Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device capable of measuring the information necessary for pulse diagnosis. [Solution] The measuring device includes a sensor unit 2, a switch circuit 4, an amplification circuit 5, and a control unit 7. The sensor unit 2 is equipped with a plurality of sensor elements 20. The switch circuit 4 is equipped with a plurality of switches 21, each connected to one of the plurality of sensor elements 20. The amplification circuit 5 is equipped with a plurality of amplifiers 22, each connected to one of the plurality of first paths of the plurality of switches 21, and an amplifier 24, which is commonly connected to one of the plurality of second paths of the plurality of switches 21. In pulse wave measurement, the control unit 7 sequentially executes a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode. In the first measurement mode, the control unit 7 controls the switch circuit 4 to connect the plurality of sensor elements 20 and the plurality of amplifiers 22, respectively, and in the second measurement mode, it controls the switch circuit 4 to commonly connect two or more of the plurality of sensor elements 20 and the amplifiers 24.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring a pulse wave.

Background Art

[0002] Piezoelectric sensors using the piezoelectric effect are known. Piezoelectric sensors using organic piezoelectric materials such as P(VDF / TrFE) are used. Since organic piezoelectric materials can be formed by coating, can be manufactured by a low-temperature process, and can be easily formed into a film, applications to flexible sensors for wearable devices, large-area sensors, etc. have been attempted. As applications of flexible piezoelectric sensors, various applications such as biosensors for measuring pulse waves and myograms, or tactile sensors are conceivable, and it is a technology that has attracted attention. Also, as application fields of piezoelectric sensors, effective utilization in various fields such as medical, healthcare, monitoring, sports, just UI, robotics, and facility monitoring can be expected.

[0003] Pulse diagnosis is considered as one of the application fields of piezoelectric sensors. Pulse diagnosis is to take a pulse using a finger on the patient's wrist, diagnose the properties such as the pulse rate, strength, and rhythm of the pulse, and diagnose abnormalities in the internal organs and meridians, and also to be used for diagnosing the disease location, symptoms, and prognosis.

[0004] Pulse diagnosis is a method that enables the diagnosis of abnormalities in a patient's internal organs and pathways by simply measuring the pulse on the wrist, but the diagnosis is not quantifiable and is largely dependent on the skill and experience of the examiner. Also, when trying to manufacture a measuring device for quantifying them, a sensor for measuring the pulse, a sensor for measuring the pressing force of the finger, and a device for applying pressure are required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] This invention provides a measuring device capable of measuring information necessary for pulse diagnosis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a measuring device is provided comprising: a sensor unit having a plurality of sensor elements; a switch circuit having a plurality of switches connected to each of the plurality of sensor elements, each of the plurality of switches being switchable between a plurality of first paths and a plurality of second paths; an amplification circuit having a plurality of first amplifiers connected to each of the plurality of first paths of the plurality of switches, and a second amplifier commonly connected to the plurality of second paths of the plurality of switches; and a control unit that sequentially executes a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode, wherein the control unit controls the switch circuit to connect each of the plurality of sensor elements to the plurality of first amplifiers in the first measurement mode, and controls the switch circuit to commonly connect two or more of the plurality of sensor elements to the second amplifiers in the second measurement mode.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the first aspect is provided, wherein the control unit determines the position of the finger pressing the sensor part based on a plurality of detection signals from the plurality of sensor elements in the first measurement mode.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the second aspect is provided, wherein the control unit determines a click operation based on the plurality of detection signals, and determines the position of the finger when a click operation is input.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the second aspect is provided, wherein the control unit integrates the plurality of detection signals and determines the pressure applied to the sensor based on the integrated signal.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the first aspect is provided, wherein the control unit determines the positions of multiple fingers pressing on the sensor part and determines the balance of pressure of the multiple fingers based on multiple detection signals from the multiple sensor elements in the first measurement mode.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the fifth aspect is provided, wherein the control unit integrates the plurality of detection signals and determines the pressure applied to the sensor based on the integrated signal.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the first aspect is provided, wherein the control unit determines a click operation based on a plurality of detection signals from the plurality of sensor elements, and switches from the first measurement mode to the second measurement mode when the click operation is input.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the seventh aspect is provided, wherein the control unit switches from the first measurement mode to the second measurement mode after a certain period of time has elapsed since the click operation was input.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the first aspect is provided, further comprising an A / D converter connected to the output of the amplification circuit, wherein the A / D converter samples a detection signal at each sampling period, and the sampling period in the second measurement mode is set to be shorter than the sampling period in the first measurement mode.

[0016] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a measuring device according to the first aspect is provided, wherein the control unit determines the duration of the trough of the pulse wave in the second measurement mode and executes the first measurement mode during that period.

[0017] According to the 11th aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a measurement device according to the first aspect, which further includes a flexible support member and an airbag provided below the support member, wherein the sensor unit is provided above the support member and is configured to detect the pressure applied to the airbag.

[0018] According to the 12th aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement device according to the first aspect, wherein each of the plurality of sensor elements is configured using a flexible organic piezoelectric layer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measurement device capable of measuring information necessary for pulse diagnosis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the sensor unit, switch circuit, and amplifier circuit shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram extracted from the circuit portion connected to one sensor element. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of one amplifier included in the amplifier circuit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the appearance of the measurement device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the appearance of the measurement device during pulse wave measurement. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the measurement device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the switch circuit in the pressing measurement mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a detection signal during a click operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the pressure in the pressing measurement mode. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a detection signal in the pressure measurement mode. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the operation of switching from pressure measurement mode to pulse wave measurement mode. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates the operation of the switch circuit in pulse wave measurement mode. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a detection signal in pulse wave measurement mode. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the A / D converter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the A / D converter. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the measuring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 illustrates the operation for determining the duration of the pressure measurement mode. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a plan view of a measuring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a block diagram of a measurement system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and proportions in each drawing are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Furthermore, even when the same part is represented between drawings, the relationship between dimensions and proportions may be represented differently. In particular, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of devices and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not determined by the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0022] [1] First Embodiment [1-1] Configuration of measuring device 1 Figure 1 is a block diagram of a measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The measuring device 1 comprises a sensor unit 2, a signal processing unit 3, a control unit 7, a storage unit 8, a communication unit 9, and a voltage generation circuit 10.

[0023] Sensor unit 2 detects the pressure applied to it. Sensor unit 2 can detect pressure in multiple sub-regions, which are obtained by dividing the detection area (the area in which sensor unit 2 is located). Sensor unit 2 outputs multiple detection signals corresponding to each of the multiple sub-regions. The detection signals output by sensor unit 2 consist of electric charge.

[0024] The signal processing unit 3 receives multiple detection signals from the sensor unit 2 and performs signal processing on these multiple detection signals. The signal processing unit 3 includes a switch circuit 4, an amplification circuit 5, and an A / D converter 6.

[0025] The switch circuit 4 switches the signal path between the sensor unit 2 and the amplification circuit 5 according to the measurement mode. The switch circuit 4 is composed of, for example, an analog switch circuit.

[0026] The amplification circuit 5 receives multiple detection signals from the sensor unit 2 via the switch circuit 4. The amplification circuit 5 amplifies the voltage signal input to itself.

[0027] The A / D converter 6 receives multiple detection signals from the amplification circuit 5. The A / D converter 6 converts the analog signals output from the amplification circuit 5 into digital signals. The detection signals (digital signals) output from the A / D converter 6 are transmitted to the control unit 7.

[0028] The control unit 7 comprehensively controls the operation of the measuring device 1. The control unit 7 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processors included in the control unit 7 realize various functions by executing programs stored in the memory unit 8.

[0029] The control unit 7 controls multiple measurement modes. The control unit 7 can perform both a pressure measurement mode and a pulse wave measurement mode. The pressure measurement mode is a mode in which the pressure state (including finger position, etc.) is measured when the examiner (or user) applies pressure to the sensor unit 2 with their finger. The pulse wave measurement mode is a mode in which the actual pulse wave is measured when the conditions for measuring the pulse wave are met. A pulse wave is a measurement of the pressure or volume change of the artery generated by the beating of the heart.

[0030] In pressure measurement mode, the sensor unit 2 is driven separately. Separate driving is a mode in which multiple detection signals from multiple sensor elements 20 are output individually. In pulse wave measurement mode, the sensor unit 2 is driven in a linked manner. Linked driving is a mode in which multiple outputs from multiple sensor elements 20 are linked together to output a single detection signal.

[0031] The storage unit 8 stores various data necessary for the operation of the measuring device 1 and also functions as a workspace for the processor included in the control unit 7. The storage unit 8 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and registers, etc. The non-volatile memory includes ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0032] The communication unit 9 is connected to an external device by wire or wireless connection and has the function of communicating with the external device. The communication unit 9 performs interface processing with the external device based on a predetermined standard. The communication unit 9 includes a wired interface circuit for wired communication or a wireless interface circuit for wireless communication.

[0033] The voltage generation circuit 10 generates multiple voltages necessary for the operation of the measuring device 1. The voltage generation circuit 10 supplies voltage to the corresponding circuits.

[0034] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the sensor unit 2, switch circuit 4, and amplifier circuit 5 shown in Figure 1. The sensor unit 2 comprises a plurality of sensor elements 20-1 to 20-n, where "n" is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. In this embodiment, the common description of reference numerals with sub-numbers is given by using reference numerals without sub-numbers. Each of the plurality of sensor elements 20 is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element. A piezoelectric element is a sensor element that utilizes the piezoelectric effect and is capable of outputting a voltage signal in response to the pressure applied to the piezoelectric body. The plurality of sensor elements 20 are configured, for example, on the same substrate. The piezoelectric element is configured to include a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between them.

[0035] The switch circuit 4 comprises multiple switches 21-1 to 21-n. Each of the switches 21-1 to 21-n is connected to a plurality of sensor elements 20-1 to 20-n. Switch 21 is composed of an SPDT (Single-Pole Double-Throw) switch capable of switching between two paths (one pole and two contacts).

[0036] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit portion connected to one sensor element 20 (sensor element 20-1). Switch 21 has one input terminal T1 and two output terminals T2 and T3. Switch 21 switches between a first path connecting input terminal T1 and output terminal T2, and a second path connecting input terminal T1 and output terminal T3. Input terminal T1 of switch 21 is connected to the output of sensor element 20. Control signal CNT1 is input to switch 21 from control unit 7. Based on the control signal CNT1, switch 21 switches between the two paths.

[0037] The amplification circuit 5 comprises multiple amplifiers 22-1 to 22-n and multiple load resistors 23-1 to 23-n. Amplifier 22 is composed of an operational amplifier. The inputs of each of the multiple amplifiers 22-1 to 22-n are connected to the output terminals T3 of the multiple switches 21-1 to 21-n. The multiple load resistors 23-1 to 23-n are each connected to the inputs of the multiple amplifiers 22-1 to 22-n. The multiple amplifiers 22-1 to 22-n and the multiple load resistors 23-1 to 23-n are used in pressure measurement mode.

[0038] The amplification circuit 5 further comprises an amplifier 24 and a load resistor 25. The amplifier 24 is composed of an operational amplifier. The input of the amplifier 24 is connected in common to the output terminal T2 of a plurality of switches 21-1 to 21-n. The load resistor 25 is connected to the input of the amplifier 24. The amplifier 24 and the load resistor 25 are used in pulse wave measurement mode. The resistance value of the load resistor 25 is set to be greater than the resistance value of the load resistor 23.

[0039] The resistance value of the load resistance 25 used in pulse wave measurement mode may be determined by selectively switching between two or more load resistances with different resistance values. This allows the dynamic range to be adjusted according to the magnitude of the pressure.

[0040] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of one amplifier 22 included in the amplification circuit 5. The configuration of amplifier 24 is the same as in Figure 4. Amplifier 22 is composed of, for example, a non-inverting amplifier.

[0041] The amplification circuit 5 comprises an amplifier 22, a load resistor 23, an input terminal 30, an output terminal 31, and resistors 32 and 33. The input terminal 30 is connected to the output terminal T3 of the switch 21. The output terminal 31 is connected to the A / D converter 6.

[0042] A positive power supply V+ (e.g., 5V) is supplied to the positive power supply terminal of amplifier 22. A negative power supply V- (e.g., -5V) is supplied to the negative power supply terminal of amplifier 22.

[0043] The non-inverting input terminal (+) of amplifier 22 is connected to input terminal 30. One end of load resistor 23 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of amplifier 22, and the other end is connected to the ground terminal GND. 0V is supplied to the ground terminal GND.

[0044] The inverting input terminal (-) of amplifier 22 is connected to one end of resistor 32. The other end of resistor 32 is connected to the ground terminal GND. One end of resistor 33 is connected to the output of amplifier 22, and the other end is connected to the inverting input terminal of amplifier 22. The output of amplifier 22 is connected to output terminal 31.

[0045] The load resistor 23 converts the charge supplied from the sensor element 20 into a voltage. The amplifier 22 is capable of amplifying the input signal and outputting it. The amplification factor of the amplifier 22 is calculated by the following equation (1). Let Vi be the input voltage of the amplifier 22, Vo be the output voltage of the amplifier 22, R1 be the resistance value of resistor 32, and R2 be the resistance value of resistor 33. Vo = (1 + (R² / R¹))Vi ···(1) The measuring device 1 is used to measure the user's pulse wave. The measuring device 1 is worn on the user's wrist. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of the measuring device 1. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram viewed from the palm side of the user's hand.

[0046] The pulse wave is measured by touching the pulsation of the radial artery. The sensor unit 2 is attached to the radial artery area near the wrist. The sensor unit 2 is configured to be flexible. The sensor unit 2 comprises a flexible base material 2A. Multiple sensor elements 20 are provided on the base material 2A. The sensor elements 20 are made using a flexible organic piezoelectric layer. The sensor unit 2 can be attached to curved parts such as the user's wrist.

[0047] The measuring device 1 comprises a housing 11. The housing 11 houses the circuits other than the sensor unit 2. The sensor unit 2 is connected to the housing 11.

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of the measuring device 1 during pulse wave measurement. During pulse wave measurement, the sensor unit 2 is pressed by three fingers (index finger, middle finger, and ring finger) of the examiner (or the user). In traditional Chinese medicine, when the middle finger is placed next to the radial styloid process, the points pressed by the three fingers are called Cun Kou, Guan Shang, and Chizhong, in order from the index finger. By applying pressure to the sensor unit 2, the sensor unit 2 makes close contact with the measurement site, allowing for more accurate measurement of the pulse wave.

[0049] [1-2] Operation Next, we will explain the operation of the measuring device 1 configured as described above. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the measuring device 1.

[0050] The control unit 7 executes the pressure measurement mode as its initial state (step S100). In the pressure measurement mode, the control unit 7 drives the sensor unit 2 in separate units.

[0051] Figure 8 illustrates the operation of the switch circuit 4 in the pressure measurement mode. Figure 8 shows five sensor elements 20 as an example.

[0052] The control unit 7 transmits a control signal CNT1 to the switch circuit 4 to switch to the pressure measurement mode path. Each of the multiple switches 21 connects to multiple sensor elements 20 and multiple amplifiers 22. In pressure measurement mode, the multiple sensor elements 20 are not connected to the amplifiers 24. In pressure measurement mode, each of the multiple amplifiers 22 outputs the multiple outputs of the multiple sensor elements 20 as multiple detection signals. The multiple detection signals output from the amplification circuit 5 are converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 6 and transmitted to the control unit 7.

[0053] Next, the control unit 7 monitors whether or not a start operation has been input (step S101). A start operation is an operation that instructs the acquisition of pressure information, and this instruction can be given based on an action such as a click or button input. In this embodiment, the start operation is an operation to click the sensor unit 2 (referred to as a click operation), or an operation to double-click the sensor unit 2. By determining whether a double-click has occurred, false detections can be suppressed.

[0054] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a detection signal during a click operation. In Figure 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detection signal (voltage value). Figure 9 shows the detection signals extracted from three sensor elements 20 corresponding to the three fingers pressing the sensor unit 2 by the examiner (or user). In Figure 9, the waveforms are shown shifted vertically to facilitate understanding.

[0055] When the examiner (or user) clicks sensor unit 2 with their finger, a large pressure is applied to sensor unit 2. The control unit 7 compares the detection signal (voltage signal) with a predetermined threshold (voltage value), and determines that a click operation by the examiner (or user) has been input if the voltage level of the detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0056] The number of fingers used for assessment in step S101 may be one or multiple fingers. Pulse diagnosis may be performed using three fingers (index finger, middle finger, and ring finger). Therefore, the system may proceed to the next step only if it is determined that a click operation was performed using three fingers.

[0057] If a start operation is input (step S101 = Yes), the control unit 7 acquires the pressure information measured in the pressure measurement mode (step S102). Subsequently, the control unit 7 determines the state of the finger pressing the sensor unit 2 based on the pressure information (step S103). Specifically, the control unit 7 determines the position of the finger pressing the sensor unit 2. The control unit 7 stores the information regarding the determined state of the finger in the storage unit 8.

[0058] Figure 10 illustrates an example of pressure in the pressure measurement mode. Figure 10(a) illustrates the condition of the examiner's (or user's) finger. Figure 10(b) schematically illustrates the pressure applied to the sensor unit 2. In Figure 10(b), the horizontal axis represents the position corresponding to Figure 10(a), and the vertical axis represents the pressure.

[0059] The examiner (or user) presses the surface of the sensor unit 2 (the sensor unit surface position in Figure 10) with three fingers: the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger. The pressure applied by the fingers will differ depending on the position of each finger. By determining the detection signals from multiple sensor elements 20, changes in pressure can be detected.

[0060] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a detection signal in pressure measurement mode. Figure 11(a) illustrates the condition of the examiner's (or user's) fingers. The left side of Figure 11(a) is the elbow side, and the right side is the wrist side. Figure 11(b) schematically illustrates the detection signal. The horizontal axis of Figure 11(b) represents the position corresponding to Figure 11(a), and the vertical axis represents the detection signal (voltage value). The sensor unit 2 is assumed to be attached to the user's arm (near the wrist). The multiple squares on the sensor unit 2 schematically represent the sensor elements 20.

[0061] The control unit 7 obtains multiple detection signals from each of the multiple sensor elements 20. The multiple points in Figure 11(b) represent the multiple detection signals corresponding to the multiple sensor elements 20. The control unit 7 determines the position of the examiner's (or user's) fingers by determining the peak distribution of the multiple detection signals. In Figure 11(b), three peaks are determined by determining the multiple detection signals. The control unit 7 determines that the positions of the three peaks correspond to the positions of three fingers (for example, the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger).

[0062] When the control unit 7 determines the state of the finger in step S103, it integrates each of the multiple detection signals, which consist of voltage signals. By integrating the detection signals, the magnitude of the pressure can be determined more accurately.

[0063] Alternatively, step S101 may be omitted, and the state of the finger pressing on the sensor unit 2 during the pressure measurement mode may be determined.

[0064] Subsequently, the system switches from pressure measurement mode to pulse wave measurement mode. Figure 12 illustrates the process of switching from pressure measurement mode to pulse wave measurement mode. In Figure 12, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detected signal (voltage value). In the pressure measurement mode of Figure 12, the detected signals from the three sensor elements 20 corresponding to the three fingers are extracted and shown. In the pressure measurement mode of Figure 12, the waveforms are shown shifted vertically to allow for easier understanding of each waveform.

[0065] The control unit 7 monitors whether a switching operation has been input (step S104). A switching operation is an operation that instructs the system to switch from the pressure measurement mode to the pulse wave measurement mode. In this embodiment, the switching operation is an operation to click the sensor unit 2 or an operation to double-click the sensor unit 2. By detecting a double-click, false detections can be suppressed. The control unit 7 compares the detection signal (voltage signal) with a predetermined threshold (voltage value), and if it determines that the voltage level of the detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold, it determines that a click operation has been input by the examiner (or user).

[0066] The number of fingers used for assessment in step S104 may be one or multiple fingers. Pulse diagnosis may be performed using three fingers (index finger, middle finger, and ring finger). Using three fingers allows for a more accurate determination of pulse rate and rhythm. Therefore, the system may be configured to proceed to the next step only when it is determined that a click operation has been performed using three fingers.

[0067] If a switching operation is input (step S104 = Yes), the control unit 7 determines the balance of pressure applied from multiple fingers (pressure balance) based on multiple detection signals (step S105). When the sensor unit 2 is pressed with three fingers, the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger, the control unit 7 determines the magnitude of the pressure and identifies which of the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger has the greatest pressure, the finger with the medium pressure, and the finger with the least pressure. By obtaining information on the pressure balance, it is possible to determine or estimate which finger the examiner (or user) is pressing hard with and which finger is being used to measure the pulse wave. The pressure balance information is stored in the memory unit 8.

[0068] When the control unit 7 determines the pressure balance in step S105, it integrates each of the multiple detection signals, which consist of voltage signals. By integrating the detection signals, the magnitude of the pressure can be determined more accurately. Figure 12 shows the detection signals integrated from the timing of the start of pressing.

[0069] Next, the control unit 7 monitors whether a certain time T has elapsed since the switching operation was input (step S106). The certain time T is set to ensure sufficient time for the finger pressure to stabilize. If the certain time T has elapsed (step S106 = Yes), the control unit 7 executes the pulse wave measurement mode (step S107).

[0070] Figure 13 illustrates the operation of the switch circuit 4 in pulse wave measurement mode. Figure 13 shows five sensor elements 20 as an example.

[0071] In pulse wave measurement mode, the control unit 7 drives the sensor unit 2 in a linked manner. The control unit 7 transmits a control signal CNT1 to the switch circuit 4 to switch to the pulse wave measurement mode path. Each of the multiple switches 21 connects multiple sensor elements 20 and amplifiers 24 in common. That is, the multiple sensor elements 20 are connected in parallel, and the charges of the multiple sensor elements 20 are added together and supplied to the amplifier 24. This makes it possible to increase the voltage amplitude and dynamic range of the detection signal. In pulse wave measurement mode, the multiple sensor elements 20 are not connected to the multiple amplifiers 22. The detection signal output from the amplification circuit 5 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 6 and transmitted to the control unit 7.

[0072] The pressure applied to the sensor unit 2 by the pulse at the wrist is small. In this embodiment, in pulse wave measurement mode, the charges of multiple sensor elements 20 are added together, so pressure can be detected as a large voltage value.

[0073] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a detection signal in pulse wave measurement mode. In Figure 14, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detection signal (voltage value). The detection signal is in arbitrary units.

[0074] In pulse wave measurement mode, the charges of all sensor elements 20 are added together, and the added charges are output from the amplifier 24 as a detection signal. As can be seen from Figure 14, the dynamic range in pulse wave measurement mode can be increased. The control unit 7 can measure the pulse wave based on the detection signal with a large dynamic range.

[0075] Next, the control unit 7 acquires the pulse wave information measured in pulse wave measurement mode (step S108). The control unit 7 stores the pulse wave information measured in pulse wave measurement mode in the storage unit 8.

[0076] Next, the control unit 7 monitors whether a switching operation has been input (step S109). The switching operation is either clicking the sensor unit 2 or double-clicking the sensor unit 2. If a switching operation is input (step S109 = Yes), the control unit 7 proceeds to step S100 and repeats the pressure measurement mode.

[0077] [1-3] Effects of the first embodiment According to the first embodiment, the measuring device 1 can perform a series of measurement modes consisting of a pressure measurement mode and a pulse wave measurement mode. In the pressure measurement mode, the state of the finger pressing on the sensor unit 2 can be determined. In the pulse wave measurement mode, minute pressures can be measured with a large dynamic range. This makes it possible to realize a measuring device 1 that can measure the information necessary for pulse diagnosis.

[0078] Furthermore, in pressure measurement mode, the position of the finger being pressed by the examiner (or user) can be determined (or estimated). This allows for the measurement of the pulse wave in association with the information of the finger pressing on the wrist.

[0079] Furthermore, the measurement results from measuring device 1 can be used for pulse diagnosis. In pulse diagnosis, the state of a disease can be examined according to the position of the wrist where the pulse wave is measured (for example, the positions called Cun Kou, Guan Shang, and Chi Zhong). Measuring device 1 can measure the state of the fingers pressing on Cun Kou, Guan Shang, and Chi Zhong, as well as the pulse wave at the pressing position. This makes it possible to perform accurate pulse diagnosis based on data.

[0080] Furthermore, it can measure the pressure balance of multiple fingers pressing on the wrist. Therefore, it is possible to determine the position of the finger that the examiner (or user) is pressing most strongly. By using this information in pulse diagnosis, it becomes possible to make a more accurate diagnosis.

[0081] In the first embodiment, all sensor elements 20 of the sensor unit 2 are driven in a linked manner in pulse wave measurement mode. As a modification, some of the sensor elements 20 (two or more) of all sensor elements 20 may be driven in the pressure measurement mode without being driven in a linked manner, and pressure may be measured in parallel with pulse wave measurement.

[0082] [2] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, the sampling period of the A / D converter 6 is changed according to the measurement mode.

[0083] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the A / D converter 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The outputs of the three amplifiers 22 connected to any three sensor elements 20 from among the multiple sensor elements 20 are denoted as channels CH_1 to CH_3. The output of amplifier 24 in pulse wave measurement mode is denoted as channel CH_A.

[0084] The A / D converter 6 samples multiple detection signals output from the amplification circuit 5 at each sampling period and converts the sampled analog signals into digital signals. The output of the A / D converter 6 is transmitted to the control unit 7.

[0085] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the A / D converter 6. In Figure 16, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detected signal (voltage value). Figure 16 shows the voltage waveforms of channels CH_1 to CH_3 and CH_A from Figure 15. In the pressure measurement mode of Figure 16, the waveforms are shown shifted vertically to facilitate understanding.

[0086] In pressure measurement mode, the A / D converter 6 samples channels CH_1 to CH_3 with the same sampling period. The dots appended to the waveform in Figure 16 indicate the sampling period of the A / D converter 6 (ADC sampling in Figure 16).

[0087] In pulse wave measurement mode, the A / D converter 6 samples channel CH_A at a predetermined sampling period. The sampling period of the A / D converter 6 in pulse wave measurement mode is set to be shorter than the sampling period of the A / D converter 6 in pressure measurement mode. The sampling period of the A / D converter 6 is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0088] The dashed waveform shown in Figure 16 for the pulse wave measurement mode is the result of sampling the pulse wave measurement mode with the same sampling period as the pressure measurement mode. When the sampling period is large, the dynamic range of the detected signal is small. By reducing the sampling period in the pulse wave measurement mode, the dynamic range of the detected signal can be increased.

[0089] [3] Third embodiment In the third embodiment, the pulse wave measurement mode is configured to switch to the pressure measurement mode at regular intervals to determine the pressure balance of the fingers.

[0090] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the measuring device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The process in Figure 17 corresponds to the operation in pulse wave measurement mode.

[0091] The control unit 7 executes the pulse wave measurement mode (the process corresponding to step 107 in Figure 7). That is, the control unit 7 drives the sensor unit 2 in a coupled manner. Next, the control unit 7 acquires the pulse wave information measured in the pulse wave measurement mode (step S200). The control unit 7 stores the pulse wave information measured in the pulse wave measurement mode in the storage unit 8.

[0092] Next, the control unit 7 determines the period of the pulse wave based on the acquired pulse wave information (step S201). Subsequently, the control unit 7 determines the duration of the pressure measurement mode based on the determined pulse wave period (step S202).

[0093] Figure 18 illustrates the operation for determining the duration of the pressure measurement mode. Figure 18 shows an example of a pulse wave. In Figure 18, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detected signal (voltage value).

[0094] When a user's pulse wave is measured, the pulse wave exhibits periodicity, with repeating peaks and troughs. In step S201, the control unit 7 determines the period of the pulse wave shown in Figure 18. In step S202, the control unit 7 determines the period PE corresponding to the trough portion of the pulse wave.

[0095] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether or not it is the period PE for the pressure measurement mode (step S203). If it is the period PE for the pressure measurement mode (step S203 = Yes), the control unit 7 executes the pressure measurement mode (step S204). In the pressure measurement mode, the control unit 7 drives the sensor unit 2 in separate units.

[0096] Next, the control unit 7 determines the balance of pressure applied by multiple fingers (pressure balance) based on the multiple detection signals measured in the pressure measurement mode of step S204 (step S205). The pressure balance information is stored in the storage unit 8.

[0097] If the period PE in the pressure measurement mode is not active (step S203 = No), the control unit 7 switches from split drive to linked drive and drives the sensor unit 2 in a linked manner (step S206). Subsequently, the control unit 7 acquires the pulse wave information measured in step S206 (step S207).

[0098] Next, the control unit 7 monitors whether the pulse wave measurement mode has ended (step S208). If the pulse wave measurement mode has not ended (step S208 = No), the control unit 7 repeats the operations from step S203 onwards.

[0099] According to the third embodiment, in pulse wave measurement mode, the pressure balance can be measured periodically. The measured pressure balance can be used for pulse diagnosis.

[0100] [4] Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the measuring device 1 is further equipped with an air bladder, which is used to pressurize the user's wrist.

[0101] Figure 19 is a plan view of a measuring device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The measuring device 1 comprises a support member 12 and one or more air bags 13. In this embodiment, three air bags 13 are shown as an example.

[0102] The support member 12 is made of a flexible material. The support member 12 is made of, for example, a fixing band. The support member 12 is wrapped around the user's wrist.

[0103] Multiple air bladders 13 are positioned below the sensor unit 2 and attached to the bottom of the support member 12. Each of the air bladders 13 is inflated by a pump (not shown). The control unit 7 adjusts the internal pressure of each of the air bladders 13. The air bladders 13 can adjust the tightening force of the support member 12 wrapped around the user's wrist.

[0104] The pressure from the user's pulse is applied to the air bladder 13. The sensor unit 2 detects the pressure applied to the air bladder 13.

[0105] According to the fourth embodiment, the tightening force on the user's wrist can be adjusted using the support member 12 and the multiple air bladders 13. This allows for pulse wave measurement while the wrist is pressurized.

[0106] [5] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment is an example of the configuration of a measurement system 40 equipped with a measuring device 1.

[0107] Figure 20 is a block diagram of a measurement system 40 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The measurement system 40 comprises a measurement device 1, an information processing device 41, and a management server 42.

[0108] The configuration of the measuring device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 20 shows the sensor unit 2, control unit 7, and communication unit 9 of the measuring device 1.

[0109] The information processing device 41 is connected to the measuring device 1 via wired or wireless connection. The information processing device 41 consists of a personal computer, a tablet terminal, and a mobile terminal (including a smartphone). The information processing device 41 has a display unit and displays information acquired from the measuring device 1 on the display unit.

[0110] The management server 42 is connected to the information processing device 41 via wired or wireless connection. The management server 42 is, for example, a personal computer. Multiple information processing devices 41 are connected to the management server 42. The management server 42 stores and accumulates information measured by the measuring device 1. The information processing devices 41 may be connected to the management server 42 via the Internet.

[0111] The examiner (or user) operates the information processing device 41. The examiner uses the measurement information measured by the measuring device 1 to diagnose the user's pulse, physical condition, and health status. The examiner can also refer to past measurement information stored in the management server 42.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1... Measuring device, 2... Sensor unit, 3... Signal processing unit, 4... Switch circuit, 5... Amplifier circuit, 6... A / D converter, 7... Control unit, 8... Memory unit, 9... Communication unit, 10... Voltage generation circuit, 11... Housing, 12... Support member, 13... Air bag, 20... Sensor element, 21... Switch, 22... Amplifier, 23... Load resistor, 24... Amplifier, 25... Load resistor, 30... Input terminal, 31... Output terminal, 32, 33... Resistors, 40... Measurement system, 41... Information processing unit, 42... Management server.

Claims

1. A sensor unit equipped with multiple sensor elements, A switch circuit comprising a plurality of switches connected to each of the plurality of sensor elements, each of which is switchable between a plurality of first paths and a plurality of second paths, An amplification circuit comprising: a plurality of first amplifiers connected to the plurality of first paths of the plurality of switches, and a second amplifier commonly connected to the plurality of second paths of the plurality of switches, A control unit that sequentially executes the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, It is equipped with, The control unit, In the first measurement mode, the switch circuit is controlled to connect the plurality of sensor elements and the plurality of first amplifiers, respectively. In the second measurement mode, the switch circuit is controlled to connect two or more of the plurality of sensor elements to the second amplifier in common. Measuring device.

2. In the first measurement mode, the control unit determines the position of the finger pressing the sensor based on the multiple detection signals from the multiple sensor elements. The measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit determines a click operation based on the plurality of detection signals, and if a click operation is input, it determines the position of the finger. The measuring device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit integrates the plurality of detection signals and determines the pressure applied to the sensor unit based on the integrated signal. The measuring device according to claim 2.

5. In the first measurement mode, the control unit determines the positions of the multiple fingers pressing on the sensor based on the multiple detection signals from the multiple sensor elements, and determines the balance of the pressure applied by the multiple fingers. The measuring device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit integrates the plurality of detection signals and determines the pressure applied to the sensor unit based on the integrated signal. The measuring device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit determines a click operation based on the multiple detection signals from the multiple sensor elements, and switches from the first measurement mode to the second measurement mode when a click operation is detected. The measuring device according to claim 1.

8. The control unit switches from the first measurement mode to the second measurement mode after a certain period of time has elapsed since the click operation was input. The measuring device according to claim 7.

9. The system further comprises an A / D converter connected to the output of the aforementioned amplification circuit, The A / D converter samples the detection signal at each sampling period, The sampling period in the second measurement mode is set to be shorter than the sampling period in the first measurement mode. The measuring device according to claim 1.

10. The control unit determines the duration of the trough in the pulse wave in the second measurement mode and executes the first measurement mode during that period. The measuring device according to claim 1.

11. A flexible support member, An air bag provided at the lower part of the support member, Furthermore, it is equipped with, The sensor unit is provided on the upper part of the support member and is configured to detect the pressure applied to the air bag. The measuring device according to claim 1.

12. Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor elements is constructed using a flexible organic piezoelectric layer. The measuring device according to claim 1.

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