Biometric information measurement device

Abstract

In a biometric information measurement device used in close contact with a subject, the effects of noise caused by body movement and other factors are suppressed. [Solution] A biological information measuring device used in close contact with a subject comprises: a housing having a housing surface that contacts the subject in a measurement state in which the biological information of the subject is measured; an optical measuring unit disposed inside the housing that irradiates the subject with measurement light and receives reflected light; and a light-transmitting member that transmits measurement light and reflected light and has a contact surface that contacts the subject in the measurement state, the light-transmitting member having one or more protrusions and a recess that is at least partially surrounded by one or more protrusions on its contact surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biological information measurement device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a biological information measurement device that measures biological information such as a pulse rate and an oxygen saturation by irradiating measurement light such as green light, red light, and infrared light and measuring the reflected light has been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a biological information measurement device that functions as a so-called wristwatch-type pulse meter attached to the wrist of a subject. Generally, in a measurement signal of a biological information measurement device, a signal change corresponding to noise caused by body movement (hereinafter referred to as "body movement"), such as waving or twisting of the arm, is added to a signal change due to a change in blood vessel volume accompanying a pulse that is originally desired to be measured. In the biological information measurement device of Patent Document 1, when attached to the wrist, by adjusting the attachment position of the band so as to be pressed against the subject with a predetermined force, it is attempted to suppress the influence of noise caused by body movement or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, as a type of biological information measurement device different from the wristwatch type, a so-called "patch type" biological information measurement device that is used in close contact with the arm of a subject by a dressing member has been studied. Such a patch type biological information measurement device has a problem that since it is pressed against the subject by the adhesive force of the dressing member, the pressing force is not stable and it is easily affected by noise caused by body movement or the like. There is also a demand for further suppressing the influence of noise caused by body movement or the like in a wristwatch type biological measurement device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a biological information measuring device is provided that is used in close contact with a subject. This biological information measuring device comprises a housing having a housing surface that contacts the subject in a measurement state in which the biological information of the subject is measured; an optical measuring unit disposed inside the housing that irradiates the subject with measurement light and receives reflected light; and a light-transmitting member that transmits the measurement light and the reflected light and has a contact surface that contacts the subject in the measurement state, the light-transmitting member having one or more protrusions and a recess that is at least partially surrounded by the one or more protrusions on its contact surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a first perspective view showing the external configuration of a biological information measurement device as one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a second perspective view showing the external configuration of the biological information measurement device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach a biological information measurement device to a subject. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the biometric information measurement device. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of a biological information measurement device. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the external shape of the first housing section. [Figure 7] This is a partially broken diagram showing the configuration of the first housing section. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the sensor substrate. [Figure 9] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of a biological information measurement device. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the four protrusions and recesses and the first and second measurement sections. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the external shape of the light-transmitting member of the second embodiment. [Figure 12]This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light-transmitting member of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] A. First Embodiment: A1. Outline configuration of the biological information measurement device 10: Figure 1 is a first perspective view showing the external configuration of a biological information measurement device 10 as one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a second perspective view showing the external configuration of the biological information measurement device 10. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for attaching the biological information measurement device 10 to a subject. Figures 1 to 3 disclose mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. These X, Y, and Z axes are also common in Figures 4 and onward. Hereafter, "X-axis direction" refers to the combined +X and -X directions. Similarly, "Y-axis direction" refers to the combined +Y and -Y directions, and "Z-axis direction" refers to the combined +Z and -Z directions.

[0008] The biological information measuring device 10 is a device for measuring the biological information of a subject. In this embodiment, "biological information" refers to pulse rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in arterial blood. However, "biological information" is not limited to pulse rate and oxygen saturation in arterial blood, but may also refer to any other biological information possessed by the subject, such as blood pressure, total hemoglobin in the blood, and carbon monoxide concentration in arterial blood. As shown in Figure 3, the biological information measuring device 10 is used in close contact with the subject B1 by the dressing member 20. The subject B1 is, for example, a person's arm.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the biological information measurement device 10 has a flat, cylindrical (button-shaped) external form. The thickness direction of the biological information measurement device 10 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the end face in the +Z direction of the biological information measurement device 10 faces the subject when measuring the subject's biological information (hereinafter referred to as the "measurement state"). This end face has a contact surface S3 of the light-transmitting member 400, which will be described later, and an annular housing surface S1 surrounding the end face of the light-transmitting member 400. The housing surface S1 is part of the first housing portion 101, which will be described later.

[0010] In Figure 2, the end face S2 in the -Z direction of the bio-information measurement device 10 is covered by the dressing member 20 during measurement. This end face S2 is part of the second housing portion 102, which will be described later. For convenience of explanation, in Figure 2, the four protrusions 402 and recesses 403 of the light-transmitting member 400 located on the +Z direction side of the bio-information measurement device 10, the two openings (first opening 131 and second opening 132) and beam portion 120 formed in the first housing portion 101, and the first measurement portion 310 and second measurement portion 320, which will be described later, are shown by dashed lines. The dressing member 20 is a thin film-like material, for example, made of polyurethane. Of the dressing member 20, an adhesive having a predetermined adhesive strength is applied to the adhesive surface S21. With the second housing portion 102 facing the adhesive surface S21, the bio-information measurement device 10 is attached to the adhesive surface S21. Then, in that state, the adhesive surface S21 is attached to the surface of the subject B1. The surface S22 opposite to the adhesive surface S21 becomes the surface that is exposed to the outside during measurement.

[0011] A direction indicator 103 is provided on the end face S2. In this embodiment, the direction indicator 103 is configured as a groove extending in the Y-axis direction. The direction indicator 103 indicates the mounting direction of the bio-information measuring device 10. Specifically, the direction indicator 103 is used to instruct that the bio-information measuring device 10 be mounted on the subject B1 such that the longitudinal direction of the direction indicator 103, i.e., the Y-axis direction on which the direction indicator 103 extends, is parallel to the short-length direction of the arm of the subject B1. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the dressing member 20 has a rectangular shape in plan view. For example, the bio-information measuring device 10 is attached to the dressing member 20 so that the longitudinal direction of the direction indicator 103 is parallel to the short-length direction SD of the dressing member 20, and in that state, the dressing member 20 and the bio-information measuring device 10 are mounted on the subject B1 so that the longitudinal direction LD of the dressing member 20 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the subject B1. This allows the biometric information measurement device 10 to be attached to the subject B1 in the planned posture.

[0012] A2. Detailed Configuration of the Biological Information Measuring Device 10: FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the biological information measuring device 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the biological information measuring device 10. In FIG. 5, a cross-section of the biological information measuring device 10 taken along the V-V cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 1 is shown.

[0013] The biological information measuring device 10 includes a housing 100, a sensor substrate 300, a light-transmitting member 400, a battery 500, a main substrate 600, and a waterproof cover 700.

[0014] <Housing 100> The housing 100 consists of a first housing part 101 and a second housing part 102. The first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 face each other in the Z-axis direction and are fitted together to form the housing 100. The first housing part 101 may be referred to as an upper cover, and the second housing part 102 may be referred to as a lower cover. The first housing part 101 and the second housing part 102 are made of, for example, polycarbonate.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the external shape of the first housing part 101. In FIG. 6, a plan view of the first housing part 101 viewed in the +Z direction is shown. FIG. 7 is a partially broken view showing the configuration of the first housing part 101. In FIG. 7, a portion on the +X direction side when the first housing part 101 is broken along a line parallel to the Y-axis direction passing through the central position in the X-axis direction of the first housing part 101 is shown.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 6, the first housing part 101 has a circular external shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The housing surface S1 contacts the subject B1 in the measurement state. At the +X direction end of the first housing part 101, a terminal accommodating part 180 having four openings arranged in the Y-axis direction is formed. The terminal accommodating part 180 accommodates a terminal group (not shown) for the biological information measuring device 10 to make an electrical connection with an external device. For example, terminals for connecting a cable for reading biological information stored in a memory provided on the main substrate 600 from an external device are accommodated.

[0017] A support portion 150 is provided in the center of the first housing portion 101 when viewed in the +Z direction. The support portion 150 contacts and supports the light-transmitting member 400 when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the light-transmitting member 400 from the subject B1. Details of the support of the light-transmitting member 400 by the support portion 150 will be described later. The support portion 150 is provided in the first housing portion 101 at a position corresponding to the Z-axis direction with respect to the light-transmitting member 400. The support portion 150 comprises a base portion 110 and a beam portion 120. A first opening 131 and a second opening 132 are formed in the base portion 110. The first opening 131 and the second opening 132 are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The beam portion 120 is provided as the portion between the first opening 131 and the second opening 132. In this embodiment, the beam portion 120 has a plate-like external shape extending in the X-axis direction. The foundation section 110 is connected to both ends of the beam section 120 in the X-axis direction and supports the beam section 120.

[0018] <Sensor board 300> Figure 8 is a plan view showing the detailed configuration of the sensor substrate 300. Figure 8 shows a plan view of the sensor substrate 300 as seen in the +Z direction. For the sake of clarity, the two openings 131 and 132 mentioned above are shown as dashed lines in Figure 8. The sensor substrate 300 comprises a substrate 301, a first measurement unit 310, a second measurement unit 320, an analog front-end (AFE) IC 330, and a semiconductor memory group 340, all of which are provided on the substrate 301. The first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 together are also referred to as the "optical measurement unit".

[0019] The first measurement unit 310 measures the pulse rate. The first measurement unit 310 comprises a first irradiation unit 311 and a first light receiving unit 312. In this embodiment, the first irradiation unit 311 is equipped with an LED that emits green measurement light. The first light receiving unit 312 is equipped with a photodiode that receives reflected light based on the green measurement light. The volume of the blood vessels changes in sync with the pulse rate, which changes the amount of green measurement light absorbed. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected light received by the first light receiving unit 312 changes in sync with the pulse rate, and the pulse rate can be measured by measuring the intensity of this reflected light.

[0020] The second measurement unit 320 measures the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in arterial blood. The second measurement unit 320 comprises a second irradiation unit 321, a third irradiation unit 322, and a second light receiving unit 323. The second irradiation unit 321 is equipped with an LED that emits red measurement light. The third irradiation unit 322 is equipped with an LED that emits infrared light. For the purpose of comparison with the first irradiation unit 311, the second irradiation unit 321 and the third irradiation unit 322 can be collectively referred to as the "second irradiation unit." The second light receiving unit 323 receives reflected light based on red light and reflected light based on infrared light. By utilizing the fact that hemoglobin bound to oxygen does not absorb red light as much as hemoglobin that has released oxygen, the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in arterial blood can be measured based on the intensity ratio of the reflected red light and the reflected infrared light.

[0021] The analog front-end IC 330 has functions such as A / D conversion of the light intensity (analog value) received by the first light receiving unit 312 and the second light receiving unit 323 and outputting it as a digital value, and a function to calculate the intensity ratio of the reflected red light and the reflected infrared light. The semiconductor memory group 340 stores the measurement results of the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320, that is, the output results of the analog front-end IC 330.

[0022] As shown in Figure 8, the analog front-end IC 330 and the semiconductor memory group 340 are arranged in the central part of the sensor substrate 300 in the Y-axis direction. The first measurement unit 310 is arranged in the +Y direction relative to the analog front-end IC 330 and the semiconductor memory group 340, and the second measurement unit 320 is arranged in the -Y direction. As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8, shielding walls extending in the X-axis direction are provided in the +Y and -Y directions of the first light-receiving unit 312. Similarly, shielding walls extending in the X-axis direction are provided in the +Y and -Y directions of the second light-receiving unit 323. These shielding walls are provided to prevent light from directly entering the light-receiving units 312 and 323 from the respective irradiation units 311, 321, and 322.

[0023] <Light-transmitting member 400> The light-transmitting member 400 transmits measurement light irradiated from the first measurement unit 310, the second irradiation unit 321, and the second light-receiving unit 323, as well as reflected light based on these measurement lights. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting member 400 is made of polycarbonate. However, the light-transmitting member 400 is not limited to polycarbonate and may be made of any material capable of transmitting the above-mentioned measurement light and reflected light. Furthermore, the light-transmitting member 400 may be transparent or colored black, etc., as long as it can transmit the above-mentioned measurement light and reflected light. As shown in Figure 4, the light-transmitting member 400 has a disc-shaped external appearance in which the plan view shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction is circular. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the surface of the light-transmitting member 400 in the +Z direction is the contact surface S3 that comes into contact with the test subject B1 in the measurement state. The light-transmitting member 400 comprises a base portion 401, four protrusions 402, and one recess 403.

[0024] The base portion 401 has a convex lens-like external shape that protrudes in the +Z direction as it approaches the center position in a plan view. In other words, the contact surface S3 has an R shape. The four protrusions 402 are located in the central part of the base portion 401. The thickness of the base portion 401 is approximately 0.4 mm (millimeters) in the central part. Each protrusion 402 has the same external shape as the others. Each protrusion 402 has a circular plan view shape with a smaller diameter than the base portion 401. The distance from the center position of each protrusion 402 to the center position of the base portion 401 is equal to the distance from each other. Two of the protrusions 402 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The other two protrusions 402 are arranged in the X-axis direction. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the four protrusions 402 are arranged offset by 90° from each other with respect to the center of the base portion 401. The +X direction surface of each protrusion 402 has an R shape. In this embodiment, the four protrusions 402 are not in contact with each other. The ratio of the radius of curvature of the contact surface S3 of the base 401 to the distance radius of the +X direction surface of the protrusion 402 is approximately 10:1. Note that this ratio is not limited to 10:1, but may be any other ratio in which the distance radius of the +X direction surface of the protrusion 402 is greater than the radius of curvature of the contact surface S3. Due to their shape, the protrusions 402 also function as convex lenses. Therefore, the protrusions 402 work to improve signal intensity by focusing reflected light toward the first light-receiving unit 312 and the second light-receiving unit 323.

[0025] The recess 403 is the area surrounded by the four protrusions 402. The phrase "area surrounded by the four protrusions 402" has a broad meaning and includes even the part of the outer edge of such area that does not come into contact with the protrusions 402. For example, in the recess 403 of this embodiment, adjacent protrusions 402 do not come into contact with each other, so that part is not surrounded by the protrusions 402. However, the part of the recess 403 in which the protrusions 402 exist in the radial direction from the center of the recess 403, i.e., the center of the base portion 401, can be said to be surrounded by the protrusions 402. For this reason, the recess 403 corresponds to the area surrounded by the four protrusions 402. As shown in Figure 5, the recess 403 is not convex in the +X direction and is configured to be approximately parallel to the XY plane.

[0026] As described above, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the contact surface S3 of the base portion 401 to the distance radius of the surface of the convex portion 402 in the +X direction is approximately 10:1. Furthermore, as described above, the four convex portions 402 are arranged in a line such that they form one recess 403 in the center, so that in the measurement state, an appropriate amount of pressure can be applied to the subject B1 by the four convex portions 402. In the biological information measurement device 10, the first measurement section 310 and the second measurement section 320 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, so the diameter of the light-transmitting member 400 is large in order to realize the irradiation of measurement light and the reception of reflected light in these two measurement sections 310 and 320. In other words, the radius of curvature of the base portion 401 is larger than in a configuration with only one measurement section. However, since convex portions 402 with smaller radii of curvature are provided, it is possible to suppress the application of excessive load to the biological information measurement device 10 in order to apply appropriate pressure. As a result, deformation of the light-transmitting member 400 is suppressed.

[0027] <Other> The battery 500 includes a so-called button battery and a circuit that controls the output of the button battery. The battery 500 supplies power to the first measurement unit 310, the second measurement unit 320, the analog front-end IC 330, and the like.

[0028] The main board 600 is equipped with circuits for controlling the entire bio-information measurement device 10. For example, it is equipped with circuits for counting pulse rate and calculating SpO2 based on the output from the analog front-end IC 330.

[0029] The waterproof cover 700 seals the mating portion between the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 102. The waterproof cover 700 is made of, for example, silicone.

[0030] A3. Support of the light-transmitting member 400 by the support part 150: As shown in Figure 8, the first opening 131 is positioned on the sensor substrate 300 in a position corresponding to the Z-axis direction with respect to the first measurement unit 310. The second opening 132 is positioned on the sensor substrate 300 in a position corresponding to the Z-axis direction with respect to the second measurement unit 320. As described above, the beam portion 120 is configured as the portion between the first opening 131 and the second opening 132. Therefore, when viewed in the direction in which the contact surface S3 and the subject B1 face each other (hereinafter referred to as the "facing direction"), the beam portion 120 is located between the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320. By positioning the beam portion 120 in this manner, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the irradiation of measurement light and the reception of reflected light in the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 by the beam portion 120. Furthermore, the presence of the beam portion 120 can suppress the mixing of light to be measured between the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320, which would affect the measurement results. Note that the opposing direction corresponds to a direction roughly parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0031] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the biological information measurement device 10. In Figure 9, the region Ar1 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 5 is shown in enlargement. Note that Figures 5 and 9 show the biological information measurement device 10 before it is covered with the dressing member 20.

[0032] As shown in Figure 9, before being covered by the dressing member 20, a gap d1 is provided between the beam portion 120 and the sensor substrate 300. In this embodiment, the end face in the -Z direction of the light-transmitting member 400 is not made flat, but rather formed into a concave surface that is slightly positioned in the +Z direction towards the center, thereby providing the gap d1. In this state where the gap d1 exists, the beam portion 120 (support portion 150) does not contact the light-transmitting member 400 and does not support the light-transmitting member 400. The size of the gap d1 is, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0033] However, when measurement is performed, the adhesive force of the dressing member 20 applies pressure to the bio-information measurement device 10 toward the subject B1, and when a force (reaction force) exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied from the subject B1, the light-transmitting member 400 bends in the -Z direction. In this case, the gap d1 disappears and the light-transmitting member 400 comes into contact with the beam 120. Since the beam 120 is supported by the base 110, when it comes into contact with the light-transmitting member 400, it supports the light-transmitting member 400 and suppresses its deformation in the -Z direction. As a result, the distance between the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 and the subject B1 can be prevented from becoming smaller than the planned distance, and the decrease in measurement accuracy due to an excessive increase in signal intensity can be prevented. Furthermore, the support portion 150 suppresses deformation of the light-transmitting member 400, allowing the light-transmitting member 400 to be made thinner and shortening the distance between the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 and the subject B1. As a result, a stronger signal can be obtained in the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 (first light-receiving unit 312 and second light-receiving unit 323).

[0034] Here, when the light-transmitting member 400 is in contact with the support portion 150 (beam portion 120), the distance between the contact surface S3 and the surfaces of the first measurement portion 310 and the second measurement portion 320 does not change even when a force (reaction force) within a predetermined force range is applied to the light-transmitting member 400 in the thickness direction of the light-transmitting member 400. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned force range is 150 gf (grams-force) or more and 450 gf or less. Generally, by applying the same pressure as blood pressure and pressing the bio-information measuring device 10 against the subject B1, changes associated with changes in blood vessel volume can be measured while suppressing noise. "Noise" refers to, for example, changes in signal intensity caused by body movement. Assuming the mean blood pressure is 35 mmHg, the total area of ​​the light-transmitting member 400 and the housing surface S1 is 324 mm 2 This calculates a force of 150gf. If we use twice this value (300gf) as the central value and apply a minimum force of 150gf, we arrive at the force range of "150gf or more and 450gf or less" as described above.

[0035] As described above, when the light-transmitting member 400 is in contact with the support portion 150 (beam portion 120), the distance between the contact surface S3 and the surfaces of the first measuring portion 310 and the second measuring portion 320 may be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the type of material of the first housing portion 101, or the thickness and width of the beam portion 120, so that the distance between the contact surface S3 and the surfaces of the first measuring portion 310 and the second measuring portion 320 does not change even when a force (reaction force) within a predetermined force range is applied to the light-transmitting member 400 in the thickness direction of the light-transmitting member 400.

[0036] A4. Regarding the roles of the convex portion 402 and the concave portion 403: Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the four protrusions 402 and recesses 403 and the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320. In Figure 10, the four protrusions 402 and recesses 403 are schematically represented by dashed lines and are shown superimposed on the sensor substrate 300.

[0037] As described above, the four protrusions 402 and recesses 403 play a role in applying an appropriate amount of pressure to the subject B1 during measurement. In addition to this role, the four protrusions 402 and recesses 403 also perform the following roles (effects).

[0038] As shown in Figure 10, in the first embodiment, the first measuring unit 310 is positioned so as to overlap with one convex portion 402 when viewed in the opposite direction. Similarly, the second measuring unit 320 is positioned so as to overlap with a convex portion 402 different from the convex portion 402 that the first measuring unit 310 overlaps with, when viewed in the opposite direction. With this arrangement, in each measuring unit 310, 320, the irradiation units 311, 321, and 322 are positioned so as to overlap with the convex portion 402 when viewed in the opposite direction, allowing the convex portion 402 to function as a lens and focus the irradiation position of the measurement light on the subject. Furthermore, in each measuring unit 310, 320, both the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are positioned so as to overlap with the convex portion 402 when viewed in the opposite direction, allowing the convex portion 402 to function as a lens and focus the irradiation position of the measurement light on the subject B1, and also allowing the reflected light to be focused on the light receiving units 312 and 323 to improve the received signal intensity.

[0039] As described above, the direction indicator 103 instructs that the biometric information measuring device 10 be attached to the subject B1 so that the longer direction of the direction indicator 103 is parallel to the shorter direction of the subject B1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the biometric information measuring device 10 will be attached to the subject B1 so that the Y-axis direction, which is one of the directions (first direction) in which the pair of protrusions 402 flanking the recess 403 are aligned, is parallel to the shorter direction of the subject B1. In other words, the direction indicator 103 indicates the mounting direction of the biometric information measuring device 10 so that the first direction is parallel to the shorter direction of the subject. With such a direction indicator 103, it is possible to increase the likelihood of the biometric information measuring device 10 being in close contact with the subject B1 so that the two protrusions 402 are aligned parallel to the shorter direction of the subject B1. Therefore, even if the subject B1 moves in the short-range direction, for example, if the arm twists, the relative posture of the bio-information measurement device 10 with respect to the subject B1 can be suppressed. As a result, the influence of noise caused by body movement can be further suppressed.

[0040] As described above, the first embodiment of the biological information measuring device 10 includes a support portion 150 positioned between the light-transmitting member 400 and the housing 100 (first housing portion 101). This support portion 150 contacts and supports the light-transmitting member 400 when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is applied to the light-transmitting member 400 from the subject B1 during measurement. Therefore, when the subject B1 is pressed with a greater pressing force than intended, deformation such as bending of the light-transmitting member 400 can be suppressed. As a result, the distance between the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 and the subject B1 becomes shorter than the intended distance, which increases the signal intensity and thus prevents a decrease in measurement accuracy. Furthermore, because the deformation of the light-transmitting member 400 can be suppressed by the support portion 150, the light-transmitting member 400 can be made thinner, and the distance between the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 and the subject B1 can be shortened. Therefore, a stronger signal can be obtained in the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320 (first light receiving unit 312 and second light receiving unit 323).

[0041] Furthermore, the support section 150 has a beam section 120 located between the first measurement section 310 and the second measurement section 320 when viewed in the opposite direction, and a base section 110 that supports the beam section 120. Therefore, the beam section 120 can prevent the irradiation of measurement light and the reception of reflected light in the first measurement section 310 and the second measurement section 320 from being blocked. In addition, the presence of the beam section 120 can prevent the mixing of light to be measured between the first measurement section 310 and the second measurement section 320, which would affect the measurement results.

[0042] Furthermore, when the light-transmitting member 400 and the support portion 150 (beam portion 120) are in contact, the distance between the contact surface S3 and the surfaces of the first measuring portion 310 and the second measuring portion 320 does not change even when a pressing force of 150 gf or more and 450 gf or less is applied to the light-transmitting member 400 in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the pressing force necessary to accurately measure biological information is applied in the thickness direction of the light-transmitting member 400, changes in the distance between the contact surface S3 and the surfaces of the first measuring portion 310 and the second measuring portion 320 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing a decrease in the measurement accuracy of biological information.

[0043] Furthermore, since the light-transmitting member 400 has four protrusions 402 and a recess 403 that is at least partially surrounded by the four protrusions 402 on its contact surface S3, it is possible to apply greater pressure to the subject B1 with the four protrusions 402 compared to a configuration without such protrusions 402. As a result, the influence of noise caused by body movement and other factors can be suppressed, and signals originating from the biological information that is intended to be measured can be measured more accurately.

[0044] Furthermore, of the irradiation sections 311, 321, and 322 and light receiving sections 312, and 323 of each measurement section 310, and 320, at least the irradiation sections 311, 321, and 322 are positioned so as to overlap with one of the four protrusions 402 when viewed in the opposite direction. This allows the protrusions 402 to function as lenses, thereby converging the irradiation position of the measurement light on the subject B1.

[0045] Furthermore, both the irradiation sections 311, 321, and 322 and the light receiving sections 312 and 323 of each measurement section 310 and 320 are positioned so that, when viewed in the opposite direction, they overlap with one of the four protrusions 402. This allows the protrusions 402 to function as lenses, converging the irradiation position of the measurement light on the subject B1, and also converging the reflected light on the light receiving sections 312 and 323 to improve the intensity of the received light signal.

[0046] Furthermore, at least two of the four protrusions 402 are arranged in a first direction (Y-axis direction), and the housing 100 (first housing portion 101) has a direction indicator portion 103 that indicates the mounting direction of the bio-information measurement device 10 so that the first direction is parallel to the short-length direction of the subject B1. This increases the possibility of bringing the bio-information measurement device 10 into close contact with the subject B1 so that two of the protrusions 402 are aligned parallel to the short-length direction of the subject B1. Therefore, even if the subject B1 moves in the short-length direction, for example, if the arm twists, fluctuations in the relative posture of the bio-information measurement device 10 with respect to the subject B1 can be suppressed. This further suppresses the effects of noise caused by body movement.

[0047] Furthermore, since the four protrusions 402 each consist of a first pair of protrusions 402 that sandwich the recess 403 in a second direction, and a second pair of protrusions 402 that sandwich the recess 403 in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, the protrusions 402 can be positioned in four directions offset by 90° from the center of the recess 403. Therefore, even when body movement occurs in various directions, the influence of noise caused by such movement can be suppressed.

[0048] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the external shape of the light-transmitting member 400a of the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the light-transmitting member 400a of the second embodiment. Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the light-transmitting member 400a along the cross-sectional line XII-XII shown in Figure 11.

[0049] The second embodiment of the biological information measuring device 10 differs from the first embodiment of the biological information measuring device 10 only in that it includes a light-transmitting member 400a instead of the light-transmitting member 400. The other components of the second embodiment of the biological information measuring device 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment of the biological information measuring device 10, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0050] The light-transmitting member 400a of the second embodiment differs from the light-transmitting member 400 of the first embodiment in that it has one protrusion 405 and one recess 406 instead of four protrusions 402 and one recess 403. The other configurations of the light-transmitting member 400a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the light-transmitting member 400 of the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the convex portion 405 of the second embodiment consists of a single annular convex portion with a recess 406 on its inside. As shown in Figure 12, the end face in the +Z direction that appears in the cross-section of the convex portion 405 is R-shaped, and its radius of curvature is smaller than that of the end face (contact surface S3) in the +Z direction of the base portion 401. Even with this configuration, the convex portion 405 and the recess 406 can press the subject B1 with an appropriate force, so the biological information measurement device 10 of the second embodiment has the same effect as the biological information measurement device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0052] The biological information measuring device 10 of the second embodiment described above has the same effects as the biological information measuring device 10 of the first embodiment. In addition, since the convex portion 405 consists of a single annular convex portion with a concave portion 406 on the inside, the influence of noise caused by such body movement can be suppressed regardless of the direction of the body movement.

[0053] C. Other embodiments: (C1) In each embodiment, the first measuring unit 310 was positioned to overlap with one protrusion 402 when viewed in the facing direction. Similarly, the second measuring unit 320 was positioned to overlap with a protrusion 402 different from the protrusion 402 that the first measuring unit 310 overlapped with, when viewed in the facing direction. The disclosure is not limited to these. When viewed in the facing direction, only a portion of the first measuring unit 310 may be positioned to overlap with one protrusion 402. For example, only the first irradiating unit 311 may be positioned to overlap with a protrusion 402 when viewed in the facing direction, while the first light receiving unit 312 may be positioned not to overlap. Similarly, when viewed in the facing direction, only a portion of the second measuring unit 320 may be positioned to overlap with one protrusion 402. Furthermore, when viewed in the facing direction, the first measuring unit 310 and the second measuring unit 320 may be positioned not to overlap with any of the protrusions 402.

[0054] (C2) In each embodiment, the direction indicator 103 was formed by a groove provided on the end face S2 of the second housing portion 102, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the direction indicator 103 may be formed in any manner that can indicate the mounting direction of the biometric information measuring device 10, such as an arrow marked on the surface of the end face S2. The direction indicator 103 may also be omitted.

[0055] (C3) In each embodiment, in the first measurement unit 310, the first irradiation unit 311 and the first light receiving unit 312 were arranged in the first direction (Y-axis direction). Similarly, in the second measurement unit 320, the second irradiation unit 321 and the third irradiation unit 322 and the second light receiving unit 323 were arranged in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The disclosure is not limited to these. In at least one of the first measurement unit 310 and the second measurement unit 320, the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit may be arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit may be arranged in the X-axis direction. In such a configuration, since the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction, the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit can be arranged in a direction intersecting the short-length direction of the subject (for example, the long-length direction). Therefore, fluctuations in the direction in which the measurement light is irradiated by the irradiation unit and the direction in which the light receiving unit receives light can be suppressed, and more accurate measurement can be achieved.

[0056] (C4) In the first embodiment, the translucent member 400 had four protrusions 402. In the second embodiment, the translucent member 400a had one protrusion 405. The disclosure is not limited to these. The disclosure may also apply to configurations in which the translucent member 400 has any number of protrusions, such as two, three, and five or more.

[0057] (C5) In each embodiment, the biometric information measuring device 10 was used in close contact with the subject B1 by the dressing member 20, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it may be used as a wristwatch type measuring device, wrapped around the subject by a belt member and kept in close contact. In such a configuration as well, the effects of noise caused by body movement can be suppressed. In other words, the disclosure may be applied to any type of biometric information measuring device that is used in close contact with a subject in general.

[0058] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described above that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0059] D. Other forms: (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a biological information measuring device is provided that is used in close contact with a subject. The biological information measuring device comprises a housing having a housing surface that contacts the subject in a measurement state in which the biological information of the subject is measured; an optical measuring unit disposed inside the housing that irradiates the subject with measurement light and receives reflected light; and a light-transmitting member that transmits the measurement light and the reflected light and has a contact surface that contacts the subject in the measurement state, the light-transmitting member having one or more protrusions and recesses that are at least partially surrounded by the one or more protrusions on the contact surface. In this type of bio-information measurement device, the light-transmitting member has one or more protrusions and a recess at least partially surrounded by one or more protrusions on its contact surface. Compared to a configuration without such protrusions, it can apply greater pressure to the subject by one or more protrusions. Therefore, it can suppress the effects of noise caused by body movement and other factors, and measure signals originating from the bio-information that is intended to be measured more accurately.

[0060] (2) In the biological information measurement device of the above form, the optical measurement unit has an irradiation unit that irradiates the measurement light and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light, and of the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit, at least the irradiation unit may be positioned so as to overlap with one of the one or more protrusions when viewed in the facing direction between the contact surface and the subject. In this type of bio-information measurement device, of the irradiation unit and light-receiving unit of the light measurement unit, at least the irradiation unit is positioned so as to overlap with one or more convex parts when viewed in the direction facing the contact surface and the subject. Therefore, the convex parts can function as lenses, and the irradiation position of the measurement light can be focused on the subject.

[0061] (3) In the above-described biological information measuring device, both the irradiating unit and the light receiving unit may be positioned so as to overlap with one of the one or more protrusions when viewed in the opposite direction. In this type of bio-information measurement device, both the irradiation unit and the light-receiving unit of the optical measurement unit are positioned so that, when viewed in the opposite direction, they overlap with one or more protrusions. Therefore, the protrusions can function as lenses to focus the irradiation position of the measurement light on the subject, and the reflected light can be focused on the light-receiving unit to improve the intensity of the received light signal.

[0062] (4) In the above-described biological information measuring device, at least two of the one or more protrusions are arranged side by side in the first direction, and the housing may have a direction indicator that shows the mounting direction of the biological information measuring device such that the first direction is parallel to the short-length direction of the subject. In this form of biometric information measuring device, at least two of the one or more protrusions are arranged side by side in a first direction, and the housing has a direction indicator that shows the mounting direction of the biometric information measuring device so that the first direction is parallel to the short-length direction of the subject. Therefore, it is possible to increase the likelihood of the biometric information measuring device being in close contact with the subject so that the two protrusions are aligned parallel to the short-length direction of the subject. As a result, even if the subject moves in the short-length direction, for example, if the arm twists, it is possible to suppress changes in the relative posture of the biometric information measuring device with respect to the subject. As a result, the influence of noise caused by body movement can be further suppressed.

[0063] (5) In the biological information measurement device of the above form, the optical measurement unit has an irradiation unit that irradiates the measurement light and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light, and the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit may be arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction. In this type of bio-information measurement device, the irradiation unit and light-receiving unit of the optical measurement unit are arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction, so that the irradiation unit and light-receiving unit can be arranged in a direction intersecting the short-length direction of the subject. Therefore, fluctuations in the direction in which the measurement light is irradiated by the irradiation unit and the direction in which the light-receiving unit receives the light can be suppressed, enabling more accurate measurement.

[0064] (6) In the biological information measuring device of the above embodiment, the one or more protrusions may have a first pair of protrusions that sandwich the recess in a second direction, and a second pair of protrusions that sandwich the recess in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction. In this type of bio-information measuring device, one or more protrusions have a first pair of protrusions that sandwich the recess in a second direction, and a second pair of protrusions that sandwich the recess in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction. Therefore, the protrusions can be arranged in four directions that are 90° offset from the center of the recess. For this reason, even when body movements occur in various directions, the influence of noise caused by such movements can be suppressed.

[0065] (7) In the above-described biological information measuring device, the one or more protrusions may consist of a single annular protrusion having the recess on its inner side. In this type of bio-information measuring device, since one or more protrusions consist of a single annular protrusion with an inward recess, the influence of noise caused by body movement can be suppressed regardless of the direction of the body movement.

[0066] In addition to the above embodiments, this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a method for manufacturing a biological information measuring device, a light-transmitting member used in a biological information measuring device, and so on. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 10...Biometric information measuring device, 20...Dressing member, 100...Housing, 101...First housing section, 102...Second housing section, 103...Direction indicator section, 110...Base section, 120...Beam section, 131...First opening, 132...Second opening, 150...Support section, 180...Terminal housing section, 300...Sensor substrate, 301...Substrate, 310...First measurement section, 311...First irradiation section, 312...First light receiving section, 320...Second measurement section, 321...Second irradiation section, 322...Third irradiation section, 3 23...Second light receiving unit, 330...Analog front-end IC, 340...Semiconductor memory group, 400...Light-transmitting member, 400a...Light-transmitting member, 401...Base part, 402...Protrusion, 403...Concave, 405...Protrusion, 406...Concave, 500...Battery, 600...Main board, 700...Waterproof cover, Ar1...Area, B1...Subject, LD...Long-length direction, S1...Housing surface, S2...End face, S3...Contact surface, S21...Attachment surface, S22...Surface, SD...Short-length direction, d1...Gap

Claims

1. A biological information measurement device used in close contact with a subject, In the measurement state, which is the state in which the biological information of the subject is measured, the housing has a housing surface that comes into contact with the subject, An optical measurement unit is disposed within the housing and irradiates the subject with measurement light and receives the reflected light, A light-transmitting member that transmits the measurement light and the reflected light and has a contact surface that contacts the subject in the measurement state, wherein the contact surface has one or more protrusions and a recess that is at least partially surrounded by the one or more protrusions, A biological information measurement device equipped with the following features.

2. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1, The aforementioned optical measurement unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates the measurement light and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light. A biological information measuring device wherein, of the irradiating unit and the light receiving unit, at least the irradiating unit is positioned so as to overlap with one of the one or more protrusions when viewed in the facing direction between the contact surface and the subject.

3. A biological information measuring device according to claim 2, A biological information measuring device in which both the irradiating portion and the light receiving portion are positioned so as to overlap with one of the one or more protrusions when viewed in the opposite direction.

4. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1, At least two of the one or more protrusions are arranged side by side in the first direction. The housing has a direction indicator that shows the mounting direction of the biological information measuring device such that the first direction is parallel to the short length direction of the subject.

5. A biological information measuring device according to claim 4, The aforementioned optical measurement unit includes an irradiation unit that irradiates the measurement light and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light. A biological information measuring device in which the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction.

6. A biological information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A biological information measuring device wherein the one or more protrusions include a first pair of protrusions that sandwich the recess in a second direction, and a second pair of protrusions that sandwich the recess in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction.

7. A biological information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A biological information measuring device in which the one or more protrusions consist of a single annular protrusion with the recess provided on its inner side.

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