includes a first connector section 214 that is detachably connected to the receiving unit 220. The sensor unit 210 also includes a cover member 215 that covers at least the sensor section 211 of the sensor unit 210.

[0042] The first wiring section 213 in the second embodiment is connected to the receiving section 221 of the receiving unit 220 via the first connector section 214. That is, the sensor unit 210 in the second embodiment is connected to the receiving section 221 without the second wiring section 122 and the second connector section 123. This allows the configuration of the display device 230 having the receiving unit 220 to be simpler than in the first embodiment. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the display device 230 can be reduced. Furthermore, the receiving unit 220 in the second embodiment has a built-in connector section (not shown) to which the first connector section 214 is connected. Note that the other configurations of the receiving unit 220 and the housing 231, display section 232, and control section 233 of the display device 230 are common to the corresponding configurations described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0043] Cover member 215 is a disposable cover that covers at least sensor section 211 of sensor unit 210. For example, cover member 215 is a bag with opening 215a for inserting sensor unit 210 provided at one end. Cover member 215 also has a length sufficient to cover the entire portion of sensor unit 210 that is inserted into the oral cavity when sensor section 211 is placed at the placement position on the tongue TG. As an example, cover member 215 is made of a hydrophobic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0044] Cover member 215 is attached to sensor unit 210 by inserting sensor unit 210 through opening 215a. Cover member 215 is then inserted into the oral cavity of the subject together with sensor unit 210. This prevents sensor unit 210 from coming into direct contact with the tongue TG of the subject. Furthermore, cover member 215 can be replaced with a new cover member 215 for each measurement or each subject. This allows sensor unit 210 to be reused without having to disinfect or clean it.

[0045] Furthermore, the first wiring portion 213 of the sensor unit 210 in the second embodiment includes the shape maintaining member 112c of the first embodiment as an example of maintaining means. This allows the sensor unit 210 to maintain the state in which the sensor portion 211 is arranged at the arrangement position even when the cover member 215 is attached. The cover member 215 has flexibility such that it can deform along the deformed first wiring portion 113.

[0046] The tongue pressure measuring device 200 of the second embodiment described above can also maintain the sensor unit 210 with the sensor section 211 positioned at a position on the tongue TG of the subject. That is, it is possible to measure the tongue pressure at any part of the tongue TG of the subject. Furthermore, by having the subject swallow food or drink, it is possible to measure the tongue pressure during swallowing. Furthermore, since the sensor unit 210 includes the cover member 215, the sensor unit 210 can be reused. Furthermore, the configuration of the receiving unit 220 can be simplified.

[0047] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a tongue pressure measuring device 300 according to the third embodiment. The tongue pressure measuring device 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include the first connector portion 114, the second wiring portion 122, and the second connector portion 123. The tongue pressure measuring device 300 according to the third embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that information related to the measured tongue pressure is displayed by an external display device 500. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the configuration of the receiving unit 320 differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0048] In the description of the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the components already described, and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the components with the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

[0049] 8, the tongue pressure measuring device 300 includes a sensor unit 310 and a receiving unit 320. The sensor unit 310 includes a sensor section 311, a sensor terminal 311a, and a first wiring section 313. The sensor section 311 is electrically connected to a receiving section 321 included in the receiving unit 320 via the first wiring section 313. As an example, the first wiring section 313 is electrically connected to a control board of the receiving unit 320. The sensor unit 310 also includes a maintaining means for maintaining a state in which the sensor section 311 is placed at a placement position on the tongue TG.

[0050] The receiving unit 320 has a receiving section 321 that receives a pressure signal detected by the sensor section 311. In the third embodiment, the receiving unit 320 also has a control section 325 that controls the entire tongue pressure measuring device 300. As an example, the control section 325 controls the transmission of the pressure signal. The control section 325 also converts the pressure signal received by the receiving unit 320 into information related to tongue pressure. Furthermore, the receiving unit 320 has a unit communication section 324 that transmits the information related to tongue pressure converted by the control section 325 to the external display device 500. The unit communication section 324 is controlled by the control section 325. As an example, the receiving unit 320 is housed in a case (not shown).

[0051] The external display device 500 transmits and receives data to and from the tongue pressure measuring device 300. The external display device 500 displays information related to tongue pressure transmitted from the tongue pressure measuring device 300. To this end, the external display device 500 has a device communication unit 501. For example, the device communication unit 501 is an interface device that receives information related to tongue pressure from the unit communication unit 324. The external display device 500 also has a display unit 502 that displays the received information related to tongue pressure. Furthermore, the external display device 500 has a control unit (not shown) that controls the entire external display device 500.

[0052] For example, the external display device 500 is a portable computer device such as a mobile phone including a smartphone or a tablet terminal, etc. The external display device 500 may also be a computer device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer.

[0053] As an example, the unit communication unit 324 is a wireless connection device that applies standardized wireless communication technology such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the unit communication unit 324 transmits to the external display device 500 a tongue pressure value obtained by converting a pressure signal as information related to tongue pressure.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the sensor unit 310 and the receiving unit 320 are configured as an integrated unit. This allows the tongue pressure measuring device 300 to have a simpler configuration than the first embodiment. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of the tongue pressure measuring device 300 can be reduced.

[0055] Note that the first wiring section 313 in the third embodiment has a sufficient length to allow the receiving unit 320 to be pulled out of the oral cavity when the sensor section 311 is placed at a position above the tongue TG. This allows the receiving unit 320 to be pulled out of the oral cavity even when the sensor section 311 is placed on the tongue TG of the subject. For example, when measuring tongue pressure, the case that houses the receiving unit 320 can be grasped to prevent the sensor unit 310 from being accidentally swallowed.

[0056] The tongue pressure measuring device 300 according to the third embodiment transmits information relating to tongue pressure to the external display device 500 via the unit communication section 324 of the receiving unit 320. The external display device 500 then displays the information relating to tongue pressure received by the device communication section 501 on the display section 502. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of the tongue pressure measuring device 300 can be reduced.

[0057] The external display device 500 may include a storage unit that stores an application that operates in cooperation with the tongue pressure measuring device 300, and a device control unit that executes this application. For example, the device control unit executes the application to associate information about the measured tongue pressure with the date and time of measurement and store the associated information in the storage unit of the external display device 500. Then, the device control unit executes the application to display, on the display unit 502 of the external display device 500, a graph in which the information about tongue pressure is associated with the date and time of measurement. This allows the subject to know the relative change in tongue pressure over time.

[0058] Alternatively, the tongue pressure measuring device 300 may be operated by the external display device 500. As an example, the subject operates the operation unit of the external display device 500 to cause the tongue pressure measuring device 300 to start measuring tongue pressure. Upon receiving the operation to start measurement, the external display device 500 transmits a measurement start signal to the tongue pressure measuring device 300 via the device communication unit 501. Then, upon receiving the measurement start signal via the unit communication unit 324, the control unit 325 of the tongue pressure measuring device 300 controls the sensor unit 310 to start measuring tongue pressure. This allows the subject to operate the tongue pressure measuring device 300 using the external display device 500.

[0059] The unit communication unit 324 of the receiving unit 320 may be a wired connection device to which a standardized communication technology such as a wired LAN or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) is applied. In this case, the receiving unit 320 and the external display device 500 are connected by wire.

[0060] Furthermore, information related to tongue pressure measured by the tongue pressure measuring device 300 may be sent to the external display device 500, for example, via an information storage medium. As an example, the information storage medium is a removable storage medium such as a USB memory or a memory card. In this case, the receiving unit 320 includes a device for writing information related to tongue pressure to the information storage medium, instead of or in addition to the unit communication section 324. Then, the external display device 500 reads the information storage medium in which the information related to tongue pressure has been written by the receiving unit 320, so that the information related to tongue pressure can be displayed on the external display device 500.

[0061] The tongue pressure measuring device 300 may transmit a pressure signal detected by the sensor unit 311 to the external display device 500. For example, the tongue pressure measuring device 300 transmits a pressure signal received by the receiving unit 321 to the external display device 500. The pressure signal received by the external display device 500 is converted into information related to tongue pressure by the device control unit. This allows the external display device 500 to display information related to tongue pressure.

[0062] According to the tongue pressure measuring device 300 of the third embodiment described above, the sensor unit 310 can maintain the sensor section 311 in a position on the tongue TG of the subject. That is, the tongue pressure of any part of the tongue TG of the subject can be measured. Also, by having the subject swallow food or drink, the tongue pressure during swallowing can be measured. Furthermore, the tongue pressure measuring device 300 can omit a device for displaying information about the measured tongue pressure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Inventions modified without violating the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form, and technical means included in each embodiment or each modified form, can be combined as appropriate without violating the present invention.

[0064] For example, the first connector 114, the second wiring section 122, and the second connector 123 can be omitted from the tongue pressure measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment. This can further simplify the configuration of the tongue pressure measuring device 100. Alternatively, the tongue pressure measuring device 300 according to the third embodiment may be provided with a connector section that detachably connects the sensor unit 310 and the receiving unit 320. This allows the sensor unit 310 to be disposable.

[0065] [Transformation] A modified embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. In Figures 9A and 9B, the tongue pressure measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment is provided with a cover member 215 according to the second embodiment. Then, instead of or in addition to providing a maintaining means in the sensor section 111, a maintaining means is provided in the cover member 215. Note that Figure 9A is a schematic side view showing a sensor unit 110 in which maintaining means are provided in the sensor section 111 and the cover member 215. Also, Figure 9B is a schematic side view showing a sensor unit 110 in which maintaining means are provided only in the cover member 215.

[0066] 9A, in addition to providing an attachment member 112b on the sensor section 111, the cover member 215 is also provided with a cover attachment member 212d as an example of a maintaining means. In this case, the attachment member 112b adheres to the inside of the cover member 215, preventing the sensor section 111 from shifting inside the cover member 215. The cover attachment member 212d adheres to the placement position on the tongue TG of the subject, thereby maintaining the sensor section 111 in the placement position.

[0067] When cover member 215 is not attached, sensor unit 111 can be maintained in the arrangement position by means of attachment member 112b. Also, instead of attachment member 112b for sensor unit 111, a member for attaching sensor unit 111 to cover member 215 may be provided at any position between the inside of cover member 215 and sensor unit 111. For example, this member may be provided above sensor unit 111 in FIG. 9A.

[0068] 9A can be configured in substantially the same manner as the attachment member 112b provided on the sensor unit 111. The cover member 215 may be provided with a retaining means different from the retaining means provided on the sensor unit 111. For example, the sensor unit 111 may be provided with a suction cup 112a, while the cover member 215 may be provided with a cover attachment member 212d. Alternatively, the cover member 215 may be provided with a suction cup similar to the suction cup 112a, instead of the cover attachment member 212d.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 9B , instead of providing a retaining means on the sensor unit 111, a cover attachment member 212d as an example of a retaining means is provided on the cover member 215. In this case, the cover member 215 is formed to have an inner shape that is complementary to the outer shape of the sensor unit 111. As an example, such a cover member 215 is formed from an elastic material that has stretchability. When the sensor unit 111 is inserted, the cover member 215 contracts and returns to its original shape, thereby bringing the cover member 215 into contact with the sensor unit 111. This makes it possible to prevent the sensor unit 111 from shifting inside the cover member 215.

[0070] The cover member 215 can also be used in the third embodiment. Furthermore, the cover member 215 may have a length that allows it to further cover the second wiring portion 122 of the first embodiment.

[0071] Furthermore, since the sensor units 111, 211, 311 are disposed on the tongue TG, the pressure received by the sensor units 111, 211, 311 can also be expressed as a force on the tongue TG. Therefore, the tongue pressure measuring devices 100, 200, 300 may convert the pressure signal detected by the sensor units 111, 211, 311 and display it as a force on the tongue TG. For example, the force on the tongue TG can be displayed on the display units 132, 232, 502 as a numerical value in units of "N."

[0072] Furthermore, the tongue pressure measuring devices 100, 200, 300 may have a plurality of sensor units 111, 211, 311. As an example, the sensor unit 110 of the tongue pressure measuring device 100 includes a plurality of sensor units 111, a first wiring unit 113, and a first connector unit 114. One end of the first wiring unit 113 branches into a plurality of parts and is connected to each of the plurality of sensor units 111, and the other end is connected to the first connector unit 114. That is, the plurality of sensor units 111 are connected in parallel to the first wiring unit 113. The plurality of sensor units 111 are arranged at different positions on the tongue TG of the subject. This makes it possible to measure tongue pressure at different sites on the tongue TG of the subject in a single measurement.

[0073] Alternatively, as another example in which the sensor unit 110 includes multiple sensor units 111, the sensor unit 110 may have multiple sensor units 111 connected in series. For example, one sensor unit 111 is connected to another sensor unit 111 via a wiring. When the sensor unit 110 has three or more sensor units 111, another sensor unit 111 connected to one sensor unit 111 via a wiring is further connected to another sensor unit 111. That is, the multiple sensor units 111 are connected in series via wiring. The multiple sensor units 111 connected in series are then connected to the first connector unit 114 via the first wiring unit 113. This allows the multiple sensor units 111 to be arranged at different positions on the tongue TG of the subject.

[0074] Although the tongue pressure measuring devices 100, 200, and 300 are described as tongue pressure measuring devices in this specification, they can be applied to measuring the pressure of food and drink passing through the throat, esophagus, etc. For example, the first wiring section 113 of the sensor unit 110 has a length sufficient to allow the sensor section 111 to reach the esophagus, etc. The sensor section 111 is then inserted through the mouth of the subject and placed in the esophagus, etc. With the sensor section 111 placed in the esophagus, etc., the subject is asked to swallow food and drink, thereby measuring the pressure of the food and drink passing through the esophagus, etc. of the subject.

[0075] Alternatively, the sensor unit 110 may have a length sufficient for at least one sensor unit 111 to reach the esophagus or the like by connecting multiple sensor units 111 in series. By continuously arranging the sensor units 111 from a position on the tongue TG of the subject to the esophagus or the like, it is possible to continuously measure the pressure at each position from the tongue TG to the esophagus. Then, by having the subject swallow food or drink in this state, it is possible to continuously measure the pressure of the food or drink passing through the esophagus or the like of the subject.

[0076] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0077] (Appendix 1) a sensor unit including a sensor section disposed at an arbitrary position on the tongue to detect tongue pressure and a wiring section connected to the sensor section; a receiving unit that receives a pressure signal from the sensor unit via the wiring unit, The sensor unit has a maintaining means for maintaining the sensor portion in the arrangement position.

[0078] (Appendix 2) 2. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the maintaining means is a suction cup that adsorbs the sensor unit to the placement position.

[0079] (Appendix 3) 2. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the maintaining means is an adhesive member that adheres the sensor unit to the placement position.

[0080] (Appendix 4) the wiring portion includes a shape-retaining member having rigidity such that the shape after deformation is maintained; 4. The tongue pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the maintaining means is the shape maintaining member.

[0081] (Appendix 5) A tongue pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor unit is provided with a connector portion that can be detachably connected to the receiving unit.

[0082] (Appendix 6) 6. A tongue pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wiring section has an outer dimension of 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0083] (Appendix 7) 7. A tongue pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor unit has a cover member that covers at least the sensor portion.

[0084] (Appendix 8) a sensor unit that is placed at an arbitrary position on the tongue and detects tongue pressure; a wiring portion connected to the sensor portion; and a maintaining means for maintaining the sensor portion in the arrangement position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] TG: Tongue 100: Tongue pressure measuring device 110: Sensor unit 111: Sensor section 112a: Suction cup (maintenance means) 112b: Adhering member (maintenance means) 112c: Shape maintaining member (maintenance means) 113: 1st wiring section (wiring section) 114: First connector part 120: Receiving unit 121: Receiving unit 122: 2nd wiring section 123: Second connector part 215: Cover member

Claims

1. a sensor unit including a sensor section disposed at an arbitrary position on the tongue to detect tongue pressure and a wiring section connected to the sensor section; a receiving unit that receives a pressure signal from the sensor unit via the wiring unit, The sensor unit has a maintaining means for maintaining the sensor portion in the arrangement position.

2. 2. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the maintaining means is a suction cup that adheres the sensor unit to the arrangement position.

3. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintaining means is an adhesive member that adheres the sensor unit to the arrangement position.

4. the wiring portion includes a shape-retaining member having rigidity such that the shape after deformation is maintained; The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintaining means is the shape maintaining member.

5. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit includes a connector portion that is detachably connected to the receiving unit.

6. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring portion has an outer dimension of 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

7. The tongue pressure measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit includes a cover member that covers at least the sensor portion.

8. a sensor unit that is placed at an arbitrary position on the tongue and detects tongue pressure; a wiring portion connected to the sensor portion; and a maintaining means for maintaining the sensor portion in the arrangement position.

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