Biological information measuring device

Abstract

To provide a biometric information measuring device that can stably measure biometric information of a user.SOLUTION: A biological information measuring device according to the present disclosure includes: a first electrode that is arranged so as to be in contact with a part of a user's body; a second electrode that is arranged at a position different from that of the first electrode so as to be in contact with the part of the user's body; a first auxiliary part that includes the first electrode and is made of an elastic member; and a second auxiliary part that includes the second electrode and is made of an elastic member. The first auxiliary part and the second auxiliary part restrict movement of the biological information measuring device with respect to the user, and an elastic coefficient of the first auxiliary part and an elastic coefficient of the second auxiliary part are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for measuring biological information such as electroencephalograms using electrodes are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for measuring brain waves by providing a conductive member in an in-ear earphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-217986 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable stable measurement of a user's biological information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Claim 1 The invention relates to the user's ear canal a first electrode arranged to contact the user's Auricle a second electrode disposed at a position different from the first electrode so as to contact the first electrode, a first auxiliary part including the first electrode and made of an elastic member, a second auxiliary part including the second electrode and made of an elastic member, and an ear hook part that is hooked on an earlobe of the user's ear. a housing housing a circuit for processing the potential measured by the first electrode or the second electrode; having the first auxiliary part is provided to protrude from a side surface of the housing, and the second auxiliary part is arranged to sandwich the auricle of the user between the first auxiliary part and the ear hook part, The first auxiliary part, the second auxiliary part, and the ear hook part By , moving a vital information measuring device relative to the user. teeth , Regulation Be The elastic modulus of the first auxiliary portion and the elastic modulus of the second auxiliary portion are different from each other, The housing has a structure for detachably connecting to an end of the ear hook on a first surface and on a second surface opposite to the first surface, The ear hook The end of The above Chassis The location where it connects to is The structure on the first surface and the structure on the second surface. It is a biological information measuring device that can be changed between. Claim 2 The invention relates to the user's ear canal a first electrode arranged to contact the user's Auricle a second electrode disposed at a position different from the first electrode so as to contact the first electrode, a first auxiliary part including the first electrode and made of an elastic member, and a second auxiliary part including the second electrode and made of an elastic member; a circuit for processing the potential measured by the first electrode or the second electrode; a housing and a support part that supports the first auxiliary part, the first auxiliary part and the second auxiliary part restrict movement of the biological information measuring device relative to the user, and an elastic modulus of the first auxiliary part and an elastic modulus of the second auxiliary part are different from each other, The first auxiliary part is the user's ear canal To Insert When the user touches the housing, the first auxiliary unit is supported by the support unit so as to tilt about a portion supported by the support unit as an axis, and the first auxiliary unit is supported by the support unit so as to tilt about a portion supported by the support unit as an axis. ear canal The first electrode in a direction toward ear canal The angle of the surface that comes into contact with the biological information measuring device is changeable. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Claim 1 To According to this invention, it is possible to stably measure the biological information of the user.

[0009] Claim 2 According to the present invention, the first electrode ear canal It can be made to adhere closely to the [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a biological information measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall shape of an earphone device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shape of the right earphone part. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shape of the right earphone part. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the right storage section. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an earphone device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a human ear. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior and interior of a human ear. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior and interior of a human ear. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a human ear. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between electrode position and potential stability. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a right earphone unit according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior and interior of a human ear. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram showing an earphone unit according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the overall shape of an earphone device according to a third modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior and interior of a human ear. [Figure 18] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the right earphone part. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece and the support part. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece and the support part. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece and the support part. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece and the support part. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece and the support part. [Figure 24]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a right auxiliary part and a support part. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a right auxiliary part and a support part. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a right auxiliary part and a support part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A biological information measuring system and a biological information measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0012] The bioinformation measuring device according to the present embodiment is a device that measures a user's bioinformation by measuring an electric potential while being worn on the user's ear. An example of the bioinformation is a brain wave. Of course, bioinformation other than a brain wave (for example, an electrocardiogram waveform or an electromyogram waveform, etc.) may be measured by the bioinformation measuring device. In the following, as an example, the bioinformation measuring device is used as an electroencephalogram measuring device, and the bioinformation measuring device measures a brain wave. The bioinformation measuring device may be a so-called hearable device. The bioinformation measuring device may be worn on one ear of the user to measure a brain wave, or may be worn on both ears to measure a brain wave. For example, a first bioinformation measuring device may be worn on one ear, and a second bioinformation measuring device may be worn on the other ear, and a brain wave may be measured by the first bioinformation measuring device and the second bioinformation measuring device.

[0013] The bioinformation measuring device includes one or more electrodes for detecting an electric potential. In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes are provided in contact with the user's ear, and the user's brain waves are measured using at least two of the multiple electrodes. For example, when the bioinformation measuring device includes multiple electrodes, the bioinformation measuring device is placed on one ear of the user, and the brain waves are measured using at least two of the multiple electrodes that contact the one ear. As another example, a bioinformation measuring device including one or more electrodes may be placed on both ears of the user, and the brain waves may be measured using at least two electrodes. That is, the brain waves may be measured by at least two electrodes selected from the multiple electrodes provided on one ear of the user, or the brain waves may be measured by at least two electrodes selected from the multiple electrodes provided on both ears. Also, the brain waves may be measured using at least three electrodes from the multiple electrodes. By using more electrodes, the accuracy of the brain wave measurement may be improved. Also, the electrodes used for the brain wave measurement may be switched among the multiple electrodes. For example, the electrodes used for the brain wave measurement are switched according to the measurement conditions such as the detection sensitivity of the electric potential and noise. For example, among the multiple electrodes, one electrode is used as a biopotential detection electrode (hereinafter referred to as a "sensor electrode") that detects the biopotential of the user, and another electrode is used as an electrode used for grounding (hereinafter referred to as a "ground electrode"). Also, an electrode (hereinafter referred to as a "reference electrode") that detects a reference signal to be compared with the detected biopotential may be used. For example, the sensor electrode is used to detect brain waves, and the reference electrode is used to detect a reference signal to be compared with the brain waves.

[0014] The biological information measuring device may be provided in a member or device that is attached to the ear, such as an earphone, a hearing aid, a piercing, a clip-shaped member, glasses, etc., or may be a device that can be used in combination with such a member or device, etc. In the following, as an example, a case in which the biological information measuring device is applied to an earphone will be described.

[0015] A biological information measuring system including a biological information measuring device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a biological information measuring system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0016] A biological information measuring system 10 as an example of an information processing system includes an earphone device 12 and a terminal device 14. The earphone device 12 and the terminal device 14 communicate with each other via a communication path. The communication may be wireless communication or wired communication. The biological information measuring system 10 may also include a device such as a server.

[0017] The earphone device 12 is, for example, a canal-type earphone, and is used by being inserted into the ear canal of the ear. As a function of an earphone, the earphone device 12 has a function of converting an electric signal output from a playback device into a sound wave using a speaker. The earphone device 12 also includes a bioinformation measuring device, and is configured to measure the electric potential of the skin potential of the user's head, and output information indicating the measurement result (for example, a signal indicating the measured electric potential, an electroencephalogram signal generated by analyzing the electric potential, etc.) to an external device such as the terminal device 14 as information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result.

[0018] The earphone device 12 has, for example, a wireless communication function. The communication method is, for example, short-range wireless communication (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), etc.), infrared communication, visible light communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication, etc. The earphone device 12 receives, for example, a sound signal such as an audio signal from the terminal device 14 via wireless communication, and generates sound in accordance with the signal. In addition, the earphone device 12 transmits information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result to the terminal device 14 via wireless communication. Of course, the earphone device 12 may receive the sound signal via wired communication and transmit the information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result via wired communication.

[0019] The terminal device 14 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, etc.), a music player, a video playback device, etc., and corresponds to an example of an information processing device. The terminal device 14 has, for example, a wireless communication function. The terminal device 14 may function as a playback device to play music and transmit a sound signal to the earphone device 12 by wireless communication. The terminal device 14 may also have a function of receiving information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result from the earphone device 12 by wireless communication and evaluating the electroencephalogram state by analyzing the electroencephalogram measurement result. The electroencephalogram measurement result may be analyzed by the earphone device 12, and information indicating the analysis result may be transmitted from the earphone device 12 to the terminal device 14, or may be transmitted to a device other than the terminal device 14. The terminal device 14 may transmit a sound signal by wired communication and receive information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result by wired communication. The terminal device 14 may also communicate with other devices via a communication path such as a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), or may transmit and receive information via the Internet.

[0020] The shape of the earphone device 12 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall shape of the earphone device 12. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the shape of the right earphone unit.

[0021] For ease of explanation, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction are defined as shown in FIG. 2. The front direction is the direction in which the user's face faces, and the rear direction is the opposite direction to the front direction. The up direction is the direction in which the top of the user's head faces, and the down direction is the opposite direction to the up direction. The right direction is the direction toward the user's right hand side, and the left direction is the direction toward the user's left hand side. The front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0022] (Previously deleted)

[0023] 2, the earphone device 12 mainly includes a right earphone unit 16R that is worn on the user's right ear, a left earphone unit 16L that is worn on the user's left ear, and a cable 18 that electrically connects the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L. The right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L may exchange electrodes and data via the cable 18. In addition, a remote control 20 for operating the earphone device 12 is provided on the cable 18. Of course, the remote control 20 does not have to be provided on the cable 18.

[0024] Either the right earphone 16R or the left earphone 16L may function as a biological information measuring device that measures brain waves, or both the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may function as biological information measuring devices. One may function as a biological information measuring device and the other may function as a device that detects a reference signal or a device used as ground.

[0025] The right earphone unit 16R includes a right storage unit 22R, a right earpiece 24R functioning as a first auxiliary unit, a right auxiliary unit 26R functioning as a second auxiliary unit, and a right ear hook unit 28R functioning as a restricting member. A known canal-type earphone may be used as the right earphone unit 16R. These may also be called earpieces or ear pads. The cable 18 may be provided passing through the right auxiliary unit 26R functioning as a restricting member.

[0026] The right storage section 22R is, for example, a housing having a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape and storing a board or the like that functions as a processing device. In the right storage section 22R, a right earpiece 24R is provided on a surface that faces the right ear of the user when the user wears the earphone device 12. A control device, a speaker, a communication device (for example, a communication chip), an electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit, a six-axis sensor (for example, a sensor having a three-axis sensor that detects acceleration and a three-axis sensor that detects angular velocity), a memory, and the like are stored inside the right storage section 22R. The communication device is, for example, a device for realizing a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit is a circuit that generates an electroencephalogram by analyzing a detected potential. The six-axis sensor detects the movement direction, orientation, and rotation of the right storage section 22R. Information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result is stored in the memory. Note that, when an electroencephalogram measuring section is provided in the terminal device 14, the electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit does not have to be provided in the earphone device 12.

[0027] The right earpiece 24R is provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the right storage portion 22R. A sound guide tube and the like are stored inside the right earpiece 24R, and sound emitted by the speaker is transmitted inside the right earpiece 24R and emitted to the outside from the right earpiece 24R. An electrode for detecting electric potential is provided on the outer surface (e.g., the side surface, etc.) of the right earpiece 24R. The electrode may be made of, for example, conductive rubber made of carbon.

[0028] The right auxiliary part 26R is provided between the right storage part 22R and the right earpiece 24R. For example, the outer diameter of the right auxiliary part 26R is larger than the outer diameter of the right earpiece 24R. An electrode for detecting electric potential is provided on the outer surface of the right auxiliary part 26R. The electrode may be made of, for example, conductive rubber made of carbon.

[0029] The right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R are made of an elastic material. For example, a resin such as rubber is used as the elastic material. Specifically, Si-based rubber (for example, S1734 manufactured by NOK) or urethane-based rubber may be used for the right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R. Furthermore, the hardness of each of the right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R (for example, hardness according to the standard of durometer type A (instantaneous)) is, for example, 40 to 75. As an example, a resin with a hardness of 70 may be used for the right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R.

[0030] As described below, the right earpiece 24R is placed on the right ear so as to be inserted into and contact the ear canal of the right ear, and the right auxiliary part 26R is placed on the right ear so as to contact the concha cavity of the right ear.

[0031] The right ear hook 28R has a curved shape overall, and is a member that is hooked onto the earlobe of the user's right ear when the user wears the earphone device 12. One end of the right ear hook 28R is connected to a front portion of the right storage portion 22R, and the right ear hook 28R has a curved shape from the connection portion to the rear side of the right storage portion 22R, and this portion forms a curved portion. This curved portion is hooked onto the earlobe of the right ear. The other portion of the right ear hook 28R is connected to one end of the cable 18.

[0032] The right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R are replaceable members. For example, multiple types (e.g., 3 to 5 types) of right earpieces 24R and right auxiliary parts 26R with different shapes and sizes are prepared in advance, and the right earpiece 24R and right auxiliary part 26R can be replaced according to the shape of the user's ear (e.g., the ear canal, the cavity of the concha, or other parts).

[0033] The left earphone unit 16L includes a left storage unit 22L, a left earpiece 24L functioning as a first auxiliary unit, a left auxiliary unit 26L functioning as a second auxiliary unit, and a left ear hook unit 28L functioning as a restricting member. A known canal-type earphone may be used as the left earphone unit 16L. The cable 18 may be provided passing through the left auxiliary unit 26L functioning as a restricting member.

[0034] The left storage section 22L is, for example, a housing having a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the left storage section 22L, a left earpiece 24L is provided on a surface facing the left ear of the user when the user wears the earphone device 12. A speaker, a battery, and the like are stored in the left storage section 22L. Power from the battery is supplied to the right earphone section 16R and the left earphone section 16L, thereby driving the right earphone section 16R and the left earphone section 16L. For example, power from the battery is supplied to the speaker, each device, each circuit, and the like stored in the right storage section 22R, and the speaker stored in the left storage section 22L. In addition, an electrode from the battery is supplied to the remote control 20, making it possible to operate the remote control 20.

[0035] The left earpiece 24L is provided so as to protrude from the side surface of the left storage portion 22L. A sound guide tube and the like are stored inside the left earpiece 24L, and sound emitted by the speaker is transmitted inside the left earpiece 24L and emitted to the outside from the left earpiece 24L. An electrode for detecting electric potential is provided on the outer surface (e.g., the side surface, etc.) of the left earpiece 24L. The electrode may be made of, for example, conductive rubber made of carbon.

[0036] The left auxiliary portion 26L is provided between the left storage portion 22L and the left earpiece 24L. For example, the outer diameter of the left auxiliary portion 26L is larger than the outer diameter of the left earpiece 24L.

[0037] The left earpiece 24L and the left auxiliary part 26L are made of an elastic material. For example, a resin such as rubber is used as the elastic material. Specifically, Si-based rubber (for example, S1734 manufactured by NOK) or urethane-based rubber may be used for the left earpiece 24L and the left auxiliary part 26L. Furthermore, the hardness (for example, hardness according to the standard of durometer type A (instantaneous)) of each of the left earpiece 24L and the left auxiliary part 26L is, for example, 40 to 75. As an example, a resin with a hardness of 70 may be used for the left earpiece 24L and the left auxiliary part 26L.

[0038] As described below, the left earpiece 24L is placed on the left ear so as to be inserted into and contact the ear canal of the left ear, and the left auxiliary part 26L is placed on the left ear so as to contact the concha cavity of the left ear.

[0039] The left ear hook 28L has a curved shape overall, and is a member that is hooked onto the earlobe of the user's left ear when the user wears the earphone device 12. One end of the left ear hook 28L is connected to the front part of the left storage part 22L, and the left ear hook 28L has a curved shape from the connection part to the rear side of the left storage part 22L, and this part forms a curved part. The curved part is hooked onto the earlobe of the left ear. The other part of the left ear hook 28L is connected to the other end of the cable 18.

[0040] The left earpiece 24L and the left auxiliary part 26L are replaceable members. For example, a plurality of types (e.g., 3 to 5 types) of left earpieces 24L and left auxiliary parts 26L with different shapes and sizes are prepared in advance, and the left earpiece 24L and the left auxiliary part 26L can be replaced according to the shape of the user's ear (e.g., the ear canal, the concha cavity, or other parts).

[0041] Note that no electrode for detecting electric potential is provided on the outer surface of the left auxiliary part 26L. This is merely an example, and an electrode may be provided on the outer surface of the left auxiliary part 26L. The electrode may be made of, for example, conductive rubber made of carbon.

[0042] In addition, a control device, a communication device (e.g., a communication chip), an electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit, a six-axis sensor, a memory, and the like may be stored in the left storage section 22L. In this case, the control device, the communication device, the electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit, the six-axis sensor, the memory, and the like may not be stored in the right storage section 22R. Of course, these components may be stored in both the right storage section 22R and the left storage section 22L. Also, a battery may be stored in the right storage section 22R, and a battery may not be stored in the left storage section 22L. In this case, power is supplied from the battery to the right earphone section 16R and the left earphone section 16L. Of course, batteries may be stored in both the right storage section 22R and the left storage section 22L, and power from both or either of the batteries may be supplied to the right earphone section 16R and the left earphone section 16L.

[0043] The remote control 20 is provided with, for example, a power button and a volume change button. The power button is a button for turning on or off the power of the earphone device 12. In addition, by operating the power button, execution of pairing between the earphone device 12 and the terminal device 14 may be instructed. For example, when the power button is pressed for a predetermined time or more (for example, pressed long), pairing may be executed. In addition, by operating the power button, execution or stop of electroencephalogram measurement may be controlled. For example, when the power button is operated according to a predetermined operation procedure, electroencephalogram measurement is executed, and when the power button is operated according to another operation procedure, the electroencephalogram measurement is stopped. By operating the volume change button, skipping of music playback, etc. may be executed.

[0044] Here, each component stored in the right storage section 22R will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the right storage section 22R.

[0045] A board 30 is stored in the right storage section 22R, and various components such as electronic circuits and memory are mounted on the board 30. For example, a communication chip 32, an electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit 34, and a six-axis sensor 36 are mounted on the board 30. In addition, although not shown, memory, chips for a control device, etc. are mounted on the board 30.

[0046] The functions of the earphone device 12 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functions of the earphone device 12.

[0047] As described above, the earphone device 12 includes the right earphone unit 16R, the left earphone unit 16L, and the cable 18. The right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L are physically connected by the cable 18, and transmit and receive data to and from each other via the cable 18.

[0048] The right earphone unit 16R includes a right speaker 38, a communication unit 40, a first right electrode 42, a second right electrode 44, an electroencephalogram measurement unit 46, a storage unit 48, and a control unit 50. The left earphone unit 16L includes a left speaker 52, a battery 54, and a first left electrode 56.

[0049] The sound emitted from the right speaker 38 is emitted to the outside from the right earpiece 24R. The sound emitted from the left speaker 52 is emitted to the outside from the left earpiece 24L.

[0050] The communication unit 40 is a communication interface (e.g., a communication chip) and has a function of transmitting data to other devices and a function of receiving data from other devices. The communication unit 40 is realized by the above-mentioned communication chip 32. The communication unit 40 has, for example, a wireless communication function. As the communication method, as described above, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, infrared communication, visible light communication, Wi-Fi communication, etc. are used.

[0051] The communication unit 40 receives a signal representing a sound emitted from the earphone device 12 from an external device (e.g., the terminal device 14). For example, the communication unit 40 receives a signal representing a sound emitted from the right speaker 38 (hereinafter referred to as a "right side sound signal") and a signal representing a sound emitted from the left speaker 52 (hereinafter referred to as a "left side sound signal") from the external device. The right speaker 38 generates a sound according to the right side sound signal received by the communication unit 40. The left side sound signal is transmitted from the right earphone unit 16R to the left earphone unit 16L via the cable 18. The left speaker 52 generates a sound according to the left side sound signal. Of course, a communication unit may be provided in the left earphone unit 16L, the communication unit may receive the left side sound signal from an external device, and the left speaker 52 may generate a sound according to the left side sound signal.

[0052] Furthermore, the communication section 40 may transmit information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result to an external device (for example, the terminal device 14). The communication section 40 corresponds to an example of an output means.

[0053] The first right electrode 42 is an electrode provided on the outer surface of the right earpiece 24R. The second right electrode 44 is an electrode provided on the outer surface of the right auxiliary part 26R. Signals indicating the electric potentials detected by the first right electrode 42 and the second right electrode 44 are output to the EEG measurement section 46.

[0054] The first left electrode 56 is an electrode provided on the outer surface of the left earpiece 24L. A signal indicating the potential detected by the first left electrode 56 is output via the cable 18 from the left earphone unit 16L to the brain wave measurement unit 46 of the right earphone unit 16R.

[0055] The EEG measurement section 46 is configured to calculate an EEG based on the potentials detected by each of the first right electrode 42, the second right electrode 44, and the first left electrode 56. The EEG measurement section 46 is realized by the above-mentioned EEG measurement electronic circuit 34. The EEG measurement section 46 corresponds to an example of a measuring means or a processing means.

[0056] The EEG measurement section 46 may calculate an EEG based on potentials detected by two electrodes selected from a group of electrodes including the first right electrode 42, the second right electrode 44, and the first left electrode 56.

[0057] For example, the first right electrode 42 is used as a sensor electrode for detecting brain waves, the second right electrode 44 is used as a ground electrode for grounding, and the first left electrode 56 is used as a reference electrode for detecting a reference signal for comparison with the detected brain waves. For example, the brain wave measuring unit 46 defines the potential detected by the second right electrode 44, which is a ground electrode, as a ground potential, which is a reference potential, and then calculates the potential difference between the potential of the brain wave detected by the first right electrode 42, which is a sensor electrode, and the reference potential detected by the first left electrode 56, which is a reference electrode, as the brain wave measurement result. The brain wave measuring unit 46 may apply a known statistical process to the potential difference, and adopt the application result as the brain wave measurement result. Information indicating the brain wave measurement result is temporarily stored in, for example, the storage unit 48, and then transmitted from the earphone device 12 to the terminal device 14 by the communication unit 40. Of course, a signal indicating each potential before calculation or a signal indicating a potential difference before statistical processing is applied may be transmitted from the earphone device 12 to the terminal device 14, and the potential difference may be calculated or statistical processing may be performed in the terminal device 14. In this case, information indicating each potential before calculation or information indicating a potential difference before statistical processing is applied corresponds to information indicating an electroencephalogram measurement result.

[0058] The electroencephalogram measuring section 46 may calculate a signal indicating an electroencephalogram by applying a calculation method (for example, a well-known calculation method) other than the above to the potential detected by each electrode.

[0059] The memory unit 48 is composed of, for example, a memory, and stores signals indicating the electrical potentials detected by each of the first right side electrode 42, the second right side electrode 44, and the first left side electrode 56, as well as signals indicating the brain waves calculated by the brain wave measurement unit 46.

[0060] The battery 54 supplies power to each part of the left earphone 16L, and also supplies power to each part of the right earphone 16R via the cable 18. Each part of the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L is driven by the power supplied from the battery 54. For example, a rechargeable battery is used as the battery 54. Of course, a non-rechargeable battery may also be used. Note that a shielding material for preventing electromagnetic waves may be provided around the battery 54 and components involved in charging. By providing a shielding material, noise caused by electromagnetic waves emitted during charging can be reduced, improving the accuracy of brain wave measurement.

[0061] The control unit 50 is configured to control the operation of each part of the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L. For example, the control unit 50 controls communication by the communication unit 40, controls the operation of the battery 54, and performs control in accordance with the operation of the remote control 20. The control unit 50 may also detect failures in each part of the earphone device 12. The control unit 50 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor or the like.

[0062] The left earphone unit 16L may also be provided with a communication unit 40, an electroencephalogram measurement unit 46, a storage unit 48, a control unit 50, etc., and the right earphone unit 16R may also be provided with a battery 54. These components may be provided in either the right earphone unit 16R or the left earphone unit 16L.

[0063] Although the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L are connected via a cable 18, the earphone device 12 does not have to include the cable 18. In this case, a communication unit is also provided in the left earphone unit 16L, and the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L communicate with each other to transmit and receive data therebetween.

[0064] The right earphone unit 16R may be provided with a microphone and a switch for adjusting the volume of the earphone device 12. The microphone and the switch may be provided in the left earphone unit 16L.

[0065] The functions of the terminal device 14 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of the terminal device 14.

[0066] The communication unit 58 is a communication interface and has a function of transmitting data to other devices and a function of receiving data from other devices. The communication unit 58 has, for example, a wireless communication function. As a communication method, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, infrared communication, visible light communication, Wi-Fi communication, etc. are used. Of course, the communication unit 58 may have a wired communication function.

[0067] The communication unit 58 communicates with the communication unit 40 of the earphone device 12, for example, by short-range wireless communication. For example, the communication unit 58 transmits a sound signal to the earphone device 12 and receives a signal indicating an electroencephalogram measurement result from the earphone device 12.

[0068] The communication unit 58 may communicate with other devices via a communication path such as the Internet using a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi or a wired communication function.

[0069] The storage unit 60 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a memory. For example, various data and various programs are stored in the storage unit 60. For example, a signal indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result measured by the earphone device 12 is stored in the storage unit 60.

[0070] The UI unit 62 is a user interface and includes, for example, a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The operation unit is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, or a mouse. A user interface that combines a display unit and an operation unit (for example, a touch-type display, or a device that displays an electronic keyboard on a display, etc.) may be used as the UI unit 62.

[0071] The control unit 64 is configured to control the operation of each part of the terminal device 14 .

[0072] Alternatively, an electroencephalogram measuring section 46 may be provided in the terminal device 14, and a signal indicating an electroencephalogram may be calculated by the terminal device 14 analyzing the potential detected by each electrode provided in the earphone device 12. In this case, the electroencephalogram measuring section 46 does not need to be provided in the earphone device 12.

[0073] Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 11, the state of contact between the earphone device 12 and the user's ear when the earphone device 12 is worn in the ear will be described in detail. Fig. 8 and Fig. 11 are diagrams that show a typical appearance of a human ear. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are diagrams that show a typical appearance and interior of a human ear. Fig. 8 to Fig. 11 show a right ear.

[0074] The human ear will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The ear 66 includes an external auditory canal 68 connected to an external auditory canal 94, a cavity of the concha 70 which is a region surrounding the external auditory canal 68, the helix 72, the vena cava 74, the triangular fossa 76, the navicular fossa 78, the crus antihelicis 80, the antihelix 82, the crus helicalis 84, the tragus 86, the antitragus 88, the intertragic notch 90, and the ear lobe 92.

[0075] Fig. 10 shows the right earphone 16R worn on a user's right ear (e.g., ear 66). Fig. 11 shows the portions (e.g., portions indicated by reference numerals 96, 98, and 100) of the right earphone 16R that come into contact with the right ear (e.g., ear 66).

[0076] The right ear hook 28R is hooked on the helix 72, and in this state, the right earpiece 24R is inserted into the ear canal 94. At this time, the outer surface of the right earpiece 24R comes into contact with the surface of the ear canal 94 (i.e., the skin). Because the right earpiece 24R is made of an elastic material, the shape of the right earpiece 24R deforms in accordance with the shape of the ear canal 94, so that the outer surface of the right earpiece 24R comes into close contact with the surface of the ear canal 94. As a result, an electrode (e.g., the first right electrode 42) provided on the outer surface of the right earpiece 24R comes into close contact with the surface of the ear canal 94.

[0077] Furthermore, the right auxiliary part 26R comes into contact with the cavity of the concha 70. Because the right auxiliary part 26R is made of an elastic member, the shape of the right auxiliary part 26R deforms along the shape of the cavity of the concha 70, so that the right auxiliary part 26R comes into close contact with the cavity of the concha 70. As a result, an electrode (e.g., the second right electrode 44) provided on the outer surface of the right auxiliary part 26R comes into close contact with the cavity of the concha 70.

[0078] The right earphone unit 16R having the above configuration restricts movement of the right earphone unit 16R when it is attached to the ear 66. This point will be described in detail below.

[0079] The ear 66 (for example, the base of the ear 66) is placed between the lower part of the right ear hook 28R and the upper part of the right auxiliary part 26R, so that the ear 66 (for example, the base of the ear 66) is sandwiched from above and below by the right ear hook 28R and the right auxiliary part 26R. This restricts the up and down movement of the right earphone part 16R.

[0080] In addition, the right side portion of the right ear hook portion 28R comes into contact with the helix side of the user's right ear, and friction is generated between the outer surface of the right earpiece 24R and the ear canal 94, thereby restricting left-right movement of the right earphone portion 16R.

[0081] Additionally, the ear 66 (for example, the base of the ear 66) is sandwiched from the front, rear and rear by the part of the right ear hook 28R that comes into contact with the back of the ear 66 (for example, the rear part indicated by the dashed line) and the rear part of the right auxiliary part 26R. This restricts the front-rear movement of the right earphone part 16R.

[0082] As described above, since the movement of the right earphone unit 16R is restricted, contact between the electrodes (e.g., the first right electrode 42 and the second right electrode 44) provided on the right earphone unit 16R and the skin is maintained, and it is possible to suppress or prevent the contact from becoming unstable. As a result, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of noise mixed into the brain waves due to the unstable contact, and it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the brain waves. For example, even if the user moves, since the movement of the right earphone unit 16R is restricted, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of noise.

[0083] Depending on the shape of the user's ears and head, the ear 66 (e.g., the base of the ear) may be pinched between the lower part of the right ear hook 28R and the upper part of the right earpiece 24R, restricting vertical movement of the right earphone 16R. Also, the ear 66 (e.g., the base of the ear) may be pinched between the part of the right ear hook 28R that comes into contact with the back of the ear 66 (e.g., the rear part indicated by the dashed line) and the rear part of the right earpiece 24R, restricting front-rear movement of the right earphone 16R.

[0084] As described above, the right earpiece 24R, right auxiliary portion 26R and right earhook portion 28R function as an auxiliary portion and a restricting portion for positioning the right earphone portion 16R, that is, for positioning the electrodes that come into contact with the skin.

[0085] The same is true for the left earphone unit 16L. In the left earphone unit 16L, the left earpiece 24L is inserted into the ear canal of the left ear, and an electrode (for example, the first left electrode 56) provided on the left earpiece 24L comes into contact with the surface of the ear canal.

[0086] The earphone device 12 according to the present embodiment causes less trouble in real life than a conventional electroencephalogram measuring device that measures electroencephalograms by placing multiple electrodes on the head (for example, the scalp or forehead). In other words, a conventional electroencephalogram measuring device that measures electroencephalograms by placing multiple electrodes on the scalp or forehead is not configured with the assumption that a person will move, so it is difficult for a person to move with multiple electrodes placed on the scalp or forehead, and it is not realistic for a person to move. In contrast, the earphone device 12 according to the present embodiment corresponds to a hearable device, and since the movement of the earphone device 12 is restricted, a person can move easily even when wearing the earphone device 12. Therefore, even when a person is moving his or her body, it is possible to measure an electroencephalogram with high accuracy. For example, it is possible to measure an electroencephalogram with high accuracy in situations such as at work, walking, and jogging.

[0087] In addition, since the shape of the ear may differ depending on the user, the right earpiece 24R, right auxiliary part 26R, left earpiece 24L, and left auxiliary part 26L can each be replaced with parts of different sizes and shapes, so it is possible to accommodate individual differences among users.

[0088] In addition, by storing a control device, a communication device, an electroencephalogram measuring electronic circuit, etc. in the right storage section 22R and a battery in the left storage section 22L, it is possible to maintain a balance in weight between the two storage sections.

[0089] In the earphone device 12 according to this embodiment, the control unit 50 causes an electrode (e.g., the first right electrode 42) provided on the right earpiece 24R to function as a sensor electrode for detecting brain waves, causes an electrode (e.g., the second right electrode 44) provided on the right auxiliary unit 26R to function as a ground electrode, and causes an electrode (e.g., the first left electrode 56) provided on the left earpiece 24L to function as a reference electrode for detecting a reference signal. The brain wave measurement unit 46 measures brain waves based on the potentials detected by these electrodes. Note that the control by the control unit 50 may be performed by the control unit 64 of the terminal device 14.

[0090] The control unit 50 may change the function (i.e., role) of each of the above electrodes. For example, the control unit 50 may cause the first left electrode 56 to function as a sensor electrode, the first right electrode 42 to function as a reference electrode, and the second right electrode 44 to function as a ground electrode. Combinations other than these may also be used.

[0091] The control unit 50 may change the function of each electrode based on, for example, the strength or stability of each detected potential. For example, the control unit 50 causes an electrode that detects the highest or most stable potential to function as a sensor electrode, causes an electrode that detects the second highest or second most stable potential to function as a reference electrode, and causes the remaining electrodes to function as ground electrodes.

[0092] Although three electrodes are used in the above example, two electrodes may be used. For example, the control unit 50 causes the first right electrode 42 to function as a sensor electrode, causes the second right electrode 44 to function as a ground electrode, and causes the first left electrode 56 not to function. In this case, the EEG measurement unit 46 measures the EEG using the potential detected by the first right electrode 42 and the potential detected by the second right electrode 44, without using the potential detected by the first left electrode 56. The first right electrode 42 may be used as a ground electrode, and the second right electrode 44 may be used as a sensor electrode. As yet another example, the first left electrode 56 may be used as a sensor electrode or a ground electrode.

[0093] Also, four or more electrodes may be used. For example, a second left electrode may be provided in the left auxiliary section 26L. In this case, the control section 50 selects a plurality of electrodes from the first right electrode 42, the second right electrode 44, the first left electrode 56, and the second left electrode, and the EEG measurement section 46 measures the EEG based on the potentials detected by the plurality of electrodes. The control section 50 may select the plurality of electrodes based on the strength and stability of each detected potential.

[0094] For example, the first right electrode 42 of the right earphone 16R and the first left electrode 56 of the left earphone 16L may both be used as sensor electrodes for detecting the user's brain waves, and the second right electrode 44 of the right earphone 16R and the second left electrode of the left earphone 16L may both be used as ground electrodes. In this case, a reference electrode may not be used. For example, a brain wave may be measured based on the potential detected by the first right electrode 42 and the potential detected by the second right electrode 44, and further, a brain wave may be measured based on the potential detected by the first left electrode 56 and the potential detected by the second left electrode. An average of the measured brain waves may be calculated. As another example, a brain wave may be measured based on the potential detected by the first right electrode 42 and the potential detected by the second left electrode, and a brain wave may be measured based on the potential detected by the first left electrode 56 and the potential detected by the second right electrode 44.

[0095] The first right electrode 42 may be used as a sensor electrode, the first left electrode 56 may be used as a reference electrode, and at least one of the second right electrode 44 and the second left electrode may be used as a ground electrode.

[0096] The first right electrode 42 may be used as a sensor electrode, the second right electrode 44 may be used as a ground electrode, and one of the first left electrode 56 and the second left electrode may be used as a reference electrode and the other may be used as a ground electrode.

[0097] The control unit 50 may also change the combination of the sensor electrode, the reference electrode, and the ground electrode depending on at least one of the detection sensitivity and noise of each electrode. For example, the control unit 50 may use the electrode with the highest detection sensitivity of the above-mentioned four electrodes as the sensor electrode, the electrode with the second highest detection sensitivity as the reference electrode, and the other electrodes as the ground electrodes. The control unit 50 may use the electrode with the lowest noise of the above-mentioned four electrodes as the sensor electrode, the electrode with the second lowest noise as the reference electrode, and the other electrodes as the ground electrodes.

[0098] Alternatively, three or more electrodes may be provided in one earphone unit, and brain waves may be measured by the three or more electrodes. For example, in the right earphone unit 16R, a first right electrode 42 may be provided in the right earpiece 24R, a second right electrode 44 may be provided in the right auxiliary unit 26R, and a third right electrode may be provided in the right ear hook unit 28R. In this case, the control unit 50 causes each of the first right electrode 42, the second right electrode 44, and the third right electrode to function as a sensor electrode, a reference electrode, or a ground electrode. In this way, brain waves may be measured based on potentials detected by three or more electrodes provided in one earphone unit. The same applies to the left earphone unit 16L.

[0099] In the above example, the electrode (e.g., the second right electrode 44 or the second left electrode) is provided in the auxiliary section (e.g., the right auxiliary section 26R or the left auxiliary section 26L) so that the electrode contacts the cavity of the concha 70, but the electrode may be provided so that the electrode contacts a portion other than the cavity of the concha 70. For example, the electrode may be provided in the auxiliary section or the storage section so that the electrode contacts the concha 74. Also, the electrode may be provided in the ear hook section (e.g., the right ear hook section 28R or the left ear hook section 28L) so that the electrode contacts the helix 72. For example, an electrode may be provided in the right ear hook section 28R or the left ear hook section 28L, and the role of the electrode (e.g., sensor electrode, reference electrode, ground electrode) may be switched. The electrode may be provided so that the electrode contacts a portion other than these. For example, the sensor electrode and the reference electrode may be provided at a position where the distance between the sensor electrode and the reference electrode is longer.

[0100] As described above, electrodes may be provided at locations other than the cavity of the concha 70, but the potential measured by the electrodes provided at the cavity of the concha 70 tends to be more stable than the potential measured by the electrodes provided at other locations. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows the evaluation results of the stability of the potential measured by the electrodes provided at each location. In the example shown in FIG. 12, electrodes are provided at the back of the helix, the concha, and the cavity of the concha, and the potential is measured by each electrode. Here, as an example, the second right electrode 44 is provided at each location. FIG. 12 shows a photograph and a schematic diagram of an ear. The schematic diagram of the ear is the same as the diagram shown in FIG. 10, etc. In addition, the second right electrode 44 is provided at the part indicated by the arrow.

[0101] Multiple subjects were surveyed for each site, and the number of subjects who achieved electrical continuity was counted, and the stability of the electrical potential was evaluated based on that number.

[0102] When the electrode was placed behind the helix, only 10 subjects achieved electrical continuity. This was less than 50% of the total number of subjects. This could be because hair got caught between the electrode and the helix, or the electrode was lifted off the skin.

[0103] When the electrode was located in the concha, a pin-shaped electrode was used. The number of subjects who obtained electrical continuity was 10. This number was less than 50% of the total number of subjects. The reason for this is that in more than half of the subjects, the contact between the electrode and the skin was a point contact at the tip of the pin, and the measured signal was weak. In addition, the shape of the concha varies greatly from person to person, and there is a large variation in the shape. Therefore, it is difficult to prepare electrodes with shapes that can be used for each subject. For example, if the ear is small, the pin will not fit in the ear and will pop out. If the ear is too large, the length of the pin will be insufficient. Therefore, when a pin of a specific size is used, the potential will be stable or unstable depending on the subject. As a result, it is thought that the number of subjects who obtained electrical continuity was 10. It is also possible to use interchangeable pins, but in order to accommodate the size of each subject's ear, it is necessary to prepare many types of pins.

[0104] When the electrode was located in the concha, by changing the size of the electrode according to the size of the subject's ear, conduction was obtained in almost all 35 subjects. The percentage of this number was almost 100% of the total number of subjects. In this study, three different sizes of electrodes were prepared, and the electrode according to the size of the subject's ear was used.

[0105] As described above, the potential measured by the electrode placed in the cavity of the concha is more stable than the potential measured by the electrode placed behind the helix or on the concha. This is thought to be due to the contact area and fit of the electrode. Of course, the potential can be measured even when the electrode is placed behind the helix or on the concha, so the electrode may be placed behind the helix or on the concha.

[0106] In this embodiment, the elastic modulus of the elastic member constituting the right earpiece 24R and the elastic modulus of the elastic member constituting the right auxiliary part 26R may be the same value or different values. For example, the elastic modulus of the right earpiece 24R may be greater than that of the right auxiliary part 26R. Conversely, the elastic modulus of the right auxiliary part 26R may be greater than that of the right earpiece 24R. By adjusting these elastic modulus, the movement of the right earphone part 16R accompanying the movement of the user is absorbed by the right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R, and as a result, the positional deviation of the right earphone part 16R can be suppressed or prevented. The same applies to the left earphone part 16L.

[0107] The earphone device 12 according to the present embodiment may be linked to a biological information measuring device other than an electroencephalogram measuring device. For example, an electrocardiograph or an electromyograph may be used as the biological information measuring device. For example, a potential detected by a reference electrode or a ground electrode provided in the earphone device 12 may be used as a reference signal or a ground potential of the electrocardiograph or the electromyograph.

[0108] 6, the communication unit 40 and the brain wave measurement unit 46 are provided in the right earphone unit 16R, which is an example of a biological information measurement device, but this is merely an example. The communication unit 40 and the brain wave measurement unit 46 may be provided in at least one of the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L.

[0109] For example, the right earphone 16R and the left earphone 16L may each have an electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement unit 46. In this case, the EEG measurement unit 46 of the right earphone 16R measures EEG based on the potential detected by an electrode group provided in the right earphone 16R, and the EEG measurement unit 46 of the left earphone 16L measures EEG based on the potential detected by an electrode group provided in the left earphone 16L.

[0110] Furthermore, the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L may each have a communication unit 40. In this case, the communication unit 40 of the right earphone unit 16R transmits brain waves measured by the brain wave measurement unit 46 of the right earphone unit 16R to an external device such as the terminal device 14, and the communication unit 40 of the left earphone unit 16L transmits brain waves measured by the brain wave measurement unit 46 of the left earphone unit 16L to an external device such as the terminal device 14.

[0111] Furthermore, a processing unit that processes the potential detected by the electrodes (for example, a circuit that removes noise, etc.) may be provided in each of right earphone 16R and left earphone 16L. In this case, the processing unit of right earphone 16R processes the potential detected by the electrode group provided in right earphone 16R, and the processing unit of left earphone 16L processes the potential detected by the electrode group provided in left earphone 16L.

[0112] Also, the communication unit 40 and the brain wave measurement unit 46 may be provided in the left earphone unit 16L, and the communication unit 40 and the brain wave measurement unit 46 may not be provided in the right earphone unit 16R. In this case, the brain wave measurement unit 46 of the left earphone unit 16L measures brain waves based on the potential detected by the electrode group provided in the left earphone unit 16L and the potential detected by the electrode group provided in the right earphone unit 16R. Of course, as shown in Fig. 6, the communication unit 40 and the brain wave measurement unit 46 may be provided only in the right earphone unit 16R.

[0113] (Variation 1) Hereinafter, a first variation of the earphone device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a right earphone unit according to the first variation. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the appearance and interior of a human ear. The right earphone unit 102R according to the first variation differs from the right earphone unit 16R described above in that it does not have a right ear hook unit 28R. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the right earphone unit 16R. Like the right earphone unit 102R, the left earphone unit also does not have a left ear hook unit 28L, and the rest of the configuration is the same as that of the left earphone unit 16L.

[0114] 14 shows the right earphone 102R worn on the right ear (e.g., ear 66) of a user. The state of contact between the right earpiece 24R and the right auxiliary part 26R and the skin is the same as the state of contact when the right earphone 16R described above is used.

[0115] The right earphone unit 102R according to this modified example restricts movement of the right earphone unit 102R attached to the ear 66. This point will be described in detail below.

[0116] The right earpiece 24R comes into contact with the surface of the ear canal 94, and the right auxiliary portion 26R comes into contact with the cavity of the concha 70 in the up-down direction, thereby restricting the up-down movement of the right earphone portion 102R.

[0117] Furthermore, the frictional force between the outer surface of the right earpiece 24R and the surface of the ear canal 94 restricts the left-right movement of the right earphone unit 102R.

[0118] Furthermore, the right earpiece 24R comes into contact with the surface of the ear canal 94, and the right auxiliary portion 26R comes into contact with the cavity of the concha 70 in the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the front-rear movement of the right earphone portion 102R.

[0119] As described above, because the movement of the right earphone 102R is restricted, contact between the electrodes (e.g., the first right electrode 42 and the second right electrode 44) provided on the right earphone 102R and the skin is maintained, thereby suppressing or preventing the generation of noise that mixes with brain waves due to unstable contact. The same applies to the left earphone according to the first modification.

[0120] (Variation 2) Hereinafter, a second modification of the earphone device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an earphone unit according to the second modification, and illustrates the earphone unit as viewed from the earpiece side.

[0121] In the second modification, the ear hook portion is used as a movable member as a restricting member. Specifically, by changing the installation position of the ear hook portion relative to the storage portion, the earphone portion can be switched to either the right earphone portion or the left earphone portion. In addition, the measurement mode of the biological information may be switched in response to the switching. The second modification will be described in detail below.

[0122] 15 includes a storage section 22, an earpiece 24 functioning as a first auxiliary section, an auxiliary section 26 functioning as a second auxiliary section, and an ear hook section 28 functioning as a restricting member, similar to the right earphone section 16R and left earphone section 16L described above, and electrodes are provided on the outer surfaces of the earpiece 24 and the auxiliary section 26. Of course, an electrode may be used in the ear hook section 28, and the role of each electrode may be switched.

[0123] The storage unit 22 stores, for example, a control device, a speaker, a communication device (for example, a communication chip), an electronic circuit for measuring an electroencephalogram, a six-axis sensor, a memory, a battery, and the like.

[0124] The ear hook 28 is a member that is detachable from the storage unit 22. For example, a connection portion (e.g., a hole or the like) for attaching the ear hook 28 to the storage unit 22 is provided on an upper surface 104 (i.e., a surface that faces upward when the earphone unit 16 is attached to the user's ear) and a lower surface 106 (i.e., a surface opposite to the upper surface 104) of the storage unit 22. The ear hook 28 is attached to the storage unit 22 by connecting one end of the ear hook 28 to the connection portion (e.g., by fitting the one end into the hole as the connection portion). By this connection, the wiring in the ear hook 28 and the board in the storage unit 22 are electrically connected.

[0125] Further, auxiliary unit 26 is provided in storage unit 22 so as to be tiltable in the up-down direction indicated by arrow 108. For example, a part of auxiliary unit 26 (e.g., a part where earpiece 24 is provided) is attached to a side surface of storage unit 22, and this part serves as a rotation axis, allowing auxiliary unit 26 to be tilted in the up-down direction.

[0126] When the earphone unit 16 is used as the right earphone unit, the ear hook unit 28 is attached to the upper surface 104 of the storage unit 22, and the auxiliary unit 26 is tilted upward (i.e., toward the upper surface 104), as shown by the solid line in Fig. 15. In this state, the earphone unit 16 is worn on the right ear of the user. Specifically, the ear hook unit 28 is hung on the helix of the right ear, the earpiece 24 is inserted into the ear canal of the right ear, and the auxiliary unit 26 comes into contact with the cavity of the concha of the right ear. As a result, the potential is measured by the earphone unit 16 worn on the right ear.

[0127] When the earphone unit 16 is used as the left earphone unit, the ear hook unit 28 is attached to the bottom surface 106 of the storage unit 22, and the auxiliary unit 26 is tilted downward (i.e., toward the bottom surface 106), as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 15. In this state, the earphone unit 16 is worn on the left ear of the user. Specifically, the ear hook unit 28 is hung on the helix of the left ear, the earpiece 24 is inserted into the ear canal of the left ear, and the auxiliary unit 26 comes into contact with the cavity of the concha of the left ear. As a result, the potential is measured by the earphone unit 16 worn on the left ear.

[0128] As described above, the earphone unit 16 according to the second modification can be used as an earphone unit for both the left and right ears. In other words, by using the earphone unit 16, it is possible to switch between the right and left ears of the user on which the earphone unit 16 serving as the biological information measuring device is placed.

[0129] Furthermore, when the ear on which the earphone unit 16 is placed is switched, a control unit (for example, control unit 50) provided in the earphone unit 16 may change the measurement mode of the brain wave as biological information. This process will be described below.

[0130] Since the right ear is closer to the right brain and the left ear is closer to the left brain, the sensitivity and waveform of the brain waves measured may differ between the earphone unit 16 installed in the right ear and the earphone unit 16 installed in the left ear. In this way, since the sensitivity and waveform of the brain waves measured may differ depending on the left and right ears, the measurement mode is switched to deal with this.

[0131] For example, when the ear on which the earphone unit 16 is placed is switched (for example, when the earphone unit 16 that was placed on the right ear is placed on the left ear), the control unit 50 detects the switching by using a six-axis sensor or the like. Then, the control unit 50 compares the sensitivity and waveform of the brain wave measured before the switching with the sensitivity and waveform of the brain wave measured after the switching, and measures the brain wave in a measurement mode according to the comparison result. For example, when the sensitivity is lower than before the switching, the control unit 50 executes a measurement mode that increases the measurement sensitivity. To explain with a specific example, it is assumed that before the switching, the earphone unit 16 is attached to the right ear and the brain wave is measured, and after the switching, the earphone unit 16 is attached to the left ear and the brain wave is measured. When the sensitivity of the brain wave measured by the earphone unit 16 attached to the left ear is lower than the sensitivity of the brain wave measured by the earphone unit 16 attached to the right ear, the control unit 50 executes a measurement mode that increases the measurement sensitivity. When the sensitivity is higher than before the switching, the control unit 50 may execute a measurement mode that provides the same or approximately the same sensitivity as before the switching, or may not change the measurement mode.

[0132] As described above, by switching the measurement mode when the ear in which the earphone unit 16 is attached is changed, it is possible to realize brain wave measurement according to the ear in which the earphone unit 16 is attached.

[0133] In addition, a mode for shaping the waveform of an electroencephalogram may be switched, or a mode for performing other signal processing may be switched.

[0134] (Variation 3) Hereinafter, a third variation of the earphone device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the overall shape of an earphone device 12A according to the third variation. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior and interior of a human ear. Fig. 17 shows the right earphone unit worn on the right ear (e.g., ear 66).

[0135] The earphone device 12A according to the third modification has a right earphone unit 16RA and a left earphone unit 16LA instead of the right earphone unit 16R and the left earphone unit 16L. The earphone device 12A is not provided with the right earhook unit 28R and the left earhook unit 28L. As shown in FIG. 17 , when the right earphone unit 16RA is worn on the right ear (e.g., ear 66), the cable 18 may be hung on the right ear (e.g., the earlobe 72). Similarly, when the left earphone unit 16LA is worn on the left ear, the cable 18 may be hung on the left ear.

[0136] In the third modification, as in the first modification, the movement of the right earphone unit 16RA and the left earphone unit 16LA is restricted, so that contact is maintained between the electrodes provided on each of the right earphone unit 16RA and the left earphone unit 16LA and the skin.

[0137] (Variation 4) When the right earphone 16R is placed on the right ear of the user, the angle of the surface of the first right electrode 42 that contacts the ear canal with respect to the direction from the right storage portion 22R, which is an example of a housing, toward the right ear of the user may be changeable. For example, the right earpiece 24R on which the first right electrode 42 is provided may be provided so as to tilt or swing.

[0138] Similarly, when the left earphone unit 16L is placed on the left ear of the user, the angle of the surface of the first left electrode 56 that contacts the ear canal with respect to the direction from the left storage unit 22L, which is an example of a housing, toward the left ear of the user may be changeable. For example, the left earpiece 24L on which the first left electrode 56 is provided may be provided so as to tilt or swing.

[0139] Furthermore, when the right earphone unit 16R is placed on the right ear of the user, the angle of the surface of the second right electrode 44 that contacts the side surface of the cavity of the concha may be changeable with respect to the direction from the right storage unit 22R toward the right ear of the user. Furthermore, the angle of the surface of the second right electrode 44 that contacts the bottom surface of the cavity of the concha may be changeable. For example, the right auxiliary unit 26R on which the second right electrode 44 is provided may be provided so as to incline toward the right storage unit 22R or in a direction away from the right storage unit 22R, or may be provided so as to swing.

[0140] Similarly, when the left earphone unit 16L is placed on the left ear of the user, the angle of the surface of the second left electrode that contacts the side surface of the cavity of the concha may be changeable with respect to the direction from the left storage unit 22L toward the left ear of the user. Also, the angle of the surface of the second left electrode that contacts the bottom surface of the cavity of the concha may be changeable. For example, the left auxiliary unit 26L on which the second left electrode is provided may be provided so as to incline toward the left storage unit 22L or away from the left storage unit 22L, or may be provided so as to swing.

[0141] The fourth modification will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0142] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the right earphone unit 16R. Although Fig. 18 shows the configuration of the right earphone unit 16R, the left earphone unit 16L has a similar configuration.

[0143] The right earphone 16R has, for example, a right storage portion 22R, a support portion 110R that protrudes from the right storage portion 22R and has the right auxiliary portion 26R attached thereto and supports the right auxiliary portion 26R, and a support portion 112R that protrudes from the support portion 110R and has the right earpiece 24R attached thereto and supports the right earpiece 24R. The support portion 110R corresponds to an example of a second member. The support portion 112R corresponds to an example of a first member.

[0144] The right auxiliary part 26R is attached to the periphery of the support part 110R and is supported by the support part 110R. For example, the right auxiliary part 26R is attached to the support part 110R so as to sandwich the support part 110R from the outside of the support part 110R. In this way, the second right electrode 44 provided on the surface of the right auxiliary part 26R is supported by the support part 110R via the right auxiliary part 26R.

[0145] The support portion 112R is, for example, a member that also serves as a sound guide tube or the like. The right earpiece 24R is attached to the periphery of the support portion 112R and supported by the support portion 112R. For example, the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R by inserting a part of the support portion 112R into the right earpiece 24R. In this way, the first right electrode 42 provided on the surface of the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R via the right earpiece 24R.

[0146] For example, the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R so as to tilt around an axis at which the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R. This makes it possible to change the angle of the surface of the first right electrode 42 that contacts the ear canal with respect to the direction from the right storage portion 22R toward the right ear of the user, that is, with respect to the direction indicated by the arrow 114 in Fig. 18. In other words, the direction indicated by the arrow 114 is the direction in which the support portion 110R protrudes from the right storage portion 22R. The right earpiece 24R may be supported by the support portion 112R so as to be swingable around an axis at which the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R.

[0147] In addition, the right auxiliary part 26R is supported by the supporting part 110R so as to be inclined toward or away from the supporting part 110R, with the part at which the right auxiliary part 26R is supported by the supporting part 110R as an axis. This makes it possible to change the angle of the surface of the second right electrode 44 that contacts the side and bottom surfaces of the cavity of the concha with respect to the direction indicated by the arrow 114.

[0148] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the right earpiece 24R, the right auxiliary section 26R, and the right storage section 22R are integrated together to form one device.

[0149] The following describes in detail the configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R. Note that although the following describes the configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R, the configuration for supporting the left earpiece 24L is the same as the configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R.

[0150] FIG. 19 shows a first configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece 24R and the support portion 112R. A through hole 116R is formed in the right earpiece 24R, and the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R by inserting the tip of the support portion 112R into the through hole 116R. With the support portion 112R inserted into the through hole 116R, the support portion 112R is inserted into the through hole 116R to such an extent that the right earpiece 24R can tilt around the part supported by the support portion 112R as an axis. For example, only the tip of the support portion 112R is inserted into the through hole 116R. By inserting only the tip of the support portion 112R into the through hole 116R, the right earpiece 24R can tilt around the part supported by the support portion 112R as an axis. For example, the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support 112R so as to be swingable in the direction indicated by the arrow 118. The shorter the length of the portion of the support 112R inserted into the through hole 116R, the more flexibly the right earpiece 24R can be tilted, and the greater the amount of tilt. In other words, the range of swing of the right earpiece 24R becomes wider. Since the right earpiece 24R can be tilted, the angle of the surface of the first right electrode 42 provided on the right earpiece 24R that contacts the ear canal can be changed. In this way, the first right electrode 42 can be brought into close contact with the ear canal, and the detection sensitivity of the first right electrode 42 can be improved. Although the shape of the ear varies depending on the user, when the right earpiece 24R is inserted into the right ear, the right earpiece 24R tilts about the portion supported by the support 112R as an axis, and therefore the first right electrode 42 can easily come into contact with the ear canal. In other words, even if there are individual differences in the shape of the ear, the first right electrode 42 can be brought into close contact with the ear canal.

[0151] Depending on the balance between the amount of inclination of the right earpiece 24R and the supporting force of the supporting portion 112R, the supporting portion 112R may be inserted into the through-hole 116R up to near the center in the direction in which the through-hole 116R extends.

[0152] FIG. 20 shows a second configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece 24R and the support portion 112R. In the second configuration, the right earpiece 24R and the support portion 112R are connected with an intermediate member 120R having a through hole formed therein, and the right earpiece 24R is supported by the support portion 112R via the intermediate member 120R. The intermediate member 120R may be a member constituting a part of the support portion 112R. Only a part of the intermediate member 120R is inserted into the through hole 116R of the right earpiece 24R, and the tip of the support portion 112R is inserted into the through hole of the intermediate member 120R. The right earpiece 24R can be tilted with the part supported by the intermediate member 120R as an axis. This allows the first right electrode 42 to be in close contact with the ear canal, similar to the first configuration, even if there are individual differences in the shape of the user's ear.

[0153] FIG. 21 shows a third configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece 24R and the support portion 112R. In the third configuration, a spring 122R, which is an example of an elastic member and expands and contracts in the direction in which the support portion 112R extends, is provided around the support portion 112R. The elastic force of the spring 122R allows the right earpiece 24R to move in the direction in which the support portion 112R extends. For example, the right earpiece 24R has an opening 124R that leads to the through hole 116R. The width of the opening 124R is narrower than the width of the through hole 116R. The support portion 112R is inserted into the through hole 116R through the opening 124R. The tip of the support portion 112R is inserted into the through hole 116R. The tip of the support portion 112R has a protrusion 126R that protrudes outward from the side surface of the support portion 112R. Since the protruding portion 126R protrudes to a position wider than the width of the opening 124R, the support portion 112R is prevented from slipping out of the through-hole 116R. In addition, a protruding portion 128R that protrudes outward from the side surface of the support portion 112R is provided between the tip of the support portion 112R and the support portion 110R. The spring 122R is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the protruding portion 128R and the right earpiece 24R.

[0154] When the right earpiece 24R is pressed from the right earpiece 24R side toward the protrusion 128R side, that is, when a force acting from the right earpiece 24R side toward the protrusion 128R side is applied to the right earpiece 24R, the spring 122R contracts and the right earpiece 24R moves toward the protrusion 128R side. When that force is not applied to the right earpiece 24R, the spring 122R expands, and the force of the spring 122R moves the right earpiece 24R in a direction away from the protrusion 128R. In other words, the right earpiece 24R can move in the direction indicated by the arrow 130 (i.e., the direction in which the support part 112R extends).

[0155] According to the third configuration, as in the first configuration, the right earpiece 24R can be tilted, so that the first right electrode 42 can be brought into close contact with the ear canal. Also, because the right earpiece 24R can be moved in the direction in which the support portion 112R extends, it is possible to accommodate individual differences in the shape of the ear with respect to that direction.

[0156] Fig. 22 shows a fourth configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece 24R and the support portion 112R. In the fourth configuration, the spring 122R shown in Fig. 21 is inserted into the through-hole 116R of the right earpiece 24R. The fourth configuration can achieve the same effect as the third configuration.

[0157] Fig. 23 shows a fifth configuration for supporting the right earpiece 24R. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the right earpiece 24R and the support portion 112R. In the fifth configuration, the tip of the support portion 112R is fixed by a fixing member 132R that closes the through-hole 116R of the right earpiece 24R. The fifth configuration can achieve the same effect as the first configuration.

[0158] The configuration for supporting the right auxiliary part 26R will be described in detail below. Note that, although the configuration for supporting the right auxiliary part 26R will be described below, the configuration for supporting the left auxiliary part 26L is the same as the configuration for supporting the right auxiliary part 26R.

[0159] FIG. 24 shows a sixth configuration for supporting the right auxiliary part 26R. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R. The right auxiliary part 26R is attached to the support part 110R so as to surround the outside of the support part 110R. A protrusion 134R protruding from the right auxiliary part 26R toward the support part 110R is provided on the surface of the right auxiliary part 26R facing the support part 110R. The protrusion 134R is in contact with the support part 110R. The right auxiliary part 26R is supported by the support part 110R by being arranged so that the protrusion 134R contacts the support part 110R and the right auxiliary part 26R tightens the support part 110R from the outside of the support part 110R. In addition, a gap 136R is formed between the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R in a portion where the protrusion 134R is not provided. Because the gap 136R is formed, the right auxiliary part 26R can be tilted around the protruding part 134R as an axis toward the support part 110R or away from the support part 110R, as indicated by the arrow 138. Because the right auxiliary part 26R can be tilted, the angle of the surface of the second right electrode 44 provided on the right auxiliary part 26R that contacts the side and bottom surfaces of the cavity of the concha can be changed. In this way, the second right electrode 44 can be brought into close contact with the cavity of the concha, and the detection sensitivity of the second right electrode 44 can be improved.

[0160] FIG. 25 shows a seventh configuration for supporting the right auxiliary part 26R. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R. In the seventh configuration, a spring 140R, which is an example of an elastic member, is provided between the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R along the side of the support part 110R. The elastic force of the spring 140R allows the right auxiliary part 26R to move in the direction in which the support part 110R protrudes. For example, a gap is formed between the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R along the support part 110R, and the spring 140R is disposed in the gap. In the right auxiliary part 26R, a protruding part is provided on a surface facing the support part 110R, and the protruding part contacts the support part 110R, and the right auxiliary part 26R is disposed so as to fasten the support part 110R from the outside of the support part 110R, so that the right auxiliary part 26R is supported by the support part 110R.

[0161] When a force is applied to the right auxiliary part 26R along the side surface of the support part 110R, the spring 140R contracts, and the right auxiliary part 26R moves in a direction along the side surface of the support part 110R. When the force is not applied to the right auxiliary part 26R, the spring 140R expands, and the right auxiliary part 26R moves along the side surface of the support part 110R in a direction opposite to the direction when the force is applied. In other words, the right auxiliary part 26R can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 142.

[0162] According to the seventh configuration, as in the sixth configuration, the right auxiliary portion 26R can be tilted, so that the second right electrode 44 can be brought into close contact with the cavity of the concha. In addition, the right auxiliary portion 26R can be moved in a direction along the side surface of the support portion 110R, so that it is possible to accommodate individual differences in the shape of the ear with respect to that direction.

[0163] FIG. 26 shows an eighth configuration for supporting the right auxiliary part 26R. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R. In the eighth configuration, a protrusion 144R protruding from the right auxiliary part 26R toward the side surface of the support part 110R is fixed to the side surface of the support part 110R. A gap 146R is formed between the right auxiliary part 26R and the support part 110R in a portion where the protrusion 144R is not provided. Since such a gap 146R is formed, the eighth configuration can achieve the same effect as the sixth configuration.

[0164] The above-mentioned configurations are merely examples. For example, the support part 112R may be supported by the support part 110R with a ball joint. The right earpiece 24R supported by the support part 112R can be rotated in any direction by the ball joint. Similarly, the support part 110R may be supported by the right storage part 22R with a ball joint. The right auxiliary part 26R supported by the support part 110R can be rotated in any direction by the ball joint.

[0165] As another example, the support 112R may be attached to the support 110R by a magnet. For example, a spherical connector made of a magnet is provided at the end of the support 112R, and a mount member made of a magnet and having a curved surface shape for receiving the sphere is provided on the support 110R. The spherical connector provided on the support 112R is attached to the curved mount member provided on the support 110R by the magnetic force of the magnet. Since the connector and the mount member have a curved surface, the right earpiece 24R supported by the support 112R can be rotated in any direction. The support 110R may be attached to the right storage section 22R by a magnet having a similar configuration. In this case, the right auxiliary section 26R supported by the support 110R can also be rotated in any direction.

[0166] As another example, a universal joint or a free joint may be used to connect the support portion 112R and the support portion 110R. Similarly, the support portion 110R may be attached to the right storage portion 22R by a universal joint or a free joint. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10 Biometric information measuring system, 12 Earphone device, 14 Terminal device, 16 R Right earphone section, 16 L Left earphone section, 24 R Right earpiece, 24 L Left earpiece, 26R Right auxiliary section, 26L Left auxiliary section, 28R Right ear hook section, 28L Left ear hook section.

Claims

1. a first electrode positioned to contact the user's ear canal; A second electrode disposed at a position different from the first electrode so as to contact the user's auricle; A first auxiliary portion including the first electrode and made of an elastic member; A second auxiliary portion including the second electrode and made of an elastic member; An ear hook portion that is hooked onto an ear loop of the user's ear; a housing housing a circuit for processing the potential measured by the first electrode or the second electrode; having The first auxiliary portion is provided so as to protrude from a side surface of the housing, The second auxiliary part is disposed so as to sandwich the auricle of the user between the second auxiliary part and the ear hook part, the first auxiliary part, the second auxiliary part, and the ear hook part regulate movement of the biological information measuring device relative to the user; The elastic modulus of the first auxiliary portion and the elastic modulus of the second auxiliary portion are different from each other, The housing has a structure for detachably connecting to an end of the ear hook on a first surface and on a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a position at which the end of the ear hook is connected to the housing is changeable between the structure on the first surface and the structure on the second surface. Biometric information measuring device.

2. a first electrode positioned to contact the user's ear canal; A second electrode disposed at a position different from the first electrode so as to contact the user's auricle; A first auxiliary portion including the first electrode and made of an elastic member; A second auxiliary portion including the second electrode and made of an elastic member; a housing housing a circuit for processing the electric potential measured by the first electrode or the second electrode; a support portion that supports the first auxiliary portion and that protrudes from a member to which the second auxiliary portion is attached, the support portion being a member protruding from the housing; having the first assistant unit and the second assistant unit regulate movement of the biological information measuring device relative to the user; The elastic modulus of the first auxiliary portion and the elastic modulus of the second auxiliary portion are different from each other, When the first auxiliary part is inserted into the ear canal of the user, the first auxiliary part is supported by the support part so as to tilt about an axis of a part supported by the support part, and an angle of a surface of the first electrode that contacts the ear canal with respect to a direction from the housing toward the ear canal of the user is changeable. Biometric information measuring device.

Images