Biometric information acquisition system

Abstract

To facilitate acquisition of correct biological information by performing calibration corresponding to a subject of a cuff-less blood pressure measuring device attached to a vehicle.SOLUTION: A biological information acquisition system includes: first measurement means 20 and second measurement means 10, 11 (control device 5) for acquiring biological information of a person; and correction means capable of receiving data of a first measurement value related to the biological information measured by the first measurement means 20 and data of a second measurement value related to the biological information measured by the second measurement means 10, 11 (5), so as to correct the second measurement value with the first measurement value as reference. At least the second measurement means 10, 11 (5) among the first measurement means 20 and the second measurement means 10, 11 (5) are arranged in a cabin of a vehicle where the person gets on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a biometric information acquisition system. [Background technology]

[0002] If the health condition of a driver who drives a vehicle deteriorates, this may have a negative impact on the driving of the vehicle, so it is desirable to detect the deterioration of the health condition in advance and take some kind of measures. As such a measure, a technology is known that estimates biological information such as blood flow and blood pressure based on the measurement results of pulse waves and the like using a non-contact blood flow sensor embedded in the seat cushion and back of the seat to grasp the driver's health condition (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-168177 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, cuffless (without a cuff-type blood pressure monitor) blood pressure measurements based on pulse wave transit time and the like vary greatly from person to person, and therefore require calibration using a cuff-type blood pressure monitor depending on the person being measured. However, it is fundamentally difficult to install a cuff-type blood pressure monitor in a vehicle. In addition, when a vehicle is equipped with a biosensor that detects biometric information, vibrations from the vehicle are likely to become noise, making it difficult to accurately detect the biometric information, and there is a possibility that the reference value for calculating blood pressure may be calculated incorrectly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a biometric information acquisition system, A first measuring means and a second measuring means for acquiring biometric information of a person; First measurement value data relating to the biological information measured by the first measuring means and second measurement value data relating to the biological information measured by the second measuring means , through data communication a correction means for correcting the second measurement value based on the first measurement value; A vehicle in which the person rides; and a seat provided in the interior of the vehicle and in which the person sits; Equipped with the first measurement and the second measurement include personal identification information that identifies the person; The first measuring means and the second measuring means teeth, A vehicle in which the person is riding is provided. 、 The first measuring means is wearable by the person; The second measuring means is provided on the sheet, the second measurement means includes biosensors provided at least at two locations on the sheet so as to be spaced apart from each other; One of the biosensors is provided in a seat back of the seat, One of the biosensors is provided in a seat cushion of the seat, The correction means corrects the data of the second measurement value obtained by the second measurement means based on the data of the first measurement value obtained by the first measurement means while the person is automatically driving the vehicle. It is characterized by:

[0006] The invention described in claim 2 is the biometric information acquisition system described in claim 1, The first measuring means is provided on an armrest of the seat, The armrest is provided with a storage section for storing the first measuring means. It is characterized by:

[0007] The invention described in claim 3 is the biometric information acquisition system described in claim 1 or 2, The biological sensor provided in the seat back is provided on a seat occupant side of a cushion pad in the seat back and on a back side of a skin of the seat back, The biological sensor provided in the seat cushion is provided on an upper surface of a cushion pad in the seat cushion and on a back side of a surface of the seat cushion. It is characterized by:

[0008] The invention described in claim 4 is Any one of ~3 In the biometric information acquisition system according to the present invention, the first measuring means is a sphygmomanometer for measuring a blood pressure of the person; the first measurement value data is blood pressure measurement value data measured by the sphygmomanometer, The biosensor senses a pulse wave of the person seated in the seat, the second measuring means including the biosensors spaced apart from each other at at least two points on the sheet derives the second measured value, that is, blood pressure estimated value data, by a blood pressure estimation method using a pulse wave transit time, which estimates blood pressure based on a distance between at least two points where the biosensors are installed and a time lag between pulse wave sensing at at least two points where the biosensors are installed; The correction means corrects the estimated blood pressure data based on the measured blood pressure data. It is characterized by:

[0009] The invention described in claim 5 is Any one of ~4In the biometric information acquisition system according to the present invention, The correction means is provided in the vehicle, the second measurement means and the correction means are communicatively connected; The data of the first measurement value acquired by the first measuring means is transmitted to the correction means through a computer network. It is characterized by:

[0010] The invention described in claim 6 is a biological information acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the correction means is provided in an information terminal capable of short-range wireless communication between the first measurement means and the second measurement means, The first measurement value data acquired by the first measurement means and the second measurement value data acquired by the second measurement means are transmitted to the information terminal by short-range wireless communication. It is characterized by:

[0011] The invention described in claim 7 is a biological information acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the correction means is provided in an information terminal capable of short-range wireless communication with the second measurement means, data of the first measurement value acquired by the first measurement means is transmitted to the information terminal through a computer network; The data of the second measurement value acquired by the second measurement means is transmitted to the information terminal by short-range wireless communication. It is characterized by:

[0012] The invention described in claim 8 is 7 In the biometric information acquisition system according to any one of the preceding claims, The seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back having a lower end supported by the seat cushion and serving as a backrest, A headrest is provided on the seat back to support a person's head, The seat cushion includes a seat cushion frame as a framework and a seat cushion cover. The seat cushion frame is provided with a cushion pad, and the cushion pad is covered with a skin. The seat back is composed of a seat back frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat back frame, and a skin covering the seat back frame and the cushion pad, The sheet is provided with the correction means. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0015] Claim 1 to According to the described invention , No. Even if both the first measuring means and the second measuring means are installed in the vehicle, the second measurement value is corrected based on the first measurement value, making it easier to obtain accurate biometric information than, for example, obtaining a person's biometric information using either the first measuring means or the second measuring means alone. Furthermore, if both the first measuring means and the second measuring means are provided in the vehicle, there is no need to provide either one of them outside the vehicle, so the systems can be consolidated, which is efficient in terms of maintenance, etc. Furthermore, since the first measuring means is designed to be wearable by a person, accurate blood pressure detection becomes easier by measuring the blood pressure while the person is at rest, with the wearable device being placed as close as possible to the heart. In addition, the second measuring means is a biological sensor provided in at least two places on the seat. For example, by configuring both biological sensors as pulse wave sensors, or by configuring one sensor as an electrocardiogram sensor and the other biological sensor as a pulse wave sensor, blood pressure can be estimated by a known method utilizing pulse wave propagation time. Then, the second measurement value is corrected based on the first measurement value, making it easier to obtain more accurate biological information.

[0021] Claim 5 According to the invention described in the above, data of the first measurement value obtained by the first measuring means is transmitted to a correction means installed in the vehicle via a computer network, and the second measuring means and the correction means are communicatively connected. Therefore, even when the vehicle is traveling, for example, even in a location far away from the first measuring means, the second measurement value can be corrected based on the first measurement value, and accurate biometric information can be obtained.

[0022] Claim 6 According to the invention described in the above, the correction means is provided in an information terminal capable of short-range wireless communication between the first measuring means and the second measuring means. Therefore, if data of the first measurement value is transmitted in advance to the information terminal via short-range wireless communication, the second measurement value can be corrected based on the first measurement value even when the vehicle is traveling, for example, even in a location far away from the first measuring means, and accurate biometric information can be obtained.

[0023] Claim 7 According to the invention described in the above, the correction means is provided in an information terminal capable of short-range wireless communication with the second measuring means, and data of the first measurement value acquired by the first measuring means is transmitted to the correction means provided in the information terminal via a computer network. Therefore, even when the vehicle is traveling, for example at a location far away from the first measuring means, the second measurement value can be corrected based on the first measurement value, and accurate biometric information can be acquired. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which biosensors are provided in two places on a sheet. [Diagram 2] 1 is a graph and a table showing experimental data of a blood pressure estimation method based on pulse wave transit time. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring biometric information using a computer network. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring biometric information using a computer network. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring biometric information using an information terminal. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring biometric information using an information terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring biometric information using a computer network and an information terminal. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring biometric information using a computer network and an information terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a cuff-type blood pressure monitor is installed in a vehicle interior and biosensors are installed in two locations on a seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0026] [First embodiment] In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle seat (hereinafter, referred to as seat 1) on which a person sits. This seat 1 is provided in a vehicle such as an automobile. The vehicle may be one that runs only by manual driving, or one that can run by switching between automatic driving and manual driving.

[0027] The seat 1 comprises a seat cushion 2 that supports the buttocks and thighs of a person, a seat back 3 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 2 to serve as a backrest, and a headrest 4 that is attached to the seat back 3 and supports the person's head.

[0028] The seat cushion 2 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame which serves as a framework, a cushion pad provided on the seat cushion frame, and a surface covering the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad.

[0029] The seat back 3 is mainly composed of a seat back frame which serves as a framework, a cushion pad provided on the seat back frame, and a cover which covers the seat back frame and the cushion pad.

[0030] The seat 1 is provided with a plurality of biosensors 10, 11 (i.e., second measuring means) as means for grasping the health condition of a seated person (living body: seated person). More specifically, the biosensors 10, 11 in this embodiment detect a pulse wave from blood flow at a position facing the skin surface of the seated person as bioinformation. In this embodiment, one biosensor 10 corresponds to the position of the seated occupant's heart (thoracic aorta) and is provided on the seated occupant side of the cushion pad in the seat back 3 and on the back side of the skin. The other biosensor 11 corresponds to the position of the seated occupant's buttocks (center between the left and right ischia) or thighs and is provided on the upper surface of the cushion pad in the seat cushion 2 and on the back side of the skin. The biosensor 10 corresponding to the position of the seated occupant's heart may be an electrocardiogram sensor that detects the electrocardiogram of the seated occupant.

[0031] Examples of biosensors 10, 11 for detecting pulse waves include a photoelectric pulse wave sensor that uses light to measure the pulse wave of the seated person, a piezoelectric pulse wave sensor that measures the pulse wave of the seated person by measuring pressure waves on the body surface of the seated person, and an electromagnetic wave pulse wave sensor that uses electromagnetic waves to measure the pulse wave of the seated person. In this embodiment, any one of these multiple types of pulse wave sensors may be used, or multiple types of pulse wave sensors may be used in appropriate combination.

[0032] Furthermore, the seat 1 is provided with a control device 5 connected to each of the biosensors 10 and 11 via a harness or the like so as to be capable of data communication. The control device 5 in this embodiment is provided below the seat 1. In other words, it is provided inside the vehicle. The control device 5 is also called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and functions as a blood pressure estimation unit that estimates the blood pressure of the seated occupant from the pulse wave (electrocardiogram) obtained by the biosensors 10 and 11. A blood pressure estimation program is stored in a memory (not shown) in the control device 5, and data related to an estimated value of the blood pressure of the seated occupant (i.e., a second measurement value) can be calculated based on this blood pressure estimation program. Therefore, the control device 5 functions as a second measurement means together with the multiple biosensors 10 and 11.

[0033] More specifically, the blood pressure can be estimated using a known blood pressure estimation method based on the pulse wave propagation time, which estimates the blood pressure based on the distance between the two points where the biosensors 10 and 11 are installed and the time lag between the pulse wave sensing at the two points where the biosensors 10 and 11 are installed. The blood pressure estimation program is created based on the blood pressure estimation method, and is executed by the control device 5. In other words, by arranging the multiple biosensors 10, 11 at least in two locations on the seat 1, spaced apart from each other, as shown in Fig. 1, it becomes possible to detect pulse wave data from at least two locations on the body of the seated occupant. This makes it possible to estimate blood pressure from the detected pulse wave data and improve the accuracy of calculating the health condition of the seated occupant compared to using only one biosensor.

[0034] However, as shown in the experimental data in Figures 2(a) and (b), the blood pressure estimation method based on the pulse wave transit time is prone to large individual differences and variations from person to person. It is also susceptible to the effects of vibrations from the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to make it easier to derive an accurate blood pressure using the blood pressure estimation method based on the pulse wave transit time even while riding in a vehicle, blood pressure measurements are performed multiple times in advance using a blood pressure monitor 20 (hereinafter referred to as cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20) having a cuff 21 (see Figure 9) that can be attached to a person's limbs, as shown in Figure 3, and the control device 5 uses the blood pressure measurement data measured by the blood pressure monitor as a reference to correct (calibrate) the blood pressure estimated value data estimated by the blood pressure estimation method based on the pulse wave transit time.

[0035] That is, the control device 5 functions as a correction means for correcting the estimated blood pressure value data based on the measured blood pressure data. To explain in more detail, the control device 5 has a correction program stored in its memory for realizing the function of the correction means, and the control device 5 corrects the blood pressure estimated value data based on the blood pressure measurement data based on this correction program. Such a correction program causes the control device 5, which is a computer, to function as a correction means that corrects second measurement value data relating to biometric information measured by a second measuring means for acquiring a person's biometric information, based on first measurement value data relating to biometric information measured by a first measuring means for acquiring a person's biometric information. Therefore, the control device 5 functions as both the second measuring means and the correcting means as described above.

[0036] In addition, the control device 5 further includes a communication unit that enables it to connect to a computer network including the Internet 6, and is capable of accessing a server (not shown) that supports cloud computing via the Internet 6.

[0037] The estimated blood pressure data includes the pulse wave transit time [PWTT (Pulse Wave Transit Time)]. The estimated blood pressure data also includes personal identification information for identifying an individual. There is no particular limitation on the means for identifying an individual, and an individual may be identified, for example, by transmitting an occupant ID (identification information) to the control device 5, by the occupant inputting information himself, by using a seat sensor that measures weight, or by using other personal authentication means. It is assumed that the vehicle is appropriately equipped with devices and functions necessary for identifying an individual.

[0038] The cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 (i.e., the first measuring means) employs an indirect measurement method (also called the indirect method, non-invasive method, or non-blood invasive method), and in this embodiment, is an automatic blood pressure monitor capable of mechanical measurement. The main body of the device includes at least a display unit 20a that displays blood pressure, a pump (not shown) that sends air to the cuff 21, and a communication unit (not shown) that transmits data to the outside.

[0039] The communication unit is capable of transmitting blood pressure measurement data (ie, the first measurement value) to the outside, using a computer network such as the Internet 6. The communication unit in this embodiment is configured to transmit blood pressure measurement values ​​to a server (not shown) compatible with cloud computing via the Internet 6, as shown in FIG.

[0040] The blood pressure measurement data measured by the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20 includes personal identification information for identifying an individual. The means for identifying an individual is not particularly limited, and for example, an individual may be identified by transmitting an ID (identification information) to the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20, reading an ID constituted by a barcode or the like, inputting information by the individual, or using other personal authentication means. The cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20 or its peripheral devices are assumed to be appropriately equipped with the functions required for identifying an individual.

[0041] The cuff 21 is a pressure band that can be wrapped around a person's limbs. It inflates when air is pumped into it from the pump in the blood pressure monitor body, and detects blood pressure using an acoustic sensor such as a built-in microphone. The sphygmomanometer body and cuff 21 are connected by a connection line for transmitting sensing information from the acoustic sensor to the sphygmomanometer body, and an air supply tube 21a (see FIG. 9) for supplying air from a pump in the sphygmomanometer body to cuff 21.

[0042] In this embodiment, the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is located at a place other than the vehicle, specifically, at the home of the person seated in the seat 1. However, the location is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a medical institution such as a hospital, or other places. In other words, it is sufficient if the location is other than the vehicle, the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 can be placed there, the environment is one in which a computer network can be used, and an environment in which an individual can be identified is provided.

[0043] Here, a method for acquiring the blood pressure (i.e., biological information) of a seated person using the above-described cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 and the plurality of biological sensors 10, 11 will be described.

[0044] 4, first, a person (seater) measures his / her blood pressure using the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 at a location other than the vehicle, in this embodiment at home (step S1). This allows blood pressure measurement value data, which is a first measurement value, to be derived.

[0045] Next, the blood pressure measurement data is transmitted by the communication unit in the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 to a server compatible with cloud computing via the Internet 6 (step S2).

[0046] Next, the control device 5 provided in the vehicle downloads the blood pressure measurement data from the server via the Internet 6 (step S3). The timing at which the control device 5 downloads the blood pressure measurement data may be immediately after the communication unit in the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 transmits the blood pressure measurement data to the server, or it may be when the person sits down on the seat 1, or it may be when the blood pressure is estimated by the multiple biosensors 10, 11 after the person sits down.

[0047] Next, the blood pressure of the seated occupant is estimated by a known blood pressure estimation method using the pulse wave transit time, using the multiple biosensors 10 and 11 provided on the seat 1 (step S4). This makes it possible to derive blood pressure estimated value data (pulse wave transit time), which is the second measurement value.

[0048] After the estimated blood pressure data is derived, the control device 5 corrects the estimated blood pressure data based on the downloaded measured blood pressure data and calculates the blood pressure measurement result (step S5). In other words, the "current" blood pressure of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be derived relatively accurately based on the measured blood pressure data.

[0049] In this embodiment, the calculation formula used by the control device 5 to correct (calibrate) blood pressure estimation data estimated by the blood pressure estimation method using pulse wave transit time using blood pressure measurement data measured by the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20 is as follows. Formula) BP = α × PWTT + β

[0050] Here, BP is the blood pressure to be calculated, and its unit is [mmHg]. Also, PWTT is the pulse wave transit time, and its unit is [sec]. Further, α and β are personal parameters, and values ​​based on blood pressure measurement data measured by the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20, which is the first measuring means, are applied. Explaining with reference to Fig. 2, α is an approximation line (i.e., slope) derived from blood pressure measurement data obtained by measuring a person's blood pressure multiple times using the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20, and β is a blood pressure measurement value (i.e., intercept). Therefore, in Fig. 2, "Mr. A" has α of "-705" and β of "+235", "Mr. B" has α of "-670" and β of "+245", and "Mr. C" has α of "-472" and β of "+188". For example, if "Mr. A" is a seated person, and the pulse wave transit time [PWTT] is derived from the multiple biosensors 10 and 11 after he sits in the vehicle seat 1, and the PWTT is applied to the above formula, a corrected blood pressure value can be calculated. For example, if the pulse wave transit time [PWTT] derived from the multiple biosensors 10 and 11 is 0.160 "sec", the blood pressure will be calculated as 122.2 [mmHg].

[0051] In this manner, the blood pressure of the seated occupant can be obtained. In this embodiment, blood pressure has been described as an example of a person's biometric information that can be acquired by the biometric information acquisition system, but this is not limited thereto, and other biometric information (vital signs) such as body temperature may also be acquired.

[0052] According to the present embodiment, the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20, which is not installed inside the vehicle, is not subjected to vibrations from the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to correct (calibrate) blood pressure estimated value data related to biological information of a person riding in the vehicle (i.e., a subject of the cuffless blood pressure measuring device) based on blood pressure measurement value data that is not affected by vehicle vibrations, and as a result, accurate biological information can be easily obtained. In addition, even if both the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 and the biosensors 10 and 11 are installed in the vehicle, the blood pressure estimated value data is corrected based on the blood pressure measurement data, making it easier to obtain accurate bioinformation than, for example, obtaining a person's blood pressure using either the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 or the biosensors 10 and 11 alone.

[0053] In addition, since the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is not subjected to vibrations from the vehicle, it is possible to correct blood pressure estimation data related to the pulse wave (and pulse wave propagation time) of a person riding in a vehicle based on blood pressure measurement data that is not affected by vehicle vibrations, making it easier to obtain an accurate blood pressure value.

[0054] In addition, since the multiple biosensors 10 and 11 are provided on the seat 1 inside the vehicle where a person sits, it is possible to obtain and correct bioinformation not only while the person is in the vehicle but also while the person is driving.

[0055] Furthermore, when the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is used, accurate blood pressure detection becomes easier by placing the cuff 21 as close as possible to the heart during measurement in a resting state. In addition, by using biosensors 10, 11 provided in at least two places on the sheet, for example by using both biosensors 10, 11 as pulse wave sensors, or by using one biosensor 10 as an electrocardiogram sensor and the other biosensor 11 as a pulse wave sensor, blood pressure can be estimated by a known method utilizing pulse wave propagation time. Then, the estimated blood pressure data is corrected based on the measured blood pressure data, making it easier to obtain more accurate biological information.

[0056] In addition, since the blood pressure measurement data and the blood pressure estimate data contain personal identification information that identifies a person, it is possible to obtain the blood pressure of each individual.

[0057] In addition, the blood pressure measurement data acquired by the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is transmitted to the control device 5 installed in the vehicle via a computer network, and since the multiple biosensors 10, 11 and the control device 5 are communicatively connected, even when the vehicle is traveling, for example, in a location far away from the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20, the blood pressure estimation data can be corrected based on the blood pressure measurement data, and an accurate blood pressure can be acquired.

[0058] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, only components different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the correction means is provided in an information terminal 7 capable of short-range wireless communication between the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20, which is the first measurement means, and the multiple biosensors 10, 11 (including the control device 5), which are the second measurement means. The information terminal 7 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and has a short-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this embodiment, a smartphone is used.

[0060] A correction program for causing the information terminal 7 to function as the correction means is stored in a storage unit included in the information terminal 7, and is executed by a control unit included in the information terminal 7. The information terminal 7 is used by a subject to be measured using the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 and the plurality of biosensors 10 and 11.

[0061] The cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 includes a short-range wireless communication unit for transmitting blood pressure measurement data, which is the first measurement value, to the information terminal . The second measurement means in this embodiment is configured by a plurality of biosensors 10, 11 and a control device 5. That is, the control device 5 is communicably connected to the plurality of biosensors 10, 11, and includes a short-range wireless communication unit.

[0062] Here, a method for acquiring the blood pressure (i.e., biological information) of a seated person using the above-described cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 and the plurality of biological sensors 10, 11 will be described.

[0063] 6, first, a person (seater) measures his / her blood pressure using the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 at a location other than the vehicle, in this embodiment at home (step S11). This allows blood pressure measurement value data, which is a first measurement value, to be derived.

[0064] Next, the blood pressure measurement data is transmitted from the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20 to the information terminal 7 by using short-range wireless communication. In other words, the information terminal 7 receives the blood pressure measurement data from the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20 (step S12).

[0065] Next, the blood pressure of the seated occupant is estimated by a known blood pressure estimation method using the pulse wave transit time, using the multiple biosensors 10 and 11 provided on the seat 1 (step S13). This makes it possible to derive blood pressure estimated value data (pulse wave transit time), which is the second measurement value.

[0066] Next, the estimated blood pressure value data is transmitted from the control device 5 provided on the seat 1 to the information terminal 7 by using short-range wireless communication. In other words, the information terminal 7 receives the estimated blood pressure value data from the control device 5 (step S14).

[0067] Then, the information terminal 7 corrects the blood pressure estimated value data based on the blood pressure measurement data and calculates the blood pressure measurement result (step S15). That is, the "current" blood pressure of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be derived relatively accurately based on the blood pressure measurement data. The timing at which the information terminal 7 corrects the estimated blood pressure data may be immediately after receiving the estimated blood pressure data from the control device 5, or at any timing when the person being measured (seated person) operates the touch panel of the information terminal 7. In this manner, the blood pressure of the seated occupant can be obtained.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the correction means is provided in the information terminal 7 capable of short-range wireless communication with the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20, which is the first measuring means, and the multiple biosensors 10, 11 (including the control device 5), which are the second measuring means. Therefore, if the blood pressure measurement data, which is the first measurement data, is transmitted in advance to the information terminal 7 via short-range wireless communication, even when the vehicle is traveling, for example, in a location far away from the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20, the blood pressure estimated value data can be corrected based on the blood pressure measurement data, and accurate bioinformation can be obtained.

[0069] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, only components different from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0070] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the correction means is provided in an information terminal 7 capable of short-range wireless communication with a plurality of biosensors 10 and 11 (including a control device 5) which are second measurement means. Moreover, blood pressure measurement data acquired by the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20, which is the first measuring means, is transmitted to the information terminal 7 through a computer network such as the Internet 6. Then, blood pressure estimate data acquired by the plurality of biosensors 10 and 11 is transmitted to the information terminal 7 by short-range wireless communication.

[0071] The information terminal 7 includes a communication unit that enables connection to a computer network such as the Internet 6, and is capable of accessing a server (not shown) that supports cloud computing via the Internet 6. The information terminal 7 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0072] The cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is equipped with a communication unit (not shown) for transmitting blood pressure measurement data to the outside using a computer network including the Internet 6, and is capable of accessing a server (not shown) compatible with cloud computing via the Internet 6. Moreover, the control device 5, which is communicatively connected to the plurality of biosensors 10 and 11, includes a short-range wireless communication unit.

[0073] Here, a method for acquiring the blood pressure (i.e., biological information) of a seated person using the above-described cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 and the plurality of biological sensors 10, 11 will be described.

[0074] 8, first, a person (seater) measures his / her blood pressure using the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 at a location other than the vehicle, in this embodiment at home (step S21). This allows blood pressure measurement value data, which is a first measurement value, to be derived.

[0075] Next, the blood pressure measurement data is transmitted by the communication unit in the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 to a server compatible with cloud computing via the Internet 6 (step S22).

[0076] Next, the information terminal 7 downloads the blood pressure measurement data from the server via the Internet 6 (step S23). The timing at which the information terminal 7 downloads the blood pressure measurement data may be immediately after the communication unit in the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 transmits the blood pressure measurement data to the server, or it may be when the person sits down on the seat 1, or it may be when the blood pressure is estimated by the multiple biosensors 10, 11 after the person sits down.

[0077] Next, the blood pressure of the seated occupant is estimated by a known blood pressure estimation method using the pulse wave transit time, using the multiple biosensors 10 and 11 provided on the seat 1 (step S24). This makes it possible to derive blood pressure estimated value data (pulse wave transit time), which is the second measurement value.

[0078] Next, the estimated blood pressure value data is transmitted from the control device 5 provided on the seat 1 to the information terminal 7 by using short-range wireless communication. In other words, the information terminal 7 receives the estimated blood pressure value data from the control device 5 (step S25).

[0079] Then, the information terminal 7 corrects the blood pressure estimated value data based on the blood pressure measurement data and calculates the blood pressure measurement result (step S26). That is, the "current" blood pressure of the person sitting in the seat 1 can be derived relatively accurately based on the blood pressure measurement data. The timing at which the information terminal 7 corrects the estimated blood pressure data may be immediately after receiving the estimated blood pressure data from the control device 5, or at any timing when the person being measured (seated person) operates the touch panel of the information terminal 7. In this manner, the blood pressure of the seated occupant can be obtained.

[0080] According to this embodiment, a correction means is provided in an information terminal 7 capable of short-range wireless communication with a plurality of biosensors 10, 11 (including a control device 5) which are second measuring means, and the blood pressure measurement data, which is the first measurement data acquired by the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20 which is the first measuring means, is transmitted to the correction means provided in the information terminal 7 via a computer network. Therefore, even when the vehicle is traveling, for example, in a location far away from the cuff-type sphygmomanometer 20, the blood pressure estimated value data can be corrected based on the blood pressure measurement data, and accurate bioinformation can be acquired.

[0081] [Modifications] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. The following modifications may be combined as far as possible. In addition, in each of the following modified examples, elements common to the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0082] In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 9, both the first measuring means and the second measuring means are provided inside the vehicle. The plurality of biosensors 10 and 11, which are the second measuring means, and the control device 5 are provided on the seat 1, similarly to the above-described embodiment. The cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20, which is the first measuring means, may be provided anywhere in the vehicle, and in this modified example, is provided on the seat back 3 close to the upper arm of the seated occupant or on an armrest (not shown). When the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is provided in the seat 1, it is preferable that the blood pressure monitor main body is built into the seat 1, and a storage section for storing the cuff 21 and the air supply tube 21a is provided in the seat back 3 or the arm rest.

[0083] When the cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20 is installed in the vehicle in this manner and the blood pressure of the seated occupant is measured using this cuff-type blood pressure monitor 20, this is basically performed while the vehicle is stopped. However, if the vehicle is capable of switching between automatic and manual driving, it may be performed while the vehicle is in automatic driving mode.

[0084] According to this modification, it is easier to detect biometric information accurately than to obtain biometric information of a person by using, for example, either the first measuring means or the second measuring means alone. In addition, biometric information can be obtained and corrected not only while the person is in the car but also while the person is driving. Furthermore, if both the first measuring means and the second measuring means are provided in the vehicle, there is no need to provide either one of them outside the vehicle, so the systems can be consolidated, which is efficient in terms of maintenance, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 sheet 2 Seat cushion 3 Seat back 4 Headrest 5. Control device 6. Internet 7 Information terminal 10 Biometric Sensors 11 Biometric Sensors 20 Blood Pressure Monitor 20a Display section 21 Cuff 21a Air pipe

Claims

1. A first measuring means and a second measuring means for acquiring biometric information of a person; a correction means for receiving, via data communication, first measurement value data relating to the biological information measured by the first measurement means and second measurement value data relating to the biological information measured by the second measurement means, and for correcting the second measurement value based on the first measurement value; A vehicle in which the person rides; and a seat provided in the interior of the vehicle and in which the person sits; Equipped with the first measurement and the second measurement include personal identification information that identifies the person; the first measuring means and the second measuring means are provided inside a vehicle in which the person rides, The first measuring means is wearable by the person; The second measuring means is provided on the sheet, the second measurement means includes biosensors provided at least at two locations on the sheet so as to be spaced apart from each other; One of the biosensors is provided in a seat back of the seat, One of the biosensors is provided in a seat cushion of the seat, The biometric information acquisition system is characterized in that the correction means corrects the second measurement value data obtained by the second measuring means based on the first measurement value data obtained by the first measuring means when the person is automatically driving the vehicle.

2. The first measuring means is provided in an armrest of the seat, 2. The biometric information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the armrest is provided with a storage section for storing the first measuring means.

3. The biosensor provided in the seat back is provided on the seat occupant side of the cushion pad in the seat back and on the back side of the skin of the seat back, 3. The biometric information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor is provided on an upper surface of a cushion pad in the seat cushion and on a back side of a cover of the seat cushion.

4. The first measuring means is a sphygmomanometer for measuring the person's blood pressure, the first measurement value data is blood pressure measurement value data measured by the sphygmomanometer, The biosensor senses a pulse wave of the person seated in the seat, the second measuring means including the biosensors spaced apart from each other at at least two points on the sheet derives the second measured value, that is, blood pressure estimated value data, by a blood pressure estimation method using a pulse wave transit time, which estimates blood pressure based on a distance between at least two points where the biosensors are installed and a time lag between pulse wave sensing at at least two points where the biosensors are installed; 4. The biological information acquiring system according to claim 1, wherein the correction means corrects the estimated blood pressure value data based on the measured blood pressure value data.

5. The correction means is provided inside the vehicle, the second measurement means and the correction means are communicatively connected; 5. The biometric information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the first measurement value data acquired by the first measurement means is transmitted to the correction means via a computer network.

6. The correction means is provided in an information terminal capable of short-range wireless communication between the first measurement means and the second measurement means, The biometric information acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first measurement value data acquired by the first measurement means and the second measurement value data acquired by the second measurement means are transmitted to the information terminal via short-range wireless communication.

7. The correction means is provided in an information terminal capable of short-range wireless communication with the second measurement means, data of the first measurement value acquired by the first measurement means is transmitted to the information terminal through a computer network; The biometric information acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second measurement value data acquired by the second measurement means is transmitted to the information terminal via short-range wireless communication.

8. The seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion and serves as a backrest, A headrest is provided on the seat back to support a person's head, The seat cushion is composed of a seat cushion frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat cushion frame, and a skin covering the seat cushion frame and the cushion pad, The seat back is composed of a seat back frame serving as a skeleton, a cushion pad provided on the seat back frame, and a skin covering the seat back frame and the cushion pad, 8. The biometric information acquiring system according to claim 1, wherein the correction means is provided on the sheet.

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