Detection device

Abstract

To provide a detecting device capable of simultaneously detecting a perspiration state of a driver and heart rate of the driver.SOLUTION: A detecting device 1 includes: a first electrode 11 arranged on a steering wheel 10; a second electrode 12 arranged on a steering wheel 10 so that it is not electrically connected to the first electrode 11; a third electrode 13 arranged on the steering wheel 10 away from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12; a perspiration detecting circuit 30 to which a signal outputted by the first electrode 11 or a signal outputted by the second electrode 12 are at least inputted; a heartbeat detection circuit 40 to which the signal outputted by the first electrode 11 and a signal outputted by the third electrode 13 are inputted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensing device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a prior art, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrocardiogram detection device for a vehicle that is mounted on a vehicle and detects the electrocardiogram waveform of an occupant. The electrocardiogram detection device for a vehicle includes a first electrode provided in a lower layer of a covering material that covers the surface of the steering wheel, a second electrode provided in a lower layer between the covering material of the steering wheel and an insulating material having a predetermined thickness, a first detection unit that detects a differential voltage between the first electrode unit and a ground region, a second detection unit that detects a differential voltage between the second electrode unit and the ground region, and a signal processing unit that generates an electrocardiogram signal based on the differential voltage detected by the first detection unit and the differential voltage detected by the second detection unit.

[0003] Furthermore, as prior art, Patent Document 2 discloses a sweat detection device that detects sweat from a living body, for example, sweat from a vehicle occupant. The sweat detection device detects sweat from a living body using a detection circuit including a first electrode and a second electrode whose main surfaces are insulated and an inductive element, and includes a resistance variable member that changes its resistance value according to the amount of absorbed liquid, a resonance resistance measurement unit that measures the resonance resistance value of the detection circuit, and a sweat determination unit that determines the amount of sweat based on the resonance resistance value measured by the resonance resistance measurement unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-153721 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-44129 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when using a steering wheel to measure the amount of sweating as in Patent Document 1 and to measure the heart rate based on the cardiac potential as in Patent Document 2, the electrodes for measuring the amount of sweating and the electrodes for measuring the heart rate are placed in different locations, which poses a problem in that the amount of sweating and the heart rate cannot be measured simultaneously.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection device that can simultaneously detect the driver's sweating state and the driver's heart rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first electrode disposed on a steering wheel, a second electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode, a third electrode disposed on the steering wheel at a distance from the first electrode and the second electrode, a sweat detection circuit to which at least a signal output from the first electrode or a signal output from the second electrode is input, and a heart rate detection circuit to which the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode are input. a fourth electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode being arranged on the other side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel; a signal source applying an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode; a signal output from the first electrode and a signal output from the third electrode being input to the sweat detection circuit and the heart rate detection circuit; when the signal source applies an AC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first high-pass filter and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a low-pass filter; and the third electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second high-pass filter and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the low-pass filter. do. Furthermore, a detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first electrode arranged on a steering wheel, a second electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode, a third electrode arranged on the steering wheel at a distance from the first electrode and the second electrode, a sweat detection circuit to which at least a signal output by the first electrode or a signal output by the second electrode is input, and a heart rate detection circuit to which the signal output by the first electrode and a signal output by the third electrode are input, and further includes a fourth electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, The third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged on the other side of the steering wheel along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel, and a signal source is provided that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, the signal output by the first electrode and the signal output by the third electrode are input to the sweat detection circuit and the heart rate detection circuit, and when the signal source applies a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first low pass filter and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a high pass filter, and the third electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second low pass filter and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the high pass filter. A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first electrode arranged on a steering wheel, a second electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode, a third electrode arranged on the steering wheel at a distance from the first electrode and the second electrode, a sweat detection circuit to which at least a signal output by the first electrode or a signal output by the second electrode is input, and a heart rate detection circuit to which the signal output by the first electrode and a signal output by the third electrode are input, and a fourth electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode being arranged on the steering wheel. a signal source disposed on the other side of the steering wheel along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel and applying an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, wherein a signal output from the second electrode and a signal output from the fourth electrode are input to the sweat detection circuit, and a signal output from the first electrode and a signal output from the third electrode are input to the heartbeat detection circuit, and when the signal source applies an AC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via a low-pass filter, the second electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first high-pass filter, the third electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via the low-pass filter, and the fourth electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second high-pass filter. A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first electrode arranged on a steering wheel, a second electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode, a third electrode arranged on the steering wheel at a distance from the first electrode and the second electrode, a sweat detection circuit to which at least a signal output by the first electrode or a signal output by the second electrode is input, and a heart rate detection circuit to which the signal output by the first electrode and a signal output by the third electrode are input, and a fourth electrode arranged on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode being arranged on the steering wheel. a signal source disposed on the other side of the steering wheel along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel and applying an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, wherein a signal output from the second electrode and a signal output from the fourth electrode are input to the sweat detection circuit, and a signal output from the first electrode and a signal output from the third electrode are input to the heartbeat detection circuit, and when the signal source applies a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via a high-pass filter, the second electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first low-pass filter, the third electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via the high-pass filter, and the fourth electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second low-pass filter.

[0008] It should be noted that the general or specific aspects may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, or the like. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The detection device of the present disclosure can simultaneously detect the driver's sweating state and the driver's heart rate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle interior in which a detection device according to the first embodiment is installed. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing another detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the shapes of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode of the detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plot of the amount of change in biomarkers for each stress factor. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a block diagram showing a detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a block diagram showing another detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detection device according to another modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another detection device according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "T-shaped" are used. For example, "T-shaped" does not only mean that it is a perfect T-shape, but also means that it is substantially a T-shape, that is, that it includes an error of about a few percent. Furthermore, "T-shaped" means a T-shape within the scope in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape."

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration and Function> [Detection device 1] First, the configuration and function of the detection device provided in the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle interior equipped with a detection device 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the detection device 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing another detection device 1b according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the shapes of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 of the detection device 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram plotting the amount of change in biomarkers for each stress factor.

[0017] 1, the vehicle includes a steering wheel 10, a speaker, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a detection device 1. The speaker and the display device are configured as, for example, an attention-calling device.

[0018] The steering wheel 10 applies a steering angle to the steered wheels of a vehicle. The steering wheel 10 has a rim, T-shaped spokes formed integrally with the inner circumferential surface of the rim, and a horn switch cover that covers a horn switch (not shown) located in the center of the spoke.

[0019] The rim is the grip part that the driver holds in their hand and is ring-shaped. A steering cover is wrapped around the rim.

[0020] The detection device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and detects the sweating state of the driver's hands on the surface of the steering wheel cover, i.e., the steering wheel 10 (presence or absence of sweating, amount of sweating, etc.), and detects the driver's heart rate, which is biometric information. The sweating state of the hands is detected based on a sweat detection signal indicated by signals output by the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. The heart rate is detected based on the potential difference between two signals (heart rate detection signals) output by the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, respectively.

[0021] The detection device 1 includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, a third electrode 13, and a fourth electrode 14, a signal source 60, a first high-pass filter 31 and a second high-pass filter 32, a sweat detection circuit 30, a low-pass filter 41, a heart rate detection circuit 40, and an information processing device 50.

[0022] [First electrode 11, second electrode 12, third electrode 13, and fourth electrode 14] The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are provided inside a steering cover disposed on the steering wheel 10 and are sensor electrodes that detect the sweating state and heart rate of the driver's hands that are in contact with the steering wheel 10. The first electrode 11 is disposed on one side of the steering wheel 10, on the outer periphery of the steering wheel 10, along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10. The second electrode 12 is disposed at a location on the steering wheel 10 different from the first electrode 11, and is disposed on one side of the steering wheel 10, on the inner periphery of the steering wheel 10, along the circumferential direction of the first electrode 11, i.e., the steering wheel 10. In other words, the second electrode 12 is disposed on the steering wheel 10 so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode 11. The first electrode 11 may be disposed on the side of the steering wheel 10 facing the vehicle's traveling direction, and the second electrode 12 may be disposed on the driver's side of the steering wheel 10. The first electrode 11 may be disposed on the driver's side of the first electrode 11, or on the side of the second electrode 12 facing the vehicle's traveling direction.

[0023] For example, when viewed from the perspective of facing the steering wheel 10, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are arranged on the right side, but may also be arranged on the left side.

[0024] The third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are provided inside a steering cover disposed on the steering wheel 10 and are sensor electrodes that detect the sweating state and heart rate of the driver's hands that are in contact with the steering wheel 10. The third electrode 13 is disposed on the other side of the steering wheel 10 and on the outer circumferential side of the steering wheel 10, along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10. The fourth electrode 14 is disposed at a location on the steering wheel 10 different from the third electrode 13, and is disposed on the other side of the steering wheel 10, on the inner circumferential side of the steering wheel 10, along the third electrode 13, i.e., the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10. In other words, the fourth electrode 14 is disposed on the steering wheel 10 so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode 13. The third electrode 13 may be disposed on the side of the steering wheel 10 facing in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the fourth electrode 14 may be disposed on the driver's side of the steering wheel 10. The third electrode 13 may be disposed on the driver's side of the third electrode 13, or on the side of the fourth electrode 14 facing in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0025] For example, when looking at the steering wheel 10 with the steering cover wrapped around the rim, the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are located on the left side, but they may also be located on the right side. Also, the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are located away from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so as not to be electrically connected.

[0026] Here, contact does not only mean that the driver's hand is in direct contact with the steering cover, but also includes indirect contact via an object and a state in which the driver's hand is separated from the steering cover, as long as the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are capable of detecting the human hand.

[0027] Each of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 is a planar solid electrode made of a conductor or resistor, and is a long, plate-like or sheet-like conductive electrode made of a thin metal plate. By making the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 solid electrodes, the area facing the driver's hand can be maximized, thereby increasing the sensitivity of detecting both the sweating state of the driver's hand and the heart rate. Each of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 is not limited to being a solid electrode. For example, each of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 may be an electrode using conductive thread, or a mesh-like electrode in which conductive thread or fiber is arranged in a plane.

[0028] The first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are electrically connected to the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 via wirings 21 and 22. The wiring 22 is electrically connected to the wiring 21 and branches off midway along the wiring 21.

[0029] The first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via a first high-pass filter 31, and is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via a low-pass filter 41. The third electrode 13 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via a second high-pass filter 32, and is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the low-pass filter 41. When the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 detect contact of the driver's hand with the steering wheel cover, the signals (perspiration detection signals) output by the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are input to the first high-pass filter 31, and the signal (perspiration detection signal) output by the third electrode 13 is input to the second high-pass filter 32, after which the perspiration detection signal is input to the perspiration detection circuit 30, and the signals (heartbeat detection signals) output by the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are input to the low-pass filter 41, after which the heartbeat detection signal is input to the heartbeat detection circuit 40. In other words, when the driver's hand touches the steering cover, the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 output a signal, thereby inputting substantially the same signal simultaneously to the first high-pass filter 31, the second high-pass filter 32 and the low-pass filter 41.

[0030] The surfaces of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 are covered with a surface layer (not shown). The surface layer is the part that the driver's hand touches and forms the surface of the steering cover. In other words, the surface layer is the part that comes into direct contact with the user's hand when the driver grips the rim. The surface layer is made of leather, wood, resin, or the like.

[0031] The first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 each have a comb-tooth, meander, triangular wave, or spiral shape, for example. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, when these electrodes are comb-tooth, meander, triangular wave, or spiral, when the steering wheel 10 is viewed from the side, these electrodes extend in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10, so that the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are intertwined or meshed with each other. Therefore, when a driver grips the steering wheel 10 with his or her hands, even if the driver's hands move in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10, the detection area (contact area) of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 with respect to the hands and the detection area of ​​the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 with respect to the hands do not change significantly. This ensures accuracy in detecting the sweating state of the driver's hands.

[0032] The back surfaces of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 are covered with a substrate (not shown). The substrate is a nonwoven fabric formed into a long sheet from a material having elasticity, flexibility, and ductility. For example, the substrate is made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0033] In addition, in this embodiment, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are arranged on the right side of the steering wheel 10, and the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are arranged on the left side, but the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14 may be integrated into one electrode. In other words, the steering wheel 10 only needs to use three or more electrodes.

[0034] [Signal source 60] The signal source 60 is electrically connected to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14, and applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14. In the present embodiment, FIG. 2A illustrates a case where the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14.

[0035] 2B , in the detection device 1b, a first low-pass filter 31a and a second low-pass filter 32a may be used instead of the first high-pass filter and the second high-pass filter. A high-pass filter 41a may be used instead of the low-pass filter 41. Specifically, in the case where the signal source 60 applies a DC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14, the first electrode 11 may be electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the first low-pass filter 31a and to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a. The third electrode 13 may be electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the second low-pass filter 32a and to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a. In this case, the first low-pass filter 31a and the second low-pass filter 32a may input a perspiration detection signal having a first predetermined frequency or less to the perspiration detection circuit 30. Here, the first predetermined frequency may be, for example, approximately 0 (Hz). Also, the high-pass filter 41a may input a heartbeat detection signal having a second predetermined frequency or more to the heartbeat detection circuit 40. Here, the second predetermined frequency may be, for example, approximately 5 (Hz). Note that the numerical values ​​of the first predetermined frequency and the second predetermined frequency are merely examples and are not limited to this embodiment. Note that the first low-pass filter 31a, the second low-pass filter 32a, and the high-pass filter 41a may be realized using band-pass filters.

[0036] [First high-pass filter 31 and second high-pass filter 32] The first high-pass filter 31 is disposed on the wirings 21 and 22 (on the wiring 22 in this embodiment) that electrically connect the first electrode 11 and the perspiration detection circuit 30, and the second high-pass filter 32 is a filter separate from the first high-pass filter 31, and is disposed on the wirings 21 and 22 (on the separate wiring 22 in this embodiment) that electrically connect the second electrode 12 and the perspiration detection circuit 30. The first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 are each electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the wiring 22.

[0037] The first high-pass filter 31 is a filter device that extracts a detection signal of a predetermined frequency or higher by removing low-frequency components from the perspiration detection signal of the first electrode 11. The second high-pass filter 32 is a filter device that extracts a detection signal of a predetermined frequency or higher by removing low-frequency components from the perspiration detection signal of the second electrode 12. Each of the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 inputs a detection signal of a predetermined frequency or higher to the perspiration detection circuit 30. Here, the predetermined frequency is, for example, about 1 kHz or higher.

[0038] The first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 may be realized using band-pass filters.

[0039] [Sweat detection circuit 30] The perspiration detection circuit 30 is a perspiration detector that can detect the perspiration state of the driver's hands that are in contact with the steering wheel 10. The perspiration detection circuit 30 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11, the third electrode 13, etc. Specifically, the perspiration detection circuit 30 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 via a first high-pass filter 31 and to the third electrode 13 via a second high-pass filter 32. The perspiration detection circuit 30 receives two perspiration detection signals output by the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32. That is, the perspiration detection circuit 30 receives the signal output by the first electrode 11 and the signal output by the third electrode 13. Note that the perspiration detection circuit 30 may receive only the signal output by the first electrode 11 or the signal output by the third electrode 13, or may receive the perspiration detection signal output by at least the second electrode 12, or may receive the perspiration detection signal output by at least the fourth electrode 14.

[0040] The perspiration detection circuit 30 also has an A / D converter 33. In this embodiment, the perspiration detection circuit 30 has a plurality of A / D converters 33. The plurality of A / D converters 33 are electrically connected to the output sides of the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0041] The perspiration detection circuit 30 detects the perspiration state of the driver's hands that are in contact with the steering wheel 10 based on the perspiration detection signals detected and digitized by the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, respectively.

[0042] Specifically, the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14. In this embodiment, the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14. At this time, when the driver's hand touches the surface of the steering wheel 10, the resistance value between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 corresponding to the contact area and the resistance value between the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 change. Therefore, the sweat detection circuit 30 measures the change in the resistance value between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 and the change in the resistance value between the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 based on the voltage value of the AC voltage applied by the signal source 60 to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14. When the driver's hand approaches or touches the steering wheel 10, the driver's hand is interposed between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, connecting the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and the driver's hand is interposed between the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14, and therefore the respective resistance values ​​change. The perspiration detection circuit 30 can detect the perspiration state according to the change in this resistance value. The perspiration detection circuit 30 may also determine the perspiration state of the driver's hands according to the magnitude of the resistance value, and may determine that the driver's hands are perspiring when the detected resistance value is equal to or less than a specified value.

[0043] The perspiration detection circuit 30 outputs signals independently from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. Specifically, the perspiration detection circuit 30 independently outputs a result of detecting a perspiration state based on a perspiration detection signal input from the first electrode 11 via a first high-pass filter 31, and a result of detecting a perspiration state based on a perspiration detection signal input from the third electrode 13 via a second high-pass filter 32. The perspiration detection circuit 30 outputs signals indicating the detection results based on the perspiration detection signals output from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 to the information processing device 50.

[0044] In this embodiment, the perspiration detection circuit 30 may include a first high-pass filter 31 and a second high-pass filter 32. The perspiration detection signal may be input to the perspiration detection circuit 30 without passing through the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32. In other words, the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 are not essential components of the detection device 1.

[0045] [Low-pass filter 41] The low-pass filter 41 is disposed on the wiring 21 that electrically connects the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 to the heartbeat detection circuit 40. The low-pass filter 41 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, and is also electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40.

[0046] The low-pass filters 41 are filter devices that extract heartbeat detection signals of a predetermined frequency or less by removing high-frequency components from the heartbeat detection signals of the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. Each low-pass filter 41 inputs heartbeat detection signals of a predetermined frequency or less to the heartbeat detection circuit 40. Here, the predetermined frequency is, for example, approximately 100 (Hz).

[0047] The low-pass filter 41 may be realized by using a band-pass filter.

[0048] [Heartbeat detection circuit 40] The heartbeat detection circuit 40 is a heartbeat measuring device that detects the heartbeat of the driver based on the heartbeat detection signals output from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. The heartbeat detection circuit 40 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 via a low-pass filter 41. The two heartbeat detection signals output from the low-pass filter 41 are input to the heartbeat detection circuit 40. That is, the signal output from the first electrode 11 and the signal output from the third electrode 13 are input to the heartbeat detection circuit 40. That is, the signal output from the first electrode 11 and the signal output from the third electrode 13 are input to the sweat detection circuit 30 and the heartbeat detection circuit 40. Therefore, the sweat detection circuit 30 and the heartbeat detection circuit 40 can acquire the signal output from the first electrode 11 and the signal output from the third electrode 13 substantially simultaneously.

[0049] Specifically, the heartbeat detection circuit 40 includes an amplifier circuit 43 and an A / D converter 44.

[0050] The amplifier circuit 43 is electrically connected to the low-pass filter 41 and also electrically connected to the input side of the A / D converter 44. The amplifier circuit 43 is a differential amplifier that amplifies the difference between the two heartbeat detection signals input from the low-pass filter 41. Specifically, the amplifier circuit 43 generates a differential amplified signal (an example of an amplified signal) by amplifying the potential difference between the two electrodes output by the low-pass filter 41 with a differential gain. The amplifier circuit 43 inputs the generated differential amplified signal to the A / D converter 44.

[0051] The A / D converter 44 is electrically connected to the output side of the amplifier circuit 43 and to the input side of the information processing device 50. The A / D converter 44 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the input differentially amplified signal. By generating a digitized differentially amplified signal, the heartbeat detection circuit 40 can detect the driver's heart rate based on the differentially amplified signal. The heartbeat detection circuit 40 then inputs the differentially amplified signal digitized by the A / D converter 44 to the information processing device 50.

[0052] In this embodiment, the heartbeat detection circuit 40 includes the amplifier circuit 43 and the A / D converter 44, but may further include a low-pass filter 41.

[0053] [Information processing device 50] The information processing device 50 is a vehicle control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls each part of the vehicle, and is built into, for example, the driver's seat. The information processing device 50 estimates the stress state, which is the mental state of the driver, based on a sweat detection signal indicating the sweat state of the driver's hands obtained from the sweat detection circuit 30 and a heartbeat detection signal indicating the driver's heart rate obtained from the heartbeat detection circuit 40. The stress state includes a state of irritation and nervousness, impatience, concentration, tension, etc.

[0054] Specifically, the information processing device 50 estimates the driver's stress state from changes in bioindicators using heartbeat intervals (RR intervals: RRI) indicated in the heartbeat detection signal and fingertip skin conductance (SC) indicated in the sweat detection signal. As shown in FIG. 4, changes in the driver's bioindicators are calculated from the subject's biosignals measured while performing a task, with the subject's resting bioindicators used as reference. Here, the bioindicators include changes in the coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CvRR), the RRI, and the skin conductance. Tasks include stress related to people, stress related to pain, and stress related to fatigue caused by thinking. Therefore, the information processing device 50 can estimate the driver's stress state based on the causes of stress indicated by changes in the bioindicators. The information processing device 50 displays the estimated driver's stress state on a display device installed in the vehicle.

[0055] In this way, the information processing device 50 functions as a driver monitor by estimating the stress state, which is the mental state of the driver, based on the sweat detection signal indicating the detection result of the sweat detection circuit 30 and the heart rate detection signal indicating the detection result of the heart rate detection circuit 40, and displaying it on the display device.

[0056] [Operation] Next, the operation of the detection device 1 will be described.

[0057] This operation assumes that the driver is sitting in a seat in the vehicle cabin and gripping the steering wheel with both hands. In the detection device 1 of this embodiment, the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 input signals that detect the driver's hands touching the steering wheel 10 to the first high-pass filter 31, the second high-pass filter 32, and the low-pass filter 41. Specifically, the signals output from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are input as sweat detection signals to the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32, respectively, and are simultaneously input as a heartbeat detection signal to the low-pass filter 41.

[0058] First, the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 remove the low-frequency components of the perspiration detection signal input from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, respectively, and input a detection signal of a predetermined frequency or higher to the perspiration detection circuit 30.

[0059] Next, the perspiration detection circuit 30 detects the perspiration state of the driver's hands that are in contact with the steering wheel 10 based on the perspiration detection signals acquired from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. Specifically, the perspiration detection circuit 30 measures changes in the resistance value between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 and changes in the resistance value between the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 based on the voltage value of the AC voltage applied to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14 by the signal source 60. The perspiration detection circuit 30 can detect the perspiration state of the driver's hands by measuring these changes in resistance value. The perspiration detection circuit 30 outputs a signal indicating the detection result based on the perspiration detection signals output from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 to the information processing device 50.

[0060] Furthermore, the low-pass filter 41 removes high-frequency components from the heartbeat detection signals input from the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, and inputs the heartbeat detection signals of a predetermined frequency or less to the heartbeat detection circuit .

[0061] The amplifier circuit 43 of the heartbeat detection circuit 40 amplifies, with a differential gain, the potential difference between the potentials indicated by the two heartbeat detection signals output from the low-pass filter 41. The A / D converter 44 of the heartbeat detection circuit 40 digitizes the amplified differentially amplified signal, and inputs the digitized differentially amplified signal to the information processing device 50.

[0062] As described above, the detection device 1 of this embodiment can simultaneously detect the sweating state and the heart rate. Therefore, the information processing device 50 can substantially simultaneously acquire the signal indicating the detection result from the sweating detection circuit 30 and the digitized differentially amplified signal from the heartbeat detection circuit 40. As a result, the information processing device 50 can accurately estimate the mental state of the driver based on the signal indicating the detection result from the sweating detection circuit 30 and the digitized differentially amplified signal from the heartbeat detection circuit 40. Therefore, the detection device 1 can improve the accuracy of estimating the mental state of the driver.

[0063] [Action and effect] Next, the effects of the detection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0064] As described above, the detection device 1 in this embodiment comprises a first electrode 11 arranged on the steering wheel 10, a second electrode 12 arranged on the steering wheel 10 so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode 11, a third electrode 13 arranged on the steering wheel 10 at a distance from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, a sweat detection circuit 30 to which at least the signal output by the first electrode 11 or the signal output by the second electrode 12 is input, and a heart rate detection circuit 40 to which the signal output by the first electrode 11 and the signal output by the third electrode 13 are input.

[0065] This allows the driver's hands to come into contact with the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the third electrode 13 simultaneously when the driver grips the steering wheel 10.

[0066] Therefore, in this detection device 1, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can detect the sweating state of the driver's hands, and the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 can detect the driver's heart rate simultaneously.

[0067] In particular, without using separate electrodes for detecting the sweating state of the driver's hands and the heart rate, in this embodiment, the sweating state of the driver's hands and the heart rate of the driver can be detected simultaneously using first electrode 11, second electrode 12, and third electrode 13. This prevents the configuration of detection device 1 from becoming too complicated, and by using common electrodes, it is possible to prevent the detection device 1 from becoming larger in size and the manufacturing costs from rising due to an increase in the number of electrodes.

[0068] The detection device 1 in this embodiment also includes a fourth electrode 14 that is arranged on the steering wheel 10 so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode 13. The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are arranged on one side (right or left side) of the steering wheel 10 along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10. The third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are arranged on the other side (left or right side) of the steering wheel 10 along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 10.

[0069] For example, when a driver drives a vehicle, it is assumed that the driver will grip both sides of the steering wheel 10. For this reason, in this embodiment, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are arranged on one side of the steering wheel 10 where the driver can easily grip it, and the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are arranged on the other side, so that the sweating state of the driver's hands and the driver's heart rate can be detected simultaneously.

[0070] Furthermore, by providing the detection device 1 with a fourth electrode 14, it is possible to detect the sweating state of both hands of the driver gripping the steering wheel 10. This makes it possible to accurately detect the sweating state of the driver's hands.

[0071] Furthermore, the detection device 1 in this embodiment includes a signal source 60 that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14. The signals output from the first electrode 11 (the sweat detection signal and the heartbeat detection signal) and the signals output from the third electrode 13 (the sweat detection signal and the heartbeat detection signal) are input to the sweat detection circuit 30 and the heartbeat detection circuit 40.

[0072] According to this, a signal (sweating detection signal) output from first electrode 11 and a signal (sweating detection signal) output from third electrode 13 are input to perspiration detection circuit 30 in response to the applied AC voltage. Furthermore, because both hands of the driver are in contact with first electrode 11 and third electrode 13, a signal (heartbeat detection signal) output from first electrode 11 and a signal (heartbeat detection signal) output from third electrode 13 are input to heartbeat detection circuit 40. This allows first electrode 11, second electrode 12, third electrode 13, and fourth electrode 14 for detecting the perspiration state of the driver's hands to be common to first electrode 11, second electrode 12, third electrode 13, and fourth electrode 14 for detecting the heartbeat.

[0073] Furthermore, in the detection device 1 of this embodiment, when the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14, the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the first high-pass filter 31, and is also electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the low-pass filter 41. The third electrode 13 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the second high-pass filter 32, and is also electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the low-pass filter 41.

[0074] In this way, because the electrodes are electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 on the output side to which no AC voltage is applied, the amplitude of the heartbeat detection signal input to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 is likely to be smaller than when a signal is acquired from the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14 on the input side to which an AC voltage is applied without the intervention of a human hand. Therefore, the noise input to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 is reduced, and the accuracy of heartbeat detection in the heartbeat detection circuit 40 can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, since the first high-pass filter 31 and the second high-pass filter 32 can reduce noise input to the perspiration detection circuit 30, the accuracy with which the perspiration detection circuit 30 detects the perspiration state can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, in the detection device 1 of this embodiment, when the signal source 60 applies a DC voltage to the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14, the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the first low-pass filter 31a and electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a, and the third electrode 13 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the second low-pass filter 32a and electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a.

[0077] In this way, even if a DC signal source with a simple configuration is used, the perspiration detection circuit 30 can detect the perspiration state, and the heart rate detection circuit 40 can detect the heart rate.

[0078] In the detection device 1 of this embodiment, each of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 has a comb-tooth shape, a meander shape, a triangular wave shape, or a spiral shape.

[0079] For example, if these electrodes are simply arranged in a strip along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel, when the driver grips the steering wheel with his or her hand, if the hand shifts in a direction that intersects with the circumferential direction of the steering wheel, the detection area between the hand and the electrodes will change, resulting in a change in the detection accuracy of the perspiration detection circuit.

[0080] However, according to this embodiment, when a driver grips steering wheel 10 with his / her hands, even if the hand shifts in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of steering wheel 10, the change in the detection area (contact area) between first electrode 11 and second electrode 12 for one hand and the change in the detection area between third electrode 13 and fourth electrode 14 for the other hand can be made smaller than in the case of electrodes arranged in a strip shape. Therefore, no matter where on steering wheel 10 the driver grips, the sweating state of the driver's hands can be detected with high accuracy.

[0081] (Embodiment 2) This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that signal source 60 and low-pass filter 41 are electrically connected to first electrode 11 and third electrode 13, first high-pass filter 31 is electrically connected to second electrode 12, and second high-pass filter 32 is electrically connected to fourth electrode 14. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of detection device 1c of this embodiment is the same as that of the detection device of embodiment 1, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

[0082] In this embodiment, the configuration and functions of a detection device 1c provided in a vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0083] Fig. 5A is a block diagram showing a detection device 1c according to embodiment 2. Fig. 5B is a block diagram showing another detection device 1d according to embodiment 2.

[0084] In the detection device 1c of this embodiment, the second electrode 12 is electrically connected to the first high-pass filter 31 via a wiring 22, and the fourth electrode 14 is electrically connected to the second high-pass filter 32 via another wiring 22. Furthermore, the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are electrically connected to the low-pass filter 41 via their respective wirings 21.

[0085] That is, each of the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14 is electrically connected to the high-pass filter, but is not electrically connected to the low-pass filter 41. Furthermore, the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are electrically connected to the low-pass filter 41, but are not electrically connected to any of the high-pass filters.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13 are arranged on the inner periphery of the steering wheel 10, and the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14 are arranged on the outer periphery of the steering wheel 10.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14 may be integrated into one electrode.

[0088] In this embodiment, the perspiration detection circuit 30 receives as input a perspiration detection signal that is a signal output from the second electrode 12 and a perspiration detection signal that is a signal output from the fourth electrode 14.

[0089] In the present embodiment, a heartbeat detection signal that is a signal output from first electrode 11 and a heartbeat detection signal that is a signal output from third electrode 13 are input to heartbeat detection circuit 40.

[0090] The signal source 60 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, and applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. Fig. 5A of the present embodiment illustrates a case in which the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13. When the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit 40 via a low-pass filter 41, the second electrode 12 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via a first high-pass filter 31, the third electrode 13 is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit 40 via the low-pass filter 41, and the fourth electrode 14 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via a second high-pass filter 32.

[0091] 5B , when the signal source 60 applies a DC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, a first low-pass filter 31a and a second low-pass filter 32a may be used instead of the first high-pass filter and the second high-pass filter. Also, a high-pass filter 41a may be used instead of the low-pass filter 41. Specifically, when the signal source 60 applies a DC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, the first electrode 11 may be electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a, the second electrode 12 may be electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the first low-pass filter 31a, the third electrode 13 may be electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a, and the fourth electrode 14 may be electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the second low-pass filter 32a.

[0092] [Action and effect] Next, the effects of the detection device 1c according to this embodiment will be described.

[0093] As described above, detection device 1c in this embodiment includes signal source 60 that applies AC or DC voltage to first electrode 11 and third electrode 13. Furthermore, perspiration detection circuit 30 receives as input a signal (perspiration detection signal) output from second electrode 12 and a signal (perspiration detection signal) output from fourth electrode 14. Furthermore, heartbeat detection circuit 40 receives as input a signal (heartbeat detection signal) output from first electrode 11 and a signal (heartbeat detection signal) output from third electrode 13.

[0094] According to this, the signal output from second electrode 12 and the signal output from fourth electrode 14 are input to perspiration detection circuit 30 in response to the applied AC voltage. Furthermore, because both hands of the driver are in contact with first electrode 11 and third electrode 13, the signal output from first electrode 11 and the signal output from third electrode 13 are input to heartbeat detection circuit 40. This allows first electrode 11, second electrode 12, third electrode 13, and fourth electrode 14 for detecting the perspiration state of the driver's hands to be common to first electrode 11, second electrode 12, third electrode 13, and fourth electrode 14 for detecting the heartbeat.

[0095] Furthermore, in the detection device 1c of this embodiment, when the signal source 60 applies an AC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit 40 via the low-pass filter 41, the second electrode 12 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the first high-pass filter 31, the third electrode 13 is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit 40 via the low-pass filter 41, and the fourth electrode 14 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the second high-pass filter 32.

[0096] This allows the electrodes for the signal input to the perspiration detection circuit 30 to be different from the electrodes for the signal input to the heartbeat detection circuit 40, and therefore makes it possible to prevent thermal noise generated in the heartbeat detection circuit 40 from being input to the perspiration detection circuit 30 by making the low-pass filter 41 steeper. This improves the accuracy of the detection of the perspiration state in the perspiration detection circuit 30.

[0097] Furthermore, in the detection device 1c of this embodiment, when the signal source 60 applies a DC voltage to the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, the first electrode 11 is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a, the second electrode 12 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the first low-pass filter 31a, the third electrode 13 is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit 40 via the high-pass filter 41a, and the fourth electrode 14 is electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30 via the second low-pass filter 32a.

[0098] In this way, even if a DC signal source with a simple configuration is used, the perspiration detection circuit 30 can detect the perspiration state, and the heart rate detection circuit 40 can detect the heart rate.

[0099] (Other variations, etc.) Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the first and second embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the first and second embodiments.

[0100] For example, when three electrodes are used, the detection device 1e according to each of the above first embodiments may be configured as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detection device 1e according to another modification. As shown in FIG. 6, the three electrodes may be, for example, a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, and a third electrode 13. In this case, the third electrode 13 may simply be electrically connected to the low-pass filter 41 via the wiring 21. Since the wiring 21 electrically connecting the third electrode 13 and the low-pass filter 41 is not electrically connected to the perspiration detection circuit 30, the detection device 1e does not need to include a second high-pass filter. As a result, the perspiration detection circuit 30 may include a single A / D converter 33 to which the perspiration detection signal output from the first electrode 11 is input. Furthermore, the signal source 60 may apply an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode 12. Furthermore, when a DC voltage is applied to the second electrode 12, the detection device 1e does not need to include a second low-pass filter. Although not shown, the three electrodes may be a first electrode 11, a third electrode 13, and a fourth electrode 14. In this case, the signal source 60 may apply an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the fourth electrode 14.

[0101] Furthermore, when three electrodes are used, the detection device 1f according to each of the above-described second embodiments may be configured as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another detection device 1f according to another modified example. As shown in FIG. 7, the three electrodes may be, for example, a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, and a third electrode 13. In this case, the second high-pass filter may not be provided in the detection device 1f. As a result, the perspiration detection circuit 30 may have a single A / D converter 33 to which the perspiration detection signal output from the second electrode 12 is input. Furthermore, the signal source 60 may apply an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode 11. When a DC voltage is applied to the first electrode 11, the second low-pass filter may not be provided in the detection device 1f. Although not shown, the three electrodes may be the first electrode 11, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14. In this case, the signal source 60 may apply an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the fourth electrode 14.

[0102] Furthermore, the programs for realizing the detection devices according to the first and second embodiments are typically realized as LSIs, which are integrated circuits. These may be implemented individually on individual chips, or may be integrated into a single chip that includes some or all of the programs.

[0103] Furthermore, the integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within LSIs to be reconfigured, may also be used.

[0104] The detection devices of the first and second embodiments may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0105] Furthermore, all of the numbers used above are examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0106] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0107] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0108] The features of the detection devices described based on the first and second embodiments will be described below. <Technology 1> a first electrode disposed on the steering wheel; a second electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the steering wheel and spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode; a sweat detection circuit to which at least the signal output from the first electrode or the signal output from the second electrode is input; a heartbeat detection circuit to which the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode are input; Detection device. <Technology 2> a fourth electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, The third electrode and the fourth electrode are disposed on the other side of the steering wheel along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel. The detection device according to technology 1. <Technology 3> a signal source that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode; The sweat detection circuit and the heart rate detection circuit receive the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode. The detection device according to technology 2. <Technology 4> a signal source that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode; The sweat detection circuit receives the signal output from the second electrode and the signal output from the fourth electrode, The heartbeat detection circuit receives the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode. The detection device according to technology 2. <Technology 5> When the signal source applies an AC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, The first electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first high-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a low pass filter; The third electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second high-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the low-pass filter The detection device according to technology 3. <Technology 6> When the signal source applies a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, The first electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first low-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a high-pass filter; The third electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second low-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the high-pass filter The detection device according to technology 3. <Technology 7> When the signal source applies an AC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via a low-pass filter; the second electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first high-pass filter; the third electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via the low-pass filter; The fourth electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second high-pass filter. The detection device according to technology 4. <Technology 8> When the signal source applies a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a high-pass filter; the second electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first low-pass filter; the third electrode is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the high-pass filter; The fourth electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second low-pass filter. The detection device according to technology 4. <Technology 9> Each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode has a comb-tooth shape, a meander shape, a triangular wave shape, or a spiral shape. The detection device according to any one of techniques 2 to 8.

[0109] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to each of embodiments 1 and 2 that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each of embodiments 1 and 2 within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The detection device of the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a steering wheel of a vehicle or a grip of a motorcycle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f Detection device 10. Steering wheel 11 1st electrode 12 2nd electrode 13 Third electrode 14 4th electrode 30 Sweat detection circuit 31 1st high-pass filter 31a 1st low-pass filter 32 Second high-pass filter 32a Second low-pass filter 40 Heart Rate Detection Circuit 41 Low-pass filter 41a High-pass filter 60 signal source

Claims

1. a first electrode disposed on the steering wheel; a second electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the steering wheel and spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode; a sweat detection circuit to which at least the signal output from the first electrode or the signal output from the second electrode is input; a heartbeat detection circuit to which the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode are input, a fourth electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged on the other side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, a signal source that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode; the sweat detection circuit and the heart rate detection circuit are input with the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode; When the signal source applies an AC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, The first electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first high-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a low pass filter; The third electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second high-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the low-pass filter Detection device.

2. A first electrode disposed on a steering wheel; a second electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the steering wheel and spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode; a sweat detection circuit to which at least the signal output from the first electrode or the signal output from the second electrode is input; a heartbeat detection circuit to which the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode are input, a fourth electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged on the other side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, a signal source that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode; the sweat detection circuit and the heart rate detection circuit are input with the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode; When the signal source applies a DC voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, The first electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first low-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a high-pass filter; The third electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second low-pass filter; and electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the high-pass filter Detection device.

3. A first electrode disposed on a steering wheel; a second electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the steering wheel and spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode; a sweat detection circuit to which at least the signal output from the first electrode or the signal output from the second electrode is input; a heartbeat detection circuit to which the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode are input, a fourth electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged on the other side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, a signal source that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode; The sweat detection circuit receives the signal output from the second electrode and the signal output from the fourth electrode, the heartbeat detection circuit receives the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode; When the signal source applies an AC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a low-pass filter; the second electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first high-pass filter; the third electrode is electrically connected to the heartbeat detection circuit via the low-pass filter; The fourth electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second high-pass filter. Detection device.

4. A first electrode disposed on a steering wheel; a second electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the steering wheel and spaced apart from the first electrode and the second electrode; a sweat detection circuit to which at least the signal output from the first electrode or the signal output from the second electrode is input; a heartbeat detection circuit to which the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode are input, a fourth electrode disposed on the steering wheel so as not to be electrically connected to the third electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on one side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged on the other side of the steering wheel along a circumferential direction of the steering wheel, a signal source that applies an AC voltage or a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode; The sweat detection circuit receives the signal output from the second electrode and the signal output from the fourth electrode, the heartbeat detection circuit receives the signal output from the first electrode and the signal output from the third electrode; When the signal source applies a DC voltage to the first electrode and the third electrode, the first electrode is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via a high-pass filter; the second electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a first low-pass filter; the third electrode is electrically connected to the heart rate detection circuit via the high-pass filter; The fourth electrode is electrically connected to the sweat detection circuit via a second low-pass filter. Detection device.

5. Each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode has a comb-tooth shape, a meander shape, a triangular wave shape, or a spiral shape. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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