Biological information measuring device

Abstract

The aim is to stably output highly accurate biometric information even when worn on only one ear. [Solution] A biological information measuring device that measures biological information by contacting a part of the ear, comprising: a base portion having a placement surface for contacting the part of the ear; an electrode provided on the placement surface and having a plurality of fine protrusions on its surface; and a processing unit for processing the potential signal obtained from the electrode, wherein the processing unit removes noise components contained in the potential signal based on a detection signal obtained from an auxiliary sensor different from the electrode and outputs the biological information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a biological information measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for measuring biological information such as electroencephalograms are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for measuring electroencephalograms by providing a conductive member in a canal-type earphone.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the area around the ear, the electrical impedance tends to be high due to the mixing of hair and the stratum corneum of the skin, and impulse-like noise due to pulse and body movement tends to be mixed in, making it difficult to obtain a stable bioelectric potential. An object of the present invention is to stably output highly accurate biological information even with single-ear wearing by reducing contact resistance by specializing the physical contact form of the electrode and canceling out specific noise by using a physical quantity sensor other than the electrode in combination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is a biological information measuring device that measures biological information by contacting a part of the ear, comprising: a base portion having a placement surface for contacting the part of the ear; an electrode provided on the placement surface and having a plurality of fine protrusions on its surface; and a processing unit for processing the potential signal obtained from the electrode, wherein the processing unit removes noise components contained in the potential signal and outputs the biological information based on a detection signal obtained from an auxiliary sensor different from the electrode. The invention according to claim 2 is a biological information measuring device comprising: a single housing attached to a part of the ear; a plurality of electrodes arranged in the housing and in contact with the part; an auxiliary sensor built into the housing, including at least one of a pulse sensor or an acceleration sensor; and a processing unit that removes noise from the differential signal between the potential signals obtained from the plurality of electrodes based on the detection signal of the auxiliary sensor. The invention according to claim 3 is a biological information measuring device that measures biological information by contacting a part of the ear, comprising: a housing portion disposed on the outside of the external auditory canal; a hook portion connected to the housing portion; a first electrode fixed to the surface of the housing portion; a second electrode fixed at a position on the surface of the hook portion different from the first electrode; and a processing unit that extracts biological information from potential signals obtained via the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the processing unit removes noise from the biological signal based on a signal from an auxiliary sensor built into the housing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the inventions of claims 1, 2, and 3, highly accurate biological information can be stably output even when worn on only one ear. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram of the biological information measurement system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the entire biometric information measurement device. [Figure 3]It is a view of the biological information measurement device when viewed from above. [Figure 4] It is a view of the left earphone when viewed from the left. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the right earphone. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the left earphone. [Figure 7] It is a view of the right earphone when viewed from above. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view showing the right earphone. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of the right earphone. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the inside of the left earphone. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing the left earphone. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the left earphone. [Figure 13] It is an exploded perspective view showing the left earphone. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view showing the left earphone. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing the main board and the sub-board. [Figure 16] It is a view showing the inner surface of the main board. [Figure 17] It is a view showing the outer surface of the main board. [Figure 18] It is a view showing the inner surface of the sub-board. [Figure 19] It is a view showing the outer surface of the sub-board. [Figure 20] It is a view showing the wiring on the inner surface of the main board. [Figure 21] It is a view showing the board components included in the main board. [Figure 22] It is a view showing the front side of the relay board. [Figure 23] It is a view showing the rear side of the relay board. [Figure 24] It is a block diagram showing the biological information measurement device. [Figure 25] It is a block diagram showing the terminal device. [Figure 26] It is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of a human right ear. [Figure 27] It is a diagram schematically showing the appearance and the interior of a human right ear. [Figure 28] It is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of a human right ear. [Figure 29] It is a diagram schematically showing a right earpiece and a conductive tube member. [Figure 30] It is a diagram schematically showing a right earpiece and a conductive tube member. [Figure 31] It is a diagram schematically showing a right earpiece and a conductive tube member. [Figure 32] It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a right earphone. [Figure 33] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a right earphone having a flexible structure. [Figure 34] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a left earphone according to Modification 1. [Figure 35] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a human left ear. [Figure 36] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a left earphone according to Modification 1. [Figure 37] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a human left ear. [Figure 38] It is a diagram when the left earphone according to Modification 2 is viewed from the left direction. [Figure 39] It is a diagram when the left earphone according to Modification 2 is viewed from the upward direction. [Figure 40] It is a diagram showing the appearance of a human left ear. [Figure 41] It is a diagram when the right earphone according to Modification 3 is viewed from the right direction. [[ID=四十八]] [[ID=四十九]] [Figure 42A] [[ID=五十]]It is a perspective view showing a micro needle sheet. [[ID=五十一]] [[ID=五十二]] [Figure 42B] [[ID=五十三]]It is a diagram when the sheet is viewed from the side. [[ID=五十四]] [[ID=五十五]] [Figure 42C] [[ID=五十六]]It is a diagram when the sheet is viewed from above. [[ID=五十七]] [[ID=五十八]] [Figure 43] [[ID=五十九]]It is a perspective view showing a micro needle sheet. [[ID=六十]] [[ID=六十一]] [Figure 44A]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the external auditory canal. [Figure 44B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the elastic base layer and the sheet. [Figure 45] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the external auditory canal. [Figure 46] This is a perspective view showing an iPS cell sheet. [Figure 47] This is a diagram showing a person's head and pillow viewed from above. [Figure 48] This is a diagram showing a person's head and pillow viewed from above. [Figure 49] This is a diagram showing a person's head and pillow viewed from above. [Figure 50] This diagram shows a person's head and a display screen viewed from above. [Figure 51] This diagram shows a person's head and a display screen viewed from above. [Figure 52] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 53] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 54] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 55] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 56] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 57] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 58] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. [Figure 59] This diagram schematically shows the right earphone, the left earphone, and the cable. [Figure 60] This is a diagram of a balanced differential amplifier. [Figure 61] This is a diagram illustrating how to select electrodes. [Figure 62] This is a diagram illustrating how to select electrodes. [Figure 63] This is a diagram illustrating how to select electrodes. [Figure 64] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device that processes signals from multiple channels. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Referring to Figure 1, the biological information measurement system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the biological information measurement system according to this embodiment. The biological information measurement system 10 includes a biological information measurement device 12 and a terminal device 14.

[0010] The biometric information measuring device 12 and the terminal device 14 have the function of communicating with other devices via a communication path. This communication may be wired communication using a cable, or it may be wireless communication. In other words, the biometric information measuring device 12 and the terminal device 14 may be physically connected to other devices by a cable to send and receive information from each other, or they may send and receive information from each other by wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include short-range wireless communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), infrared communication, and visible light communication. Wireless communication of other standards may also be used. Examples of short-range wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), and NFC. Furthermore, the biometric information measuring device 12 and the terminal device 14 may communicate with other devices (such as servers) via a communication path such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0011] The biological information measuring device 12 is a device configured to measure the biological information of an organism. The organism may be a human, an animal other than a human, or a plant.

[0012] Biological information may include various types of information emitted from living organisms. Examples of biological information include information indicating brain activity (e.g., electroencephalograms, cerebral blood flow, magnetic field signals, etc.), information indicating pulse rate, electromyographic information such as electromyographic waveforms, information regarding saliva (e.g., information indicating saliva volume), information indicating pulse waves, information indicating blood pressure, information indicating blood flow, information indicating pulse rate, information indicating heart rate, information indicating electrocardiogram waveforms, information indicating eye movements, information indicating body temperature, information indicating sweating, information indicating gaze, voice information, information indicating human movement, or information obtained from bodily fluids (e.g., blood, etc.). Information identified by biomarkers may also be used as biological information. Biological information may also be information resulting from electrical potentials detected from living organisms. For example, biological information may include electroencephalograms, which are the measurement results of minute currents generated in conjunction with brain activity; electrocardiograms, which are the measurement results of minute currents generated in conjunction with heartbeats; electromyograms, which are the measurement results of minute currents generated in conjunction with muscle activity; or skin potentials, which are the measurement results of minute currents generated in the skin. These are merely examples of biological information, and other types of biological information may also be used. The biological information measuring device 12 measures one or more types of biological information.

[0013] By analyzing biological information, emotional information, mental information, or psychological information may be obtained. For example, by analyzing a person's biological information, information indicating that person's emotions, information indicating that person's mental state, or information indicating that person's psychology may be obtained. Of course, by analyzing the biological information of animals or plants other than humans, information indicating the state of those animals or plants may be obtained.

[0014] The biological information measuring device 12 may be a device (e.g., a wearable device) that is attached to the organism being measured and measures biological information, or it may be a device that measures biological information without being attached to the organism.

[0015] Wearable devices include, for example, hearable devices attached to an animal's ear, devices attached to an animal's head, devices attached to an animal's wrist, arm, or fingers (hereinafter referred to as "wrist, etc.") (for example, smartwatches and other wristwatch-type devices), devices attached to an animal's neck, devices attached to an animal's torso (for example, chest or abdomen, etc.), devices attached to the lower limbs (for example, human thigh, lower leg, knee, foot, ankle, etc.), glasses-type devices, or contact lens-type devices. The biometric information measuring device 12 may also be a wearable device attached to a part other than these. Furthermore, the biometric information measuring device 12 may be attached to multiple parts.

[0016] Hearable devices may include, for example, earphones, hearing aids, earring-type devices, clip-type devices, or devices including bands and cables that wrap around the ear. Devices worn on the head may include, for example, headsets including bands and cables that wrap around the head. Devices worn on the wrist or other parts of the body may include, for example, devices including bands and cables that wrap around the wrist or other parts of the body. Devices worn on other parts of the body may also include bands and cables.

[0017] The biological information measuring device 12 may be a contact-type device that measures the biological information of an organism by coming into contact with it, or it may be a non-contact-type device that measures the biological information of an organism without coming into contact with it. The biological information measuring device 12 may also be a device that combines both contact-type and non-contact-type functions. In other words, the biological information measuring device 12 may measure the biological information of an organism by coming into contact with it, and may also measure the biological information of an organism without coming into contact with it. The biological information measured by coming into contact with an organism and the biological information measured without coming into contact with an organism may be of the same type or of different types.

[0018] The biological information measuring device 12 includes electrodes and sensors other than electrodes for measuring biological information. The electrodes may detect potential, which is an example of biological information, by contacting a living body, or they may detect potential without contacting a living body. Sensors other than electrodes may measure biological information by contacting a living body, or they may measure biological information without contacting a living body. For example, electrodes may contact an animal to detect potential representing the animal's brain waves. Alternatively, sensors may measure biological information representing the animal's body temperature without contacting the animal. Of course, these are just examples, and other types of biological information may be measured.

[0019] For example, the biological information measuring device 12 includes one or more electrodes. For example, multiple electrodes are provided on a living organism, and the potential is detected by these multiple electrodes. The detected potential includes biopotentials, which are an example of the biological information of the organism, and by processing the detected potential, biopotentials are extracted from the detected potential. For example, the detected potential may contain noise other than that originating from biopotentials, and by performing processing such as noise cancellation, biopotentials from which noise has been removed can be obtained. Noise includes, for example, potentials generated due to the movement of the organism, potentials transmitted from outside the organism, potentials generated from the global environment, and potentials representing biological information other than the object being measured. Potentials generated by devices such as PCs and smartphones may also be included in the noise. Depending on the measurement conditions such as the detection sensitivity of the potential and noise, the electrodes used to detect the potential may be switched. Furthermore, when potentials originating from various biopotentials are measured in combination, the potentials originating from various biopotentials may be estimated and separated by processing to separate the potentials measured for each biopotential by frequency, or by processing to separate the combined part from the weakly combined part within the measurement time. For example, the aforementioned hearable devices may measure a combination of information, such as brain activity, pulse rate, electromyography (EMG) information derived from muscle movement, pulse waves, and blood flow information such as heart rate. However, this information often differs in frequency and absolute output values, and can be separated and estimated by frequency analysis of the measured signals or differences in output level. For example, electroencephalograms (EEGs) can be divided into alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma wave bands based on their frequency. Alternatively, measurements can be taken using the hearable device under the same conditions, and then the individual signals can be measured multiple times individually using commercially available electroencephalographs, EMG measurement devices, and blood flow measurement devices. The combined measurement signals from the hearable device can then be analyzed using frequency analysis methods such as Fourier transform and wavelet transform, and statistical processing can be applied to estimate which biological information each signal originates from.

[0020] For example, one or more electrodes are used as biopotential detection electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "sensor electrodes") for detecting potentials including biopotential, one or more other electrodes are used as ground electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "ground electrodes"), and one or more further electrodes are used as electrodes for detecting potentials to be compared with the potentials detected by the sensor electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "reference electrodes").

[0021] Hereinafter, the potential detected by the sensor electrode will be referred to as the "sensor potential," the potential detected by the reference electrode will be referred to as the "reference potential," and the potential detected by the ground electrode will be referred to as the "ground potential."

[0022] As another example, the biological information measuring device 12 includes one or more sensors other than electrodes. For example, multiple sensors are attached to a living organism, and biological information is measured by these multiple sensors. The measured information may contain noise, and the sensors used to measure the biological information may be switched depending on the measurement conditions such as measurement sensitivity and noise.

[0023] As yet another example, the biological information measuring device 12 may include one or more electrodes and one or more sensors other than electrodes.

[0024] Furthermore, multiple biological information measuring devices 12, each including at least one of electrodes and sensors, may be used, and the same or different types of biological information may be measured by each biological information measuring device 12.

[0025] The biological information measuring device 12 may transmit biological information (for example, potential signals indicating potential detected by electrodes, information measured by sensors, and analysis results) to the terminal device 14. The biological information measuring device 12 may also transmit biological information to a device other than the terminal device 14 (for example, a server). The biological information measuring device 12 may transmit biological information to other devices, or it may store the biological information measuring device 12 itself without transmitting it.

[0026] The terminal device 14 may be, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet PC, mobile phone, etc.), or other device (e.g., a music player, etc.). The terminal device 14 may receive biological information from the biological information measuring device 12 and perform processing such as storing, analyzing, or transmitting the biological information to other devices. For example, the terminal device 14 may extract biological information from the electrical potential detected from a living organism.

[0027] The biometric information measuring device 12 is, for example, a hearable device and is used by inserting it into the ear canal of a person's ear. The biometric information measuring device 12 may also be a device that includes, for example, an in-ear earphone. For example, the biometric information measuring device 12 has the function of converting electrical signals output from a playback device into sound waves using a speaker as an earphone. The playback device may also be a terminal device 14. For example, the biometric information measuring device 12 receives sound signals such as voice signals from the terminal device 14 via wireless or wired communication and generates sound according to those sound signals.

[0028] The shape of the biometric information measuring device 12 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 10. Here, an earphone worn on a person's ear will be used as an example of the biometric information measuring device 12, but the biometric information measuring device 12 described here may be a hearable device other than an earphone.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the entire biometric information measuring device 12. Figure 3 is a view of the biometric information measuring device from above. Figure 4 is a view of the left earphone from the left. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the right earphone. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the left earphone. Figure 7 is a view of the right earphone from above. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the right earphone. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the right earphone. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the inside of the left earphone.

[0030] For the sake of explanation, we define the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions as shown in Figure 2. The front direction is the direction a person's face is facing, and the back direction is the opposite direction. The up direction is the direction a person's head is pointing, and the down direction is the opposite direction. The right direction is the direction of a person's right hand, and the left direction is the direction of a person's left hand. The front-back, up-down, and left-right directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0031] Furthermore, as an example, the bio-information measuring device 12 is assumed to measure biological information including electroencephalograms (EEGs). Of course, the bio-information measuring device 12 may measure other biological information in addition to EEGs, or without measuring EEGs alone. For example, when the right earphone 16R or left earphone 16L, described later, is attached to a person's ear, an electrical potential representing biological information is detected. The detected electrical potential signal usually includes an electrical potential signal representing EEGs, but in addition to the electrical potential signal representing EEGs, it may also include electrical potential signals that indicate potentials generated due to the movement of a person's head, such as movements caused by facial expressions, or movements of the neck, jaw, or eyeballs. In addition, biological information resulting from changes in blood flow associated with the movement of a person's head, such as cerebral blood flow, pulse waves related to cardiac blood flow, and heart rate, can also be measured in significant quantities. Thus, the bio-information measuring device 12 may measure biological information other than EEGs along with EEGs. Biological information other than EEGs may be processed as noise (for example, removed), or, as mentioned above, may be separated from EEGs and used for some kind of processing.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the biometric information measuring device 12 broadly includes a right earphone 16R worn on a person's right ear, a left earphone 16L worn on a person's left ear, and a cable 18 that electrically connects the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L. The right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may transmit and receive signals and data via the cable 18. The cable 18 may also be equipped with a remote control for operating the biometric information measuring device 12.

[0033] Either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L may function as a biometric information measuring device, or both the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may function as biometric information measuring devices.

[0034] For example, one earphone may have a sensor electrode, a reference electrode, and a ground electrode, while the other earphone may not have any electrodes.

[0035] As another example, both the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may have a sensor electrode, a reference electrode, and a ground electrode.

[0036] As yet another example, one earphone may have one or two electrodes from among the sensor electrode, reference electrode, and ground electrode, while the other earphone may have electrodes that the first earphone does not have.

[0037] As yet another example, one or more electrodes may be provided on each of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L, and the sensor electrode, reference electrode, and ground electrode may each be assigned to one of the electrodes.

[0038] As yet another example, one earphone may be provided with multiple sensor electrodes, multiple reference electrodes, or multiple ground electrodes. For example, the right earphone 16R may be provided with multiple sensor electrodes, and the left earphone 16L may be provided with multiple reference electrodes.

[0039] The right earphone 16R is, for example, a canal-type earphone and includes a right housing 20R, a right earpiece 22R, a right support 24R, a right ear hook 26R, and an electrode member 28R. The earpiece is sometimes referred to as an ear pad.

[0040] The right-side housing 20R is, for example, a thin, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing that houses electronic circuits and the like. On the right-side housing 20R, a right-side earpiece 22R and a right-side support 24R are provided on the surface facing the right ear of a person when they wear the biometric information measurement device 12. The right-side housing 20R houses a control device, a speaker, a communication device (e.g., a communication chip), electronic circuits for analyzing and processing biometric information, a 6-axis sensor (e.g., a sensor having a 3-axis sensor for detecting acceleration and a 3-axis sensor for detecting angular velocity), memory, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, etc. The communication device is, for example, a device for realizing wireless communication functions such as Bluetooth® or BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy). This communication device is equipped with wireless LAN (e.g., a network using WiFi, etc.) and cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, LPWA, etc.) modules to widen the communication range and can directly transmit data to local area devices with a longer communication range than Bluetooth® or to distant devices via the internet. The 6-axis sensor detects the direction of movement, orientation, and rotation of the right-side housing 20R. Biological information may be stored in memory. Note that the electronic circuit for analyzing biological information does not necessarily have to be provided in the biological information measuring device 12.

[0041] The right support 24R has a columnar shape, such as a cylinder, and protrudes from the side of the right housing 20R (for example, the surface facing the right ear when the right earphone 16R is worn on the right ear), and is provided between the right housing 20R and the right earpiece 22R. For example, the outer diameter of the right support 24R is larger than the outer diameter of the right earpiece 22R. An electrode member 28R is provided on part or all of the side of the right support 24R.

[0042] For example, the electrode member 28R has a ring shape and is supported by a columnar right-side support 24R. The entire electrode member 28R or a part of it functions as an electrode. That is, electrodes may be provided on the entire surface of the electrode member 28R, or electrodes may be provided on a part of the surface of the electrode member 28R, and electrodes may not be provided on the surface of that part. The electrode member 28R is made of, for example, carbon conductive rubber. In this case as well, the entire electrode member 28R may be made of conductive rubber and the entire electrode member 28R (e.g., the entire surface) may function as an electrode, or a part of the electrode member 28R may be made of conductive rubber and a part of the electrode member 28R (e.g., a part of the surface) may function as an electrode.

[0043] The right earpiece 22R is located at the tip of the right support 24R (i.e., the end opposite to the end connected to the right housing 20R). For example, the right earpiece 22R has a cylindrical shape that narrows towards the tip. Of course, this shape is just one example, and the right earpiece 22R may have a different shape.

[0044] The right earpiece 22R houses a sound conduit (for example, a conductive tube member 30R, described later), and sound emitted by the speaker is transmitted through the sound conduit inside the right earpiece 22R and emitted to the outside from the right earpiece 22R. Electrodes are provided on part or all of the outer surface (for example, the side) of the right earpiece 22R. These electrodes are made of conductive rubber, for example, carbon. The right earpiece 22R itself may be made of conductive rubber. For example, all or part of the right earpiece 22R may be made of conductive rubber. In other words, all or part of the surface of the right earpiece 22R may function as an electrode.

[0045] The right earpiece 22R and electrode member 28R may be made of, for example, an elastic material. As the elastic material, for example, a resin such as rubber may be used. Specifically, Si-based rubber (for example, S1734 manufactured by NOK Corporation) or urethane-based rubber may be used for the right earpiece 22R and electrode member 28R. The hardness of the right earpiece 22R and electrode member 28R (for example, hardness according to the Durometer Type A (instantaneous) standard) is, for example, 40 to 75. As an example, a resin with a hardness of 70 may be used for the right earpiece 22R and electrode member 28R.

[0046] As described later, the right earpiece 22R is positioned in the right ear so as to be inserted into the external auditory canal of the right ear and to be in contact with the external auditory canal, and the electrode member 28R, which is supported by the right support 24R, is positioned in the right ear so as to be in contact with the concha of the right ear.

[0047] The right ear hook 26R has a curved shape overall and is a component that rests on the user's right ear when the user wears the right earphone 16R. For example, the right ear hook 26R rests on the helix of the right ear. More specifically, the right ear hook 26R is provided in contact with the helix on the back side of the helix. One end of the right ear hook 26R is connected to the front part of the right housing 20R, and the right ear hook 26R has a curved shape from the connection point to the rear side of the right housing 20R, with that part forming a curved section. This curved section is provided in contact with the helix on the back side of the right ear. For example, the curved section has a shape that conforms to the shape of the back side of the helix. The other end of the right ear hook 26R is connected to one end of the cable 18.

[0048] The right earpiece 22R and right support 24R are replaceable components. For example, multiple types (e.g., 3 to 5 types) of right earpieces 22R and right support 24R with different shapes and sizes are provided in advance, and the right earpiece 22R and right support 24R can be replaced to match the shape of the user's ear (e.g., external auditory canal, concha, or other parts).

[0049] The left earphone 16L is, for example, a canal-type earphone and includes a left housing 20L, a left earpiece 22L, a left support 24L, a left ear hook 26L, and an electrode member 28L.

[0050] The left housing 20L has, for example, a thin, rectangular parallelepiped shape and is a housing for storing a battery, etc. On the left housing 20L, the left earpiece 22L and the left support 24L are provided on the surface facing the user's left ear when the user wears the biometric information measuring device 12. Power from the battery is supplied to the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L, thereby driving the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L. For example, power from the battery is supplied to the speaker and various circuits. Note that the battery may be provided in both the right housing 20R and the left housing 20L, or it may be provided in either the right housing 20R or the left housing 20L.

[0051] The left support 24L has a columnar shape, such as a cylinder, and protrudes from the side of the left housing 20L (for example, the surface facing the left ear when the left earphone 16L is worn on the left ear), and is provided between the left housing 20L and the left earpiece 22L. For example, the outer diameter of the left support 24L is larger than the outer diameter of the left earpiece 22L. An electrode member 28L is provided on part or all of the side of the left support 24L.

[0052] For example, the electrode member 28L has a ring shape and is supported by a columnar left-side support 24L. The entire electrode member 28L or a part of it functions as an electrode. That is, electrodes may be provided on the entire surface of the electrode member 28L, or electrodes may be provided on a part of the surface of the electrode member 28L, and electrodes may not be provided on the surface of that part. The electrode member 28L is made of, for example, carbon conductive rubber. In this case as well, the entire electrode member 28L may be made of conductive rubber and the entire electrode member 28L (e.g., the entire surface) may function as an electrode, or a part of the electrode member 28L may be made of conductive rubber and a part of the electrode member 28L (e.g., a part of the surface) may function as an electrode.

[0053] The left earpiece 22L is located at the tip of the left support 24L (i.e., the end opposite to the end connected to the left housing 20L). For example, the left earpiece 22L has a cylindrical shape that narrows towards the tip. Of course, this shape is just one example, and the left earpiece 22L may have a different shape.

[0054] The left earpiece 22L contains a sound conduit and the like, and sound emitted from the speaker is transmitted through the sound conduit and the like inside the left earpiece 22L and emitted to the outside from the left earpiece 22L. Electrodes are provided on part or all of the outer surface (e.g., the side) of the left earpiece 22L. These electrodes are made of, for example, carbon conductive rubber. The left earpiece 22L itself may also be made of conductive rubber. For example, all or part of the left earpiece 22L may be made of conductive rubber. In other words, all or part of the surface of the left earpiece 22L may function as an electrode.

[0055] The left earpiece 22L and electrode member 28L may be made of, for example, an elastic material. As the elastic material, for example, a resin such as rubber may be used. Specifically, Si-based rubber (for example, S1734 manufactured by NOK Corporation) or urethane-based rubber may be used for the left earpiece 22L and electrode member 28L. The hardness of the left earpiece 22L and electrode member 28L (for example, hardness according to the Durometer Type A (instantaneous) standard) is, for example, 40 to 75. As an example, a resin with a hardness of 70 may be used for the left earpiece 22L and electrode member 28L.

[0056] As will be described later, the left earpiece 22L is positioned in the right ear so as to be inserted into the ear canal of the right ear and in contact with the ear canal, and the electrode member 28L, which is supported by the left support 24L, is positioned in the left ear so as to be in contact with the concha of the left ear.

[0057] The left ear hook 26L has a curved shape overall and is a component that rests on the user's left ear when the user wears the left earphone 16L. For example, the left ear hook 26L rests on the helix of the left ear. More specifically, the left ear hook 26L is provided in contact with the helix on the back side of the helix. One end of the left ear hook 26L is connected to the front part of the left housing 20L, and the left ear hook 26L has a curved shape from the connection point to the rear side of the left housing 20L, with that part forming a curved section. This curved section is provided in contact with the helix on the back side of the left ear. For example, the curved section has a shape that conforms to the shape of the back side of the helix. The other end of the left ear hook 26L is connected to one end of the cable 18.

[0058] The left earpiece 22L and left support 24L are replaceable components. For example, multiple types (e.g., 3 to 5 types) of left earpieces 22L and left support 24L with different shapes and sizes are provided in advance, and the left earpiece 22L and left support 24L can be replaced to match the shape of the user's ear (e.g., external auditory canal, concha, or other parts).

[0059] The control device, communication device, electronic circuit, 6-axis sensor, and memory may be housed in either the right-side housing 20R or the left-side housing 20L, or they may be housed in both the right-side housing 20R and the left-side housing 20L.

[0060] Furthermore, the right-side housing 20R or the left-side housing 20L is equipped with a power button, a switch for adjusting the volume, etc. Both the right-side housing 20R and the left-side housing 20L may also be equipped with a power button, a switch, etc.

[0061] For example, either the electrode provided on the right earpiece 22R or the electrode provided on the left earpiece 22L may be used as a sensor electrode, and the other electrode may be used as a reference electrode. Furthermore, electrode members 28R and 28L may be used as ground electrodes. Of course, either electrode member 28R or electrode member 28L may be used as a sensor electrode, the other as a reference electrode, and the electrodes provided on the right earpiece 22R and left earpiece 22L may be used as ground electrodes.

[0062] As another example, the right earpiece 22R may be provided with a plurality of electrodes that are separated from each other, and at least one of these electrodes may be used as a sensor electrode, a reference electrode, or a ground electrode. For example, if the plurality of electrodes are used as sensor electrodes, the potential detected by the electrode with the highest detection sensitivity, the electrode with the least noise, or the electrode with the most stable noise level may be used as the sensor potential. The same applies if the plurality of electrodes are used as a reference electrode or a ground electrode. The same also applies to the left earpiece 22L, electrode member 28R, and electrode member 28L.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the electrode member 28R, supported by the right support 24R, is positioned at a height h from the right housing 20R. In other words, the distance between the electrode member 28R and the right housing 20R is set to height h. Height h is set to a value sufficient to prevent interference between the right housing 20R and the helix and to prevent poor contact. Specifically, when the right earpiece 22R is inserted into the ear canal of the right ear and the right earphone 16R is worn on the right ear, height h is set so that the right housing 20R does not come into contact with the helix of the right ear. In other words, height h is set so that the right housing 20R is far enough away from the helix that it does not come into contact with it. In this way, for example, the upper surface of the right housing 20R does not come into contact with the helix. If the right housing 20R comes into contact with the helix and interferes with the right housing 20R, the right earpiece 22R may not be inserted to a stable position within the ear canal, potentially causing poor contact between the electrode of the right earpiece 22R and the ear canal. Furthermore, if the electrode member 28R is not positioned to make good contact with the concha of the right ear, poor contact between the electrode member 28R and the concha of the right ear may occur. Such poor contact can reduce the detection sensitivity of sensor potential, reference potential, and ground potential, potentially decreasing the accuracy of biological information measurement. By setting the height h so that the right housing 20R does not come into contact with the helix, interference between the right housing 20R and the helix is ​​avoided, allowing the right earpiece 22R to be inserted to a stable position within the ear canal, and ensuring good contact between the electrode of the right earpiece 22R and the ear canal. Additionally, the electrode member 28R can be positioned to make good contact with the concha of the right ear, ensuring good contact between the electrode member 28R and the concha. This improves the sensitivity of bioelectric potential detection. The same applies to the left earphone 16L.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the right ear hook 26R is positioned offset from the right housing 20R in the direction where the right earpiece 22R is installed when the right earphone 16R is viewed from above. In other words, when the right earphone 16R is viewed from above, a gap is formed between the right housing 20R and the right ear hook 26R. The right ear hook 26R can be said to be positioned offset from the right housing 20R in the direction where the right earpiece 22R is installed. This gap is an ear space, into which the right ear is inserted and positioned. By providing such an ear space and positioning the right ear in this space, the right ear can be positioned in the ear space and the right earphone 16R can be stably attached to the right ear, regardless of the size of the right ear. As a result, good contact can be achieved between the electrode of the right earpiece 22R and the external auditory canal, and between the electrode member 28R and the concha. The same applies to the left earphone 16L.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, a conductive tube member 30R made of metal is provided on the right support 24R, protruding away from the right housing 20R. The rear end of the conductive tube member 30R is attached to the right support 24R, and a right earpiece 22R is provided at the tip of the conductive tube member 30R. For example, the rear end of the conductive tube member 30R is attached to the tip of the right support 24R by screw fastening or the like. A conductive tube member 32R made of metal is provided on the side surface of the right support 24R, protruding from that side surface. A ring-shaped electrode member 28R is also provided on that side surface so as to cover the conductive tube member 32R. More specifically, a groove is formed on the side surface of the right support 24R along the circumferential direction of the right support 24R, and a hole 24R1 is formed in the groove into which one end of the conductive tube member 32R is inserted. By inserting one end of the conductive tube member 32R into the hole 24R1, the conductive tube member 32R is attached to the side surface of the right support 24R. For example, the conductive tube member 32R is attached to the side of the right support 24R by screw fastening or the like. With the conductive tube member 32R attached to the side of the right support 24R, the electrode member 28R is fitted into a groove on the side of the right support 24R, thereby attaching the electrode member 28R to the side of the right support 24R in contact with the conductive tube member 32R. The conductive tube member 32R is connected to an electric wire within the right support 24R. As a result, the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode member 28R is sent to the electric wire via the conductive tube member 32R and output to the main board 34, which will be described later, via the electric wire. The left earphone 16L has the same configuration as the right earphone 16R.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the main board 34 and sub-board 36 are housed in the right-side enclosure 20R. The main board 34 and sub-board 36 will be described in detail later. Boards other than the main board 34 and sub-board 36 may be housed in the left-side enclosure 20L.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the left housing 20L contains a battery 38 and a relay board 40. Power is supplied from the battery 38 to the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L via the relay board 40.

[0068] The cable 18 has a rigidity that allows it to maintain its overall shape. For example, the cable 18 is shaped to extend backward from the right housing 20R and the left housing 20L so that when the biometric information measuring device 12 is attached to a person's ear, the cable 18 does not come into contact with the back of the person's head or the hair at the back of the head. In this way, by preventing the cable 18 from coming into contact with the back of the head or the hair at the back of the head, it is possible to prevent noise caused by such contact from being generated in the biometric information.

[0069] Even if the cable 18 comes into contact with the back of the head or the like, the load from that contact is transmitted to the cable 18, causing the entire left earphone 16L to rotate backward, as indicated by arrow Y in Figure 4. This firmly fixes the left earpiece 22L and electrode member 28L to the left ear. In other words, the entire left earphone 16L rotates in a direction that more firmly fixes the left earpiece 22L and electrode member 28L. As a result, the contact between the electrode of the left earpiece 22L and the external auditory canal, and the contact between the electrode member 28L and the concha cavity are improved, thereby improving detection sensitivity. The same applies to the right earphone 16R.

[0070] The ear hook will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 14. Figures 11 and 12 show the left earphone 16L. Figures 13 and 14 show exploded perspective views of the left earphone 16L.

[0071] The left ear hook 26L includes a cover 42 that covers the cable 18 and a hanger 44 that covers the cover 42. In Figures 11 and 13, the hanger 44 is not shown, and the portion of the cable 18 where the left ear hook 26L is formed is covered by the cover 42. In Figures 12 and 14, the hanger 44 is shown. The hanger 44 is provided to cover the cover 42.

[0072] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the left housing 20L is composed of housing members 46 and 48, and the tip of the cover 42 (i.e., the part to which the left ear hook 26L is attached to the left housing 20L) is fixed to the left housing 20L by being sandwiched between the housing members 46 and 48. The tip of the hanger 44 may also be sandwiched between the housing members 46 and 48 together with the tip of the cover 42. The right ear hook 26R has a similar configuration.

[0073] The cover 42 is made of, for example, nylon, and the hanger 44 is made of silicone rubber. By using nylon as the material for the cover 42, it is possible to prevent the hanger 44 from bending at the base (i.e., the part fixed by the left housing 20L). In addition, the cover 42 and hanger 44 bend the cable 18, preventing the cable 18 from coming into contact with the human body when the biometric information measuring device 12 is attached to the human body. The right ear hook 26R has the same configuration as the left ear hook 26L.

[0074] The main board 34 and sub-board 36 will be described below. Figure 15 shows the arrangement of the main board 34 and sub-board 36. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the main board 34 and sub-board 36. Here, as an example, the biological information is electroencephalography (EEG), and the main board 34 and sub-board 36 include electronic circuits, etc., that extract EEG from the potential signal indicating the detected potential.

[0075] The main board 34 has an inner surface 34a which faces the person's head when the right earphone 16R is worn in the person's ear, and an outer surface 34b which is the opposite surface of the inner surface 34a. The sub-board 36 has an inner surface 36a which faces the person's head when the right earphone 16R is worn in the person's ear, and an outer surface 36b which is the opposite surface of the inner surface 36a.

[0076] Figure 16 shows the inner surface 34a of the main substrate 34. Figure 17 shows the outer surface 34b of the main substrate 34.

[0077] As shown in Figure 16, the inner surface 34a of the main board 34 is provided, as an example, with an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor 3410 that extracts brain waves from potential signals by analyzing the detected potential signal, a 6-axis sensor 3411, a flash memory 3412, an LED 3413, an inter-board connector 3414, and a USB terminal 3415.

[0078] As shown in Figure 17, the outer surface 34b of the main board 34 is provided with a communication chip 3416 for Bluetooth® communication, a charge management IC (Integrated Circuit) 3417 for managing battery charging, a buck-boost converter 3418, an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) memory 3419, an SRAM 3420, an MCU (Memory Control Unit) 3421, and an antenna 3422.

[0079] Figure 18 shows the inner surface 36a of the sub-substrate 36. Figure 19 shows the outer surface 36b of the sub-substrate 36.

[0080] As shown in Figure 18, a microphone 3610 is provided on the inner surface 36a of the sub-substrate 36, as an example. Furthermore, a through-hole 3611 is formed that penetrates the sub-substrate 36 in the thickness direction. The through-hole 3611 is a hole for wiring.

[0081] As shown in Figure 19, the outer surface 36b of the sub-board 36 is provided with volume switches 3612 and 3613, a switch 3614 for setting the functions of the biological information measuring device 12, and an inter-board connector 3615.

[0082] Figure 20 shows the electrode pads on the inner surface 34a of the main board 34. Note that only the electroencephalogram sensor 3410 and the electrode pads are shown in Figure 20, and the wires on the main board 34 are omitted.

[0083] Electrode pads 34a1 and 34a2 are electrode pads that are connected by wires to electrodes provided on the right earphone 16R. For example, electrode pad 34a1 is connected by wires to either the electrode on the right earpiece 22R or the electrode on the electrode member 28R, and electrode pad 34a2 is connected by wires to the other electrode. Electrode pads 34a1 and 34a2 are also connected to the electroencephalogram sensor 3410 by wires formed on the main circuit board 34. Electrode pad 34a3 is an electrode pad that is connected to the ground electrode for shielding. The wires connected to electrode pads 34a1 and 34a2 (i.e., a total of two wires) are bundled together by a shield wire and routed through the through-hole 3611 of the sub-circuit board 36 to the electrode on the right earpiece 22R and the electrode member 28R, connecting to the electrode on the right earpiece 22R and the electrode member 28R.

[0084] Electrode pads 34a4 and 34a5 are connected by wires to the speaker located in the right earphone 16R. Electrode pad 34a6 is connected to the ground electrode for shielding. The wires connected to electrode pads 34a4 and 34a5 (i.e., a total of two wires) are bundled together by a shield wire and connected to the speaker.

[0085] Electrode pads 34a7 and 34a8 are electrode pads that are connected by wires to electrodes provided on the left earphone 16L. For example, electrode pad 34a7 is connected by wires to either the electrode on the left earpiece 22L or the electrode on the electrode member 28L, and electrode pad 34a8 is connected by wires to the other electrode. Electrode pad 34a9 is an electrode pad that is connected to the shielding ground electrode. Electrode pads 34a7 and 34a8 are also connected to the electroencephalogram sensor 3410 by wires formed on the main circuit board 34. The wires connected to electrode pads 34a7 and 34a8 (i.e., a total of two wires) are bundled together by a shielding wire and routed to the electrode on the left earpiece 22L and the electrode member 28L, connecting to the electrode on the left earpiece 22L and the electrode member 28L.

[0086] Electrode pads 34a10 and 34a11 are electrode pads that are connected by wires to the speaker located in the left earphone 16L. Electrode pad 34a12 is an electrode pad that is connected to the ground electrode for shielding. The wires connected to electrode pads 34a10 and 34a11 (i.e., a total of two wires) are bundled together by a shield wire and connected to the speaker.

[0087] By placing the electrode pads for measuring brain waves (e.g., electrode pads 34a1, 34a2, 34a7, 34a8) closer to the brainwave sensor 3410 than the other electrode pads, the influence of noise generated in the wiring between the electrode pads and the brainwave sensor 3410 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the communication chip 3416 and the charge management IC 3417 are not placed between the electrode pads and the brainwave sensor 3410, the influence of noise generated by the communication chip 3416 and the charge management IC 3417 can be reduced.

[0088] Furthermore, by separating the wires connected to the electrode pads for measuring brain waves from the wires connected to the electrode pads for the speaker, and wiring these wires separately, crosstalk between them can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, the main board 34 may be a multilayer board. Figure 21 shows board components 341 and 342 included in the main board 34. Board components 341 and 342 are boards that constitute separate layers of the multilayer board. An electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor 3410 is provided on board component 341. Board component 342 is a shielded ground (SGND) board and is placed on top of board component 341. Since bioelectric potential is input to the EEG sensor 3410, placing the shielded ground board, board component 342, on top of board component 341, where the EEG sensor 3410 is provided, can reduce noise generated in the bioelectric potential.

[0090] Figure 22 shows the wiring on the front surface 40a of the relay board 40. Figure 23 shows the wiring on the rear surface 40b of the relay board 40.

[0091] Electrode pad 4000 is an electrode pad connected to the negative terminal of battery 38. Electrode pad 4001 is an electrode pad connected to the positive terminal of battery 38.

[0092] Electrode pads 4002 and 4003 are electrode pads that are connected by wires to electrodes provided on the left earphone 16L. For example, electrode pad 4002 is connected by wires to either the electrode on the left earpiece 22L or the electrode on the electrode member 28L, and electrode pad 4003 is connected by wires to the other electrode. For example, electrode pad 4002 is connected to the electrode on the left earpiece 22L, and electrode pad 4003 is connected to the electrode on the electrode member 28L. Electrode pad 4004 is an electrode pad that is connected to a ground electrode for shielding.

[0093] Electrode pads 4006 and 4007 are audio electrode pads and are connected by wires to the speaker of the left earphone 16L. Electrode pad 4005 is an electrode pad that is connected to the shielding ground electrode.

[0094] Electrode pads 4002 and 4003 are surrounded by noise-reducing shields 4008 and 4010, while electrode pads 4006 and 4007 are surrounded by noise-reducing shields 4009 and 4011.

[0095] The electrode pads 4005, 4006, and 4007 for audio and the electrode pads 4002, 4003, and 4004 connected to electrodes for detecting biopotential are positioned apart from each other, with shielding between them. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise that may be generated in the biopotential due to audio.

[0096] Furthermore, the electrode pads 4000 and 4001 for the battery and the electrode pads 4002, 4003, and 4004 are positioned far apart from each other, with shields placed between them. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise that may be generated in the biopotential due to the battery.

[0097] The functions of the biological information measuring device 12 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 24. Figure 24 is a block diagram showing the functions of the biological information measuring device 12.

[0098] As described above, the biometric information measuring device 12 includes a right earphone 16R, a left earphone 16L, and a cable 18. The right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L are physically connected by the cable 18, and they send and receive data from each other through the cable 18.

[0099] The right earphone 16R includes a right speaker 16R1, a communication unit 16R2, a first right electrode 16R3, a second right electrode 16R4, a processing unit 16R5, a storage unit 16R6, and a control unit 16R7.

[0100] The left earphone 16L includes the left speaker 16L1, the battery 16L2, the first left electrode 16L3, and the second left electrode L4.

[0101] Sound emitted from the right speaker 16R1 is emitted externally from the right earpiece 22R. Sound emitted from the left speaker 16L1 is emitted externally from the left earpiece 22L.

[0102] The communication unit 16R2 is a communication interface such as a communication chip, and has the function of communicating with other devices. This communication may be wireless or wired. For example, the communication unit 16R2 may transmit potential signals or biological information to an external device (e.g., terminal device 14) or receive information such as control information from an external device (e.g., terminal device 14).

[0103] The first right-side electrode 16R3 is an electrode provided on the outer surface of the right-side earpiece 22R. The right-side earpiece 22R itself may constitute the first right-side electrode 16R3. The second right-side electrode 16R4 is an electrode provided on the side surface of the right-side support 24R, and is specifically an electrode composed of an electrode member 28R. Potential signals indicating the potential detected by the first right-side electrode 16R3 and the second right-side electrode 16R4 are output to the processing unit 16R5.

[0104] The first left electrode 16L3 is an electrode provided on the outer surface of the left earpiece 22L. The left earpiece 22L itself may constitute the first left electrode 16L3. The second left electrode 16L4 is an electrode provided on the side surface of the left support 24L, and is specifically an electrode composed of an electrode member 28L. Potential signals indicating the potential detected by the first left electrode 16L3 and the second left electrode 16L4 are output from the left earphone 16L to the processing unit 16R5 of the right earphone 16R via the cable 18.

[0105] Note that the number of electrodes is just one example. Multiple electrodes may be provided on each of the right earpiece 22R, the left earpiece 22L, the electrode member 28R, and the electrode member 28L.

[0106] The processing unit 16R5 is configured to analyze the potential signals detected by the first right electrode 16R3, the second right electrode 16R4, the first left electrode 16L3, and the second left electrode 16L4, respectively. For example, by analyzing the potential signals, the processing unit 16R5 can extract specific biopotentials (e.g., biopotentials with specific frequencies), remove noise, or extract electroencephalograms (EEGs), which are an example of biological information. The functions of the processing unit 16R5 are realized, for example, by a processor. Memory may be used to realize these functions. For example, the functions of the processing unit 16R5 may be realized by an EEG sensor 3410.

[0107] The processing unit 16R5 may analyze the potential signals detected by two or more electrodes selected from the electrode group, which includes the first right-side electrode 16R3, the second right-side electrode 16R4, the first left-side electrode L3, and the second left-side electrode 16L4.

[0108] For example, the first right electrode 16R3 is used as a sensor electrode, the second right electrode 16R4 is used as a ground electrode, and the first left electrode 16L3 is used as a reference electrode. In this case, the processing unit 16R5 defines the potential detected by the second right electrode 16R4 as the ground potential, which is the reference potential, and then calculates the potential difference between the potential detected by the first right electrode 16R3, which is the sensor electrode, and the reference potential detected by the first left electrode 16L3, which is the reference electrode, as the biopotential. The processing unit 16R5 may apply a well-known statistical processing method to this potential difference and adopt the result of this application as bioinformation. The potential signal and bioinformation indicating the biopotential are temporarily stored in, for example, the storage unit 16R6, and then transmitted from the bioinformation measuring device 12 to an external device (for example, a terminal device 14) by the communication unit 16R2. Of course, signals indicating each potential before calculation, and signals indicating the potential difference before statistical processing are applied, may be transmitted from the biological information measuring device 12 to an external device (for example, a terminal device 14), where the potential difference may be calculated or statistical processing may be performed.

[0109] The memory unit 16R6 is composed of, for example, a memory, and stores signals indicating the potential detected by the first right electrode 16R3, the second right electrode 16R4, the first left electrode L3, and the second left electrode L4, as well as information generated by the processing unit 16R5.

[0110] Battery 16L2 supplies power to the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L. The right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L are powered by the power supplied from battery 16L2. For example, a rechargeable battery can be used as battery 16L2. Of course, a non-rechargeable battery may also be used. Furthermore, shielding materials for electromagnetic wave protection may be provided around battery 16L2 and the components involved in charging. By providing shielding materials, noise caused by electromagnetic waves emitted during charging can be reduced.

[0111] The control unit 16R7 is configured to control the operation of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L. The functions of the control unit 16R7 are realized, for example, by a processor. Memory may be used to realize these functions.

[0112] Furthermore, the left earphone 16L may also be equipped with a communication unit 16R2, a processing unit 16R5, a memory unit 16R6, a control unit 16R7, etc., and the right earphone 16R may also be equipped with a battery 16L2. These components may be provided in either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L.

[0113] Although the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L are connected via cable 18, the biometric information measuring device 12 does not necessarily have to include cable 18. In this case, a communication unit is also provided in the left earphone 16L, and data is transmitted and received between the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L by communicating with each other.

[0114] The functions of the terminal device 14 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 25. Figure 25 is a block diagram showing the functions of the terminal device 14.

[0115] The communication unit 14a is a communication interface such as a communication chip, and has the function of communicating with other devices. This communication may be wireless or wired.

[0116] The storage unit 14b is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or memory. For example, various types of data and various programs are stored in the storage unit 14b.

[0117] The UI section 14c is a user interface and includes, for example, a display device and an operating device. The display device is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The operating device is, for example, an input device such as a button, keyboard, or mouse. A user interface that combines the display device and the operating device (for example, a touch panel) may be used as the UI section 14c. The UI section 14c may also include a microphone, a speaker, etc.

[0118] The control unit 14d is configured to control the operation of each part of the terminal device 14. The functions of the control unit 14d are realized, for example, by a processor. Memory may be used to realize these functions.

[0119] Alternatively, the terminal device 14 may be equipped with a processing unit 16R5, and the processing performed by the processing unit 16R5 may be executed by the terminal device 14.

[0120] The following describes in detail the state of contact between the biometric information measuring device 12, which is a hearable device, and the ear when the device is attached to a person's ear, with reference to Figures 26 to 28. Figures 26 and 28 are schematic diagrams showing the external appearance of a person's right ear. Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance and internal structure of a person's right ear.

[0121] As shown in Figure 26, the ear 60 includes the external auditory canal 62 connected to the external auditory canal 88, the conchaecular cavity 64 which is the area surrounding the external auditory canal 62, the helix 66, the conchaecular fossa 68, the triangular fossa 70, the scaphoid fossa 72, the crus antitragus 74, the antitragus 76, the crus antitragus 78, the tragus 80, the antitragus 82, the intertragal notch 84, and the earlobe 86.

[0122] Figure 27 shows the right earphone 16R fitted to a person's right ear 60. Figure 28 shows the portion of the electrode member 28R that contacts the right ear 60 (the portion indicated by reference numeral 90).

[0123] The right ear hook 26R is placed over the helix 66, and in this state, the right earpiece 22R is inserted into the external auditory canal 88. At this time, the outer surface of the right earpiece 22R comes into contact with the surface (i.e., skin) of the external auditory canal 88. Since the right earpiece 22R is made of an elastic material, its shape deforms according to the shape of the external auditory canal 88, causing the outer surface of the right earpiece 22R to adhere closely to the surface of the external auditory canal 88. As a result, the electrodes provided on the outer surface of the right earpiece 22R adhere closely to the surface of the external auditory canal 88.

[0124] Furthermore, the electrode member 28R comes into contact with the concha 64. Since the electrode member 28R is made of an elastic material, its shape deforms to conform to the shape of the concha 64, causing the electrode member 28R to adhere closely to the concha 64. As a result, the electrodes provided on the outer surface of the electrode member 28R adhere closely to the concha 64. For example, the electrode member 28R comes into contact with the edge of the concha 64.

[0125] With the right earphone 16R having the above configuration, the movement of the right earphone 16R attached to the ear 60 is restricted. This point will be explained in detail below.

[0126] The ear 60 is positioned between the lower part of the right ear hook 26R and the upper part of the electrode member 28R, so that the ear 60 is sandwiched from above and below by the right ear hook 26R and the electrode member 28R. This restricts the vertical movement of the right earphone 16R.

[0127] Furthermore, the right portion of the right ear hook 26R contacts the helix of the right ear, and friction is generated between the outer surface of the right earpiece 22R and the ear canal 88, thereby restricting the lateral movement of the right earphone 16R.

[0128] Furthermore, the ear hook 26R on the right side is sandwiched between the part that contacts the back of the ear 60 and the rear part of the electrode member 28R, so that the ear 60 is held in place from the front, back, and rear. This restricts the movement of the right earphone 16R in the front-to-back direction.

[0129] As described above, since the movement of the right earphone 16R is restricted, contact between the electrode provided on the right earphone 16R and the skin is maintained, and instability in that contact can be suppressed or prevented. As a result, the generation of noise that interferes with the biopotential due to the instability of that contact can be suppressed or prevented, and the accuracy of measuring biological information can be improved. For example, even if a person moves, the movement of the right earphone 16R is restricted, so the generation of noise can be suppressed or prevented.

[0130] Depending on the shape of a person's ears and head, the ear 60 (for example, the base of the ear) may be pinched between the lower part of the right ear hook 26R and the upper part of the right earpiece 22R, thereby restricting the vertical movement of the right earphone 16R. Also, the ear 60 (for example, the base of the ear) may be pinched between the part of the right ear hook 26R that contacts the back of the ear 60 and the rear part of the right earpiece 22R, thereby restricting the forward and backward movement of the right earphone 16R.

[0131] As described above, the right earpiece 22R, electrode member 28R, and right ear hook 26R function as auxiliary and regulating parts for positioning the right earphone 16R, that is, for positioning the electrode that comes into contact with the skin.

[0132] The same applies to the left earphone 16L. In the case of the left earphone 16L, the left earpiece 22L is inserted into the ear canal of the left ear, and the electrode provided on the left earpiece 22L contacts the surface of the ear canal.

[0133] Furthermore, since ear shapes vary from person to person, the right earpiece 22R, electrode member 28R, left earpiece 22L, and electrode member 28L can each be replaced with parts of different sizes and shapes, thus accommodating individual differences.

[0134] The right earpiece 22R may be movable around the portion supported by the conductive tube member 30R. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 29 to 31. Figures 29 to 31 schematically show the right earpiece 22R and the conductive tube member 30R.

[0135] As shown in Figure 29, the right earpiece 22R is provided at the tip of the conductive tube member 30R and is supported at its tip so as to be able to swing in the direction indicated by arrow X1. For example, the right earpiece 22R can be made to swing by utilizing the rigidity of the right earpiece 22R, which is made of conductive rubber. Alternatively, the right earpiece 22R may be made movable by arranging a spring member in a coil shape or by arranging a spring member along the conductive tube member 30R. The left earpiece 22L may also be movable around the part supported by the left conductive tube member, similar to the right earpiece 22R.

[0136] As another example, as shown in Figure 30, the conductive tube member 30R itself may be pivotable about the part supporting the conductive tube member 30R (for example, the right housing 20R) in the direction indicated by arrow X1. By pivoting the conductive tube member 30R itself, the right earpiece 22R can be tilted. For example, the conductive tube member 30R may be made of a resin such as rubber, or a spring member may be arranged in a coil shape, or a spring member may be arranged along the conductive tube member 30R to make it movable. The conductive tube member provided in the left earphone 16L may also be movable in the same way as the conductive tube member 30R.

[0137] By tilting the right earpiece 22R, the angle of the surface of the right earpiece 22R that contacts the ear canal can be changed. This allows the right earpiece 22R to fit more snugly against the ear canal, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity of the electrodes on the right earpiece 22R. Although ear shapes vary from person to person, when the right earpiece 22R is inserted into the right ear, it tilts, making it easier for the electrodes of the right earpiece 22R to contact the ear canal. In other words, even if there are individual differences in ear shape, the electrodes of the right earpiece 22R can be made to fit snugly against the ear canal. The same applies to the left earpiece 22L.

[0138] As yet another example, the component that contacts the concha canal may be movable. For example, as indicated by arrow X2 in Figure 31, the electrode member 28R that contacts the concha canal may be movable in a direction away from the outside of the ear (for example, away from the external auditory canal) and in a direction toward the inside of the ear (for example, toward the external auditory canal). More specifically, the right support 24R that supports the electrode member 28R may be movable in the direction indicated by arrow X2. The right support 24R may also swing in the direction indicated by arrow X3, about the axis of the part supported by the right housing 20R. The left support 24L may also be movable in the direction indicated by arrow X2, or swing in the direction indicated by arrow X3, similar to the right support 24R. By moving the electrode member 28R, the electrode member 28R can be brought into close contact with the concha canal to increase detection sensitivity. The same applies to the electrode member 28L.

[0139] The following describes another example of the earphones with reference to Figure 32. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the right earphone 16RA, which is another example of the right earphone 16R.

[0140] The right earphone 16RA, like the right earphone 16R, includes a right housing 20R, a right earpiece 22R, and a right support 24R. The right earphone 16RA may or may not have a right ear hook 26R.

[0141] An electrode film 92, which is a conductive film, is formed on the outer surface of the right support 24R (i.e., the surface facing the human ear). The electrode film 92 is formed, for example, by applying a conductive paste to the outer surface of the right support 24R. As another example, the right support 24R may be made of conductive rubber.

[0142] The right earpiece 22R, like the right earphone 16R, is made of conductive rubber. As an alternative, a conductive film may be formed on the surface of the right earpiece 22R.

[0143] The right support member 24R is a hollow member with an internal space and is provided on the right housing 20R. A speaker 94 is installed inside the right support member 24R (i.e., in the internal space of the right support member 24R). The speaker 94 is fixed on the right housing 20R.

[0144] One end of a wire 96 is connected to the electrode of the right earpiece 22R, and the other end of the wire 96 is connected to a circuit board installed inside the right housing 20R. The wire 96 is routed inside the right support 24R. If the right earpiece 22R itself is made of conductive rubber, one end of the wire 96 is connected to a part of the right earpiece 22R. If an electrode such as a conductive film is formed on the right earpiece 22R, one end of the wire 96 is connected to that electrode.

[0145] The left earphone has the same configuration as the right earphone 16RA.

[0146] For example, the electrode of the right earpiece 22R is used as a sensor electrode or a reference electrode, and the electrode film 92 is used as a ground electrode. When the electrode of the right earpiece 22R is used as a sensor electrode, the electrode of the left earpiece 22L is used as a reference electrode. When the electrode of the right earpiece 22R is used as a reference electrode, the electrode of the left earpiece 22L is used as a sensor electrode.

[0147] Because the speaker 94 and each electrode (i.e., the electrode of the right earpiece 22R and the electrode film 92) are provided separately from each other, noise caused by the speaker 94 is less likely to occur in the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrodes. In addition, the small number of wires used also contributes to high reliability.

[0148] The right and left earphones may have a flexible structure. A flexible structure is, for example, a structure that can be deformed to conform to the shape of the ear. This point will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 33.

[0149] Figure 33 shows an example of the right earphone 16RB, which has a flexible structure. Figure 33 shows the external appearance of the right earphone 16RB.

[0150] The right earphone 16RB includes a right earpiece 22RB, an upper member 24RB1, and a lower member 24RB2. The upper member 24RB1 is connected to the lower member 24RB2, and the right earpiece 22RB is connected to the upper member 24RB1. In other words, the upper member 24RB1 is positioned between the lower member 24RB2 and the right earpiece 22RB.

[0151] The upper layer members 24RB1 are hollow members, and conductive tubes and wires that transmit sound are arranged inside them.

[0152] For example, the width of the right earpiece 22RB and the upper layer member 24RB1 are narrower than the width of the lower layer member 24RB2. The right earpiece 22RB is inserted into the external auditory canal and is in contact with the surface of the external auditory canal (i.e., the skin). The upper layer member 24RB1 is in contact with the concha.

[0153] The right earpiece 22RB and the upper layer member 24RB1 are made of an elastic material such as rubber or sponge. The right earpiece 22RB has a degree of hardness that allows it to deform to conform to the shape of the ear canal when inserted into it. The upper layer member 24RB1 has a degree of hardness that allows it to change shape when it comes into contact with the concha.

[0154] The right earpiece 22RB and the upper layer member 24RB1 may each be made of conductive rubber. As an alternative example, electrodes made of a conductive film may be formed on the surfaces of the right earpiece 22RB and the upper layer member 24RB1, respectively. The wires connected to each electrode are arranged inside the upper layer member 24RB1.

[0155] The lower layer member 24RB2 may be fixed to the right-side housing 20RB. A circuit board and the like are housed inside the right-side housing 20RB.

[0156] Because the right earpiece 22RB has a flexible structure that can deform to conform to the shape of the ear canal, the electrodes of the right earpiece 22RB can easily come into contact with the surface of the ear canal, allowing the electrodes to adhere tightly to the surface of the ear canal. In addition, because the upper layer member 24RB1 has a flexible structure that can deform to conform to the shape of the concha, the electrodes of the upper layer member 24RB1 can easily come into contact with the surface of the concha, allowing the electrodes to adhere tightly to the surface of the concha.

[0157] The following describes variations of earphones.

[0158] (Earphone variation 1) Modify 1 of the earphone will be described with reference to Figures 34 and 35. Figure 34 shows the left earphone 100L according to Modify 1. Figure 34 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the left earphone 100L. Figure 35 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the left ear.

[0159] As shown in Figure 34, the left earphone 100L includes a left ear hook 102L and a left insertion member 104L.

[0160] The left ear hook 102L has a curved shape that clamps onto the helix 112 of the ear 110. An electrode 106L is provided on the inside of the curved portion. For example, the left ear hook 102L is attached to the portion of the helix 112 that faces the back of the person's head, and clamps onto that portion. When the curved portion comes into contact with the helix 112, the electrode 106L comes into contact with the surface of the helix 112 (i.e., the skin). The left ear hook 102L itself may be made of conductive rubber.

[0161] A left-side insertion member 104L, having a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape, is provided on a portion of one end 102L1 of the left ear hook 102L. The left-side insertion member 104L is provided so as to protrude from one end 102L1 of the left ear hook 102L so as to face the ear 110 when the left earphone 100L is attached to the ear 110 (i.e., when the left ear hook 102L is attached to the helix 112).

[0162] An electrode 108L is provided on the side of the left insertion member 104L. The left insertion member 104L is inserted into the ear canal 114 as shown in Figure 35. When the left insertion member 104L is inserted into the ear canal 114, the electrode 108L comes into contact with the surface of the ear canal 114. In the example shown in Figure 34, the electrode 108L is provided on the side of the left insertion member 104L, on the side opposite to the side facing the left ear hook 102L. In this way, when the left earphone 100L is attached to the ear 110, the electrode 108L comes into contact with the front part of the ear canal 114. Of course, the electrode 108L may be provided on a different part of the side of the left insertion member 104L, or it may be provided on the entire side. Also, the left insertion member 104L itself may be made of conductive rubber.

[0163] Furthermore, as indicated by arrow X4 in Figure 34, the sound emitted from the speaker located inside the left earphone 100L is emitted from the portion of one end 102L1 where the left insertion member 104L is not provided.

[0164] The other end 102L2 of the left ear hook 102L is positioned between the ear 110 and the side of the person's head (i.e., at the base of the ear 110) when the left ear hook 102L is attached to the helix 112.

[0165] Furthermore, the left ear hook 102L and the left insertion member 104L may have a flexible structure. For example, the left ear hook 102L may have a hardness that allows it to deform along the shape of the helix 112, and the left insertion member 104L may have a hardness that allows it to deform along the shape of the external auditory canal 114.

[0166] The right earphone has the same configuration as the left earphone 100L. That is, the right earphone has a right ear hook on which electrodes are provided and a right insertion member on which electrodes are provided.

[0167] For example, electrode 106L provided on the left ear hook 102L is used as a ground electrode, and electrode 108L provided on the left insertion member 104L is used as a sensor electrode or reference electrode. Similarly, electrode provided on the right ear hook is used as a ground electrode, and electrode provided on the right insertion member is used as a sensor electrode or reference electrode. For example, electrode 108L is used as a sensor electrode, and electrode provided on the right insertion member is used as a reference electrode. The reverse is also possible.

[0168] Figures 36 and 37 show another example of the left earphone 100L. Figure 36 shows the external appearance of the left earphone 100L. Figure 37 shows the external appearance of the left ear.

[0169] In the examples shown in Figures 36 and 37, the electrode 108L is formed on the side surface of the left insertion member 104L, on the surface facing the left ear hook 102L. In this way, as shown in Figure 37, when the left earphone 100L is attached to the ear 110, the electrode 108L contacts the posterior portion of the external auditory canal 114. The right earphone has a similar configuration to the left earphone 100L shown in Figure 36.

[0170] Figure 36 shows a cable 116. Cable 116 connects the left earphone 100L and the right earphone. Of course, the left earphone 100L and the right earphone may communicate wirelessly with each other without using cable 116. A holder 118 may also be provided on cable 116. The holder 118 may house, for example, various circuit boards housed in the right housing 20R described above, or a battery housed in the left housing 20L. Of course, the various circuit boards and batteries may also be housed in the left earphone 100L or the right earphone. The holder 118 may also be provided with various switches and buttons.

[0171] (Earphone variation 2) Modify 2 of the earphone will be explained with reference to Figures 38 to 40. Figure 38 shows the left earphone 120L according to Modify 2. Figure 38 is a view of the left earphone 120L from the left. Figure 39 is a view of the left earphone 120L from above. Figure 40 is a view of the left ear. The left earphone 120L according to Modify 2 is an earphone that transmits sound by bone conduction.

[0172] The left earphone 120L includes a left ear hook 122L, a left support 124L, a left bone conduction section 126L, and a left insertion member 128L. Note that the left ear hook 122L is not shown in Figure 39 for the sake of explanation.

[0173] The left ear hook 122L has a curved shape so that it can be hooked onto the ear 110. Specifically, the left ear hook 122L is positioned between the helix of the ear 110 and the side of the person's head (i.e., at the base of the ear 110) and is sandwiched between the helix and the side of the head. An electrode 130L is provided on the inside of the curved portion. When the curved portion is positioned between the helix and the side of the head, the electrode 130L comes into contact with the base of the ear 110. The left ear hook 122L itself may be made of conductive rubber.

[0174] One end of the left ear hook 122L is fixed to the left support 124L. The left ear hook 122L extends backward in a curved manner from the position where it is fixed to the left support 124L. For example, the left ear hook 122L is curved to conform to the shape of the base of the ear 110.

[0175] A left bone conduction section 126L is provided on a portion of the surface of the left support 124L that faces the ear 110 when the left earphone 120L is attached to the ear 110, and a left insertion member 128L protrudes from that surface toward the ear 110. The vibration of the left bone conduction section 126L transmits sound to the inner ear via bone (e.g., skull). An electrode 132L is provided on the side of the left insertion member 128L. When the left earphone 120 is attached to the ear 110, the left bone conduction section 126L comes into contact with a portion of the ear 110. The left insertion member 128L is inserted into the external auditory canal 114, as shown in Figure 40. When the left insertion member 128L is inserted into the external auditory canal 114, the electrode 132L comes into contact with the surface of the external auditory canal 114. In the examples shown in Figures 39 and 40, the electrode 132L is located on the side of the left insertion member 128L, facing the rear of the person. This ensures that when the left earphone 120L is inserted into the ear 110, the electrode 132L contacts the rear portion of the ear canal 114. Of course, the electrode 132L may be located on another part of the side of the left insertion member 128L, or it may be located on the entire side. Furthermore, the left insertion member 128L itself may be made of conductive rubber.

[0176] When the left ear hook 122L is attached to the base of the ear 110 and the left insertion member 128L is inserted into the ear canal 114, the base of the ear 110 is clamped between the left insertion member 128L and the left ear hook 122L. This prevents the left earphone 120L from shifting position.

[0177] The right earphone has the same configuration as the left earphone 120L. That is, the right earphone has a right ear hook on which electrodes are provided and a right insertion member on which electrodes are provided.

[0178] For example, the electrode 130L provided on the left ear hook 122L is used as a ground electrode, and the electrode 132L provided on the left insertion member 104L is used as a sensor electrode or reference electrode. Similarly, the electrode provided on the right ear hook is used as a ground electrode, and the electrode provided on the right insertion member is used as a sensor electrode or reference electrode. For example, electrode 132L is used as a sensor electrode, and the electrode provided on the right insertion member is used as a reference electrode. The reverse is also possible.

[0179] Figure 38 shows cable 134. Cable 134 connects the left earphone 120L and the right earphone. Of course, the left earphone 120L and the right earphone may communicate wirelessly with each other without using cable 134. A holder 136 may also be provided on cable 134. The holder 136 may house, for example, various circuit boards housed in the right housing 20R described above, or a battery housed in the left housing 20L. Of course, the various circuit boards and batteries may also be housed in the left earphone 120L or the right earphone. The holder 136 may also be provided with various switches and buttons.

[0180] (Earphone variation 3) Refer to Figure 41 to explain Modification 3 of the earphones. Figure 41 shows the right earphone 140R according to Modification 3. Figure 41 is a view of the right earphone 140R from the right. The right earphone 140R according to Modification 3 is an earphone that transmits sound by cartilage conduction.

[0181] The right earphone 140R includes a right ear hook 142R, a right support 144R, and a cartilage conduction portion 146R.

[0182] The right ear hook 142R has a curved shape so that it can be hooked onto the right ear 148. Specifically, the right ear hook 142R hooks onto the upper part of the helix 150 of the ear 148. An electrode is provided on the inside of the curved part. When the curved part is hooked onto the helix 150, the electrode provided on that part comes into contact with the helix 150. The right ear hook 142R itself may be made of conductive rubber.

[0183] One end of the right ear hook 142R is fixed to the right support 144R. The right support 144R is positioned to contact the concha of the ear 148 when the right earphone 140R is attached to the ear 148. A cartilage conduction part 146R is provided on the part of the right support 148R that contacts the concha. When the cartilage conduction part 146R vibrates, it vibrates the cartilage inside the external auditory canal, and sound is transmitted to the inner ear.

[0184] For example, an electrode may be provided on the surface of the right support 144R that contacts the concha of the ear 148. When the right earphone 140R is attached to the ear 148 and the right support 144R contacts the concha, the electrode will contact the concha.

[0185] As another example, a right-side insertion member may be provided on the surface of the right-side support 144R at a position corresponding to the ear canal of the ear 148, and electrodes may be provided on the surface of the right-side insertion member. When the right-side earphone 140R is attached to the ear 148 and the right-side insertion member is inserted into the ear canal, the electrodes provided on the surface of the right-side insertion member come into contact with the ear canal. The right-side insertion member may be an earpiece or a structure having a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0186] The left earphone has the same configuration as the right earphone 140R. That is, the left earphone has a left ear hook on which electrodes are provided, and a left support on which electrodes are provided. Alternatively, a left insertion member on which electrodes are provided may be provided on the left support. In this case, electrodes do not need to be provided on the left support.

[0187] For example, the electrode provided on the right ear hook 142R is used as a ground electrode, and the electrode provided on the right support 144R or the right insertion member is used as a sensor electrode or reference electrode. Similarly, the electrode provided on the left ear hook is used as a ground electrode, and the electrode provided on the left support or the left insertion member is used as a sensor electrode or reference electrode. For example, the electrode provided on the right support 144R or the right insertion member is used as a sensor electrode, and the electrode provided on the left support or the left insertion member is used as a reference electrode. The reverse is also possible.

[0188] Figure 41 shows cable 154. Cable 154 connects the right earphone 140R and the left earphone. Of course, the right earphone 140R and the left earphone may communicate wirelessly with each other without using cable 154. A holder may also be provided on cable 154. The holder may house, for example, various circuit boards housed in the right housing 20R described above, or a battery housed in the left housing 20L. Of course, the various circuit boards and batteries may also be housed in the right earphone 140R or the left earphone. Various switches and buttons may also be provided on the holder.

[0189] The following describes some variations of electrodes used as sensor electrodes, reference electrodes, or ground electrodes.

[0190] (Electrode modification 1) The electrode according to Modification 1 is composed of conductive microneedles. The electrode according to Modification 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 42A to 45.

[0191] Figures 42A and 43 are perspective views showing the microneedle sheet 160. Figure 42B is a schematic diagram of another sheet 160A viewed from the side. Figure 42C is a schematic diagram of sheet 160A viewed from above. The microneedle sheet 160 is, for example, a sheet having a rectangular shape. A plurality of microneedles 162 made of a conductive material are provided on one surface of the microneedle sheet 160. The microneedles are needle-shaped objects with a diameter and length of at least 1 mm; if they are larger than this, they are referred to as protrusions in this embodiment. Figures 42B and 42C show the sheet 160A having these protrusions. In the protrusions 162B, the tips of the protrusions are not pointed but have a curved shape. The material of the microneedles may be metal, but considering safety concerns regarding needle breakage and allergic reactions, it is preferable to use a material with excellent biocompatibility, such as a conductive biodegradable biopolymer. The material of the protrusions is preferably conductive and elastic.

[0192] As shown in Figure 43, the microneedle sheet 160 is rolled into a cylindrical shape so that the surface on which the microneedles 162 are provided faces outwards.

[0193] Figures 44A and 45 are schematic cross-sectional views of the external auditory canal 164. As shown in Figure 44A, the microneedle sheet 160, rolled into a cylindrical shape, is attached to the tip of the support 166 and fixed to the support 166, and in that state, is inserted into the external auditory canal 164 and placed inside the external auditory canal 164. For example, the microneedle sheet 160 is rolled into a cylindrical shape to a size that allows it to be inserted into the external auditory canal 164. The sheet should preferably be able to withstand flexible deformation with excellent elasticity, but in order to improve adhesion by deforming according to the shape of the external auditory canal, the microneedle sheet 160 may be bonded to an elastic base layer 160C made of rubber or the like, as shown in Figure 44B. Figure 44B is a cross-sectional view of the elastic base layer 160C and the microneedle sheet 160. The microneedle sheet 160 elastically deforms to conform to the diverse shapes of the external auditory canal of various individuals, and possesses the elasticity to withstand this deformation, thereby enhancing adhesion and ensuring that the electrodes reliably contact the skin of the external auditory canal. This ensures that the electrodes reliably contact the skin of the external auditory canal even with "human movement" and "minute changes in the shape of the external auditory canal that occur during that movement," achieving a stable electrical contact. Making the microneedle sheet detachable from the base layer and replaceable as a consumable item can keep costs down. Replacing the sheet becomes easier if non-adhesion is achieved not by physical or chemical force, or by utilizing non-adhesion properties that prevent or facilitate the adhesion or fixation of seals or adhesive tapes, rather than by adhesion where molecules on two surfaces attract and bond together by physical or chemical force or both.

[0194] After the microneedle sheet 160 is placed inside the external auditory canal 164, the microneedle sheet 160 is separated from the support 166 by being cut or otherwise detached from the support 166. In this way, the microneedle sheet 160 spreads out inside the external auditory canal 164 and comes into contact with the surface of the external auditory canal 164 (i.e., the skin). As a result, as shown in Figure 45, the multiple microneedles 162 provided on the surface of the microneedle sheet 160 come into contact with the surface of the external auditory canal 164 and, for example, penetrate the epidermis. In this way, the conductive microneedles 162 are placed in contact with the external auditory canal 164. Note that the protrusions 162B shown in Figures 42B and 42C do not penetrate the skin like microneedles, but the protrusions 162B themselves deform and come into contact with the skin, so the contact pressure of the protrusions 162B on the external auditory canal 164 increases.

[0195] As shown in Figure 45, a connector 168 made of a conductive material is provided protruding from one side of the microneedle sheet 160 (for example, the part that was fixed to the support 166). Wires are formed on the microneedle sheet 160, and each microneedle 162 is connected by these wires. These wires are also connected to the connector 168. Therefore, a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the conductive microneedle 162 can be output to the outside of the microneedle sheet 160 via the wires and the connector 168.

[0196] For example, as shown in Figure 45, the main unit 170 is worn in the ear. The main unit 170 is provided with a connector receiving portion 172 to which a connector 168 is connected. When the main unit 170 is worn in the ear, the connector 168 is connected to the connector receiving portion 172. In this way, a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the microneedle 162 is output to the main unit 170.

[0197] The microneedle 162 is used as a sensor electrode, reference electrode, or ground electrode.

[0198] (Electrode modification 2) Refer to Figure 46 to describe Modification 2 of the electrode. In Modification 2, an iPS cell sheet is used instead of the microneedle sheet 160. Figure 46 shows an example of an iPS cell sheet. Figure 46 is a perspective view showing an iPS cell sheet. For example, the iPS cell sheet 174 is a rectangular sheet with electrodes 176 on its surface. The iPS cell sheet 174 is provided with a connector 178 connected to the electrodes 176. Similar to the microneedle sheet 160, the iPS cell sheet 174 is rolled into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the external auditory canal 164 and placed inside the external auditory canal 164. In this way, the electrodes 176 come into contact with the surface (i.e., skin) of the external auditory canal 164. The potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrodes 176 is output to the main unit 170 via the connector 178. In addition to the iPS cell sheet, an electronic skin (e-skin; bionic skin) sheet may also be used. An electronic skin sheet is bonded to an elastic substrate such as rubber, and the electronic skin, as an electrode that can withstand flexible deformation, reliably contacts the skin of the external auditory canal, thereby achieving a stable electrical contact. The electronic skin is preferably made of a polymer material that has softness and elasticity equivalent to that of cells, and can be constructed, for example, by building or printing an electronic circuit on a polymer film substrate such as polyester or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0199] <Electrode materials and types> This section describes the materials and types of electrodes (e.g., sensor electrodes, reference electrodes, and ground electrodes) used to measure biological information.

[0200] The electrode materials include, for example, gold (Au), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), stainless steel (SUS304), solder, iron (Fe), or silver-silver chloride (Ag / AgCl). The electrodes used may be changed depending on the type of biological information to be acquired.

[0201] Furthermore, the types of electrodes include disposable surface electrodes using conductive gel, dry electrodes such as silver-silver chloride electrodes (Ag / AgCl electrodes), silver dish electrodes, dry electrodes such as stainless steel electrodes, dry electrodes such as conductive rubber, dry electrodes made of conductive polymer materials, non-contact electrodes, suction cup electrodes, or clip electrodes. Of course, other types of electrodes may also be used.

[0202] Disposable electrodes are easy to handle as they do not require paste. Furthermore, disposable electrodes have low impedance and low offset voltage, resulting in stable measurements.

[0203] Silver-silver chloride electrodes have low and stable resting potential and polarization voltage. Their impedance is approximately several hundred kΩ.

[0204] Stainless steel electrodes have a higher offset voltage compared to silver-silver chloride electrodes.

[0205] The impedance of conductive rubber and conductive polymer materials ranges from several hundred kΩ to several MΩ. Non-contact electrodes are used, for example, to measure electrocardiogram and electromyogram signals.

[0206] <Charging method for the biometric information measuring device 12> The following describes how to charge the battery provided in the biological information measuring device 12.

[0207] Figure 47 shows an example of a charging method. Figure 47 is a view of a person's head 180 and pillow 182 from above the head. Charging devices 184 and 186 are provided inside the pillow 182. Charging devices 184 and 186 are wireless charging devices that charge batteries without contact, including power transmission coils. In other words, charging devices 184 and 186 are devices that charge batteries using contactless power transmission. Charging devices 184 and 186 are located separately within the pillow 182. For example, charging device 184 is located on one end of the pillow 182, and charging device 186 is located on the other end of the pillow 182, also on the center. Charging device 184 charges batteries located within the range that it can wirelessly charge. Charging device 186 charges batteries located within the range that it can wirelessly charge.

[0208] For example, with the right earphone 16R attached to the right ear and the left earphone 16L attached to the left ear, the head 180 is placed on the pillow 182. The charging device 184 is positioned so as to be able to wirelessly charge the battery located in either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L when the head 180 is placed on the pillow 182. In other words, the charging device 184 is positioned so as to be able to wirelessly charge the battery located in either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L. Similarly, the charging device 186 is positioned so as to be able to wirelessly charge the battery located in either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L when the head 180 is placed on the pillow 182. In other words, the charging device 186 is positioned so as to be able to wirelessly charge the battery located in either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L.

[0209] In the example shown in Figure 47, the right earphone 16R is positioned within range of the charging device 184, which can wirelessly charge it. If a battery is housed in the right earphone 16R, the charging device 184 can wirelessly charge the battery of the right earphone 16R.

[0210] Furthermore, the left earphone 16L is positioned within range of the charging device 186, which can wirelessly charge it. If a battery is housed in the left earphone 16L, the charging device 186 can wirelessly charge the battery of the left earphone 16L.

[0211] The batteries provided in the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L include, for example, a power receiving coil and are capable of being charged by wireless charging.

[0212] Charging of the battery by the charging device 184 may begin when the battery is positioned within range of wireless charging by the charging device 184. Similarly, charging of the battery by the charging device 186 may begin when the battery is positioned within range of wireless charging by the charging device 186.

[0213] Furthermore, the timing and duration of charging may be controlled. For example, a control device may be provided in the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L, and the timing and duration of charging may be controlled by this control device. This control device may be implemented, for example, by an electronic circuit arranged on a main board or sub-board. As another example, a control device may be provided in the pillow 182, and the timing and duration of charging may be controlled by this control device.

[0214] For example, the control device charges its battery while the person is sleeping. The control device determines whether the person is sleeping or not based on biometric information (e.g., brain waves) measured by the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L.

[0215] The control device may charge the battery while measuring biological information. For example, the measurement chip for measuring biological information (e.g., an electroencephalogram sensor) may not be located in the left earphone 16L but in the right earphone 16R, and the battery may not be located in the right earphone 16R but in the left earphone 16L. By placing the battery and the measurement chip in separate earphones in this way, the measurement chip can be measured without being affected by wireless charging.

[0216] The control device may charge the battery when it is not transmitting potential signals or biometric information, rather than charging the battery while transmitting potential signals or biometric information. For example, detected potential signals or biometric information are transmitted from the right earphone 16R to the terminal device 14. The control device does not charge the battery during this transmission. This allows for the transmission of potential signals and biometric information without being affected by wireless charging.

[0217] In the example shown in Figure 47, three or more charging devices may be provided inside the pillow 182.

[0218] Figure 48 shows another example of a charging method. Figure 48 is a view of a person's head 180 and pillow 182 from above the head. One charging device 188 is provided inside the pillow 182. The charging device 188 is located, for example, in the center or near the center of the pillow 182. For example, if the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L each have batteries, the charging device 188 charges the batteries provided in the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L, respectively. For example, the charging device 188 may be large enough to wirelessly charge the batteries provided in the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L, which are separated from each other, or it may have the function to output a magnetic field or electric field with an output level sufficient to do so. Note that multiple charging devices may be provided inside the pillow 182.

[0219] Figure 49 shows yet another charging method. Figure 49 is a view of a person's head 180 and pillow 182 from above. In the example shown in Figure 49, a power receiving device 190, including a power receiving coil, is provided in the center or near the center of the cable 18. In addition, one charging device 192 is provided inside the pillow 182. The charging device 192 is located, for example, in the center or near the center of the pillow 182. The power receiving device 190 supplies power from the charging device 192 to the batteries provided in the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L. This charges the batteries.

[0220] Figure 50 shows yet another charging method. Figure 50 is a view of a person's head 180 and a display 194 from above the head. A charging device 196 is provided at one end (for example, the right end) of the screen of the display 194, and a charging device 198 is provided at the other end (for example, the left end).

[0221] The charging device 196 charges batteries located within the range from which the charging device 196 can wirelessly charge. The charging device 198 charges batteries located within the range from which the charging device 198 can wirelessly charge.

[0222] For example, when a person is looking at the screen of display 194, the right earphone 16R, worn on the right ear, is positioned within range of wireless charging by the charging device 196, and the left earphone 16L, worn on the left ear, is positioned within range of wireless charging by the charging device 198. If the right earphone 16R has a battery, that battery is charged by the charging device 196. If the left earphone 16L has a battery, that battery is charged by the charging device 198.

[0223] The charging device 196 may be provided on one end (for example, the right end) of the top surface of the display 194, and the charging device 198 may be provided on the other end (for example, the left end) of the top surface. Furthermore, three or more charging devices may be provided on the display.

[0224] In the example shown in Figure 50, the control device that controls charging, as described above, may also control the timing of charging. For example, the control device charges the battery when the person is stationary, when the person is sitting in front of the display 194, or when the amount of the person's movement is below a predetermined threshold, and does not charge the battery otherwise. In other words, the control device does not charge the battery when the person is walking or exercising. The person's movement may be detected, for example, by a 6-axis sensor provided in the right earphone 16R, or by a camera provided in the display 194. The control device detects the person's movement by receiving a signal indicating movement detected by the 6-axis sensor from the 6-axis sensor, or by receiving a signal indicating movement detected by the camera from the camera.

[0225] Figure 51 shows yet another charging method. Figure 51 is a view of a person's head 180 and a display 194 from above. In the example shown in Figure 51, one charging device 200 is provided in the center or near the center of the top surface of the display 194. For example, if a battery is provided in each of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L, the charging device 200 charges the batteries provided in each of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L. For example, the charging device 200 may be large enough to wirelessly charge the batteries provided in each of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L, which are separated from each other, or it may have the function to output a magnetic field or electric field with an output level sufficient to do so. Note that the display 194 may be provided with multiple charging devices.

[0226] As yet another example, a charging device capable of wireless charging may be provided on the chair. For example, the charging device may be provided in the center of the chair's headrest, or on both sides, or in the center of the top of the backrest, or on both sides. For example, the pillow 182 shown in Figures 47 to 49 may be replaced with a headrest, and the embodiment described with reference to Figures 47 to 49 may be applied.

[0227] As yet another example, the terminal device 14 may be equipped with a charging device, and the battery may be charged by the terminal device 14.

[0228] <Cable structure> The following describes various embodiments of the cable connecting the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L.

[0229] (Example 1 of the cable) Figure 52 shows the configuration of the first embodiment of the cable. Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the cable. Inside the cable 210 are wires 212 for transmitting and receiving potential signals indicating the potential detected by the sensor electrode or reference electrode (i.e., wires for biopotential), wires 214 for transmitting and receiving potential signals indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode, wires 216 and 218 for transmitting and receiving audio signals representing sound emitted from the speaker, and wires 220 and 222 for transmitting and receiving power supplied by the battery. Shielded wires are used for wires 212 and 216 and 218 to reduce noise.

[0230] Here, as an example, the electrode provided on the right earpiece 22R of the right earphone 16R is used as a sensor electrode, the electrode provided on the left earpiece 22L of the left earphone 16L is used as a reference electrode, and the electrode member 28L of the left earphone 16L is used as a ground electrode. The electrode member 28R of the right earphone 16R is not used. Furthermore, a measurement chip (e.g., an electroencephalogram sensor) for measuring biological information is provided inside the right housing 20R of the right earphone 16R.

[0231] In this case, a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the reference electrode provided in the left earphone 16L is transmitted from the left earphone 16L to the right earphone 16R via the wire 212, and this potential signal is input to a measurement chip such as an electroencephalogram sensor. A potential signal indicating the potential detected by the sensor electrode provided in the right earphone 16R is input from the sensor electrode to the measurement chip within the right earphone 16R.

[0232] (Example 2 of the cable) Figure 53 shows the configuration of the second embodiment of the cable. Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of the cable. Inside the cable 230 are wires 232 for transmitting and receiving potential signals indicating the potential detected by the sensor electrode or reference electrode (i.e., wires for biopotential), wires 234 for transmitting and receiving potential signals indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode, wires 236 for transmitting and receiving audio signals, and wires 238 for transmitting and receiving power supplied by the battery.

[0233] For example, cable 230 has a circular or elliptical cross-section, and wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged circumferentially within cable 230. For instance, to avoid the influence of noise caused by audio signals, wire 232 for biopotential is positioned furthest from wire 236 for audio signals. In other words, the distance between wire 232 for biopotential and wire 236 for audio signals is longer than the distance between other wires.

[0234] (Example 3 of the cable) Figure 54 shows the configuration of the third embodiment of the cable. Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view of the cable. The aforementioned electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged inside the cable 240.

[0235] For example, cable 240 is composed of cable element 242 and cable element 244. Cable elements 242 and 244 have, for example, a rectangular cross-section.

[0236] The electric wires 236, 234, and 238 are arranged in a line in that order within a cable element 242. The length of cable element 242 in the direction in which the electric wires 236, 234, and 238 are arranged is longer than the length of cable element 244. Cable element 244 is arranged protruding from cable element 242. Electric wire 232 is arranged within cable element 244.

[0237] For example, cable element 244 protrudes from the position where the ground electrode wire 234 is located in cable element 242. This increases the distance between the biopotential wire 232 and the audio signal wire 236 compared to when the audio signal wire 236 is located at the same position as the ground electrode wire 234, thereby suppressing the generation of noise that may occur in the biopotential due to the audio signal. Similarly, the distance between the biopotential wire 232 and the battery wire 238 increases compared to when the battery wire 238 is located at the same position as the ground electrode wire 234, thereby suppressing the generation of noise that may occur in the biopotential due to power supply from the battery.

[0238] The cable 240 may have a triangular cross-section overall. Within that cross-section, the electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 may be arranged in the arrangement shown in Figure 54.

[0239] (Cable example 4) FIG. 55 shows the configuration of Example 4 of the cable. FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. Inside the cable 250, the above-described electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged.

[0240] The electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged in a row in that order inside the cable 250. The order of the arrangement of each electric wire is not particularly limited. For example, by arranging the electric wire 232 for biopotential away from the electric wire 238 for the battery, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise that may occur in the biopotential due to electrode supply. Similarly, by arranging the electric wire 232 away from the electric wire 236 for audio, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise that may occur in the biopotential due to the audio signal.

[0241] (Example 5 of the cable) FIG. 56 shows the configuration of Example 5 of the cable. FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. Inside the cable 260, the above-described electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged.

[0242] For example, the cable 260 is composed of a cable element 262 and a cable element 264. The cable elements 262 and 264 have, for example, a rectangular cross-section.

[0243] The electric wires 232, 234, and 236 are arranged inside the cable element 262 arranged in a row in that order. The length of the cable element 262 in the direction in which the electric wires 232, 234, and 236 are arranged is longer than the length of the cable element 264. The cable element 264 is arranged to protrude from the cable element 262. The electric wire 238 is arranged inside the cable element 262. For example, the cable element 264 protrudes from the position where the electric wire 236 for the audio signal is arranged in the cable element 262. By doing so, the electric wire 232 for biopotential can be arranged away from the electric wire 236 for the audio signal, and the generation of noise that may occur in the biopotential due to the audio signal can be suppressed.

[0244] (Example 6 of Cable) FIG. 57 shows the configuration of Example 6 of the cable. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. Inside the cable 270, the above-described electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged.

[0245] The cable 270 is a coaxial cable. The cable 270 has a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross-section. For example, the ground wire 234 is arranged around the bio-potential wire 232, the audio signal wire 236 is arranged around the ground wire 234, and the battery wire 238 is arranged around the audio signal wire 236. Since the ground wire 234 is arranged between the bio-potential wire 232 and the wires 236 and 238, and the wire ibr 232 is not arranged adjacent to the wires 236 and 238, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise that may occur in the bio-potential due to the audio signal or power supply.

[0246] (Example 7 of Cable) FIG. 58 shows the configuration of Example 7 of the cable. FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the cable. Inside the cable 280, the above-described electric wires 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged.

[0247] For example, a coaxial cable is formed by the ground wire 234, the audio signal wire 236, and the battery wire 238. The bio-potential wire 232 is not included in the coaxial cable and is arranged at another position inside the cable 280. By arranging the bio-potential wire 232 away from the other wires in this way, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise that may occur in the bio-potential due to the audio signal or power supply.

[0248] (Example 8 of Cable) FIG. 59 schematically shows the configuration of Example 8 of the cable. FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the right earphone 16R, the left earphone 16L, and the cable 18.

[0249] The right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may be detachable from the cable 18. A known standard such as USB or MMCX may be used for the connection terminal. For example, the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may be disconnected from the cable 18 and connected to a different cable.

[0250] Furthermore, when the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L are connected to the cable 18, the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L communicate with other devices (e.g., terminal device 14) via wired communication. On the other hand, when the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L are disconnected from the cable 18, the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may communicate with other devices via wireless communication. In other words, the communication mode may be automatically switched from wired communication mode to wireless communication mode. Also, the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may be driven independently.

[0251] Furthermore, the functions or modes of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may be changed depending on the type of cable 18 connected.

[0252] The cable 18 may be connected to two devices of the same type, or to two devices of different types. For example, a device connected to one end of the cable 18 may function as the primary device, and a device connected to the other end may function as the secondary device. In this case, the primary device may control the secondary device.

[0253] Furthermore, if two different types of devices are connected to the cable 18, the functionality of those devices may be restricted. For example, access to the memory provided in the devices may be restricted, or control of the devices may be prohibited.

[0254] Furthermore, electrodes provided on a device connected to one end of the cable 18 may be used as a reference electrode and a ground electrode, and electrodes provided on a device connected to the other end may be used as a sensor electrode. For example, when the right earphone 16R is connected to one end, the electrode of the right earpiece 22R is used as a reference electrode, and the electrode member 28R is used as a ground electrode. When the left earphone 16L is connected to the other end, the electrode of the left earpiece 22L is used as a sensor electrode. For example, the electroencephalogram sensor treats the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode of the left earpiece 22L as a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the sensor electrode, the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode of the right earpiece 22R as a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the reference electrode, and the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode member 28R as a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode.

[0255] Here, using electroencephalography (EEG) as an example, we will explain the processing of potential signals indicating the potential detected by each electrode. As an example, we will explain the process of generating an EEG signal based on the sensor potential detected by the sensor electrode, the reference potential detected by the reference electrode, and the ground potential detected by the ground electrode.

[0256] A balanced differential amplifier is used to generate electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. For example, the EEG sensor 3410 described above provides the functionality of a balanced differential amplifier. For example, a known balanced differential amplifier is used.

[0257] Figure 60 shows the configuration of the balanced differential amplifier. The potential signal representing the sensor potential is input to the negative side of amplifier 1 (input 1), and the potential signal representing the reference potential is input to the negative side of amplifier 2 (input 2). The potential signal representing the ground potential is input to the positive side of both amplifiers 1 and 2. The potential signals are amplified by amplifiers 1 and 2, and the difference signal between the signal output from amplifier 1 (output 1) and the signal output from amplifier 2 (output 2) is obtained. This differential output is the output of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal.

[0258] Between the potential signal representing the sensor potential and the potential signal representing the reference potential, signals with a difference (e.g., electroencephalogram) are amplified, while signals of the same magnitude (e.g., AC noise) cancel each other out.

[0259] <Electrode Selection> The following describes embodiments relating to the selection of sensor electrodes, reference electrodes, and ground electrodes.

[0260] For example, the sensor electrode and reference electrode are placed in contact with the external auditory canal of the ear, and the ground electrode is placed in contact with the concha. In the following example, the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrodes is output to, for example, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

[0261] (Example 1 of electrode selection) The following describes Example 1 of electrode selection with reference to Figure 61. Figure 61 is a diagram illustrating the electrode selection method.

[0262] For example, an electrode placed in the external auditory canal of the right ear (e.g., the electrode of the right earpiece 22R) is used as a sensor electrode, and an electrode placed in the external auditory canal of the left ear (e.g., the electrode of the left earpiece 22L) is used as a reference electrode. In addition, an electrode placed in the concha of the right ear (e.g., electrode member 28R) is used as a ground electrode, and an electrode placed in the concha of the left ear (e.g., electrode member 28L) is used as a ground electrode.

[0263] A potential signal indicating the potential detected by the sensor electrode and a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the reference electrode are output to the electroencephalogram sensor.

[0264] Either a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode installed in the right external auditory canal or a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode installed in the left external auditory canal is output to the electroencephalogram sensor, and the other is not output to the electroencephalogram sensor. The selection is made, for example, by the control unit 16R7. For example, among the two ground electrodes, a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode that detects a more stable potential is output to the electroencephalogram sensor. For example, a potential signal with a smaller amplitude or a smaller amount of change in amplitude is selected as a more stable potential signal. For example, the right ground electrode and the left ground electrode are connected, and among these two ground electrodes, the ground electrode that detects a potential with less noise (for example, a potential with a smaller amplitude) is selected, and a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the selected ground electrode is output to the electroencephalogram sensor.

[0265] For example, the electrode may be selected during adjustment before measuring the biological information, or the electrode may be switched when the potential signal indicating the detected potential is unstable. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0266] (Example 2 of electrode selection) Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 62, Example 2 of electrode selection will be described. FIG. 62 is a diagram for explaining the electrode selection method.

[0267] For example, four electrodes (for example, electrodes A, B, C, D) are installed in the right ear's external auditory canal, and electrodes A, B, C, and D are used as sensor electrodes. Also, the electrode installed in the left external auditory canal is used as a reference electrode, and the electrode installed in the left ear's concha cavity is used as a ground electrode.

[0268] The potential signal indicating the potential detected by the reference electrode and the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the ground electrode are output to the electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor.

[0269] A potential signal indicating the potential detected by one of electrodes A, B, C, or D is output to the electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor. For example, among electrodes A, B, C, and D, the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode that detects the most stable potential is output to the EEG sensor. For example, a potential signal with a smaller noise amplitude is selected as a more stable potential signal. This selection is performed, for example, by the control unit 16R7.

[0270] (Example 3 of electrode selection) The following describes Example 3 of electrode selection with reference to Figure 63. Figure 63 is a diagram illustrating the electrode selection method.

[0271] For example, two electrodes (e.g., electrodes A and B) are placed in the external auditory canal of the right ear, and electrodes A and B are used as sensor electrodes. Two electrodes (e.g., electrodes C and D) are placed in the external auditory canal of the left ear, and electrodes C and D are used as reference electrodes. In addition, electrodes placed in the right ear and in the concha of each ear are used as ground electrodes.

[0272] Among electrodes A and B, the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode that detects the more stable potential is output to the electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor. For example, a potential signal with a smaller noise amplitude is selected as the more stable potential signal.

[0273] Furthermore, among electrodes C and D, the potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode that detects the more stable potential is output to the electroencephalogram sensor. For example, a potential signal with a smaller noise amplitude is selected as a more stable potential signal.

[0274] The electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor outputs a potential signal indicating the potential detected by the electrode that detects a more stable potential, either the right-side or left-side ground electrode. For example, a potential signal with a smaller amplitude or smaller amplitude change is selected as a more stable potential signal.

[0275] <Multiple channels> Multiple pieces of the same type of biological information may be measured. One piece of biological information corresponds to one channel, and multiple channels are formed corresponding to multiple pieces of biological information. The multiple channels will be described below with reference to Figure 64. Figure 64 shows a block diagram illustrating the function of processing signals from multiple channels.

[0276] For example, the functions of each part shown in Figure 64 are realized by the electroencephalogram sensor 3410 and the processing unit 16R5, etc. Of course, the functions of each part may also be realized by other devices or processors. Here, as an example, we will assume that the functions of each part are realized by the electroencephalogram sensor 3410.

[0277] For example, a sensor electrode, a reference electrode, and a ground electrode are placed in the right ear, and these electrodes measure biological information indicating brain waves. This biological information is then processed by the brain wave sensor 3410 as a signal on channel CH1.

[0278] Furthermore, a sensor electrode, a reference electrode, and a ground electrode are placed in the left ear, and these electrodes measure biological information indicating brain waves. This biological information is then processed by the brain wave sensor 3410 as a signal for channel CH2.

[0279] Of course, the biological information assigned to channels CH1 and CH2 is merely an example; biological information measured by electrodes placed at other locations may also be assigned to channel CH1 or channel CH2.

[0280] The switching unit 300 receives biological information from channel CH1 and channel CH2, switches channels at predetermined intervals, and outputs biological information from either channel CH1 or channel CH2 to the signal storage unit 302.

[0281] The signal storage unit 302 stores the biological information output from the switching unit 300. For example, the biological information for channel CH1 is stored in the signal storage unit 302, associated with channel information indicating channel CH1, and the biological information for channel CH2 is stored in the signal storage unit 302, associated with channel information indicating channel CH2. Signal 304, which is an example of biological information, is stored in the signal storage unit 302.

[0282] The signal separation unit 306 extracts biological information from the signal storage unit 302, separates that biological information into biological information for channel CH1 and biological information for channel CH2, and outputs the biological information for channel CH1 and the biological information for channel CH2 separately.

[0283] During the period when channel CH1 is selected by the switching unit 300 and the biological information of channel CH1 is output to the signal storage unit 302, the biological information of channel CH2 is not output to the signal storage unit 302 and is not stored in the signal storage unit 302. Similarly, during the period when channel CH2 is selected by the switching unit 300 and the biological information of channel CH2 is output to the signal storage unit 302, the biological information of channel CH1 is output to the signal storage unit 302 and is not stored in the signal storage unit 302. In this way, by switching channels, biological information during the period when the channel itself is not selected is not stored in the signal storage unit 302.

[0284] Therefore, the signal separation unit 306 predicts, for each individual channel, the biological information during the period when its channel is not selected (i.e., biological information not stored in the signal storage unit 302) based on the biological information during the period when its channel is selected, and interpolates the biological information during that period when the channel is not selected.

[0285] For example, the signal separation unit 306 interpolates biological information for channel CH1 during periods when channel CH1 is not selected, based on biological information from the periods before and after that period (i.e., during periods when channel CH1 is selected). Similarly, the signal separation unit 306 interpolates biological information for channel CH2 during periods when channel CH2 is not selected, based on biological information from the periods before and after that period (i.e., during periods when channel CH2 is selected).

[0286] The signal 308 shown in Figure 64 is an example of biological information for channel CH1. Signal 308 includes signals 308a and 308b. Signal 308a, shown by the solid line, is biological information during the period when channel CH1 is selected by the switching unit 300. Signal 308b, shown by the dashed line, is biological information during the period when channel CH1 is not selected by the switching unit 300, and is biological information interpolated based on signals 308a, which are biological information for the periods before and after that period.

[0287] Signal 310 is an example of biological information for channel CH2. Signal 310 includes signals 310a and 310b. Signal 310a, shown by the solid line, is biological information during the period when channel CH2 is selected by the switching unit 300. Signal 310b, shown by the dashed line, is biological information during the period when channel CH2 is not selected by the switching unit 300, and is biological information interpolated based on signals 310b, which are biological information before and after that period.

[0288] The switching unit 300 may either switch channels hourly or, in addition to switching channels hourly, switch channels according to a criterion other than time. In other words, the switching unit 300 may switch channels without being based on time.

[0289] For example, the switching unit 300 may switch channels according to the noise in each channel. Specifically, the switching unit 300 selects the channel with the smaller noise amplitude and outputs the biological information of that channel to the signal storage unit 302.

[0290] As another example, when an operation or processing using signals from the right brain is performed, the switching unit 300 selects channel CH1 and outputs the biometric information of channel CH1 to the signal storage unit 302. For example, when an instruction is given to operate equipment using signals from the right brain, the switching unit 300 selects channel CH1. Similarly, when an operation or processing using signals from the left brain is performed, the switching unit 300 selects channel CH2 and outputs the biometric information of channel CH2 to the signal storage unit 302.

[0291] As yet another example, the switching unit 300 may select a channel according to the user's instructions.

[0292] <Noise Cancellation> The following describes the process of removing noise from biological information (i.e., noise cancellation). Noise cancellation is performed, for example, by the processing unit 16R5. Here, noise refers to potential signal information measured in addition to the target of measurement.

[0293] For example, the processing unit 16R5 generates noise-free biological information of the target organism by removing biological information measured by other electrodes and sensors not used to measure the target organism from the biological information measured by electrodes and sensors used to measure the target organism. In other words, the processing unit 16R5 treats the biological information measured by those other electrodes and sensors as noise and removes that noise from the biological information measured by electrodes and sensors used to measure the target organism, thereby generating noise-free biological information.

[0294] To explain using electroencephalography (EEG) as an example, the processing unit 16R5 generates noise-free biological information of the target of measurement by removing biological signals measured by other electrodes and sensors such as pulse sensors and acceleration sensors from the biological information including EEG (e.g., the differential output in Figure 60) measured by the aforementioned sensor electrodes, reference electrodes, and ground electrodes. For example, the processing unit 16R5 removes the period and impulse of biological signals measured by pulse sensors, acceleration sensors, etc., as noise from the biological information including EEG. Noise can be, for example, signals propagating within the organism or signals propagating from outside the organism.

[0295] For example, the processing unit 16R5 treats biological information measured by electrodes or sensors located in areas other than those where the sensor electrodes, reference electrodes, and ground electrodes are installed as noise. To illustrate with an example, when measuring electroencephalograms using electrodes placed in the external auditory canal, electromyographic signals caused by pulsation (e.g., blood flow cycles in blood vessels), jaw movements, and blinking are treated as noise. The processing unit 16R5 removes these electromyographic signals from the biological signals measured by the sensor electrodes, reference electrodes, and ground electrodes, thereby generating an electroencephalogram signal representing the brainwaves from which the noise has been removed.

[0296] To explain in more detail, within the external auditory canal, electrode A is placed in an upward position (i.e., on the head side), electrode B is placed in a downward position (i.e., on the jaw side), electrode C is placed in an anterior position (i.e., on the face side), and electrode D is placed in a posterior position (i.e., on the behavioral side). The potential detected by electrode C, placed in the anterior position, is presumed to be a potential that reflects myoelectric potential generated by facial movements such as blinking. Similarly, the potential detected by electrode B, placed in the downward position, is presumed to be a potential that reflects myoelectric potential generated by movements such as jaw movement and swallowing. In this case, the processing unit 16R5 treats the potentials detected by electrodes B and C as noise and removes the potentials detected by electrodes B and C from the biological information obtained based on the potentials detected by electrodes other than electrodes B and C (for example, the differential output in Figure 60). In this way, an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal representing the brainwave is obtained, with noise caused by facial movements, jaw movements, swallowing, etc., removed.

[0297] While electroencephalography (EEG) was used as an example here, noise reduction is applied to other types of biological information as well, similar to EEG.

[0298] <Variations of user interface> The biological information measuring device 12 may display various types of information (such as biological information and other information) in a location other than the biological information measuring device 12 itself. For example, the biological information measuring device 12 may display various types of information on living organisms or other objects (such as desks or walls).

[0299] For example, if the biometric information measuring device 12 is a wristwatch-type wearable device and is attached to a person's arm, the biometric information measuring device 12 may display various types of information on the person's arm, the back of their hand, or the like.

[0300] As another example, if the biometric information measuring device 12 is a glasses-type wearable device, the biometric information measuring device 12 may display various types of information on the lenses of the glasses.

[0301] <Example of a shared biometric information measuring device 12> The biometric information measuring device 12 may be shared by multiple people. For example, after person A uses the biometric information measuring device 12, another person, person B, may use the same biometric information measuring device 12 that person A was using.

[0302] For example, a contact-type biometric information measuring device 12 (i.e., a device that measures biometric information by contacting a living organism such as a person with electrodes or sensors) may output information indicating that the living organism (e.g., a person) wearing the biometric information measuring device 12 has changed, or information prompting cleaning. Outputting information can be done, for example, by displaying the information on a screen, emitting the information as sound from a speaker, or both. For example, if the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L is used, the control unit 16R7 generates the information as sound from these earphones. As another example, the control unit 16R7 may display the information on a screen provided in the biometric information measuring device 12. As yet another example, the control unit 14d of the terminal device 14 may display the information on the terminal device 14, or generate the information as sound from a speaker provided in the terminal device 14.

[0303] For example, if the biometric information measuring device 12 is equipped with a microphone, the control unit 16R7 recognizes the person using the biometric information measuring device 12 based on the person's voice input from the microphone, and determines whether the person using the biometric information measuring device 12 has changed. The control unit 16R7 may also recognize the person using the biometric information measuring device 12 based on an image generated from a camera provided in the terminal device 14 or the like.

[0304] As another example, if the account of a person using the biometric information measuring device 12 is managed by the biometric information measuring device 12, the terminal device 14, or the server, and that account is switched to a different account, the control unit 16R7 may determine that the person using the biometric information measuring device 12 has changed.

[0305] By outputting information indicating that the person using the biometric information measuring device 12 has changed, the person using the biometric information measuring device 12 can recognize that the device 12 was used by someone else. This allows, for example, a new user of the biometric information measuring device 12 to recognize that the device 12 needs to be cleaned. The same applies when information prompting cleaning is output.

[0306] Furthermore, sensors that detect whether the biological information measuring device 12 has been cleaned may be used. For example, if a sensor that detects whether electrodes or sensors have been cleaned with alcohol (for example, a sensor that detects alcohol) is used, and the electrodes or sensors have not been cleaned with alcohol when the biological information measuring device 12 is about to be used (for example, when the power to the biological information measuring device 12 is turned on), the control unit 16R7 will output information indicating that the biological information measuring device 12 has not been cleaned. Also, the control unit 16R7 does not need to turn on the power to the biological information measuring device 12. If the electrodes or sensors have been cleaned with alcohol when the biological information measuring device 12 is about to be used, the control unit 16R7 may or may not output information indicating that the biological information measuring device 12 has been cleaned.

[0307] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. In addition, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0308] 10. Biological information measurement system, 12. Biological information measurement device, 14. Terminal device.

Claims

1. A bio-information measuring device that measures biological information by contacting the area around the ear, A base portion having a surface for contacting the area around the ear, An electrode provided on the aforementioned arrangement surface, having a plurality of fine protrusions on its surface, It has a processing unit for processing the potential signal obtained from the electrode, The processing unit, based on a detection signal obtained from an auxiliary sensor different from the electrode, A biological information measuring device that removes noise components contained in the aforementioned potential signal and outputs the aforementioned biological information.

2. A single housing that is attached to the area around the ear, The housing is arranged and has multiple electrodes that come into contact with the aforementioned part, An auxiliary sensor, which includes at least one of a pulse sensor or an acceleration sensor, is built into the aforementioned housing. The system includes a processing unit that removes noise from the differential signals between the potential signals obtained from the plurality of electrodes based on the detection signal of the auxiliary sensor. A device for measuring biological information.

3. A bio-information measuring device that measures biological information by contacting the area around the ear, A housing portion positioned on the outside of the external auditory canal, and a hook portion connected to the housing portion, A first electrode fixed to the surface of the housing portion, A second electrode fixed at a position different from the first electrode on the surface of the hook portion, The system comprises a processing unit that extracts biological information from potential signals obtained via the first electrode and the second electrode, The processing unit removes noise from the biological signal based on the signal from the auxiliary sensor built into the housing, and is a biological information measuring device.

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