Biological monitoring devices

Abstract

To provide a biomonitoring device that is arranged inside the mouth and can efficiently emit radio waves to the outside of the mouth.SOLUTION: A biomonitoring device comprises: an electronic apparatus that has a circuit board; and a bio-attachment tool that fixes or seals the electronic apparatus. The circuit board is mounted with a control unit, a battery, and an antenna. The circuit board has a longitudinal dimension and a short-direction dimension, and includes one or more copper foil pattern layers. The antenna is arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction of the circuit board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Intraoral biomonitoring and treatment devices have been known for some time (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a denture-mounted biomonitor as an example of an intraoral biomonitor. Incidentally, although Patent Document 1 describes that data is transmitted wirelessly to a management center such as a medical center, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not provide measures for efficiently radiating radio waves from inside the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity, which may result in significant radio wave propagation loss due to radio wave absorption by body tissues, etc. In other words, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, when an intraoral vital sign monitor is placed in the oral cavity, it is not possible to efficiently radiate radio waves from inside the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity.

[0003] Also, a short-range wireless communication signal coupler device for relaying monitoring data from an orthodontic monitoring device to a handheld processor has been known (see Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 describes an oral appliance that is worn in a patient's mouth, a monitoring device, and a communication unit that transmits sensor data to a remote device. Incidentally, Patent Document 2 describes the antenna of the communication unit but does not describe the placement of the antenna. Depending on the placement of the antenna, it may be necessary to insert a reader into the oral cavity to obtain measurement data in real time while the patient is wearing the intraoral biological monitoring device, which is not practical. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-167120 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0000563 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a biological monitoring device that is placed in the oral cavity and can efficiently radiate radio waves outside the oral cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a biological monitoring device comprising an electronic device having a circuit board and a biological attachment device that fixes or seals the electronic device, wherein the circuit board is equipped with a control unit, a battery, and an antenna, the circuit board has a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension and comprises one or more copper foil pattern layers, and the antenna is positioned at one end of the circuit board in the longitudinal direction. According to one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the circuit board has a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, and the antenna is positioned at one longitudinal end of the circuit board, so that radio waves can be efficiently radiated outside the oral cavity from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed inside the oral cavity.

[0007] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the circuit board is equipped with a sensor, the biological monitoring device is an intraoral device, and the biological monitoring device may be placed in the oral cavity so that the longitudinal direction of the circuit board is aligned with the dentition. In this case, when the biological monitoring device is worn by the wearer, the circuit board conforms to the wearer's dentition, allowing the wearer to wear the biological monitoring device without feeling uncomfortable, improving the wearing comfort of the biological monitoring device.In other words, the wearing comfort of the biological monitoring device can be improved while efficiently radiating radio waves to the outside of the oral cavity from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed in the oral cavity.

[0008] In the biological monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the oral appliance may be an orthodontic appliance, a denture, or an implant. In this case, that is, when the oral appliance is an orthodontic device, denture, or implant, biometric information regarding the dental treatment status detected by a sensor mounted on the circuit board of the biometric monitoring device can be fed back into the treatment and treatment plan.

[0009] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the oral appliance may be a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that is attached to the crown of one or more teeth and covers a portion of the gums of the one or more teeth. In this case, that is, when the oral appliance is a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device, the circuit board conforms to the wearer's dentition when the biomonitoring device is worn by the wearer, so the wearer can wear the biomonitoring device without any discomfort, just like when wearing a general mouthpiece-type orthodontic device, and the discomfort felt when wearing the biomonitoring device can be minimized.

[0010] In one embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the antenna is a monopole antenna, the circuit board has a first region in which the antenna is arranged, and a second region which is a region other than the first region, and at least one of the one or more copper foil pattern layers arranged in the second region may be connected to ground. In this case, that is, when the second region is connected to ground, a mirror image of the monopole antenna is formed, thereby increasing the antenna radiation efficiency. Also, in this case, the second region located at the other longitudinal end of the circuit board is connected to ground, so the ground area can be lengthened and the ratio of the area contributing to the generation of the mirror image to the total area of ​​the circuit board can be increased, thereby maximizing the radiation efficiency even with a small-sized circuit board.

[0011] In the biological monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the monopole antenna may be a wiring antenna formed on the circuit board. In this case, that is, when radio waves are emitted from a wiring antenna formed on a circuit board, it is possible to improve the efficiency of radio wave radiation while reducing the size of the biological monitoring device.

[0012] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the monopole antenna may be a chip antenna including a high dielectric constant material. In this case, that is, when the monopole antenna is a chip antenna including a high dielectric constant material, the biological monitoring device can be made smaller.

[0013] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the monopole antenna may be constructed by combining a wiring antenna formed on the circuit board and a chip antenna containing a high dielectric constant material.

[0014] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the battery may be arranged on the opposite side of the antenna across the control unit. In this case, it is possible to reduce the short-side dimension of the circuit board without impairing the wearing comfort of the biological monitoring device, and to improve the efficiency of radio wave radiation from the antenna.

[0015] In the biological monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the circuit board may have a long side and a short side, and the ratio of the long side to the short side may be 2 or more. In this case, the efficiency of transmitting radio waves from the antenna can be increased to 20% or more of the maximum efficiency.

[0016] Through extensive research, the inventors have discovered that when a wearer wears a bio-monitoring device by aligning the circuit board with the teeth, if the short side of the circuit board exceeds approximately 15 mm, which is the length from the gingival-buccal junction to the cusp tip (from the bottom of the gums to the top point of the teeth) for an average adult, the wearer may feel uncomfortable when wearing the bio-monitoring device. Therefore, in the biological monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the short side may be 15 mm or less. In this case, it is possible to reduce the risk of the wearer feeling uncomfortable when wearing the biological monitoring device.

[0017] In the biological monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the long side may be 30 mm or less. In this case, it is possible to reduce the risk of the wearer feeling uncomfortable when wearing the biological monitoring device.

[0018] In the biological monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the long side to the short side may be 3.5 or more and 7 or less. In this case, the efficiency of transmitting radio waves from the antenna can be ensured to be 60% or more of the maximum efficiency.

[0019] In one embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the control unit may differentiate between a first radiated radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio waves emitted from the antenna when the biological monitoring device is placed inside the oral cavity, and a second radiated radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio waves emitted from the antenna when the biological monitoring device is placed outside the oral cavity, and the ratio of the second radiated radio wave intensity to the first radiated radio wave intensity may be greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than 0.2. In this case, the received signal strength of the radio waves emitted from the antenna when the biological monitoring device is placed inside the oral cavity can be made approximately equal to the received signal strength of the radio waves emitted from the antenna when the biological monitoring device is placed outside the oral cavity. In other words, in this case, the loss (approximately -8 dB) when radio waves are transmitted from the antenna of the biometric monitoring device placed inside the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity is taken into consideration, and the design is made with emphasis placed on the radio wave strength when the biometric monitoring device is placed inside the oral cavity.

[0020] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, when the biological monitoring device is placed in the oral cavity, the antenna may be located on the lip side of the oral cavity. In this case, the distance from the antenna to the outside world (outside the oral cavity) can be reduced, and radio waves can be transmitted outside the oral cavity while suppressing radio wave absorption by the human body (the person wearing the biological monitoring device). This reduces battery consumption and minimizes radio wave absorption by the human body.

[0021] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, when the biological monitoring device is placed in the oral cavity, the main lobe of the radiation pattern of the antenna may be directed outside the oral cavity via the lips. In this case, appropriate radiation directivity can be provided, and radio waves can be efficiently transmitted from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed inside the oral cavity to the outside of the oral cavity.

[0022] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, the biological monitoring device may be used by being placed on the palate side of the oral cavity. In this case, radio waves can be avoided from being absorbed by the cheek flesh of the person wearing the biological monitoring device, and radio waves can be efficiently transmitted from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed inside the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity.

[0023] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, a sensor is mounted on the circuit board, the biological wearable device is an intraoral device, the sensor detects the open / closed state of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device, and the control unit may switch the communication state depending on the open / closed state of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device detected by the sensor. In this case, that is, when the communication state is switched depending on whether the lips of the wearer of the biometric monitoring device are open or closed (for example, when the communication interval, power, type of information, etc. are switched), data transmission can be carried out efficiently by, for example, mainly when the wearer's lips are open, which makes communication easier, and communication being suppressed when the wearer's lips are closed, which causes greater loss.

[0024] In one aspect of the biological monitoring device of the present invention, a sensor is mounted on the circuit board, the biological wearable device is an intraoral device, the sensor detects the open / closed state of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device, and the control unit may emit radio waves from the antenna when the sensor detects the open state of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device. In this case, that is, when radio waves are emitted from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed in the wearer's oral cavity when the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device are open, unnecessary radio wave transmission (i.e., radio waves being transmitted from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed in the wearer's oral cavity when the wearer's lips are closed) can be suppressed, and radio waves can be efficiently transmitted from the antenna of the biological monitoring device placed in the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a biological monitoring device that is placed in the oral cavity and can efficiently radiate radio waves outside the oral cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a biological monitoring device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device that constitutes a part of a biological monitoring device. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a mirror image of an antenna of the electronic device formed on the electronic device. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the ratio of the long side to the short side of a circuit board and the radiation efficiency of radio waves from the circuit board. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the biological monitoring device and an external device that communicates wirelessly with the biological monitoring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the direction in which radio waves are emitted from the antenna of a biological monitoring device worn in the oral cavity of a wearer. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a radiation pattern of an antenna of a biological monitoring device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the biological monitoring device of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the biological monitoring device of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device that constitutes a part of a biological monitoring device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mirror image of the antenna of the electronic device formed on the electronic device of the biological monitoring device of the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mirror image of the antenna of the electronic device formed on the electronic device of the biological monitoring device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device that constitutes a part of a biological monitoring device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device that constitutes a part of a biological monitoring device according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a biological monitoring device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a biological monitoring device 1 according to a first embodiment. In detail, FIG. 1 shows the biological monitoring device 1 being worn by a wearer of the biological monitoring device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device 11 that constitutes a part of the biological monitoring device 1. In detail, FIG. 2(A) is a plan view of the electronic device 11, and FIG. 2(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2(A). FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mirror image of an antenna 11E of the electronic device 11 formed on the electronic device 11. 1 to 3, the biological monitoring device 1 includes an electronic device 11 and a living body attachment device 12. The electronic device 11 has a circuit board 11A. The circuit board 11A is a six-layer board including a copper foil pattern layer 11A1 (see FIG. 2(B)). In another example, the circuit board 11A may have a number of layers different from six.

[0029] In the example shown in FIG. 2(B), the circuit board 11A includes one copper foil pattern layer 11A1, but in other examples, the circuit board 11A may include a plurality of copper foil pattern layers.

[0030] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a sensor 11B, a control unit 11C, a battery 11D, and an antenna 11E are mounted on a circuit board 11A. Sensor 11B is at least one of an optical sensor (e.g., a pulse wave sensor, a pulse oximeter, a glucose sensor, etc.), a strain sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., as described in, for example, Patent Publication No. 2020-014773 and Patent Publication No. 2020-141789, and detects biometric information (more specifically, the biometric information of the wearer of the biometric monitoring device 1). The control unit 11C performs processing such as converting the biological information detected by the sensor 11B into a high-frequency signal. The control unit 11C has a function as a wireless communication unit and a function as a signal processing unit. The battery 11D supplies power to the sensor 11B, the control unit 11C, etc. The battery 11D is arranged on the opposite side of the control unit 11C from the antenna 11E. This is to prevent the radio waves emitted from the antenna 11E from being absorbed by the metal can of the battery 11D. The antenna 11E not only has the function of emitting radio waves, but also the function of receiving radio waves transmitted from the external device 2 (see FIG. 5). Circuit board 11A has long sides and short sides. That is, circuit board 11A has a longitudinal dimension (left-right direction in FIG. 2(A)) and a lateral dimension (up-down direction in FIG. 2(A)). The ratio of the long side to the short side is 2 or more. Specifically, the short side is 15 mm or less, and the long side is 30 mm or less. Furthermore, the ratio of the long side to the short side (long side / short side) is 3.5 or more and 7 or less. This allows the transmission efficiency of radio waves from biological monitoring device 1 to be 60% or more. If the short side of circuit board 11A exceeds approximately 15 mm, which is the length from the gum-buccal junction to the cusp tip (from the bottom of the gum to the top of the tooth) for an average adult, the wearer of biomonitoring device 1 may feel uncomfortable when wearing biomonitoring device 1 along their dentition, so as mentioned above, the short side of circuit board 11A is set to within 15 mm.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the ratio of the long side to the short side of circuit board 11A and the radiation efficiency of radio waves from circuit board 11A. Specifically, the horizontal axis of Fig. 4 represents the ratio of the long side to the short side of circuit board 11A, and the vertical axis of Fig. 4 represents the radiation efficiency of radio waves from circuit board 11A (relative efficiency when the maximum efficiency is 100%). In the example shown in Fig. 4, the frequency of the radio waves radiated from circuit board 11A is 4.442 GHz. If a radio wave radiation efficiency of 20% (-7 dB) is allowed, the ratio must be 2 or more. A radio wave radiation efficiency of 20% means that when 0 dBm of transmission power is supplied from the wireless communication unit (control unit 11C) to the antenna 1E, only -7 dBm of power can be used for radio wave radiation, even if losses in the power feeder and antenna 1E are ignored. Because the radiated radio waves are further attenuated by body tissue and free propagation loss, a radio wave radiation efficiency of 20% is the minimum efficiency required for reception by the external device 2 (see Figure 5). In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the ratio of the long side to the short side of circuit board 11A is set to be 3.5 or more and 7 or less, based on the relationship between the ratio of the long side to the short side of circuit board 11A shown in Figure 4 and the radiation efficiency of radio waves from circuit board 11A. 1 to 3, circuit board 11A is rectangular, but in other examples, circuit board 11A may have a shape other than rectangular (for example, a shape in which the four corners of a rectangle are chamfered into an arc, for example). In other words, circuit board 11A does not have to have short sides (straight short sides).

[0032] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, antenna 11E is arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction of circuit board 11A (the right end in FIG. 2(A)), and is a monopole antenna. This is to ensure that other components mounted on circuit board 11A are not present on the propagation path of the radio waves radiated from antenna 11E. By arranging antenna 11E at one end in the longitudinal direction of circuit board 11A, it is possible to radiate radio waves from the end of circuit board 11A while minimizing the effect on the radiation of radio waves of other components mounted on circuit board 11A. The circuit board 11A includes a first region 11A-1 where the antenna 11E is located, and a second region 11A-2 other than the first region 11A-1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 located in the second region 11A-2 is connected to ground. In another example, multiple copper foil patterns may be arranged in the second region 11A-2, and one or more copper foil pattern layers of the multiple copper foil patterns arranged in the second region 11A-2 may be connected to ground.

[0033] 1 to 3, the monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is a wiring antenna formed on the circuit board 11A. As described above, the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 disposed in the second region 11A-2 is connected to the ground, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, a mirror image (shown as "image antenna" in FIG. 3) of the monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is formed in the second region 11A-2. As a result, it behaves virtually as a dipole antenna, and the radiation efficiency of the antenna (i.e., antenna 11E and the entire image antenna) can be increased. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 connected to ground is located in the second area 11A-2 where the antenna 11E is not located. This allows the longitudinal dimension (horizontal dimension in Figures 2(A) and 2(B)) of the ground area (i.e., the area at ground potential) to be increased. As a result, the ratio of the area contributing to mirror image generation to the total area of ​​the circuit board 11A can be increased, thereby maximizing the radiation efficiency even with a small-sized circuit board 11A.

[0034] 1 to 3, the living body attachment device 12 seals the electronic device 11. That is, the electronic device 11 is embedded in the living body attachment device 12. In another example, the living body attachment device 12 may fix the electronic device 11 instead of sealing it.

[0035] It is desirable that biological monitoring device 1 be as small as possible and have a shape that does not cause discomfort when worn, so as not to impair the wearing comfort of the wearer of biological monitoring device 1. When attached to a location other than the fitting surface of the crown of the tooth (such as the side of the crown of the tooth) so as not to adversely affect the occlusion (bite), if circuit board 11A is long in the height direction of the tooth, the teeth, gums, or other body tissues may come into contact with or interfere with biological monitoring device 1 during fitting, adversely affecting the fit and impairing the wearing comfort. On the other hand, in the direction parallel to the occlusal plane (along the tooth row), the length of the circuit board 11A is permissible to a certain extent. If it is for two or three teeth, there is no particular discomfort, and even if it is longer, if the circuit board 11A is made flexible, it can be prevented from adversely affecting the occlusal function. The circuit board 11A referred to here may be a rigid board made of FR (Flame Retardant)-4 or the like, a flexible board made of polyimide or the like, or a rigid-flexible board that is a combination of these.

[0036] 1 to 3, the living body mounted appliance 12 is an intraoral appliance. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the living body monitoring device 1 is placed in the oral cavity by the living body mounted appliance 12 (intraoral appliance) so that the longitudinal direction of the circuit board 11A (the left-right direction in Figs. 2(A) and 2(B)) is aligned with the dentition. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, when the living body monitoring device 1 is placed in the oral cavity, the antenna 11E is located on the lip side of the entire living body monitoring device 1 in the oral cavity (the lower right side in Fig. 1). In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the living body attached appliance 12 (intraoral appliance) is a mouthpiece-type orthodontic appliance that is attached to the crown of one or more teeth and covers part of the gums of the one or more teeth. In other examples, the biocompatible appliance 12 (intraoral appliance) may be an orthodontic appliance, a denture, or an implant.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the biological monitoring device 1 and an external device 2 that performs wireless communication with the biological monitoring device 1. In the example shown in Fig. 5, a biological monitoring device 1 placed in the oral cavity of the wearer communicates wirelessly with an external device 2 placed outside the oral cavity of the wearer. The "wireless communication unit," "CPU (Central Processing Unit)," "RTC (Real-Time Clock)," "RAM (Random Access Memory)," and "ROM (Read Only Memory)" of the biological monitoring device 1 shown in Fig. 5 correspond to the control unit 11C shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The external device 2 includes an antenna 21, a wireless communication unit 22, and a CPU 23. Biometric information of the wearer of biological monitoring device 1 detected by sensor 11B of biological monitoring device 1 is converted into a high-frequency signal indicating the wearer's biological information via the CPU and wireless communication unit. Antenna 11E of biological monitoring device 1 transmits radio waves indicating the wearer's biological information, and antenna 21 of external device 2 receives the radio waves transmitted from antenna 11E of biological monitoring device 1. Wireless communication unit 22 and CPU 23 of external device 2 demodulate the biological information of the wearer of biological monitoring device 1 contained in the radio waves received by antenna 21. Known wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, and LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) can be used as the wireless communication method between biological monitoring device 1 and external device 2. When communication is performed from antenna 11E of biological monitoring device 1 placed inside the oral cavity of the wearer of biological monitoring device 1 to external device 2 placed outside the oral cavity of the wearer, most of the radio waves radiated from antenna 11E are absorbed by body tissues near antenna 11E or on the propagation path. Therefore, in order for biological monitoring device 1 to efficiently radiate radio waves outside the oral cavity of the wearer, it is important to appropriately position antenna 11E and other components and ensure sufficient directionality.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation direction of radio waves from antenna 11E of biological monitoring device 1 attached to the oral cavity of a wearer. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the radiation pattern of antenna 11E of biological monitoring device 1. 6 and 7, when biological monitoring device 1 is placed in the oral cavity of the wearer, antenna 11E is located on the lip side of the entire biological monitoring device 1 in the oral cavity (the lower right side of FIG. 6), and the main lobe of the radiation pattern of antenna 11E is directed outside the oral cavity via the lips. In other words, the main lobe of the radiation pattern of antenna 11E shown in FIG. 7 is located on the arrow indicating the "radiation direction" in FIG. 6. When communicating with an external device 2 outside the oral cavity, this arrangement shortens the propagation path, reducing the degree of radio waves absorbed by the human body and suppressing radio wave attenuation. Furthermore, radio wave absorption by body tissues is also suppressed, reducing the possibility of health damage. Furthermore, most of the power supplied to the antenna 11E can be contributed to the emission of radio waves. The radiation direction of the main lobe is affected by the installation direction of antenna 11E, the components mounted on circuit board 11A, and the shape and arrangement of other components of biological monitoring device 1. Therefore, it is desirable to design it so that the main lobe is directed outside the oral cavity by adjusting these factors.

[0039] For devices that can be inserted into and removed from the oral cavity at any time, the maximum propagation distance when placed inside the oral cavity is generally the same as when placed outside the oral cavity. For example, if a device communicates with an external device such as a smartphone, the distance from the device placed inside the user's oral cavity to the external device is generally not significantly different from the distance from the device removed outside the oral cavity (assuming that the device is placed near the user after removal). Therefore, by taking into account the propagation loss when transmitting radio waves from inside the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity (approximately -8 dB = 0.15) and setting the ratio of the radiated radio wave intensity when placed outside the oral cavity to the radiated radio wave intensity when placed inside the oral cavity in the range of 0.1 to 0.2, the radio wave radiation characteristics can be made equivalent regardless of whether the device is placed inside or outside the oral cavity. For this reason, it is desirable to design the antenna with emphasis on the radio wave strength when placed inside the oral cavity, for example, by matching the antenna in an environment that simulates the oral cavity and designing it so that matching is achieved inside the oral cavity, i.e., the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is low inside the oral cavity. Although this reduces the maximum propagation distance outside the oral cavity, it increases the maximum propagation distance of radio waves sent from inside the oral cavity, improving the overall maximum propagation distance (i.e., the maximum propagation distance when used both inside and outside the oral cavity).

[0040] In view of the above, in the examples shown in Figures 1 to 7, sensor 11B detects information indicating whether biological monitoring device 1 is placed inside the wearer's oral cavity or whether biological monitoring device 1 is placed outside the wearer's oral cavity (for example, biological monitoring device 1 detects the wearer's pulse wave, temperature, etc.). Controller 11C differentiates a first radiated radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves radiated from antenna 11E when sensor 11B detects that biological monitoring device 1 is placed inside the wearer's oral cavity, from a second radiated radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves radiated from antenna 11E when sensor 11B detects that biological monitoring device 1 is placed outside the oral cavity. Specifically, controller 11C sets the ratio of the second radiated radio wave intensity to the first radiated radio wave intensity to be between 0.1 and 0.2. In other words, controller 11C makes the radio waves radiated from antenna 11E when biological monitoring device 1 is placed inside the wearer's oral cavity stronger than the radio waves radiated from antenna 11E when biological monitoring device 1 is placed outside the wearer's oral cavity. As a result, the strength of the radio waves received by the antenna 21 of the external device 2 when the biological monitoring device 1 is placed inside the wearer's oral cavity can be made approximately equal to the strength of the radio waves received by the antenna 21 of the external device 2 when the biological monitoring device 1 is placed outside the wearer's oral cavity.

[0041] 1 to 7, the biological monitoring device 1 is equipped with a sensor 11B, but in other examples, the biological monitoring device 1 does not have to be equipped with a sensor 11B. In this example, the biological monitoring device 1 functions as a relay device that relays biological information.

[0042] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0043] As described above, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment, the sensor 11B has the function of detecting biological information of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1. In the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment, the sensor 11B has a function of detecting biological information of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1, and also a function of detecting whether the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1 are open or closed. Furthermore, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment, the control unit 11C switches the communication state depending on the open / closed state of the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1, detected by the sensor 11B. This is because, when communication is performed from inside the oral cavity to outside the oral cavity, when the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are open, the propagation loss to the external device 2 is small, but when the lips are closed, the propagation loss is large due to significant radio wave absorption by body tissues. The communication state here refers to the communication interval, the power supplied to antenna 11E, and the amount of information. That is, when the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are open, which results in a high S / N ratio and low loss, communication is performed at short intervals, with low power consumption, and with a large amount of information, and when the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are closed, which results in a low S / N ratio and high loss, communication is performed at long intervals, with high power consumption, and with a small amount of information. With this configuration, communication when the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are closed, which requires a large amount of power to be supplied to the antenna 11E, can be suppressed, and communication with low power consumption can be mainly performed when the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are open. The sensor 11B for detecting the opening and closing state of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1 may be, for example, a light sensor (which detects light when the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1 are open), a heat sensor (which detects air inflow when the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1 are open), a pressure sensor (which detects weakening of dental contact when the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1 are open), an acceleration sensor (which detects the acceleration of the opening and closing movement of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1), a gyro sensor (which detects the tilt of the jaw due to the opening and closing movement of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1), etc., or a combination of these may be used.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment. 8, in step S10, for example, control unit 11C determines whether the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are open based on the open / closed state of the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 detected by sensor 11B. If the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are open, the process proceeds to step S11, and if the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are not open, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0045] In step S11, for example, the control unit 11C sets the communication conditions of the biological monitoring device 1 to first communication conditions, which are communication conditions for a high S / N propagation path. Specifically, for example, the control unit 11C increases the communication frequency of the biological monitoring device 1, decreases the transmission power of the biological monitoring device 1, and increases the amount of information transmitted and received by the biological monitoring device 1. Next, in step S12, control unit 11C performs communication under the first communication condition (that is, antenna 11E transmits radio waves under the first communication condition).

[0046] In step S13, for example, the control unit 11C sets the communication conditions of the biological monitoring device 1 to second communication conditions, which are communication conditions for a low S / N propagation path. Specifically, for example, the control unit 11C reduces the communication frequency of the biological monitoring device 1, increases the transmission power of the biological monitoring device 1, and reduces the amount of information transmitted and received by the biological monitoring device 1. Next, in step S14, control unit 11C performs communication under the second communication condition (that is, antenna 11E transmits radio waves under the second communication condition).

[0047] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the third embodiment is configured similarly to the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0048] As described above, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the second embodiment, when the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are not open (closed), the control unit 11C communicates under the second communication conditions (i.e., the antenna 11E transmits radio waves under the second communication conditions). In the living body monitoring device 1 of the third embodiment, the control unit 11C does not communicate with the external device 2 when the lips of the person wearing the living body monitoring device 1 are not in an open state (when they are in a closed state). Furthermore, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the third embodiment, when the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are in an open state (i.e., when the sensor 11B detects that the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are in an open state), the control unit 11C emits radio waves from the antenna 11E. For example, by advertising Bluetooth Low Energy when the lips of the person wearing the biological monitoring device 1 are open, it is possible to transmit a small amount of information to the external device 2 one-off. In cases where the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are kept closed for a long period of time, a large amount of power may be supplied to antenna 11E to transmit information to external device 2, and communication may be performed as necessary.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the biological monitoring device 1 of the third embodiment. 9, in step S20, for example, control unit 11C determines whether the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are open based on the open / closed state of the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 detected by sensor 11B. If the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are open, the process proceeds to step S21, and if the lips of the person wearing biological monitoring device 1 are not open, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0050] In step S21, control unit 11C communicates with external device 2 (that is, biological monitoring device 1 transmits biological information of the wearer of biological monitoring device 1 detected by sensor 11B to external device 2). On the other hand, in step S22, control unit 11C does not communicate with external device 2 (that is, biological monitoring device 1 does not transmit biological information of the wearer of biological monitoring device 1 detected by sensor 11B to external device 2).

[0051] <Fourth embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the fourth embodiment is configured similarly to the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment is used by being placed in the oral cavity of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1, between the back teeth and cheek muscles of the wearer. On the other hand, the biological monitoring device 1 of the fourth embodiment is used by being placed on the palate side (the position behind the wearer's upper front teeth) of the oral cavity of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1. This reduces the risk that the radio waves emitted from the antenna 11E of the biological monitoring device 1 will be absorbed by the cheek flesh of the wearer, and allows the radio waves to be efficiently transmitted from the antenna 11E of the biological monitoring device 1 to the outside of the oral cavity. In particular, when the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1 are open, a path is established from the biological monitoring device 1 placed on the palate side to the outside of the oral cavity, significantly reducing radio wave loss. In another example, the biological monitoring device 1 may be used by being placed in the oral cavity of the wearer of the biological monitoring device 1, between the wearer's molars and tongue.

[0053] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment is configured similarly to the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device 11 that constitutes a part of the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment. In detail, Fig. 10(A) is a plan view of the electronic device 11, and Fig. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 10(A). Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mirror image of antenna 11E of electronic device 11 formed in electronic device 11 of the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the electronic device 11 has a circuit board 11A, which is a six-layer board including a copper foil pattern layer 11A1 (see FIG. 10(B)). In another example, the circuit board 11A may have a number of layers different from six.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 10(B), the circuit board 11A includes one copper foil pattern layer 11A1, but in other examples, the circuit board 11A may include a plurality of copper foil pattern layers.

[0056] In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a sensor 11B, a control unit 11C, a battery 11D, and an antenna 11E are mounted on a circuit board 11A. Antenna 11E is disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction of circuit board 11A (the right end in FIG. 10(A)), and is a monopole antenna. The circuit board 11A includes a first region 11A-1 where the antenna 11E is located, and a second region 11A-2 other than the first region 11A-1. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10(B), the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 located in the second region 11A-2 is connected to ground. In another example, multiple copper foil patterns may be arranged in the second region 11A-2, and one or more copper foil pattern layers of the multiple copper foil patterns arranged in the second region 11A-2 may be connected to ground.

[0057] In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is configured by combining a wiring antenna (metal wiring) (see FIG. 10(A)) formed on the circuit board 11A with a chip antenna containing a high-dielectric-constant material (high dielectric). Specifically, the chip antenna of the monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is connected to the control unit 11C via the wiring antenna (metal wiring) and a power supply line. As described above, the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 disposed in the second region 11A-2 is connected to the ground. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, a mirror image of the monopole antenna (wiring antenna and chip antenna) is formed in the second region 11A-2. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the antenna can be increased. 10(A) and 10(B), the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 connected to the ground is disposed in the second region 11A-2 where the antenna 11E is not disposed. This allows the longitudinal dimension (the horizontal dimension in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B)) of the ground region (i.e., the region at ground potential) to be increased. As a result, the ratio of the area contributing to mirror image generation to the total area of ​​the circuit board 11A can be increased, thereby maximizing the radiation efficiency even with a small-sized circuit board 11A.

[0058] Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the sixth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the sixth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0059] As described above, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment, the monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is constructed by combining a wiring antenna (metal wiring) formed on the circuit board 11A (see Figure 10(A)) and a chip antenna containing a high-dielectric-constant material (high dielectric). On the other hand, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the sixth embodiment, the monopole antenna (antenna 11E) does not have a wiring antenna (metal wiring), but is a chip antenna containing a high-dielectric-constant material (high dielectric). In the biological monitoring device 1 of the sixth embodiment, as in the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment, the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 arranged in the second region 11A-2 is connected to ground, so that a mirror image of the monopole antenna (chip antenna) is formed in the second region 11A-2, thereby increasing the radiation efficiency of the antenna. Furthermore, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the sixth embodiment, as in the biological monitoring device 1 of the fifth embodiment, the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 connected to ground is arranged in the second area 11A-2 where the antenna 11E is not arranged. This allows the longitudinal dimension of the ground area (i.e., the area at ground potential) to be increased. As a result, the ratio of the area contributing to mirror image generation to the entire area of ​​the circuit board 11A can be increased, and the radiation efficiency can be maximized even with a small-sized circuit board 11A.

[0060] Seventh Embodiment A seventh embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the seventh embodiment is configured similarly to the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the seventh embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mirror image of antenna 11E of electronic device 11 formed on electronic device 11 of living body monitoring device 1 of the seventh embodiment. In the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a mirror image (shown as "image antenna" in FIG. 3) of a linear monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is formed in the second region 11A-2. On the other hand, in the biological monitoring device 1 of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a mirror image of a meander structure monopole antenna (antenna 11E) is formed in the second area 11A-2.

[0062] Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the eighth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the eighth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0063] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device 11 that constitutes a part of the biological monitoring device 1 of the eighth embodiment. In detail, Fig. 13(A) is a plan view of the electronic device 11 of the biological monitoring device 1 of the eighth embodiment, and Fig. 13(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 13(A). In the example shown in Fig. 13, the electronic device 11 has a circuit board 11A. The circuit board 11A is a six-layer board including a copper foil pattern layer 11A1 (see Fig. 13(B)). In another example, the circuit board 11A may have a number of layers different from six.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 13(B), the circuit board 11A has a copper foil pattern layer 11A1 in the middle layer (the third layer from the top in FIG. 13(B)). The circuit board 11A has a first region 11A-1 where the antenna 11E is arranged, and a second region 11A-2 where the antenna 11E is arranged. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13(B), the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 arranged in the second region 11A-2 (the copper foil pattern layer 11A1 that is the third layer from the top in Fig. 13(B)) is connected to the ground.

[0065] Ninth Embodiment A ninth embodiment of the biological monitoring device of the present invention will now be described. Except for the points described below, the biological monitoring device 1 of the ninth embodiment is configured similarly to the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the biological monitoring device 1 of the ninth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the biological monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the points described below.

[0066] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device 11 that constitutes a part of the biological monitoring device 1 of the ninth embodiment. In detail, Figure 14(A) is a plan view of the electronic device 11 of the biological monitoring device 1 of the ninth embodiment, and Figure 14(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 14(A). In the example shown in Fig. 14, electronic device 11 has a circuit board 11A. Circuit board 11A has a copper foil pattern layer 11A1. Copper foil pattern layer 11A1 is connected to ground. Circuit board 11A is equipped with a sensor 11B, a control unit 11C, a battery 11D, an antenna 11E, and a metal cover 11F. Metal cover 11F covers a portion of circuit board 11A and is connected to ground.

[0067] <Modification> In the biological monitoring devices 1 of the first to ninth embodiments described above, the antenna 11E is a monopole antenna, but in modified versions of the above embodiments, the antenna may be formed as a copper foil pattern on the circuit board 11A (printed circuit board). When formed as a copper foil pattern, it may be an inverted-L antenna or an inverted-F antenna. In either case, the direction in which the mirror image is formed must be the longitudinal direction of the circuit board 11A. Furthermore, a composite antenna of a copper foil pattern and a chip antenna may also be used.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-described embodiments and examples may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1...biometric monitoring device, 11...electronic device, 11A...circuit board, 11A-1...first region, 11A-2...second region, 11A1...copper foil pattern layer, 11B...sensor, 11C...controller, 11D...battery, 11E...antenna, 11F...metal cover, 12...biometric attachment, 2...external device, 21...antenna, 22...wireless communication unit, 23...CPU

Claims

1. A biological monitoring device comprising an electronic device having a circuit board and a living body attachment device which is an intraoral device for fixing or sealing the electronic device, The circuit board is equipped with a control unit, a battery, an antenna, and a sensor, The circuit board includes: It has a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, One or more copper foil pattern layers are provided, the antenna is disposed at one end of the circuit board in a longitudinal direction, The biological monitoring device is placed in the oral cavity so that the longitudinal direction of the circuit board is aligned with the dentition, and a main lobe of the radiation pattern of the antenna is directed outside the oral cavity through the lips. Biometric monitoring devices.

2. The oral appliance is an orthodontic appliance, a denture, or an implant. The biological monitoring device according to claim 1 .

3. The oral appliance is a mouthpiece-type orthodontic device that is attached to the crown of one or more teeth and covers a part of the gums of the one or more teeth. The biological monitoring device according to claim 1 .

4. the antenna is a monopole antenna, the circuit board includes a first region in which the antenna is disposed and a second region other than the first region, At least one of the one or more copper foil pattern layers arranged in the second region is connected to ground. The biological monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The monopole antenna is a wiring antenna formed on the circuit board. The biological monitoring device according to claim 4.

6. The monopole antenna is a chip antenna including a high dielectric constant material. The biological monitoring device according to claim 4.

7. the monopole antenna is configured by combining a wiring antenna formed on the circuit board and a chip antenna containing a high dielectric constant material; The biological monitoring device according to claim 4.

8. The battery is disposed on the opposite side of the antenna across the control unit. The biological monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the circuit board has a long side and a short side; The ratio of the long side to the short side is 2 or more. The biological monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The short side is 15 mm or less. The biological monitoring device according to claim 9.

11. The long side is 30 mm or less. The biological monitoring device according to claim 10.

12. the ratio of the long side to the short side is 3.5 or more and 7 or less; The biological monitoring device of claim 11.

13. the control unit differentiates a first radiated radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna when the biological monitoring device is placed inside the oral cavity, from a second radiated radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the antenna when the biological monitoring device is placed outside the oral cavity; a ratio of the second radiated radio wave intensity to the first radiated radio wave intensity is 0.1 or more and 0.2 or less; The biological monitoring device according to claim 1 .

14. When the biological monitoring device is placed in the oral cavity, the antenna is located on the lip side in the oral cavity. The biological monitoring device according to claim 1 or 13.

15. The biological monitoring device is placed on the palatal side of the oral cavity when in use. The biological monitoring device according to claim 1 .

16. A biological monitoring device comprising an electronic device having a circuit board and a biological attachment device that is an intraoral device that fixes or seals the electronic device, The circuit board is equipped with a control unit, a battery, an antenna, and a sensor, The circuit board includes: It has a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, One or more copper foil pattern layers are provided, the antenna is disposed at one end of the circuit board in a longitudinal direction, the sensor detects whether the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device are open or closed; the control unit switches a communication state depending on the open / closed state of the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device detected by the sensor. Biometric monitoring devices.

17. A biological monitoring device comprising an electronic device having a circuit board and a biological attachment device that is an intraoral device that fixes or seals the electronic device, The circuit board is equipped with a control unit, a battery, an antenna, and a sensor, The circuit board includes: It has a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, One or more copper foil pattern layers are provided, the antenna is disposed at one end of the circuit board in a longitudinal direction, the sensor detects whether the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device are open or closed; the control unit radiates radio waves from the antenna when the sensor detects that the lips of the wearer of the biological monitoring device are open. Biometric monitoring devices.

Images