Biological information measuring device

Abstract

The present invention provides a biometric information measuring device that can reduce implementation costs while improving the quality of biometric information services provided to bathers. [Solution] The biological information measuring device 1 comprises: an imaging unit 30 having a light-receiving unit 31 that captures an image of the bather P1 via the light-receiving unit 31; a control unit C1 that controls the imaging unit 30 and executes a biological information generation process that generates biological information based on the image; notification units 10, 20, and 29 controlled by the control unit C1 that notify the bather P1 of the biological information; a power supply unit 40 that supplies power to the imaging unit 30, the control unit C1, and the notification units 10, 20, and 29; and a device body 2 that houses the imaging unit 30, the control unit C1, the notification units 10, 20, and 29, and is capable of floating in the stored water PW1 stored in the bathtub 3. When the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1, the light-receiving unit 31 is located above the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a health management system which is an example of a conventional biological information measuring device. In this health management system, a plurality of heartbeat detection electrodes provided in a bathtub detect electrocardiographic signals of a bather. An analysis device provided in the bathroom is connected to each of the heartbeat detection electrodes. The analysis device calculates biological information of the bather based on the detected electrocardiographic signals, specifically, heart rate, the balance state of autonomic nerves, the overall activity level of autonomic nerves, and the like. A bathroom operation remote controller provided on the inner wall surface of the bathroom is connected to the analysis device via a bath water heater. The bathroom operation remote controller notifies the bather of the calculated biological information by display. In this way, the health management system provides services related to biological information to bathers.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional health management system, installation work and connection work for each of the heartbeat detection electrodes, the analysis device, and the bathroom operation remote controller must be performed for introduction, and it is necessary to carry out large-scale construction on the bathroom and the bathtub. As a result, it is difficult for this health management system to achieve a reduction in introduction cost.

[0005] Furthermore, there is a demand for this health management system to improve the quality of services related to biological information provided to bathers.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a biometric information measuring device that can improve the quality of services related to biometric information provided to bathers while reducing the introduction cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a biological information measuring device that measures biological information including at least the vital signs of a person bathing in a bathtub, A light-receiving unit that receives light and a shooting unit that captures an image of the bather via the light-receiving unit, A control unit that controls the imaging unit and performs a biological information generation process that generates the biological information based on the image, A notification unit controlled by the control unit notifies the bather of the biological information, A power supply unit that supplies power to the imaging unit, the control unit, and the notification unit, A device body that houses the aforementioned imaging unit, control unit, notification unit, and power supply unit, and is capable of floating on the stored water in the bathtub, Equipped with, The device is characterized in that, while the main body of the device floats on the stored water, the light-receiving unit is positioned above the water surface of the stored water.

[0008] The vital signs of a bather measured by the biological information measuring device of the present invention include, for example, pulse wave, heart rate, respiration, and core body temperature.

[0009] When using the biometric information measuring device of the present invention, bathers can measure their biometric information simply by floating the device body, which houses the imaging unit, control unit, notification unit, and power supply unit, in the stored water and placing their hands on the device body so that the light-receiving unit, located above the water surface, faces the bather. In other words, this biometric information measuring device does not require any major construction work on the bathroom or bathtub for installation.

[0010] Furthermore, in this biometric information measurement device, the imaging unit captures images of the bather via a light-receiving unit located above the water surface. As a result, compared to a case where the imaging unit captures images of the bather with the light-receiving unit located in the stored water, the images captured by this biometric information measurement device are less susceptible to noise from foreign objects, bubbles, etc., in the stored water. In addition, the imaging unit is housed in the device body that floats on the stored water and captures images of the bather close to them. As a result, compared to a case where the imaging unit captures images of the bather with the imaging unit installed on the inner wall of the bathroom, etc., the images captured by this biometric information measurement device are less susceptible to noise from steam, etc. As a result, this biometric information measurement device can achieve high accuracy in the biometric information generated by the biometric information generation process.

[0011] Furthermore, in this bio-information measurement device, the bio-information generation process, which generates bio-information based on images, can collect more bio-information, such as pulse wave, respiratory rate, respiratory depth, skin color, and heat distribution, than a configuration that detects electrocardiogram signals with electrodes and measures electrocardiogram waveforms, heart rate, etc. As a result, this bio-information measurement device can achieve high accuracy in the bio-information generated by the bio-information generation process.

[0012] Therefore, the biometric information measuring device of the present invention can improve the quality of biometric information services provided to bathers while reducing the introduction cost.

[0013] The main body of the device preferably comprises an upper unit housing an imaging unit and a control unit, and a lower unit located below the upper unit, wherein at least a portion of the lower unit is located below the water surface when the main body of the device floats on the stored water. Furthermore, the biological information measuring device of the present invention preferably includes a heat transfer unit that transfers heat generated in the upper unit to the stored water either directly or via the lower unit.

[0014] In this case, the imaging unit and the control unit are housed in the upper unit, bringing them closer together. As a result, this bio-information measuring device is less susceptible to electromagnetic noise when images captured by the imaging unit are transmitted as electrical signals to the control unit. Consequently, this bio-information measuring device can achieve high accuracy in the bio-information generated by the bio-information generation process. Furthermore, in this case, the heat generated when the control unit performs the bio-information generation process within the upper unit is transferred to the stored water by the heat transfer unit, allowing for efficient heat dissipation. Consequently, this bio-information measuring device can suppress malfunctions caused by excessive temperature rise within the upper unit, such as damage to electrical elements or deformation of resin parts.

[0015] The lower unit preferably has a metal heat dissipation promoting section that, at least a portion of which is located below the water surface and in contact with the stored water, while the main body of the device is floating on the stored water. Furthermore, it is desirable that the heat transfer section is connected to the upper unit and the heat dissipation promoting section.

[0016] In this case, the heat transfer unit transmits the heat generated in the upper unit to the stored water via a heat dissipation promoting unit made of metal with high thermal conductivity, thus enabling more efficient heat dissipation. As a result, this bio-information measuring device can further suppress malfunctions caused by excessive temperature rise in the upper unit.

[0017] The device body preferably comprises an upper unit housing the imaging unit and a lower unit located below the upper unit. Furthermore, it is desirable that a half-mirror layer is formed on the outer surface of the upper unit, which transmits some light and reflects other light.

[0018] In this case, the half-mirror layer transmits light received by the light-receiving part of the imaging unit due to the difference in brightness between the outside and inside of the upper unit, while also acting as a mirror to the bather, making it difficult to see the imaging unit. As a result, this biometric information measuring device can reduce the aversion that bathers feel when using the device and also improve its design.

[0019] Preferably, the notification unit includes an upper display section accommodated in the upper unit, which notifies the bather of biological information via light-emitting display.

[0020] In this case, biological information can be suitably notified to the bather via the light-emitting display of the upper display section accommodated in the upper unit with good visibility. In addition, when the upper display section does not perform light-emitting display, the half-mirror layer acts as a mirror for the bather, making the upper display section difficult to visually recognize. Thereby, this biological information measuring device can achieve improved designability.

[0021] Preferably, when executing biological information generation processing, the control section causes the upper display section to display the imaging direction of the imaging unit.

[0022] In this case, the bather can easily recognize the imaging direction of the imaging unit, and can maintain the state in which the light-receiving section faces the bather with high reliability by placing a hand on the device body. Furthermore, in this case, since it is not necessary to indicate the imaging direction of the imaging unit by printing or the like on the outer surface of the upper unit, improved designability can be achieved.

[0023] Preferably, the center of gravity is set such that when the device body floats on stored water, the imaging direction of the imaging unit is inclined upward at a predetermined imaging angle relative to the water surface.

[0024] In this case, when the device body floats on stored water, the imaging direction of the imaging unit naturally faces obliquely upward based on the center of gravity, so that the imaging unit easily captures an image of the bather, particularly an image of the bather's face. As a result, this biological information measuring device can achieve higher accuracy of the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing.

[0025] Preferably, the device body includes an upper unit, a lower unit positioned below the upper unit, and an intermediate unit positioned between the upper unit and the lower unit. Further preferably, the notification unit includes an intermediate display section accommodated in the intermediate unit, which notifies the bather of biological information via display.

[0026] When the intermediate unit houses the intermediate display unit, without any countermeasures, the upper unit tends to cover the intermediate display unit from above, making it difficult for bathers to see it. However, with the above configuration, when the device body floats in the stored water, the intermediate display unit naturally faces diagonally upward based on its center of gravity, making it easier for bathers to see it. As a result, this biometric information measuring device can further improve the quality of biometric information services provided to bathers.

[0027] The main body of the device preferably comprises an upper unit housing the imaging unit, a lower unit located below the upper unit, and an intermediate unit located between the upper and lower units. The notification unit preferably comprises an intermediate display unit housed in the intermediate unit that notifies the bather of biological information by display. The power supply unit preferably charges by contact or non-contact power supply from a charging device compatible with the biological information measuring device when the main body of the device is positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device. When the main body of the device floats in the stored water, the display direction of the intermediate display unit preferably tilts upward at a predetermined display angle relative to the water surface. Furthermore, when the main body of the device is positioned in the charging position, the display direction of the intermediate display unit preferably intersects the horizontal direction at an angle different from the display angle, or is parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0028] When the intermediate unit houses the intermediate display unit, without any countermeasures, the upper unit housing the imaging unit tends to be above the intermediate display unit, covering it and making it difficult for bathers to see the intermediate display unit. In this regard, the above configuration allows the charging posture of the device body to be determined prioritizing the improvement of the charging efficiency of the power supply unit over the visibility of the intermediate display unit. Furthermore, when the device body floats in the stored water, it tilts from the charging posture based on its center of gravity, and the intermediate display unit naturally faces diagonally upwards, making it easier for bathers to see the intermediate display unit. As a result, this biometric information measurement device can further improve the quality of biometric information services provided to bathers.

[0029] The biological information measuring device of the present invention preferably comprises an operation unit that receives operation input from the bather and a communication unit that performs wireless communication. The power supply unit preferably supplies power to both the operation unit and the communication unit. The communication unit preferably enables wireless communication with a hot water supply unit that supplies hot water to the bathtub to create stored water and circulates the stored water between the bathtub and the hot water supply unit to heat it. The notification unit preferably comprises a display unit that notifies the bather of biological information by display and a sound output unit that notifies the bather of biological information by sound. The hot water supply unit preferably enables a hot water filling function that sets the amount and temperature of stored water and supplies the stored water to the set amount and temperature, a reheating function that heats the stored water, a heat retention function that sets the heat retention temperature of the stored water and maintains the stored water at the set heat retention temperature, and a hot water addition function that supplies additional hot water to the bathtub. Furthermore, the control unit preferably controls the operation unit, communication unit, display unit and sound output unit and transmits an execution instruction to the hot water supply unit for at least one of the hot water filling function, reheating function, heat retention function and hot water addition function.

[0030] In this case, the bather can use the biometric information measuring device, which floats in the stored water and is easily accessible, as a substitute for the bathroom remote control to perform various bathing-related operations. As a result, this biometric information measuring device can improve the convenience for the bather.

[0031] It is desirable that the control unit be able to control the notification unit to perform a breathing guidance notification process that notifies the bather of breathing guidance by display, sound, and vibration.

[0032] Bathers often seek a "relaxing effect" from bathing. It is known that relaxation is achieved through rhythmic breathing, such as deep breathing (abdominal breathing). Therefore, in this bio-information measuring device, the control unit can encourage bathers to take deep breaths (abdominal breathing) by performing breathing guidance notification processing. As a result, this bio-information measuring device can improve the relaxation effect during bathing, and ultimately improve the comfort of bathers.

[0033] It is desirable for the control unit to perform an autonomic nervous system state estimation process, which estimates the autonomic nervous system state of the bather based on biological information, before executing the respiratory guidance notification process. Furthermore, it is desirable for the control unit to change the content of the guidance notified in the respiratory guidance notification process based on the autonomic nervous system state.

[0034] In this case, the device can provide appropriate breathing guidance according to the bather's autonomic nervous system state, such as whether the sympathetic nervous system is dominant or the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant. As a result, this bio-information measuring device can further enhance the relaxation effect during bathing, and consequently, further improve the bather's comfort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] The biological information measuring device of the present invention makes it possible to reduce the introduction cost while improving the quality of services related to biological information provided to bathers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a house in which the biometric information measuring device of the embodiment is used. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the biological information measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the biological information measuring device of the embodiment, showing the front of the biological information measuring device viewed from slightly below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the biological information measuring device of the embodiment, with the device body positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the biological information measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the upper frame, lower base, heat transfer unit, imaging unit, control unit, upper display unit, and operation unit. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the upper frame, upper base, lower base, heat transfer section, lower case, and heat dissipation promotion section. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the shooting direction of the camera unit, the display direction of the intermediate display unit, and the display direction of the upper display unit when the device body is floating in the stored water. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the program executed by the biological information measurement device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the program executed by the biological information measurement device of the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view of the biological information measuring device of the modified example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0038] (Examples) As shown in Figure 1, the biological information measuring device 1 of the embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the biological information measuring device of the present invention and is applied to a house H1.

[0039] House H1 is equipped with a hot water supply system 90. House H1 also includes a bathroom R1, a dressing room R2, and a kitchen R3.

[0040] Bathroom R1 is equipped with a bathtub 3, a mixing faucet 5, a shower 5A, and a bathroom remote control 99. Adjacent to bathroom R1, dressing room R2 is equipped with an electrical outlet 96 connected to a household power supply (not shown). The power cord 100C of a charging device 100, which is compatible with the biometric information measuring device 1, is plugged into outlet 96. Kitchen R3 is equipped with a kitchen remote control 98.

[0041] <Hot water supply system> The hot water supply system 90 has a well-known configuration, so its explanation will be kept brief, but it includes a gas burner, heat exchanger, and circulation pump, etc. (not shown). The gas burner burns fuel gas such as city gas to generate high-temperature combustion gas. The hot water supply system 90 circulates water supplied from a water supply, etc., through a heat exchanger, and heat exchange occurs between the water and the combustion gas generated by the gas burner, thereby heating the water and dispensing hot water.

[0042] The hot water supply unit 90 supplies hot and cold water to the mixing faucet 5 and shower 5A via piping P5. The hot water supply unit 90 also supplies hot and cold water to the bathtub 3 via the bathtub supply piping P3A to create stored water PW1. Furthermore, the hot water supply unit 90 heats the stored water PW1 by a gas burner while circulating it between the bathtub 3, the bathtub return piping P3B, the heat exchanger, and the bathtub supply piping P3A using a circulation pump (not shown).

[0043] The hot water supply unit 90 is capable of performing the following functions: filling the bathtub, reheating, maintaining temperature, and adding hot and cold water. The filling function sets the amount and temperature of the stored water PW1 and supplies the stored water PW1 to the set amount and temperature. The reheating function heats the stored water PW1. The maintaining temperature function sets the temperature at which the stored water PW1 is maintained and maintains the stored water PW1 at the set temperature. The adding hot and cold water function supplies additional hot and cold water to the bathtub 3.

[0044] <Bathroom remote control> The bathroom remote control 99 is connected to the water heater 90 via a wired communication link. The bathroom remote control 99 is also connected to the kitchen remote control 98 via the water heater 90 via a wired communication link. The bathroom remote control 99 has an input unit 99B and a display unit 99D. Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 99 has a speaker and a wireless communication unit (not shown).

[0045] The bathroom remote control 99 transmits the operations performed by the bather P1 on the input unit 99B to the hot water heater 90, thereby remotely controlling the hot water heater 90. Specifically, the bathroom remote control 99 can transmit execution instructions for the bath filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function to the hot water heater 90.

[0046] Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 99 displays various information such as operating status and setting information transmitted from the hot water supply unit 90 via the display unit 99D, and also outputs audio via a speaker (not shown).

[0047] The bathroom remote control 99 communicates wirelessly with the biological information measuring device 1 via a wireless communication unit (not shown). Wireless communication between the bathroom remote control 99 and the biological information measuring device 1 utilizes Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, or the like.

[0048] <Kitchen remote control> The kitchen remote control 98 is connected to the water heater 90 via wired communication. The kitchen remote control 98 has an input unit 98B and a display unit 98D. The kitchen remote control 98 also has a speaker and a wireless communication unit (not shown).

[0049] The kitchen remote control 98 transmits operations performed by the resident of the house H1 to the input unit 98B to the hot water heater 90, thereby remotely controlling the hot water heater 90. Specifically, the kitchen remote control 98 can transmit execution instructions for the bath filling function and the reheating function to the hot water heater 90.

[0050] Furthermore, the kitchen remote control 98 displays various information such as operating status and setting information transmitted from the hot water heater 90 via the display unit 98D, and also outputs audio via a speaker (not shown).

[0051] The kitchen remote control 98 performs wireless communication with the wireless router 7 via a wireless communication unit (not shown). Wireless communication between the kitchen remote control 98 and the wireless router 7 utilizes Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc. The kitchen remote control 98 can connect to the network NW1 via the wireless router 7, or perform network communication with an external server 9, etc., via the network NW1. The external server 9 is a server that supports the biological information measurement device 1.

[0052] <Mobile devices> The residents of residence H1 are the bathers P1 in their daily lives. The mobile terminals 8 used by the residents of residence H1 are smartphones, tablet devices, etc. The mobile terminals 8 can connect to network NW1 directly or via wireless router 7, and can perform network communication with external servers 9 etc. via network NW1. The mobile terminals 8 can acquire, store, and analyze large amounts of information, and can display the stored information and analysis results on the touch panel 8T display or transmit them to external servers 9 etc.

[0053] <Biometric Information Measurement Device> The biological information measuring device 1 comprises a device body 2. The device body 2 is a sphere with a sealed internal space. The device body 2 is capable of floating in the stored water PW1 contained in the bathtub 3. The biological information measuring device 1 is used on a bather P1 while the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the main body of the device 2 has an upper unit 50, an intermediate unit 60, and a lower unit 70.

[0055] In this embodiment, for convenience, the direction in which the upper unit 50, intermediate unit 60, and lower unit 70 are aligned without inclination is defined as the vertical direction, and the shapes, relative positional relationships, etc., of the multiple components of the biological information measuring device 1 will be described.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the orientation of the device body 2 when the upper unit 50, intermediate unit 60, and lower unit 70 are aligned vertically without tilting is the "predetermined charging orientation" when the device body 2 is positioned relative to the charging device 100.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the biological information measuring device 1 is equipped with two heat transfer units 80L and 80R. The heat transfer units 80L and 80R are located in the internal space of the device body 2.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, in this embodiment, for convenience, the front-to-back direction is defined as the rear of the device body 2 where the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are located, and the front of the device body 2 opposite to the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R. Based on this definition, the shapes and relative positional relationships of the multiple components of the biological information measuring device 1 will be explained.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, for convenience, the direction in which the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R in the main body of the device 2 are aligned is defined as the left-right direction, and the shapes, relative positional relationships, etc., of the multiple components of the biological information measuring device 1 will be described.

[0060] The lower unit 70 is located below the upper unit 50. The intermediate unit 60 is located between the upper unit 50 and the lower unit 70. In other words, the upper unit 50, the intermediate unit 60, and the lower unit 70 divide the spherical device body 2 into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the biological information measuring device 1 includes an imaging unit 30, a control unit C1, an intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, an upper display unit 20, a speaker 29, an operation unit 18, a communication unit 19, a power supply unit 40, a non-contact power receiving unit 48, and a light-emitting unit 27.

[0062] The intermediate display unit 10, the upper display unit 20, and the speaker 29 are examples of the "notification unit" of the present invention. The intermediate display unit 10 and the upper display unit 20 are examples of the "display unit" of the present invention. The speaker 29 is an example of the "sound output unit" of the present invention.

[0063] The main unit 2 houses the imaging unit 30, control unit C1, intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, upper display unit 20, speaker 29, operation unit 18, communication unit 19, power supply unit 40, contactless power receiving unit 48, and light-emitting unit 27 in a watertight state.

[0064] More specifically, the upper unit 50 houses the imaging unit 30, control unit C1, upper display unit 20, speaker 29, operation unit 18, and communication unit 19. The lower unit 70 houses the power supply unit 40, contactless power receiving unit 48, and light-emitting unit 27.

[0065] The intermediate unit 60 houses the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B. In this embodiment, the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B are virtual images displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13, which will be described later.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper unit 50 has an upper cover 59. The shape of the outer surface of the upper cover 59 is the shape of the upper portion when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0067] The upper cover 59 is made of transparent resin. A half-mirror layer 59M is formed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59. The half-mirror layer 59M is, for example, a half-deposited layer of aluminum or silver. The half-mirror layer 59M transmits some light and reflects other light.

[0068] The half-mirror layer 59M transmits light toward the imaging unit 30 due to the difference in brightness between the outside and inside of the upper unit 50, or in other words, the difference in brightness between the outer surface and the back surface of the upper cover 59, while acting as a mirror for the bather P1, making it difficult to see inside the upper unit 50.

[0069] Figures 6 and 7 show the upper unit 50 with the upper cover 59 removed. The upper unit 50 has an upper frame 58. The upper frame 58 is located on the back side of the upper cover 59. The upper frame 58 is made of resin with high strength and rigidity.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, the upper unit 50 has an upper base 57. The upper base 57 is disc-shaped and is assembled to the upper frame 58 from below. The upper base 57 is made of resin, which has high strength and rigidity.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the imaging unit 30 is supported by a portion of the upper frame 58 located in the center in the front and left-right directions. The imaging unit 30 is a digital camera capable of shooting video and has a light-receiving unit 31. The light-receiving unit 31 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor.

[0072] A shielding member 32, which is roughly funnel-shaped, is positioned in front of the light-receiving unit 31. The shielding member 32 blocks light that has been diffusely reflected within the upper unit 50 after passing through the half-mirror layer 59M of the upper cover 59 from reaching the light-receiving unit 31.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the imaging unit 30 is connected to the control unit C1. The imaging unit 30 captures images via the light-receiving unit 31 and transmits the image data to the control unit C1. The images captured by the imaging unit 30 are composed of RGB format image information. The frame rate when the imaging unit 30 is shooting video is, for example, 10 to 60 (frames / second).

[0074] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit C1 is located between the upper frame 58 and the upper base 57. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit C1 is an electronic circuit unit comprising a CPU (not shown), a storage unit C1M composed of memory elements such as ROM and RAM, and interface circuits (not shown).

[0075] The memory unit C1M stores various programs and setting information for operating the biological information measuring device 1. The memory unit C1M also appropriately stores various information acquired by the control unit C1 during the operation of the biological information measuring device 1. The programs stored in the memory unit C1M include, for example, programs executed according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0076] The control unit C1 includes an image processing unit C1G, a biological information generation processing unit C1A, an autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B, and a respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C. The image processing unit C1G, the biological information generation processing unit C1A, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B, and the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C function when the program is executed according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10. The processing details of the image processing unit C1G, the biological information generation processing unit C1A, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B, and the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C will be described later.

[0077] The upper display unit 20 is an LED signage unit positioned on the upper surface of the upper frame 58. The upper display unit 20 is located above the intermediate display unit 10 in the main unit 2. The upper display unit 20 forms a 16x16 dot matrix by arranging multiple full-color LEDs in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, the upper display unit 20 is connected to the control unit C1. The upper display unit 20 is controlled by the control unit C1 and displays various information such as characters, figures, and patterns by emitting light. The half-mirror layer 59M of the upper cover 59 transmits the light display of the upper display unit 20, so the bather P1 can see the light display of the upper display unit 20.

[0079] Although not shown in the diagram, speaker 29 is positioned between the upper frame 58 and the upper base 57. Speaker 29 is connected to control unit C1. Speaker 29 is controlled by control unit C1 and notifies the bather P1 of various information by sound. The sounds emitted by speaker 29 include simple sounds, voice messages, music, etc.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, two operating units 18 (18A, 18B) are supported by a portion of the upper frame 58 located in front of and to the left of the imaging unit 30. Three operating units 18 (18C, 18D, 18E) are supported by a portion of the upper frame 58 located in front of and to the right of the imaging unit 30. Each operating unit 18 receives input from the bather P1.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, a "bathing / bathing" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at a position corresponding to the operation unit 18(18A). In other words, the operation unit 18(18A) receives an operation input to switch between the operating state and the sleep state of the biological information measuring device 1.

[0082] A "mode" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at a position corresponding to the operating section 18(18B). In other words, the operating section 18(18B) receives an input for switching modes.

[0083] A "<" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at the position corresponding to the operation unit 18 (18C). A "Confirm" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at the position corresponding to the operation unit 18 (18D). A ">" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at the position corresponding to the operation unit 18 (18E). In other words, the operation units 18 (18C, 18D, 18E) receive operational inputs such as increasing or decreasing numerical values, selecting items, and confirming.

[0084] In this embodiment, each operating unit 18 is an indirectly detectable capacitive proximity sensor. When the bather P1 places their fingertip on the position corresponding to each operating unit 18 on the outer surface of the upper cover 59, each operating unit 18 indirectly detects the fingertip.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, each operation unit 18 is connected to the control unit C1. When each operation unit 18 receives an operation input from the bather P1, it transmits that operation input to the control unit C1.

[0086] Although not shown in the diagram, the communication unit 19 is located between the upper frame 58 and the upper base 57. The communication unit 19 incorporates electronic circuits that perform wireless communication using Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc.

[0087] The communication unit 19 is connected to the control unit C1. As shown in Figure 1, the communication unit 19 is controlled by the control unit C1 and is capable of wireless communication with the bathroom remote control 99 which is wired to the hot water heater 90.

[0088] As shown in Figure 2, the lower unit 70 includes a lower cover 79, a heat dissipation promotion section 78, and a lower base 77. The shape formed by the outer surface of the lower cover 79 and the outer surface of the heat dissipation promotion section 78 is the shape of the lower part when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0089] The outer peripheral edge of the lower cover 79 is connected to the lower outer peripheral edge of the annular heat dissipation promotion section 78. The lower cover 79 is made of transparent resin. A half-mirror layer 79M is formed on the outer surface of the lower cover 79. The half-mirror layer 79M is, for example, a half-deposited layer of aluminum or silver. The half-mirror layer 79M transmits some light and reflects other light.

[0090] The half-mirror layer 79M acts as a mirror for the bather P1, making it difficult to see inside the lower unit 70 due to the difference in brightness between the outside and inside of the lower unit 70, or in other words, the difference in brightness between the outer surface and the back surface of the lower cover 79.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the heat dissipation promotion section 78 has an annular shape in which the diameter of the upper outer peripheral edge is larger than the diameter of the lower outer peripheral edge. The heat dissipation promotion section 78 is made of metal, and in this embodiment it is made of aluminum alloy. The outer surface of the heat dissipation promotion section 78 is treated with a surface treatment to minimize the design difference with the half-mirror layer 79M of the lower cover 79.

[0092] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower base 77 is disc-shaped. The lower base 77 is made of a resin with high strength and rigidity.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7, the lower unit 70 has a lower case 76. The lower case 76 is roughly cup-shaped and fits inside the lower cover 79 and the heat dissipation promotion section 78. A circular opening 76A is formed at the lower end of the lower case 76 so as to penetrate vertically. Multiple small holes 76B are formed around the opening 76A in the lower case 76 so as to penetrate vertically.

[0094] The outer periphery of the lower case 76 is fastened to the outer periphery of the lower base 77 by multiple screws, with the lower case 76 in contact with the outer periphery of the lower base 77 from below. The upper outer periphery of the heat dissipation promotion section 78 is connected to the outer periphery of the lower case 76.

[0095] Although not shown in the diagram, the power supply unit 40 is located between the lower case 76 and the lower base 77. The power supply unit 40 is a rechargeable battery.

[0096] Although not shown in the diagram, the non-contact power receiving unit 48 is located within the opening 76A of the lower case 76 and is adjacent to the back surface of the lower end of the lower cover 79. The non-contact power receiving unit 48 has a power receiving coil and the like.

[0097] Although not shown in the diagram, multiple light-emitting units 27 are arranged within each small hole 76B and are adjacent to the back surface of the lower cover 79. Each light-emitting unit 27 is an LED that shines light toward the bottom of the bathtub 3.

[0098] As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate unit 60 has a middle cover 69. The shape of the outer surface of the middle cover 69 is the shape of the middle portion when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0099] The upper outer edge of the middle cover 69 is connected to the outer edge of the upper cover 59. The lower outer edge of the middle cover 69 is connected to the upper outer edge of the heat dissipation promotion section 78. The middle cover 69 is made of transparent resin.

[0100] A 3D hologram LCD 12 is supported in the center of the underside of the upper base 57. The liquid crystal display surface of the 3D hologram LCD 12 faces downwards and is exposed to the intermediate unit 60.

[0101] As shown in Figure 5, the 3D hologram LCD 12 is connected to the control unit C1. The 3D hologram LCD 12 is controlled by the control unit C1 and displays four images corresponding to the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B on the liquid crystal display surface.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13 is a square pyramidal transparent resin molded product, and the surface of the resin is treated with a half-mirror coating. The 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13 is positioned in the center of the upper surface of the lower base 77 and protrudes upward. The four slopes of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13 correspond to the intermediate display section 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display sections 11L, 11R, and 11B.

[0103] The intermediate display unit 10 is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the front slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13. The auxiliary intermediate display unit 11L is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the left slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13. The auxiliary intermediate display unit 11R is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the right slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13. The auxiliary intermediate display unit 11B is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the rear slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13.

[0104] The intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B are located away from the outer surface of the middle cover 69 toward the center of the device body 2.

[0105] The intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B display various information such as characters, figures, and patterns as virtual images when the 3D hologram LCD 12 is controlled by the control unit C1. In this embodiment, the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B display the same information as the intermediate display unit 10.

[0106] In other words, the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B share the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13.

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are rectangular tubular metal parts that extend vertically. In this embodiment, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are made up of a combination of an aluminum alloy molded material that extends vertically with a roughly "C" shaped cross-section, and an aluminum alloy plate material that extends vertically and closes the open portion of the roughly "C" shaped cross-section in the molded material.

[0108] The upper end of the heat transfer section 80L is fastened to the rear and left-side portion of the upper frame 58. The upper end of the heat transfer section 80R is fastened to the rear and right-side portion of the upper frame 58.

[0109] The lower end of the heat transfer section 80L penetrates the rear and left-side portion of the lower base 77. The lower end of the heat transfer section 80R penetrates the rear and right-side portion of the lower base 77. The lower ends of the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are fastened to the lower base 77 on the back side of the lower base 77 and connected to the heat dissipation promotion section 78 with the lower base 77 and lower case 76 interposed between them.

[0110] In other words, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are connected to the upper unit 50 and the heat dissipation promotion section 78.

[0111] As shown in Figure 5, the electrical wiring WH1 passes through the heat transfer section 80L and electrically connects the power supply section 40 and the contactless power receiving section 48 with the control section C1. The electrical wiring WH1 has a power supply line and a signal line for the control section C1 to control the power supply section 40 and the contactless power receiving section 48.

[0112] The electrical wiring WH2 passes through the heat transfer section 80R, electrically connecting each light-emitting section 27 to the control section C1.

[0113] The power supply unit 40 supplies power to the control unit C1. The power supply unit 40 also supplies power to the imaging unit 30, the upper display unit 20, the speaker 29, each operation unit 18, the communication unit 19, and each light-emitting unit 27 via the control unit C1. Furthermore, the power supply unit 40 supplies power to the 3D hologram LCD 12 shared by the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B via the control unit C1.

[0114] <Charging device> As shown in Figure 5, the charging device 100 includes a charging control unit 101 and a contactless power supply unit 108. As shown in Figure 4, the charging device 100 has a recess 103 on which a support surface 102 is formed. The support surface 102 is an annular curved surface that matches the outer surface of the heat transfer promotion unit 78 of the lower unit 70. The contactless power supply unit 108 is located in the center of the bottom surface of the recess 103.

[0115] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, when not in use, the biological information measuring device 1 is carried to the changing room R2 and placed on the charging device 100. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the device body 2 is positioned relative to the charging device 100 in a predetermined charging posture, with the heat transfer promotion section 78 of the lower unit 70 supported by the support surface 102 of the recess 103, that is, the upper unit 50, the intermediate unit 60, and the lower unit 70 are aligned vertically without tilting. In order to prevent the spherical device body 2 from being positioned misaligned with the predetermined charging posture relative to the charging device 100, protrusions, flat surfaces, legs, etc., may be formed on the outer surface of the lower unit 70 to determine its posture. In this case, it is desirable that the protrusions, flat surfaces, legs, etc., be small so as not to impair the spherical appearance of the device body 2.

[0116] In this state, the power supply unit 40 is charged by contactless power supply from the charging device 100 via a contactless power supply unit 108 controlled by the charging control unit 101 and a contactless power receiving unit 48 located directly above the contactless power supply unit 108. When the power supply unit 40 is fully charged, the charging device 100 stops contactless power supply.

[0117] With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the center of gravity CG1 of the biological information measuring device 1 is located below and behind the center point CP1 of the spherical device body 2.

[0118] <The device itself is floating in the stored water.> As shown by the solid line in Figure 1, when the biometric information measuring device 1 is used, it is carried to the bathroom R1 and the device body 2 is set to float in the stored water PW1. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the center of gravity CG1 of the biometric information measuring device 1 is located vertically downward from the center point CP1 of the device body 2. In other words, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, it tilts from its charging position based on the center of gravity CG1.

[0119] The lower unit 70 is positioned below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1, with the main body of the device 2 floating on the stored water PW1.

[0120] The heat dissipation promotion unit 78 is positioned so that, with the device body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, most of it is below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1, and its outer surface is in contact with the stored water PW1. Heat is generated within the upper unit 50, mainly by the calculation processing of the control unit C1, and the temperature may rise to about 60°C. The heat transfer units 80L and 80R, made of aluminum alloy, receive the heat generated within the upper unit 50 at their upper ends and transfer it to their lower ends, from which it is transferred to the stored water PW1 via the lower base 77, lower case 76 and heat dissipation promotion unit 78 of the lower unit 80. Since the heat dissipation promotion unit 78 is made of aluminum alloy, it can efficiently dissipate heat into the stored water PW1. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can suppress malfunctions caused by excessive temperature rise within the upper unit 50.

[0121] With the main body of the device 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the light-receiving unit 31 and the shielding member 32 of the imaging unit 30 are positioned above the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1.

[0122] With the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is such that, in a side view, it is tilted upward with a predetermined shooting angle α3 relative to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. In other words, the center of gravity CG1 of the biological information measuring device 1 is set such that, with the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is tilted upward with a predetermined shooting angle α3 relative to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 in a side view.

[0123] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined shooting angle α3 is approximately 25° to 35°.

[0124] With the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is such that, in a side view, it is tilted upward with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 at a predetermined first display angle α1. In other words, the center of gravity CG1 of the biological information measuring device 1 is set such that, with the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, in a side view, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is tilted upward with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 at a predetermined first display angle α1. The predetermined first display angle α1 is an example of the "predetermined display angle" of the present invention.

[0125] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined first display angle α1 is approximately 25° to 35°.

[0126] The display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is perpendicular to the center point of the rectangular display surface of the intermediate display unit 10 and is the direction in which the intermediate display unit 10 faces.

[0127] With the main unit 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is, in a side view, inclined upward at a display angle α2A with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. The display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is different from the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10.

[0128] In this embodiment, as an example, the display angle α2A is approximately 70° to 80°.

[0129] The display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is perpendicular to the minute portion located in the center of the display surface of the upper display unit 20, which is a rectangular curved surface, and is the direction in which the upper display unit 20 faces.

[0130] The angle α31 formed by the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is smaller than the angle α32 formed by the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20.

[0131] For comparison, Figure 4 shows the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10, and the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 when the device body 2 is positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100.

[0132] With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is, in a side view, tilted upward at a slight shooting angle α3C relative to the horizontal, or parallel to the horizontal (shooting angle α3C = 0). In this embodiment, as an example, the display angle α3C is about a few degrees.

[0133] With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is, in a side view, either tilted upward at a slight display angle α1C with respect to the horizontal direction (a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at a different display angle α1C than the first display angle α1), or parallel to the horizontal direction (display angle α1C = 0°). In this embodiment, as an example, the display angle α1C is 0°.

[0134] With the main unit 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is, in a side view, inclined upward by a display angle α2C greater than the display angles α1C and α2A in the horizontal direction, or in an upward direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction (display angle α2C = 90°). Therefore, during charging of the power supply unit 40, the upper display unit 20 has higher visibility than the intermediate display unit 10, and it is preferable to notify the charging status etc. using the upper display unit 20. The reference point when measuring the display angles α2A and α2C is set so that the display angles α2A and α2C are 90° or less.

[0135] <Measurement mode, remote control mode, and respiratory guidance mode> When the bather P1 carries the biometric information measuring device 1 to the bathroom R1 and the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, the bather P1 makes an operation input to the control unit 18 (18A), causing the biometric information measuring device 1 to switch from sleep mode to operating mode. As a result, the control unit C1 executes the program according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0136] The bather P1 selects the measurement mode, remote control mode, or respiratory guidance mode by inputting an operation to the control unit 18 (18B).

[0137] The measurement mode measures the vital signs of the bather P1, estimates their autonomic nervous system state, and notifies the bather P1. The remote control mode allows for remote operation of the hot water supply system 90. The breathing guidance mode provides breathing guidance to the bather P1 to help them achieve a "relaxing effect."

[0138] First, in step S101 shown in Figure 9, the control unit C1 determines whether the bather P1 has selected the measurement mode. If the answer in step S101 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S111. The processing details from step S111 onwards will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer in step S101 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S102.

[0139] In step S102, the control unit C1 determines whether the bather P1 has selected remote control mode. If the answer in step S102 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S121. The processing details from step S121 onwards will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer in step S102 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S103 shown in Figure 10.

[0140] In step S103, the control unit C1 determines whether the bather P1 has selected the breathing guidance mode. If the answer in step S103 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S131. The processing details from step S131 onwards will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer in step S103 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105 as shown in Figure 9.

[0141] In step S105, the control unit C1 determines whether or not it has received an input from the bather P1 to exit the bath. If the bather P1 who intends to exit the bath makes an input to the operation unit 18 (18A), the result is "Yes" in step S103, and the control unit C1 terminates this program. The biological information measuring device 1 then switches from the operating state to the sleep state. On the other hand, if the result is "No" in step S105, the control unit C1 returns to step S101.

[0142] When the system transitions from step S101 to step S111, the control unit C1 starts the measurement mode. In step S111, the control unit C1 starts taking images using the imaging unit 30. The imaging unit 30 takes an image via the light receiving unit 31 and transmits the image data to the control unit C1.

[0143] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S112, where it displays the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 on the upper display unit 20. For example, the upper display unit 20 uses a 16x16 dot matrix to illuminate and display an arrow pointing to the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30. More precisely, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 displayed by the upper display unit 20 is the direction excluding the component that is inclined upward with respect to the water surface PW1A. In other words, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 displayed by the upper display unit 20 is the direction pointed to by the center line when the field of view of the lens of the light-receiving unit 31 of the shooting unit 30 is viewed from a planar perspective.

[0144] Based on the illuminated display on the upper display unit 20, the bather P1 places their hand on the main body 2 so that the light-receiving unit 31 of the shooting unit 30 is facing the bather P1. As a result, the shooting unit 30, whose shooting direction D3 is tilted upward with respect to the water surface PW1A, captures an image of the bather P1 (especially an image of their face) via the light-receiving unit 31.

[0145] Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S113 and determines whether or not an image of the bather P1 has been captured for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, a few seconds to several tens of seconds. At this time, the control unit C1 makes a determination based on the results of image processing by the image processing unit C1G, which processes the image captured by the shooting unit 30 and extracts the body (especially the face) of the bather P1 from that image.

[0146] If the answer in step S113 is "No", the control unit C1 repeats steps S112 and S113. If the answer in step S113 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S114.

[0147] In step S114, the control unit C1 finishes taking images with the imaging unit 30 and finishes displaying the imaging direction D3 of the imaging unit 30 with the upper display unit 20, and then proceeds to step S115.

[0148] When the process moves to step S115, the biological information generation processing unit C1A functions and performs biological information generation processing. Based on the image data transmitted from the imaging unit 30, and more specifically based on the physical condition of the bather P1 contained in the images captured by the imaging unit 30, the biological information generation processing unit C1A generates digitized biological information that includes at least the vital status of the bather P1.

[0149] The control unit C1 stores the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing unit C1A in the storage unit C1M for use as health management data for the bather P1, and also uses it to observe changes in the bather P1's physical condition and to determine whether there are any safety issues with the bather P1.

[0150] The physical condition of the bather P1 included in the image captured by the camera unit 30 includes the image of the bather P1's body (especially the image of the face) included in the image captured by the camera unit 30, and the temporal changes in the hue, brightness, and saturation of multiple pixels that make up that image.

[0151] The vital signs of the bather P1 are at least included in the biometric information, and the quantified biometric information includes pulse wave, heart rate, respiration, core body temperature, etc. The pulse wave is a wave of propagation of changes in arterial pressure (pulse pressure) associated with the heartbeat, and distortion occurs in the waveform as it is transmitted to the periphery.

[0152] In this embodiment, the image processing unit C1G processes the image captured by the imaging unit 30, and the biological information generation processing unit C1A detects pulse wave, heart rate, respiration, and core body temperature as numerical information based on the image processing results.

[0153] For example, pulse waves are detected by the temporal changes in brightness of the face. Respiratory rate and depth of breathing are detected by quantifying and processing fluctuations in the nostrils, mouth, chest, etc. The biological information generation processing unit C1A then processes the information extracted from the detected pulse waves and generates numerical information such as heart rate, electrocardiogram waveform, and heart rate variability analysis index (LF / HF, etc.). Core body temperature is detected, for example, by quantifying and processing the heat distribution and its changes based on infrared radiation emitted from the face, and the information extracted from the detected pulse waves, and then performing estimation based on machine learning.

[0154] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S116. Then, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B functions and performs the autonomic nervous system state estimation process. The autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B estimates the autonomic nervous system state of the bather P1 based on the biological information generated in step S115. The autonomic nervous system state refers to, for example, a state in which the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, a state in which the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, etc. For example, if the heart rate is high, it can be estimated that the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, and if the heart rate is low, it can be estimated that the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant.

[0155] Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S117 and controls the intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, and upper display unit 20 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status by display. The control unit C1 also controls the speaker 29 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status by voice message.

[0156] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105. The processing content of step S105 is as described above.

[0157] When the system transitions from step S102 to step S121, the control unit C1 starts remote control mode. In step S121, the control unit C1 receives operation inputs from the bather P1 for the bath filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and water refilling function via the operation unit 18 (18C, 18D, 18E).

[0158] In this process, the control unit C1 controls the intermediate display unit 10 and the upper display unit 20 to display items for selecting the hot water filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function, as well as numerical values ​​related to these functions. The control unit C1 also controls the speaker 29 to announce the items for selecting the hot water filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function, as well as numerical values ​​related to these functions, via voice messages.

[0159] Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S122 and controls the communication unit 19 to send an execution instruction to the bathroom remote control 99 for the function for which an operation input has been received from among the bath filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function. The bathroom remote control 99 transmits the received execution instruction to the hot water supply unit 90. In this way, the bio-information measuring device 1 remotely operates the hot water supply unit 90 in remote control mode.

[0160] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105. The processing content of step S105 is as described above.

[0161] When the system transitions from step S103 to step S131 shown in Figure 10, the control unit C1 starts the respiratory guidance mode. The control unit C1 executes the processes in steps S131 to S136. The processes in steps S131 to S136 are the same as those in steps S111 to S116 shown in Figure 9, so their explanation is omitted.

[0162] When the control unit C1 completes the processing in steps S131 to S136 shown in Figure 10, it moves to step S138. At this point, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C functions and performs respiratory guidance notification processing. Specifically, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C controls the intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, upper display unit 20, each light-emitting unit 27, and speaker 29 to notify the bather P1 of respiratory guidance through display and sound.

[0163] Respiratory guidance refers to guidance that encourages the bather P1 to take deep breaths (abdominal breathing). Specific examples of respiratory guidance include flashing displays or intermittently emitting sounds according to the desired breathing frequency (breaths / minute). Another specific example of respiratory guidance is switching between displays of marks or colors corresponding to inhalation and exhalation, or switching between sounds or voice messages corresponding to inhalation and sounds or voice messages corresponding to exhalation, depending on the breathing pattern defined by the length of each inhalation and exhalation.

[0164] The respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C changes the content of the guidance notified in the respiratory guidance notification process based on the autonomic nervous system state estimated in step S136. For example, if the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C estimates that the autonomic nervous system state is one in which the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, it will slow down the tempo of the respiratory guidance notification to reduce the breathing frequency (breaths / minute) or increase the time required for the respiratory guidance notification process, depending on the degree of dominance.

[0165] The respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C terminates the respiratory guidance notification process once the required time for the respiratory guidance notification process has elapsed.

[0166] Next, the control unit C1 executes the processes in steps S141 to S146. The processes in steps S141 to S146 are the same as those in steps S111 to S116 shown in Figure 9, so their explanation is omitted.

[0167] After completing steps S141 to S146 shown in Figure 10, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S148. The control unit C1 then controls the intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, and upper display unit 20 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status through displays. The control unit C1 also controls the speaker 29 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status through voice messages. As a result, the bather P1 can experience the relaxation effect of the breathing guidance.

[0168] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105 shown in Figure 9. The processing content of step S105 is as described above.

[0169] <Integration with mobile devices and external servers> The control unit C1 controls the communication unit 19 as appropriate and transmits the biometric information stored in the memory unit C1M to the mobile terminal 8 or external server 9. This allows the biometric information measuring device 1 to reduce the capacity of the memory unit C1M. Transmission to the mobile terminal 8 or external server 9 can be performed from the biometric information measuring device 1 via the bathroom remote control 99, the water heater 90, the kitchen remote control 98, and the wireless router 7.

[0170] After bathing, the bather P1 can use a mobile terminal 8 to analyze the biometric information measured by the biometric information measuring device 1, or receive advanced advice on health management and medical care based on the biometric information from an external server 9.

[0171] <Effects and Effects> In the biological information measuring device 1 of the embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the main body 2 of the device houses the imaging unit 30, control unit C1, intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, upper display unit 20, speaker 29, each operation unit 18, communication unit 19, power supply unit 40, non-contact power receiving unit 48, and each light-emitting unit 27 in a watertight state.

[0172] As shown in Figure 8, a bather P1 using the biometric information measuring device 1 can measure their biometric information simply by floating the device body 2 in the stored water PW1 and placing their hand on the device body 2 so that the light-receiving unit 31, located above the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1, faces the bather P1. In other words, this biometric information measuring device 1 does not require any major construction work on the bathroom R1 or bathtub 3 for installation.

[0173] In this biological information measuring device 1, the imaging unit 30 captures an image of the bather P1 (especially the face) via a light-receiving unit 31 located above the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. As a result, the image captured by this biological information measuring device 1 is less susceptible to noise from foreign matter, bubbles, etc. in the stored water PW1 compared to a case where the imaging unit 30, with the light-receiving unit 31 located in the stored water PW1, captures an image of the bather P1 (especially the face). Furthermore, the imaging unit 30 is housed in the device body 2 that floats on the stored water PW1 and captures an image of the bather P1 (especially the face) near the bather P1. As a result, the image captured by this biological information measuring device 1 is less susceptible to noise from steam, etc. compared to a case where the imaging unit 30, with the imaging unit 30 installed on the inner wall surface of the bathroom R1, captures an image of the bather P1. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can achieve high accuracy in the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing unit C1A in step S115 shown in Figure 9 and steps S135 and S145 shown in Figure 10.

[0174] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, the biological information generation process performed by the biological information generation processing unit C1A can collect more biological information, such as pulse wave, respiratory rate, respiratory depth, skin color, and heat distribution, than a configuration that detects electrocardiogram signals with electrodes and measures electrocardiogram waveforms, heart rate, etc. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can achieve high accuracy in the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing unit C1A.

[0175] Therefore, the biometric information measuring device 1 of the embodiment can improve the quality of biometric information services provided to bathers P1 while reducing the introduction cost.

[0176] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, as shown in Figure 5, the upper unit 50 houses the imaging unit 30 and the control unit C1. The lower unit 70 is located below the upper unit 50. As shown in Figure 8, with the device body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the lower unit 70 is mostly located below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. The heat transfer units 80L and 80R transfer the heat generated in the upper unit 50 to the stored water PW1 via the lower base 77, lower case 76, and heat dissipation promotion unit 78 of the lower unit 70. With this configuration, the imaging unit 30 and the control unit C1 are located close together by being housed in the upper unit 50. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 is less susceptible to electromagnetic noise when the image captured by the imaging unit 30 is transmitted as an electrical signal to the control unit C1. Consequently, this biological information measuring device 1 can achieve high accuracy in the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing unit C1A. Furthermore, with this configuration, the heat generated when the control unit C1 performs calculation processing such as biological information generation processing within the upper unit 50 is transferred to the stored water PW1 by the heat transfer units 80L and 80R, allowing for efficient heat dissipation. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can suppress malfunctions caused by excessive temperature rise within the upper unit 50, such as damage to electrical elements or deformation of resin parts.

[0177] Furthermore, in this bio-information measuring device 1, the aluminum alloy heat dissipation promotion section 78 is positioned mostly below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 and in contact with the stored water PW1 when the device body 2 is floating on the stored water PW1. As shown in Figure 7, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are connected to the upper unit 50 and the heat dissipation promotion section 78. More specifically, the upper ends of the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are fastened to the upper frame 58. The lower ends of the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are fastened to the lower base 77 on the back side of the lower base 77 and are connected to the heat dissipation promotion section 78 with the lower base 77 and lower case 76 interposed between them. With this configuration, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R transfer heat generated in the upper unit 50 to the stored water PW1 via the aluminum alloy heat dissipation promotion section 78, which has high thermal conductivity, thus enabling more efficient heat dissipation. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can further suppress malfunctions caused by excessive temperature rise within the upper unit 50.

[0178] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, as shown in Figure 8, the upper unit 50 housing the imaging unit 30 has an upper cover 59. A half-mirror layer 59M is formed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59. With this configuration, the half-mirror layer 59M transmits light received by the light-receiving unit 31 of the imaging unit 30 due to the difference in brightness between the outside and inside of the upper unit 50, or in other words, the difference in brightness between the outer surface and the back surface of the upper cover 59, while acting as a mirror for the bather P1, making it difficult to see the imaging unit 30. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can suppress the aversion felt by the bather P1 when using the biological information measuring device 1, and also improve the design.

[0179] Furthermore, in this bio-information measuring device 1, the upper display unit 20 is housed in the upper unit 50 and notifies the bather P1 of bio-information by emitting light. With this configuration, bio-information can be suitably notified to the bather P1 by the emitting light of the upper display unit 20 housed in the upper unit 50, which has good visibility. In addition, when the upper display unit 20 is not emitting light, the half-mirror layer 59M of the upper cover 59 acts as a mirror for the bather, making it difficult to see the upper display unit 20. As a result, this bio-information measuring device 1 can achieve improved design.

[0180] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, when the biological information generation processing unit C1A executes biological information generation processing in step S115 shown in Figure 9 and S135 and S145 shown in Figure 10, the control unit C1 displays the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 on the upper display unit 20 in step S112 shown in Figure 9 and S132 and S142 shown in Figure 10. With this configuration, the bather P1 can easily recognize the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and reliably maintain the state in which the light receiving unit 31 is facing the bather P1 by placing their hand on the device body 2. In addition, with this configuration, there is no need to display the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 on the outer surface of the upper unit 50 by printing or the like, thus improving the design.

[0181] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the biometric information measuring device 1 is configured such that, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, the center of gravity CG1 is set so that the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is tilted upward at a predetermined shooting angle α3 with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. With this configuration, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 naturally points diagonally upward based on the center of gravity CG1, making it easier for the shooting unit 30 to capture images of the bather P1, especially images of the bather P1's face. As a result, the biometric information measuring device 1 can achieve high accuracy in the biometric information generated by the biometric information generation processing unit C1A.

[0182] Furthermore, in this biometric information measuring device 1, the intermediate unit 60 is located between the upper unit 50 and the lower unit 70. The intermediate display unit 10 is housed in the intermediate unit 60. In this configuration in which the intermediate unit 60 houses the intermediate display unit 10, if no countermeasures are taken, the upper unit 50 tends to cover the intermediate display unit 10 from above, making it difficult for the bather P1 to see the intermediate display unit 10. However, with the above configuration, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, the intermediate display unit 10 naturally faces diagonally upward based on the center of gravity CG1, making it easier for the bather P1 to see the intermediate display unit 10. As a result, this biometric information measuring device 1 can further improve the quality of the biometric information services provided to the bather P1.

[0183] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, as shown in Figure 4, the intermediate unit 60 is located between the upper unit 50 and the lower unit 70. The intermediate display unit 10 is housed in the intermediate unit 60. The power supply unit 40 is charged by contactless power supply from the charging device 100 when the device body 2 is positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device 100. As shown in Figure 8, when the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is inclined upward with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 at a predetermined first display angle α1. Then, as shown in Figure 4, when the device body 2 is positioned in the charging position, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is in a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at a display angle α1C different from the first display angle α1, or in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction (display angle α1C = 0°). In a configuration where the intermediate unit 60 houses the intermediate display unit 10, without any countermeasures, the upper unit 50 housing the imaging unit 30 tends to be above the intermediate display unit 10 and cover it, making it difficult for the bather P1 to see the intermediate display unit 10. In this regard, with the above configuration, the charging posture of the device body 2 can be determined prioritizing the improvement of the charging efficiency of the power supply unit 40 over the visibility of the intermediate display unit 10. As shown in Figure 8, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, the biological information measuring device 1 tilts from the charging posture based on the center of gravity CG1, and the intermediate display unit 10 naturally faces diagonally upward, making it easier for the bather P1 to see the intermediate display unit 10. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can further improve the quality of the biological information services provided to the bather P1.

[0184] Furthermore, in this biometric information measuring device 1, each operation unit 18 receives operation input from the bather P1. The communication unit 19 is capable of wireless communication with a bathroom remote control 99 that is wired to the hot water supply unit 90. Then, in steps S121 and S122 shown in Figure 9, the control unit C1 controls each operation unit 18, the communication unit 19, the intermediate display unit 10, the upper display unit 20, and the speaker 29 to transmit an execution instruction to the hot water supply unit 90 for at least one of the following functions: filling the bathtub, reheating, keeping the water warm, and adding hot water. With this configuration, the bather P1 can use the biometric information measuring device 1, which floats in the stored water PW1 and is easily within reach, as a substitute for a bathroom remote control to perform various bathing operations. As a result, this biometric information measuring device 1 can improve the convenience of the bather P1.

[0185] Furthermore, in this bio-information measuring device 1, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C controls the intermediate display unit 10, the upper display unit 20, and the speaker 29 in step S138 shown in Figure 10 to perform respiratory guidance notification processing, which notifies the bather P1 of respiratory guidance through display and sound. Bathers P1 often seek a "relaxation effect" as a benefit of bathing. It is known that relaxation is achieved by breathing at a constant rhythm, such as deep breathing (abdominal breathing). Therefore, in this bio-information measuring device 1, the control unit C1 can encourage bather P1 to take deep breaths (abdominal breathing) by performing respiratory guidance notification processing. As a result, this bio-information measuring device 1 can improve the relaxation effect during bathing, and consequently improve the comfort of bather P1.

[0186] Furthermore, in this bio-information measuring device 1, before the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C executes the respiratory guidance notification processing in step S138 shown in Figure 10, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B executes the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing in step S136. Then, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C changes the content of the guidance to be notified in the respiratory guidance notification processing in step S138 based on the autonomic nervous system state. With this configuration, appropriate respiratory guidance can be notified according to the autonomic nervous system state of the bather P1, for example, a state in which the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, a state in which the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, etc. As a result, this bio-information measuring device 1 can further improve the relaxation effect during bathing, and consequently, further improve the comfort of the bather P1.

[0187] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0188] (Variation 1) As shown in Figure 11, the biological information measuring device of Modification 1 employs a heat transfer unit 80J instead of the heat transfer units 80L and 80R of the biological information measuring device 1 of the embodiment. The heat transfer unit 80J is a single unit formed by connecting the heat transfer units 80L and 80R, and is made of aluminum alloy. The middle cover 69 has been reshaped to eliminate the portion corresponding to the heat transfer unit 80J. The shape formed by the outer surface of the reshaped middle cover 69 and the outer surface of the heat transfer unit 80J is the shape of the middle portion when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction. In other words, the outer surface of the heat transfer unit 80J is exposed to the outside of the device body 2. Note that the auxiliary intermediate display unit 11B is not required in Modification 1.

[0189] The other components of Modified Example 1 are the same as those of the biological information measuring device 1 in the embodiment. Therefore, components identical to those of the biological information measuring device 1 in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0190] The heat transfer section 80J directly transfers the heat generated in the upper unit 50 to the stored water PW1, and also transfers it to the stored water PW1 via the lower base 77, lower case 76, and heat dissipation promotion section 78 of the lower unit 70.

[0191] The biological information measuring device of Modification 1 can also achieve the same effects and advantages as the biological information measuring device 1 of the Example.

[0192] (Modification 2) Although not shown in the illustration, the biometric information measuring device of Modification 2 is used in a state where the bathroom remote control 99 is not installed in the bathroom R1 shown in Figure 1. In the biometric information measuring device of Modification 2, the communication unit 19 is controlled by the control unit C1 and has been modified to enable wireless communication with the kitchen remote control 98, which is wired to the hot water heater 90 via the wireless router 7. In step S122 shown in Figure 9, the control unit C1 controls the communication unit 19 to transmit an execution instruction to the kitchen remote control 98 via the wireless router 7 for the function for which an operation input has been received from among the hot water filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function. The kitchen remote control 98 transmits the received execution instruction to the hot water heater 90. In this way, the biometric information measuring device of Modification 2 remotely operates the hot water heater 90 in remote control mode. The other configurations of Modification 2 are the same as those of the biometric information measuring device 1 of the embodiment.

[0193] The biological information measuring device of Modification 2 can also achieve the same effects as the biological information measuring device 1 of the embodiment. Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, the intermediate display unit 10, the upper display unit 20, and the speaker 29 combine the functions of both the "notification unit" and the "bathroom remote control," thereby suppressing the rise in manufacturing costs.

[0194] The present invention also includes a configuration in which the communication unit 19 according to the embodiment is controlled by the control unit C1 and modified to enable wireless communication with the mobile terminal 8.

[0195] The present invention also includes a configuration in which the bathroom remote control 99 according to the embodiment is modified to perform wireless communication with a wireless router 7 installed in the house H1 by a wireless communication unit (not shown), and the bathroom remote control 99 is modified to connect to an external network NW1 via the wireless router 7, or to perform network communication with an information processing terminal such as an external server 9 via the network NW1.

[0196] In this embodiment, the intermediate display unit 10 is a virtual image displayed by a 3D hologram LCD 12 and a 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the intermediate display unit may be a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0197] In this embodiment, the lower unit 70 is positioned partially below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 while the main body of the device 2 is floating on the stored water PW1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the entire lower unit may be positioned below the water surface of the stored water while the main body of the device is floating on the stored water.

[0198] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation promoting section 78 is positioned below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 and in contact with the stored water PW1 while the device body 2 is floating on the stored water PW1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the heat dissipation promoting section may be positioned entirely below the water surface of the stored water and in contact with the stored water while the device body is floating on the stored water.

[0199] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 40 is charged by non-contact power supply from the charging device 100 via the non-contact power supply unit 108 and the non-contact power receiving unit 48. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the power supply unit may have a power receiving terminal that can contact the power supply terminal on the charging device side when the device body is mounted sideways to the charging device, and may be charged by contact power supply from the charging device.

[0200] In the embodiment, the breathing guidance notification process notifies the bather P1 of breathing guidance by display and sound, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the breathing guidance notification process may also notify breathing guidance by vibration. [Industrial applicability]

[0201] This invention can be used, for example, in houses and facilities that have bathrooms installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1…Biometric information measuring device 3…Bathtub P1... Bathers 31...Light receiving section 30…Photography Department C1... Control Unit 10, 20, 29... Notification unit (10, 20... Display unit (10... Intermediate display unit, 20... Upper display unit), 29... Sound output unit (speaker)) 40…Power supply section PW1...Storage water 2…Main unit of the device PW1A...Water level of the stored water 50… Upper unit 70...Lower unit 80L, 80R, 80J... Heat transfer section 78...Heat dissipation promotion part 59M…Half-mirror layer D3... Shooting direction of the photography department α3…Predetermined shooting angle CG1…center of gravity 60…Intermediate Unit 100…Charging device D1...Display direction of the intermediate display section α1…Predetermined display angle (predetermined first display angle) 18...Operation unit 19… Communications Department 90... Hot water supply system

Claims

1. A biological information measuring device that measures biological information including at least the vital signs of a person bathing in a bathtub, A light-receiving unit that receives light and a shooting unit that captures an image of the bather via the light-receiving unit, A control unit that controls the imaging unit and performs a biological information generation process that generates the biological information based on the image, A notification unit controlled by the control unit notifies the bather of the biological information, A power supply unit that supplies power to the imaging unit, the control unit, and the notification unit, A device body that houses the aforementioned imaging unit, control unit, notification unit, and power supply unit, and is capable of floating on the stored water in the bathtub, Equipped with, A biological information measuring device characterized in that the main body of the device floats on the stored water, and the light-receiving unit is located above the water surface of the stored water.

2. The apparatus body comprises an upper unit housing the imaging unit and the control unit, and a lower unit located below the upper unit, wherein at least a portion of the lower unit is located below the water surface when the apparatus body is floating on the stored water. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat transfer unit that transfers heat generated in the upper unit directly or via the lower unit to the stored water.

3. The lower unit has a metal heat dissipation promoting part that, when the main body of the device is floating on the stored water, at least a portion of it is located below the water surface and in contact with the stored water, The biological information measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the heat transfer section is connected to the upper unit and the heat dissipation promotion section.

4. The device body comprises an upper unit housing the imaging unit and a lower unit located below the upper unit. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein a half-mirror layer that transmits some light and reflects other light is formed on the outer surface of the upper unit.

5. The biological information measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit is housed in the upper unit and has an upper display unit that notifies the bather of the biological information by emitting light.

6. The biological information measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the upper display unit to display the shooting direction of the shooting unit when executing the biological information generation process.

7. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, when the main body of the device floats on the stored water, the center of gravity is set such that the shooting direction of the shooting unit is tilted upward with respect to the water surface at a predetermined shooting angle.

8. The device body comprises an upper unit, a lower unit located below the upper unit, and an intermediate unit located between the upper unit and the lower unit. The biological information measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the notification unit is housed in the intermediate unit and has an intermediate display unit that notifies the bather of the biological information by display.

9. The apparatus body comprises an upper unit housing the imaging unit, a lower unit located below the upper unit, and an intermediate unit located between the upper unit and the lower unit. The notification unit is housed in the intermediate unit and has an intermediate display unit that notifies the bather of the biological information by displaying it. The power supply unit is charged by contact-type or contactless power supply from the charging device, with the device body positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device compatible with the biological information measuring device. With the device body floating in the stored water, the display direction of the intermediate display unit is inclined upward at a predetermined display angle with respect to the water surface. The biological information measuring device according to claim 7, wherein, when the device body is positioned in the charging position, the display direction of the intermediate display unit is in a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at an angle different from the display angle, or in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

10. An operating unit that receives operation input from the bather, A communications unit that performs wireless communication, Equipped with, The power supply unit also supplies power to the operation unit and the communication unit. The communication unit is capable of wireless communication with a hot water supply device that supplies hot water to the bathtub to create stored water and circulates the stored water between itself and the bathtub to heat it. The notification unit includes a display unit that notifies the bather of the biological information by display, and a sound output unit that notifies the bather of the biological information by sound. The hot water supply device is capable of performing the following functions: a filling function that sets the amount and temperature of the stored water and supplies the stored water to the set amount and temperature; a reheating function that heats the stored water; a heat retention function that sets the heat retention temperature of the stored water and maintains the stored water at the set heat retention temperature; and a hot water supply function that supplies additional hot water to the bathtub. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operation unit, the communication unit, the display unit, and the sound output unit, and transmits an execution instruction to the hot water supply device for at least one of the hot water filling function, the reheating function, the heat retention function, and the hot water addition function.

11. The biological information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to perform a respiratory guidance notification process that notifies the bather of respiratory guidance by display, sound, and vibration.

12. Before executing the respiratory guidance notification process, the control unit performs an autonomic nervous system state estimation process to estimate the autonomic nervous system state of the bather based on the biological information. The biological information measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit changes the content of the guidance to be notified in the respiratory guidance notification process based on the autonomic nervous system state.

Images