thermometer

Abstract

We provide a thermometer that allows for flexible temperature measurement depending on the application and situation. [Solution] A thermometer according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sheet-like base material 11 having a first portion 11a and a second portion 11b, a temperature sensor 12 provided on the first portion 11a for measuring the temperature of a body to be measured, and a communication unit 19 provided on the second portion 11b for wirelessly transmitting measurement result information indicating the result of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor 12. The second portion 11b can be placed on top of the first portion 11a by bending the base material 11, and the temperature of the body to be measured is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermometer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a type of thermometer that measures body temperature by attaching a measurement sensor unit to the surface of a measurement site of a body temperature measurement target. Among the attachable thermometers, there is a battery-free thermometer that does not have a battery in the thermometer itself and operates using radio waves received from an external device (for example, an information terminal) as a power source.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a temperature measurement device including a body temperature measurement target mounting device attached to a body temperature measurement target and a reader which is an external device. The body temperature measurement target mounting device is supplied with power by receiving radio waves from the reader, measures the body temperature, and transmits the measurement result to the reader by radio waves. The reader calculates a temperature change rate from the transmitted temperature data and checks its stability.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the case of an attachable thermometer, attenuation by the biological tissue of the measurement site can significantly affect power transmission and communication distance with an external device. Particularly in the case of a battery-free thermometer, since stable power supply is difficult, these effects can be magnified. On the other hand, due to the configuration of attaching the sensor to the body surface, the heat dissipation from the body surface increases the deviation between the measured temperature and the deep body temperature, so a heat insulating material as thick as possible is required for user convenience. The temperature measurement device of Patent Document 1 does not disclose countermeasures regarding these points. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in attachable thermometers.

[0006] In one respect, this invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a thermometer that allows for flexible temperature measurement according to the application and situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0008] (1) A thermometer used to measure the temperature of an object to be measured, A sheet-like substrate having a first part and a second part, A temperature sensor is provided in the first part for measuring the temperature of the body temperature to be measured, The second part includes a communication unit that wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating the result of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor, The base material can be used by overlapping the second part with the first part by bending it. thermometer.

[0009] According to (1), the device can be used in a configuration where the temperature sensor and communication unit are separated without bending, or in a configuration where the temperature sensor and communication unit are close together after bending, enabling flexible body temperature measurement depending on the application and situation.

[0010] (2) (1) The thermometer described above, The temperature sensor and the communication unit are provided on the first surface of the substrate. thermometer.

[0011] According to (2), since the temperature sensor and communication unit can be provided on the same surface of the sheet-like substrate, the structure and manufacturing method of the thermometer can be simplified.

[0012] (3) (2) The thermometer described above, An adhesive member is provided on the second surface of the base material, which is opposite to the first surface. Thermometer.

[0013] (3) According to this, by attaching the thermometer to the body temperature measurement target with the adhesive member, the temperature of the body temperature measurement target can be accurately measured.

[0014] (4) The thermometer according to (3), The first part has a shape that exposes at least a part of the adhesive member provided on the second part in a state where the base material is bent so that the adhesive member is on the inside. Thermometer.

[0015] (4) According to this, even in a state where the base material is bent so that the adhesive member is on the inside, the temperature sensor can be attached to the body temperature measurement target with the adhesive member.

[0016] (5) The thermometer according to (1) or (4), At least one of a soft magnetic member and a heat insulating member is provided between the second surface and the adhesive member. Thermometer.

[0017] (5) According to this, by providing a soft magnetic member, attenuation of communication sensitivity due to the body temperature measurement target (biological tissue) and influence on temperature measurement by the communication part can be suppressed, and by providing a heat insulating member, influence on temperature measurement due to heat dissipation of the body temperature measurement target or temperature rise of the communication part can be suppressed.

[0018] (6) The thermometer according to (5), At least one of the soft magnetic member and the heat insulating member is provided only on the second part of the first part and the second part. Thermometer.

[0019] (6) According to this, by providing a soft magnetic member and a heat insulating member on the second part, the periphery of the temperature sensor can be sufficiently covered in a state where the base material is bent.

[0020] (7) The thermometer according to (5) or (6), at least one of the soft magnetic member and the heat insulating member has a convex portion at a position overlapping the temperature sensor by bending the base material, Thermometer.

[0021] According to (7), when the base material is bent, the temperature sensor can be pressed by the convex portion, and the temperature of the temperature measurement target can be accurately measured by bringing the temperature sensor closer to the temperature measurement target.

[0022] (8) The thermometer according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the communication unit, is capable of transmitting a wireless signal, and includes an antenna arranged in a coil shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the base material, and a processing circuit that transmits the measurement result information to an information terminal by the antenna, and the temperature sensor can be arranged inside the antenna arranged in a coil shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the base material by bending the base material. Thermometer.

[0023] According to (8), it is possible to increase the sticking strength of the temperature sensor to the temperature measurement target and improve the wearing comfort.

[0024] (9) The thermometer according to (8), wherein the first portion has a shape along the wiring between the processing circuit and the temperature sensor, and the second portion has a shape along the antenna arranged in a coil shape. Thermometer.

[0025] According to (9), in the state where the base material is bent, the temperature sensor of the first portion can be attached to the temperature measurement target by the adhesive member of the second portion, and the first portion and the second portion can be miniaturized.

[0026] (10) (9) The thermometer described above, The first part has a tapered shape, becoming thinner as it moves away from the second part. thermometer.

[0027] According to (10), when the second part is superimposed on the first part, the exposed area of ​​the adhesive material can be secured, and the strength of the part of the first part that is close to the second part can be secured.

[0028] (11) A thermometer as described in any of (1) to (10), The aforementioned communications unit is The system has a second temperature sensor that is different from the first temperature sensor, which is the aforementioned temperature sensor. The system wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating the temperature measurement results from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. thermometer.

[0029] According to (11), even in thermometers that measure temperature while attached to the object to be measured, it is possible to perform measurements using two temperature sensors, for example, a heat flow compensation type.

[0030] (12) A thermometer as described in any of (1) to (11), Battery-less, thermometer.

[0031] According to (12), it is possible for a thermometer to operate without a battery, using radio waves received from an external source (for example, an information terminal) as its power source.

[0032] (13) A thermometer as described in any of (1) to (12), Battery-less, The temperature is measured while the object to be measured is attached to the body.

[0033] According to (13), for example, continuous monitoring of body temperature can be easily performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermometer that allows for flexible temperature measurement according to the application and situation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a body temperature measurement system 100 that applies the thermometer 110 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the body temperature measurement system 100. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of a thermometer 110. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the front and side views of the thermometer 110. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of how to use the Thermometer 110. [Figure 6] These are a top view and a side view showing a first modified example of the thermometer 110. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how the thermometer 110 of the first modified example is used. [Figure 8] These are a top view and a side view showing a second modified example of the thermometer 110. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of how the thermometer 110 is used in the second modified example. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the reverse side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. [Figure 11] This figure shows the surface side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the thermometer 110 being folded and attached to the person whose temperature is to be measured. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the thermometer 110 being attached to the person whose temperature is to be measured without being folded. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a third modified example of the thermometer 110. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to one aspect of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0037] <Body Temperature Measurement System 100> Figure 1 shows an example of a body temperature measurement system 100 to which the thermometer 110 of the present invention is applied. As shown in Figure 1, the body temperature measurement system 100 comprises a thermometer 110 and an information terminal 120.

[0038] The thermometer 110 is an instrument that measures the temperature of an object to be measured while it is attached to that object. The thermometer 110 is a device that can communicate wirelessly with the information terminal 120. The "object to be measured" is, for example, a human being. "Attached to the object to be measured" means that at least the temperature sensor provided on the thermometer 110 is attached to the measurement site of the object to be measured. The "measurement site" is, for example, the armpit. The thermometer 110 is composed of, for example, a temperature tag. The thermometer 110 is formed, for example, in a teardrop shape, and has an adhesive applied to its surface so that it can be attached to the site to be measured. The thermometer 110 transmits measurement result information indicating the result of the temperature measurement to the information terminal 120 via wireless communication.

[0039] The information terminal 120 is a terminal capable of wireless communication with the thermometer 110. For example, the information terminal 120 may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or wearable device. "Wireless communication" may use, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which uses radio waves to read and write information from the thermometer 110's temperature tag without contact. Alternatively, NFC (Near Field Communication), which is specialized for short-range communication and operates in a high-frequency band (13.56 MHz), may be used. The information terminal 120 transmits a measurement instruction signal to the thermometer 110 via wireless communication to initiate temperature measurement. The information terminal 120 also magnetically couples with the thermometer 110 and supplies power to the thermometer 110 by generating an induced electromotive force using radio waves. The information terminal 120 also receives measurement result information measured by the thermometer 110 from the thermometer 110 via wireless communication.

[0040] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the body temperature measurement system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the thermometer 110 in the body temperature measurement system 100 includes a temperature sensor 12, an antenna 15, and a processing circuit 13. The temperature sensor 12, antenna 15, and processing circuit 13 are housed within the teardrop-shaped casing of the thermometer 110.

[0041] The thermometer 110 is a battery-less thermometer. A "battery-less thermometer" is a thermometer that does not have a battery and can operate using radio waves received from an external source (for example, an information terminal 120) as its power source. For example, if the wireless communication between the thermometer 110 and the information terminal 120 is RFID, the thermometer 110's temperature tag is a passive tag. Also, if the wireless communication between the thermometer 110 and the information terminal 120 is NFC, the thermometer 110's temperature tag is a tag that operates in passive mode.

[0042] The temperature sensor 12 is composed of, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 12 may also be composed of a thermocouple. When the thermometer 110 is attached, for example, to the armpit of a person being measured, heat is transferred from the surface of the housing, and the resistance value of the temperature sensor 12 changes in response to that heat. The temperature sensor 12 measures the temperature of the measurement site (armpit) based on the resistance value and outputs the measured temperature value to the processing circuit 13.

[0043] Antenna 15 is capable of wireless communication with antenna 121 of information terminal 120. Antenna 15 also functions as a power supply unit that supplies a predetermined voltage to the temperature sensor 12 and processing circuit 13 based on the power supplied from information terminal 120. Antenna 15 converts the AC voltage based on the radio waves received from information terminal 120 into a predetermined DC voltage and supplies it to the temperature sensor 12 and processing circuit 13. Antenna 15 also transmits the body temperature data of the person being measured, measured by the thermometer 110, to the information terminal 120.

[0044] The processing circuit 13 includes, for example, a communication circuit and a processor, and controls the overall operation of the thermometer 110 and executes various processes. The processor of the processing circuit 13 is composed of, for example, a microprocessor, and its operation is defined by the built-in firmware. The processing circuit 13 (processor) initiates the temperature sensor 12 to take multiple temperature measurements at the measurement site upon receiving a measurement instruction signal via communication with the information terminal 120. "Receiving a measurement instruction signal" refers to the reception of a single measurement instruction signal. The processing circuit 13 also converts the temperature measurement value (analog signal) of the measurement site output from the temperature sensor 12 into body temperature data (digital signal) representing the body temperature of the person being measured. The processing circuit 13 stores the converted multiple body temperature data in a memory unit provided in the processing circuit 13. The thermometer ID, which is the identification information of the thermometer 110, is stored in this memory unit, and the processing circuit 13 stores the body temperature data in the memory unit in association with the thermometer ID. Furthermore, the processing circuit 13 (communication circuit) transmits the converted multiple body temperature data to the information terminal 120 via the antenna 15 as measurement result information indicating the result of the temperature measurement.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the information terminal 120 in the body temperature measurement system 100 includes an antenna 121 and a processing circuit 122.

[0046] Antenna 121 is capable of wireless communication with the antenna 15 of the thermometer 110. Antenna 121 generates radio waves at a predetermined frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) and supplies power to the antenna 15 of the thermometer 110 by magnetic coupling with it. Antenna 121 also transmits a measurement instruction signal output from the processing circuit 122 to the thermometer 110. Antenna 121 also receives the body temperature data of the person being measured transmitted from the thermometer 110.

[0047] The processing circuit 122 outputs a measurement instruction signal to the antenna 121 to be transmitted to the thermometer 110. The processing circuit 122 also processes multiple temperature data (measurement result information) of the person being measured, received from the thermometer 110. "Processing based on multiple temperature data" means, for example, determining the validity of at least one of the results of multiple temperature measurements, and if it is determined to be valid, outputting temperature information indicating the temperature based on at least one of the results of the multiple temperature measurements. Determining the validity of the results of multiple temperature measurements means, for example, determining whether the results of the multiple temperature measurements are stable, whether the temperature change over time is small in the results of the multiple temperature measurements, and whether the temperature tag can be said to be well-adjusted to the measurement site based on the results of the multiple temperature measurements. "Well-adjusted" includes not only that the temperature tag is attached to the appropriate position on the measurement site, but also that the measured temperature does not fluctuate irregularly and shows, for example, a stable upward curve. The temperature based on the results of multiple temperature measurements is, for example, the average value of the results of multiple temperature measurements, the result of the last temperature measurement in the multiple temperature measurements, or the temperature predicted from the results of multiple temperature measurements. Outputting temperature information means confirming that temperature information as a measurement result, such as displaying the temperature information on the display unit of the information terminal 120, transmitting the temperature information to another device, or recording the temperature information in non-volatile memory.

[0048] <Configuration of Thermometer 110> Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the thermometer 110. Figure 4 is a front view and a side view of the thermometer 110 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the thermometer 110 has a sheet-like base material 11 and a temperature sensor 12 and a communication unit 19 provided on the base material 11.

[0049] The base material 11 has a first portion 11a and a second portion 11b. The first portion 11a is a part for measuring the temperature of the body temperature to be measured. The second portion 11b is a part for wirelessly transmitting the measured measurement result information. The first portion 11a is formed in an elongated shape. The second portion 11b is formed in a circular shape. The second portion 11b is provided continuously from one end of the first portion 11a. In plan view, the base material 11 is formed in a teardrop shape consisting of a circular second portion 11b and a first portion 11a protruding outward from the second portion 11b. The first portion 11a is formed in a tapered shape, for example, becoming thinner as it moves away from the second portion 11b. The shape of the second portion 11b may be, for example, an ellipse or a rectangle.

[0050] The temperature sensor 12 is located on the first portion 11a. The temperature sensor 12 is located on the other end of the first portion 11a. The other end is the end opposite to the one end of the first portion 11a to which the second portion 11b is continuous.

[0051] The communication unit 19 is located in the second part 11b. The communication unit 19 includes an antenna 15 and a processing circuit 13. The antenna 15 is arranged in a coil shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material 11. "Coil shape" includes, for example, a helical shape or a spiral shape. In this example, the antenna 15 is arranged in a round shape. However, the antenna 15 may also be arranged in a square shape, for example. The antenna 15 can transmit and receive wireless signals with, for example, the antenna 121 of the information terminal 120. The shape of the second part 11b follows the shape of the coil-shaped antenna 15. For example, if the coil-shaped antenna 15 is arranged in a round shape, the shape of the second part 11b will be approximately circular. Also, if the coil-shaped antenna 15 is arranged in a square shape, the shape of the second part 11b will be approximately rectangular.

[0052] The processing circuit 13 is located on the side of the second part 11b where the first part 11a is provided. The processing circuit 13 is connected to the antenna 15. The processing circuit 13 transmits the measurement result information measured by the temperature sensor 12 to the information terminal 120 via the antenna 15.

[0053] Furthermore, a wiring (pattern) 14 is provided between the processing circuit 13 of the second part 11b and the temperature sensor 12 of the first part 11a, connecting the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12. The wiring 14 extends in a substantially straight line from the processing circuit 13 to the temperature sensor 12. The shape of the first part 11a follows the shape of the wiring 14 between the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12. For example, the first part 11a has an elongated shape that follows the wiring 14.

[0054] The temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 (antenna 15, processing circuit 13) are provided on the same surface of the sheet-like substrate 11. The surface is an example of the "first surface" of the present invention. In contrast, an adhesive layer 16 is provided on the back surface of the substrate 11. The back surface is the surface of the substrate 11 opposite to the surface on which the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are provided. The adhesive layer 16 is provided over substantially the entire area of ​​the back surface. The back surface is an example of the "second surface" of the present invention. The adhesive layer 16 is an example of the "adhesive member" of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 5 shows an example of how the thermometer 110 is used. As shown in Figure 5, the thermometer 110 can be used by folding the base material 11 to overlap the second part 11b with the first part 11a. The base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 faces inward, that is, so that the adhesive layer 16 on the back of the first part 11a and the adhesive layer 16 on the back of the second part 11b face each other.

[0056] The bending position of the base material 11 is a part of the first part 11a. The part of the first part 11a is the part of the first part 11a that is close to the second part 11b. The part close to the second part 11b is the relatively thick region of the tapered first part 11a. "Usable" means that it can be used as a thermometer. "Bending" means that, for example, the first part 11a is bendable due to sufficient flexibility. Alternatively, "bending" may also mean that a third part connecting the first part 11a and the second part 11b is provided, and that the third part is bendable due to sufficient flexibility. Furthermore, the wiring 14 provided between the temperature sensor 12 and the processing circuit 13 of the second part 11b is also flexible so as not to break when bent. When the first part 11a is bent, the temperature sensor 12 of the first part 11a is configured to overlap the approximately central region on the back side of the second part 11b.

[0057] <First variation of thermometer 110> Figure 6 shows a front view and a side view of a first modified example of the thermometer 110. In the first modified example of the thermometer 110, an intermediate layer 17 is provided between the back surface of the base material 11 and the adhesive layer 16 provided on the back surface. The intermediate layer 17 is composed of at least one of a soft magnetic material and a heat insulating material. The intermediate layer 17 is provided only in the second part 11b of the first part 11a and second part 11b.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of use of the thermometer 110 of the first modified example. As shown in Figure 7, the intermediate layer 17 provided on the back surface of the base material 11 may be provided to match the folding position when the first portion 11a is folded, for example. That is, the intermediate layer 17 may be provided not only on the back surface of the second portion 11b but also in a position that spans a part of the first portion 11a on the second portion 11b side.

[0059] <Second variation of thermometer 110> Figure 8 shows a front view and a side view of a second modified example of the thermometer 110. In the second modified example of the thermometer 110, a protrusion 18 is provided on an intermediate layer 17 located between the back surface of the base material 11 and the adhesive layer 16 provided on that back surface. A "protrusion" is a part that is thicker than other parts. The protrusion 18 is a protrusion that extends away from the back surface of the base material 11 (downward in Figure 8).

[0060] Figure 9 shows an example of use of the second modified thermometer 110. As shown in Figure 9, the protrusion 18 of the intermediate layer 17 is positioned to overlap with the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a when the first portion 11a is folded.

[0061] <Positional relationship between part 2 11b and temperature sensor 12> Figure 10 shows the back side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. Figure 11 shows the front side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first part 11a is shaped to expose at least a portion of the adhesive layer 16 provided on the second part 11b when the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside. "A portion" means, for example, more than half of the area of ​​the entire adhesive layer 16. That is, the first part 11a is smaller than the second part 11b and is formed in an elongated shape, for example as described above, and overlaps with a portion of the area of ​​the second part 11b when folded.

[0062] The temperature sensor 12 in the first part 11a is positioned inside the coil-shaped antenna 15 when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material 11, with the base material 11 bent so that the adhesive layer 16 faces inward. "Inside the antenna 15" refers to, for example, the approximate center of the antenna 15. However, "inside the antenna 15" can be any central region of the antenna 15, and does not necessarily have to be the exact center. A folding guide may be provided on the base material 11, for example, so that the temperature sensor 12 overlaps the inside of the antenna 15 when the base material 11 is bent. Specifically, a mark may be made on the folding position so that the temperature sensor 12 can overlap the inside of the antenna 15, or the folding position may be made easier to bend (higher flexibility), or the intermediate layer 17 on the back surface of the second part 11b may be provided up to the folding position to make it easier to bend at the folding position.

[0063] <The thermometer 110 attached to the object whose temperature is to be measured> Figure 12 shows an example of a thermometer 110 folded and attached to a person whose body temperature is to be measured. In Figure 12, the thermometer 110, with the base material 11 folded, is attached to the chest of a person 130 whose body temperature is to be measured. Note that the thermometer 110 can be attached to any position on the person 130, not limited to the chest, but also under the armpit, on the face, on the neck, near the hip joint, on the inside of the thigh, etc.

[0064] Figure 13 shows an example of a thermometer 110 being attached to a body to be measured without being folded. In Figure 13, the thermometer 110 is shown attached to the armpit of a human body 130, with the base material 11 folded at approximately 90°. In this case, for example, the first part 11a including the temperature sensor 12 is held in the armpit, and the second part 11b including the communication unit 19 is exposed from the armpit and in contact with the chest, with the thermometer 110 attached in this manner. Note that even when the thermometer 110 is not folded, the attachment position of the thermometer 110 can be any position.

[0065] As described above, the thermometer 110 is a thermometer that measures temperature while attached to the object to be measured. By folding a sheet-like base material 11, the first part 11a, which is equipped with a temperature sensor 12 for measuring temperature, and the second part 11b, which is equipped with a communication unit 19 for wirelessly transmitting temperature measurement result information, can be used in an overlapping state. With this configuration, it is possible to use the thermometer without folding the base material 11, in a configuration where the positions of the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are far apart, or to fold the base material 11, in a configuration where the positions of the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are close together. This enables flexible temperature measurement according to the application and situation.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are located on the same side (front) of the sheet-like substrate 11. This makes it possible to fold the substrate 11 so that both the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are positioned on the outside. In other words, the temperature sensor 12 can be located on one side (the side facing the body temperature to be measured), and the communication unit 19 can be located on the opposite side. By attaching the thermometer so that the temperature sensor 12 is on the side facing the body temperature to be measured, the temperature sensor 12 can be brought closer to the body temperature to be measured (for example, in direct contact), making it possible to accurately measure the temperature of the body temperature to be measured. Also, by attaching the thermometer so that the temperature sensor 12 is on the side facing the body temperature to be measured, the communication unit 19 can be moved away from the body temperature to be measured, thereby suppressing the influence of electromagnetic waves from biological tissue on the communication unit 19.

[0067] If such a configuration were to be implemented using a method other than folding, for example, it would be necessary to arrange the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 three-dimensionally (for example, by forming circuits on both sides of the base material 11 or by creating a two-layer structure), which would complicate the structure and manufacturing method of the thermometer 110. In contrast, with the thermometer 110 of this type, the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 only need to be provided on one side (the same side) of the sheet-like base material 11, thus simplifying the structure and manufacturing method of the thermometer 110. Furthermore, with the thermometer 110 of this type, by folding the base material 11, the base material 11 is arranged in a double layer between the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19, which further improves heat retention at the temperature sensor 12 and suppresses the impact on the communication unit 19.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, an adhesive layer 16 is provided on the surface of the base material 11 opposite to the surface on which the temperature sensor 12 and communication unit 19 are located. When the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside and the first part 11a is placed on top of the second part 11b, the first part 11a is formed in such a shape that a portion of the adhesive layer 16 provided on the second part 11b is exposed. As a result, even when the base material 11 is folded, the temperature sensor 12 can be attached to the body temperature to be measured by the exposed adhesive layer 16 of the second part 11b, and the temperature of the body temperature to be measured can be accurately measured.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, at least one of a soft magnetic material and a heat insulating material is provided as an intermediate layer 17 between the back surface of the base material 11 and the adhesive layer 16 provided on the back surface. By providing a soft magnetic material as the intermediate layer 17, it is possible to suppress the attenuation of the communication sensitivity of the communication unit 19 due to electromagnetic waves from the body temperature measurement target (biological tissue), or the influence of electromagnetic waves from the communication unit 19 on the measurement of the temperature sensor 12. Also, by providing a heat insulating material as the intermediate layer 17, it is possible to retain the heat of the body temperature measurement target, or to suppress the influence of the temperature rise of the communication unit 19 on the temperature sensor 12, thereby enabling accurate temperature measurement.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the intermediate layer 17 is provided only in the second portion 11b of the two portions 11a and 11b. This allows the temperature sensor 12 to be sufficiently covered with the soft magnetic material and the heat insulating material (intermediate layer 17) when the base material 11 is bent. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the first portion 11a and maintain a high degree of flexibility of the first portion 11a.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the intermediate layer 17 is provided with a protrusion 18 at a position that overlaps with the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a when the base material 11 is bent. This allows the temperature sensor 12 to be brought closer to the body temperature to be measured by the protrusion 18 of the intermediate layer 17 when the base material 11 is bent, enabling accurate measurement of the temperature of the body temperature to be measured.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, when the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside, the temperature sensor 12 of the first part 11a is positioned inside the coiled antenna 15 when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material 11. This allows the adhesive layer 16 to cover the area around the temperature sensor 12 when the base material 11 is folded, thereby increasing the adhesion strength of the temperature sensor 12 to the body temperature to be measured. In addition, since the temperature sensor 12 is positioned so as not to overlap with the antenna 15 or processing circuit 13, the wearing comfort can be improved.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the first portion 11a protruding outward from the second portion 11b is formed along the wiring between the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12, and has a tapered shape that becomes narrower as it moves away from the second portion 11b. This ensures that when the first portion 11a is bent and overlapped with the second portion 11b, a sufficient amount of the adhesive layer 16 provided on the second portion 11b is exposed. In addition, the width of the part of the first portion 11a closest to the second portion 11b (the base portion) can be increased, thereby increasing the strength of the first portion 11a against bending.

[0074] <Variations of temperature measurement> The thermometer 110 may be configured such that the temperature sensor 12 provided at the end of the first portion 11a is provided in the same manner as the first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor different from the first temperature sensor is also provided. The thermometer 110 may perform heat flow compensated temperature measurement using the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor is provided, for example, at a predetermined position on the surface of the second portion 11b that overlaps with the first temperature sensor due to the bending of the base material 11. However, the second temperature sensor is not limited to a predetermined position that overlaps with the first temperature sensor, and may be provided, for example, at the position of the processing circuit 13.

[0075] The communication unit 19 performs heat flow-compensated body temperature measurement using the processing circuit 13 based on the temperature measurement information measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and wirelessly transmits the measurement result information to, for example, the information terminal 120. Alternatively, the communication unit 19 may wirelessly transmit the temperature measurement information measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor to the information terminal 120, and the information terminal 120 may perform heat flow-compensated body temperature measurement based on the temperature measurement information.

[0076] Thus, according to the modified thermometer 110, even in a thermometer that measures temperature by folding the base material 11 to overlap the first part 11a and the second part 11b and attaching it to the object to be measured, it is possible to perform, for example, a heat flow compensated measurement using two temperature sensors.

[0077] <Third variation of thermometer 110> Figure 14 shows a third modified example of the thermometer 110. Although an adhesive-type thermometer 110 has been described, the thermometer 110 is not limited to an adhesive type. For example, the thermometer 110 may be configured to be attached to the object to be measured by clipping it onto clothing. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the base material 11 may be configured to be bent into a roughly U-shape and clipped to the edge of clothing 140 (e.g., underwear). For example, by attaching the thermometer 110 to clothing 140 so that the temperature sensor 12 faces the inside of the clothing 140 (towards the human body), the temperature sensor 12 is pressed against the object to be measured (human body) by the clothing 140, and the temperature of the object to be measured (human body) can be measured.

[0078] <Variation of antenna configuration for thermometer 110> Although a configuration in which the thermometer 110 has a coiled antenna 15 has been described, the configuration of the antenna of the thermometer 110 is not limited to this. For example, the antenna 15 may be a chip antenna provided on a small chip. The chip equipped with this chip antenna may be a processing circuit 13, or it may be a circuit separate from the processing circuit 13.

[0079] <Variable circuit configuration of thermometer 110> Although a configuration in which the processing circuit 13 is provided separately from the temperature sensor 12 has been described, a one-chip configuration using a circuit that combines the functions of the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "combined circuit") may also be used. For example, in the configuration of the thermometer 110 shown in Figure 3, etc., a combined circuit may be provided in the position of the temperature sensor 12 instead of the temperature sensor 12, processing circuit 13, and wiring 14, and wiring connecting the combined circuit and the antenna 15 may be provided.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects of the present invention. Various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 11 Base material 11a Part 1 11b Part 2 12 Temperature Sensors 13,122 Processing Circuits 14 Wiring 15,121 antennas 16 Adhesive layer 17 Middle Class 18 Convex part 19 Communications Department 100 Body Temperature Measurement System 110 Thermometer 120 Information Terminals 130 human body 140 Clothes

Claims

1. A thermometer used to measure the temperature of an object to be measured, A sheet-like substrate having a first part and a second part, A temperature sensor is provided in the first part for measuring the temperature of the body temperature target, The second part includes a communication unit that wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating the result of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor, The base material can be used by overlapping the second part with the first part by bending it. thermometer.

2. A thermometer according to claim 1, The temperature sensor and the communication unit are provided on the first surface of the substrate. thermometer.

3. A thermometer according to claim 2, An adhesive member is provided on the second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface. thermometer.

4. A thermometer according to claim 3, The first portion is shaped such that, when the substrate is folded so that the adhesive member is on the inside, at least a portion of the adhesive member provided in the second portion is exposed. thermometer.

5. A thermometer according to claim 3, At least one of a soft magnetic material member and a heat insulating material member is provided between the second surface and the adhesive member. thermometer.

6. A thermometer according to claim 5, At least one of the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating member is provided only in the second portion of the first portion and the second portion. thermometer.

7. A thermometer according to claim 5, At least one of the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating member has a protrusion at a position that overlaps with the temperature sensor when the base material is bent. thermometer.

8. A thermometer according to claim 1, The aforementioned communications unit is An antenna capable of transmitting wireless signals, arranged in a coil shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate, The system includes a processing circuit that transmits the measurement result information to an information terminal using the antenna, The temperature sensor can be positioned inside the coil-shaped antenna when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate by bending the substrate. thermometer.

9. A thermometer according to claim 8, The first part has a shape that follows the wiring between the processing circuit and the temperature sensor, The second part has a shape that follows the coiled arrangement of the antenna. thermometer.

10. A thermometer according to claim 9, The first portion has a tapered shape, becoming thinner as it moves away from the second portion. thermometer.

11. A thermometer according to claim 1, The aforementioned communications unit is The system has a second temperature sensor that is different from the first temperature sensor, which is the aforementioned temperature sensor. The system wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating the temperature measurement results from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. thermometer.

12. A thermometer according to claim 1, Battery-less, thermometer.

13. A thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The temperature is measured while the object to be measured is attached to the body. thermometer.

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