Exhaled breath component measuring device, exhaled breath component measuring method, and exhaled breath component measuring program

Abstract

To avoid use of a large device.SOLUTION: An exhalation component measurement device comprises a storage part for storing a gas introduced from an introduction port, a volume change part for changing volume of the storage part, and a sensor part provided in the storage part and outputting an output value based on concentration of a measurement target component in the gas. The exhalation component measurement device comprises a measurement unit for measuring concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the introduction port on the basis of the output value of the sensor obtained by actuating the volume change part to change volume the storage part. The exhalation component measurement device comprises a control unit for actuating the volume change part at least one of before and after measurement by the measurement unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhaled breath component measuring device, an exhaled breath component measuring method, and an exhaled breath component measuring program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an exhaled breath analyzer.

[0003] The breath analyzer is provided with a blower that creates a negative pressure in the breath flow path in order to ventilate the breath flow path and remove condensation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-201194 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned breath analyzer requires the provision of a blower for ventilating the inside of the breath flow path, which is not necessary for measuring the concentration of the component to be measured.

[0006] This has resulted in an increase in the size of the device.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An exhaled breath component measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a storage unit that stores gas introduced through an inlet, a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit, and a sensor unit that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of a component to be measured in the gas.The exhaled breath component measuring device also comprises a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced through the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is operated to change the volume of the storage unit.The exhaled breath component measuring device also comprises a control unit that operates the volume change unit at least either before or after measurement by the measurement unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this aspect, by utilizing the volume change unit used to measure the concentration of the component to be measured, it is possible to discharge the internal gas when not measuring, without providing a new blower.

[0010] This makes it possible to prevent the device from becoming larger than when dedicated ventilation parts such as blowers, which are not necessary for measuring the concentration of the components to be measured, are required to allow gas to pass between the inside and outside.

[0011] Furthermore, by operating the volume changing unit to let gas in and out between the inside and outside, it is possible to suppress the influence of gas components remaining inside on the measurement results. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an exhaled breath component measuring system including an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the sensor cartridge unit is removed from the main body unit of the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration showing a state in which a sensor cartridge unit is attached to a main body unit of an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of fluid in an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an exhaled air component measuring system 12 including an exhaled air component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment.

[0015] The exhaled breath component measurement system 12 is, for example, a system that enables an administrator to manage the concentration of a measurement target component in the exhaled breath, which is gas, of a subject.

[0016] An example of the manager is a manager in the management department of a transportation company, and an example of the subject is a truck driver.

[0017] In this embodiment, the manager is a manager in the management department of a transportation company, and the subject is a truck driver, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0018] For example, the manager may be a manager of a taxi company and the subject may be a taxi driver, or the manager may be a manager of a railway company and the subject may be a train driver, or the manager may be a manager of an airline company and the subject may be a pilot.

[0019] The exhaled breath component measurement system 12 includes an exhaled breath component measurement device 10, a mobile terminal 14 communicably connected to the exhaled breath component measurement device 10, and a management device 16 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 14.

[0020] The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 operates according to an exhaled breath component measuring program. The mobile terminal 14 operates according to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 14. The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 and the mobile terminal 14 communicate with each other via a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication function.

[0021] As an example, the management device 16 is configured by a personal computer, and the personal computer operates in accordance with a management program to configure the management device 16. The management device 16 is connected to the mobile terminal 14 via a computer network 18 such as the Internet, and the management device 16 exchanges data with the mobile terminal 14.

[0022] As a result, the measurement results measured by the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 are sent to the mobile terminal 14 by BLE communication, and are recorded and managed in the mobile terminal 14. The measurement results sent to the mobile terminal 14 are also sent to the management device 16 via the computer network 18, and are recorded and managed in the management device 16.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the state in which the sensor cartridge unit 22 is removed from the main body unit 20 of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 includes a main body unit 20 and a sensor cartridge unit 22 that is detachably attached to the main body unit 20.

[0025] The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 includes a vertically long rectangular housing 23. The housing 23 includes a main body housing 20A of the main body unit 20 and a cartridge housing 22A of the sensor cartridge unit 22.

[0026] An identification code (not shown) is printed on the back surface of the main body housing 20A. This identification code is different for each exhaled breath component measurement device 10, and it is possible to identify which exhaled breath component measurement device 10 it is from the identification code.

[0027] (sensor cartridge) The sensor cartridge unit 22 is provided with a cartridge substrate 30. The cartridge substrate 30 is provided with a cylindrical intake portion 32. The intake portion 32 communicates with the outside via an opening (not shown) provided in the cartridge housing 22A of the sensor cartridge unit 22.

[0028] As an example, a mouthpiece (not shown) can be replaceably attached to intake unit 32. The mouthpiece is formed in a cylindrical shape, and guides the breath of the subject into intake unit 32 when, for example, the subject holds the mouthpiece in their mouth and blows their breath into it.

[0029] The intake portion 32 constitutes an exhaled air inlet.

[0030] The intake portion 32 is connected to a first connection portion 38 of a measurement sensor 36 via a pipe 34. A connection nozzle 40 extends from the measurement sensor 36. The tip of the connection nozzle 40 protrudes from the edge of the cartridge substrate 30 and also protrudes from the sensor cartridge unit 22.

[0031] The measurement sensor 36 is a sensor that measures the concentration of the component to be measured.

[0032] The measurement sensor 36 constitutes a sensor unit that measures the concentration of the component to be measured. The measurement sensor 36 is provided in a storage unit having an air barrel 62, and outputs an output value based on the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas. The storage unit is composed of the intake unit 32, the pipe 34, the connection nozzle 40, a tube holder 52 (described later), a first tube 64, and the air barrel 62.

[0033] Components to be measured include acetone components contained in exhaled gas, which is a gas, gas components that cause bad breath, such as methyl mercaptan, and alcohol components.

[0034] When the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures an acetone component, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of acetone contained in the breath. As a result, it is possible to measure, for example, the degree of body fat burning.

[0035] Furthermore, if the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures gas components that cause bad breath, such as methyl mercaptan, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of the gas that causes bad breath contained in the exhaled breath. This makes it possible to perform, for example, a bad breath test.

[0036] When the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures the concentration of alcohol components, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of alcohol contained in the breath. This makes it possible, for example, to perform an alcohol test before driving.

[0037] The measurement sensor 36 of this embodiment is configured as a sensor that measures the concentration of alcohol components, and the component to be measured by the measurement sensor 36 is alcohol components.

[0038] The measurement sensor 36 is composed of a fuel cell gas sensor. The fuel cell gas sensor generates a voltage corresponding to the concentration of the detected alcohol component. By measuring this voltage, the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the gaseous fluid can be measured.

[0039] Here, an example of a fluid containing a component to be measured is air, and the fluid described in this embodiment refers to air.

[0040] The measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of alcohol components by utilizing a chemical reaction with the alcohol components. For this reason, a sensor lifespan is set for the measurement sensor 36 to limit its usage period. When the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 exceeds the sensor lifespan, the measurement sensor 36 built into the sensor cartridge unit 22 can be replaced by replacing the sensor cartridge unit 22.

[0041] The cartridge board 30 is equipped with a sensor memory 44, which is a storage unit that stores information for managing the usage period of the measurement sensor .

[0042] The sensor memory 44 stores a usage start date and time indicating the date and time when the measurement sensor 36 started to be used.

[0043] Furthermore, the cartridge board 30 is mounted with electronic components such as a thermistor (not shown) that constitutes a temperature sensor whose resistance value changes in response to temperature.

[0044] The measurement sensor 36, sensor memory 44, and thermistor are connected to contacts of a cartridge-side connector 46 via printed wiring formed on the cartridge substrate 30. The cartridge-side connector 46 is arranged along the edge of the cartridge substrate 30.

[0045] (Main unit) The main unit 20 is provided with a main circuit board 50. A tube holder 52 and a main circuit board connector 54 are provided on an edge of the main circuit board 50. In addition, a pump unit 56 and a pressure sensor 58 are provided on the main circuit board 50.

[0046] The pump section 56 is composed of a solenoid 60 and an air barrel 62 .

[0047] In an attached state in which the sensor cartridge unit 22 is attached to the main unit 20, the connection nozzle 40 extending from the sensor cartridge unit 22 is removably connected to the tube holder 52. In addition, in the attached state, the cartridge side connector 46 provided on the sensor cartridge unit 22 is removably connected to the main unit side connector 54.

[0048] A first tube 64 extends from the tube holder 52. The first tube 64 is connected to an air barrel 62 that constitutes the pump unit 56. A second tube 66 extends from the air barrel 62, and the second tube 66 is connected to the pressure sensor 58.

[0049] As a result, in the attached state, a passage 68 through which fluid flows is formed by the intake portion 32 of the sensor cartridge unit 22, the pipe 34, the measurement sensor 36, the connection nozzle 40, the tube holder 52 of the main unit 20, and the first tube 64. In addition, a pressure transmission path 70 is formed by the second tube 66 connecting the air barrel 62 and the pressure sensor 58.

[0050] The air barrel 62 is formed in the shape of a container that can contract and expand. The air barrel 62 communicates with a first tube 64 and a second tube 66 via an internal space. As a result, the pressure inside the first tube 64 is transmitted to the pressure sensor 58 via the internal space of the air barrel 62 and the second tube 66.

[0051] The solenoid 60 has an operating shaft 60A connected to an air barrel 62. When the solenoid 60 pushes the operating shaft 60A out, the air barrel 62 contracts, generating positive pressure in the passage 68. When the solenoid 60 retracts the operating shaft 60A, the air barrel 62 expands, generating negative pressure in the passage 68.

[0052] The air barrel 62 constitutes an exhaled air storage section that stores exhaled air introduced into the interior through the intake section 32, which is an exhaled air inlet. The solenoid 60 constitutes a volume change section that changes the volume of the air barrel 62, which is a storage section (exhaled air storage section).

[0053] A control unit 74 is provided on the main body board 50. The control unit 74 is composed of an electronic circuit, and the electronic circuit is powered by a dry cell battery (not shown).

[0054] The control unit 74 measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the intake unit 32 based on the output value of the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is actuated to change the volume of the storage unit having the air barrel 62. In other words, the control unit 74 constitutes a measurement unit. The control unit 74 also actuates the solenoid 60 before or after measurement by the measurement unit.

[0055] The control unit 74 is connected to the contacts of the main body connector 54 via printed wiring formed on the main body substrate 50. The control unit 74 is electrically connected to the electronic circuit formed on the cartridge substrate 30 of the sensor cartridge unit 22 via each of the connectors 46, 54.

[0056] (Hardware configuration) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration, showing a state in which a sensor cartridge unit 22 is attached to the main body unit 20 of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment.

[0057] The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is composed of a computer for measuring the concentration of a measurement target component in the exhaled breath of a subject.

[0058] 4 and 5, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is mainly configured with a processor 100 that constitutes the control unit 74 of the main unit 20. The processor 100 is connected to a storage unit 102, an input unit 104, a display unit 106, an audio notification unit 108, a communication unit 112, and a drive unit 114.

[0059] The processor 100 is also connected to the measurement sensor 36, sensor memory 44, and temperature sensor 120 provided in the sensor cartridge unit 22 via connectors 46, 54, respectively.

[0060] The processor 100 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or may be a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0061] The storage unit 102 constitutes a storage means. The storage unit 102 is a computer-readable storage medium, and includes a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage device. The storage device is realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, or the like.

[0062] In this embodiment, the storage unit 102 is configured with an EEPROM 122 and a RAM 124 .

[0063] The EEPROM 122 constituting the storage unit 102 stores an exhaled breath component measurement program indicating the processing procedure of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10, and data indicating threshold values ​​and the like used in the exhaled breath component measurement program.

[0064] The storage unit 102 stores the sensor usage time that is added up based on the number of times the control unit 74 has actuated the solenoid 60 .

[0065] The processor 100 executes each process in accordance with the exhaled breath component measurement program stored in the storage unit 102. The processor 100 also reads and writes data used when executing each process from and to the RAM 124.

[0066] The input unit 104 constitutes an input device to the processor 100, and as an example of the input device, a tactile switch 126 is used.

[0067] The display unit 106 is configured with a display device, and as an example of the display device, a liquid crystal display panel 128 (LCD) is used.

[0068] The sound notification unit 108 may be a speaker or a buzzer, and in this embodiment, a piezoelectric buzzer 130 is used as an example.

[0069] The communication unit 112 constitutes an interface for transmitting and receiving data. The communication unit 112 enables data to be transmitted and received between the processor 100 and an external device. The communication unit 112 may be, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) or an internet connection device.

[0070] The communication unit 112 in this embodiment is, for example, configured by a BLE module 132, and the processor 100 exchanges data with the mobile terminal 14 by performing BLE communication with the mobile terminal 14 via the BLE module 132.

[0071] In addition, when the communication unit 112 is configured as an Internet connection device, the communication unit 112 can receive programs and necessary data from external devices such as servers, and transmit measurement results, via networks such as the Internet network and telephone network.

[0072] The driving unit 114 is configured with a driving circuit 134 , and the driving circuit 134 drives the solenoid 60 .

[0073] As described above, the measurement sensor 36 is configured with the fuel cell gas sensor 136. The sensor memory 44 is configured with an EEPROM 138 for the sensor provided in the sensor cartridge unit 22. The temperature sensor 120 is configured with the thermistor 140, as described above.

[0074] (Function block diagram) Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of fluid in the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the functions implemented under the control of the processor 100 of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 include a measuring section 150, a fluid control section 152, a notifying section 154 which is a notifying means, and an adding section 156.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the functions of the various parts of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 are realized by the processor 100 reading out an exhaled breath component measuring program from the storage unit 102 and executing the program.

[0077] (Measurement part) The measurement unit 150 measures the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced from the intake unit 32 based on the output value of the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is activated to change the volume of the storage unit having the air barrel 62.

[0078] That is, the measurement unit 150 controls the solenoid 60 so that the exhaled breath is introduced into the passage 68 and the concentration of the measurement target component in the exhaled breath introduced into the passage 68 is measured by the measurement sensor 36 .

[0079] 7, when exhaled breath is blown into the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 through a mouthpiece (not shown), the pressure of the blown exhaled breath is transmitted to the pressure sensor 58 via the passage 68, the air barrel 62, and the pressure transmission path 70. The pressure of the exhaled breath is measured by the pressure sensor 58.

[0080] When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 58 reaches a preset reference pressure, the processor 100 activates the solenoid 60 to contract and expand the air barrel 62. Then, the exhaled air blown into the mouthpiece is introduced into the passage 68 and passes through the measurement sensor 36. At this time, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of the measurement target component contained in the passing exhaled air.

[0081] Here, the component to be measured is an alcohol component, and therefore the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the breath is measured by the measurement sensor 36.

[0082] (Fluid control unit) The fluid control unit 152 is configured by the processor 100 that configures the control unit 74. The fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside before or after measurement by the measurement unit 150. The fluid control unit 152 may also control the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside both before and after measurement by the measurement unit 150.

[0083] Specifically, when the processor 100 controls the solenoid 60 to contract the air barrel 62, the fluid in the passage 68 is discharged to the outside of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 via the intake section 32. When the processor 100 controls the solenoid 60 to expand the air barrel 62, the external fluid is introduced into the passage 68 having the measurement sensor 36. This replaces the fluid in the passage 68.

[0084] Before measurement, the fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside. In this way, the fluid in the passage 68 is replaced before measurement by the measurement unit 150 is started.

[0085] The fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 when the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

[0086] As a result, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 controls the solenoid 60, which is the volume changing section, before measurement to perform a pre-measurement inlet / outlet operation in which fluid is introduced and extracted between the inside and outside through the intake section 32, which is the exhaled breath inlet.

[0087] Specifically, before measurement by the measurement unit 150 is started, the solenoid 60 is controlled if the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the solenoid 60 is not controlled if the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the predetermined value.

[0088] The output value of the measurement sensor 36 can be used to determine whether the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When using the measurement sensor 36 to determine whether the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the measurement value measured by the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is not activated is used.

[0089] If the fluid in the passage 68 contains a component to be measured at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the solenoid 60 is controlled to replace the fluid in the passage 68 .

[0090] Furthermore, when the fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 before measurement, it repeats the control of the solenoid 60 until the concentration of the measurement target component contained in the fluid in the passage 68 falls below a predetermined value.

[0091] The fluid control unit 152 performs measurement by the measurement unit 150 when the concentration of the component to be measured in the fluid in the passage 68 falls below a predetermined value.

[0092] Furthermore, the fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 after the measurement.

[0093] Specifically, after measurement, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 activates the solenoid 60, which is the volume change section, and performs a post-measurement inlet / outlet operation to allow fluid to flow in and out between the inside and outside through the intake section 32, which is the exhaled breath inlet.

[0094] As a result, the fluid control unit 152 replaces the fluid that has accumulated in the passage 68 due to the measurement by the measurement unit 150 with an external fluid.

[0095] (Notification Department) The notification unit 154 controls the display unit 106 to notify a message when the solenoid 60 is activated during the pre-measurement entry / exit operation.

[0096] Examples of the notification message include a message that informs the subject that there is still exhaled air remaining from the previous test, or a message that informs the subject that the storage environment of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is poor.

[0097] In addition, the display unit 106 is controlled so as to display a message when the solenoid 60 is actuated a predetermined number of times or more during the pre-measurement inlet / outlet operation.

[0098] In this case, examples of the message to be notified include a message to inform the user that the storage environment of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is poor, or a message to inform the user that the usage environment is poor.

[0099] (addition section) The adding unit 156 adds the number of times the solenoid 60 is operated during the pre-measurement in / out operation to the number of measurements used to calculate the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 that measures the concentration of the component to be measured, thereby adding up the sensor usage time.

[0100] Even during the operation of replacing the fluid in the passage 68, the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to the fluid and may consume the sensor life specified to maintain the accuracy of the measurement sensor 36. For this reason, in this embodiment, the number of times the solenoid 60 is operated during the inlet / outlet operation before measurement is added to the number of measurements.

[0101] As a method for accumulating the sensor usage time, there are a method of accumulating the number of times the sensor is used to calculate the sensor usage time, as shown in this embodiment, and a method of accumulating the sensor usage time.

[0102] The case of accumulating the sensor usage time will be specifically described.

[0103] When accumulating the sensor usage time, the accumulated value of the time that the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to gas containing alcohol components (including only exhaled gas) is used as the sensor usage time. When the sensor usage time exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is notified that the measurement sensor 36 has reached the end of its life.

[0104] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the concentration of alcohol components is equal to or greater than a predetermined value immediately before the pre-measurement entry / exit operation or the post-measurement entry / exit operation, a first predetermined value is added to the sensor usage time.

[0105] Furthermore, if the alcohol concentration immediately before the pre-measurement entry / exit operation or the post-measurement entry / exit operation is less than a predetermined value, a second predetermined value that is smaller than the first threshold value is added to the sensor usage time.

[0106] This allows the time that the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to alcohol and the time that it is exposed to air with a low alcohol concentration to be estimated, and the estimated time is added to the sensor usage time.

[0107] Next, an example of using the sensor usage time will be described.

[0108] The sensor usage time can be the sensor usage time described in Japanese Patent No. 6229836.

[0109] That is, the time elapsed from the time when the breath is detected from the output of the pressure sensor 58 to the time when the recovery time, which is the time it takes for the measurement sensor 36 to become monotonically non-decreasing with respect to the concentration of the gas of the component to be measured, has elapsed, is measured. The measured elapsed time is successively added to the sensor usage time.

[0110] If it is determined that the sensor usage time has exceeded a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the measurement sensor 36 should be replaced, and a notification to that effect is given.

[0111] The gas concentration is measured based on the peak value and the value of the electrical signal corresponding to the concentration of the gas of the component to be measured output by the measurement sensor 36 when the value of the electrical signal corresponding to the concentration of the gas of the component to be measured output by the measurement sensor 36 is below a predetermined threshold value of the peak value of the electrical signal.

[0112] In addition, the degree of deterioration may be calculated by dividing the sum of values ​​corresponding to the time that the measurement sensor 36 has been exposed to the outside air, which is the sensor usage time, by a predetermined value that notifies the user to replace the measurement sensor 36, and the calculated degree of deterioration may be notified.

[0113] Furthermore, based on the start date and time of use and the sensor usage time stored in the sensor memory 44, if it is determined that the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 has exceeded a predetermined value, it may be determined that the measurement sensor 36 should be replaced and this may be notified.

[0114] (Operation description) Next, the operation of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, along with the processing procedure executed by the processor 100. The processor 100 operates in accordance with an exhaled breath component measuring program stored in the storage unit 102, thereby implementing the exhaled breath component measuring method.

[0115] In the RAM 124 of the storage unit 102, an area "N" is reserved for storing the number of times the solenoid 60 has been actuated. In addition, in the RAM 124 of the storage unit 102, an area "S" is reserved for storing the number of measurements by the measurement sensor 36.

[0116] The number of measurements stored in "S" is used to calculate the usage period of the measurement sensor in processes other than the breath component measurement process. If the usage period exceeds the predetermined sensor life, the use of the measurement sensor 36 is prohibited.

[0117] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart following FIG.

[0118] When the processor 100 operates according to the exhaled breath component measurement program and executes the exhaled breath component measurement process, the processor 100 determines whether the power has been turned on by turning on the tactile switch 126 provided on the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 (step S1).

[0119] If the power is not turned on in step S1, the processor 100 waits in step S1 until the power is turned on.

[0120] In step S1, when the power is turned on, the processor 100 sets "N" stored in the memory unit 102 to "0" (step S2). Then, the processor 100 detects the voltage from the measurement sensor 36 to measure the concentration of the measurement target component, and determines whether the measured concentration of the measurement target component is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S3).

[0121] Here, an example of the predetermined value is a value that indicates a concentration of alcohol components, which are the concentrations of components to be measured, that is, a concentration that is unsuitable for driving a car.

[0122] When the concentration of the component to be measured is below a predetermined value, the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the fluid in the passage 68 is below a concentration that is unsuitable for driving a vehicle. Therefore, when measuring breath that does not contain alcohol components in the measurement process described below, the concentration of the alcohol component measured rarely exceeds the predetermined value, and there is little risk of false detection.

[0123] Therefore, if the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is less than the predetermined value in step S3, the processor 100 executes the measurement process (step S9).

[0124] On the other hand, if the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in step S3, there is a risk of false detection occurring in the measurement process.

[0125] Therefore, in step S3, if the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 100 outputs a drive signal to the drive unit 114 to activate the solenoid 60 (step S4). This activates the solenoid 60 to move fluid between the inside and outside of the passage 68 before measurement.

[0126] Specifically, upon receiving the drive signal, the solenoid 60 pushes out the operating shaft 60A and then retracts. When the solenoid 60 pushes out the operating shaft 60A, the air barrel 62 contracts, and the fluid in the air barrel 62 is supplied into the passage 68. Then, the fluid in the passage 68 is discharged to the outside of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 via the intake part 32.

[0127] When the solenoid 60 retracts the operating shaft 60A, the air barrel 62 expands, generating negative pressure in the passage 68. This causes outside air to be drawn into the passage 68 containing the measurement sensor 36.

[0128] This causes the air in the passage 68 to be replaced.

[0129] Then, the processor 100 adds 1 to "N" to count the number of times the solenoid 60 has been activated (step S5), and then determines whether "N" is 6 or less (step S6).

[0130] If "N" exceeds 6, the concentration of the component to be measured does not fall below the predetermined value even if the fluid in the passage 68 is replaced five times before measurement, and the occurrence of some abnormality is predicted.

[0131] Therefore, if "N" exceeds 6 in step S6, the processor 100 turns off the power of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 (step S15) and ends the exhaled breath component measurement process.

[0132] In this embodiment, in step S6, it is determined whether "N" exceeds 6, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The number to be compared with "N" may be a number other than 6 and can be determined arbitrarily.

[0133] On the other hand, if "N" is equal to or less than 6 in step S6, the processor 100 determines whether "N" is equal to or greater than 2 (step S7).

[0134] If "N" is 2 or more, the concentration of the component to be measured does not fall below the predetermined value even if the fluid in the passage 68 is replaced before measurement.

[0135] In this case, it is conceivable that an alcohol-containing disinfectant sheet, for example, was placed near the exhaled breath component measuring device 10, and the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 was exposed to the alcohol component from the disinfectant sheet.

[0136] The breath component measurement device 10 may be exposed to alcohol from the disinfecting sheet when it is stored in a storage location together with the disinfecting sheet. In this case, the storage environment of the breath component measurement device 10 is considered to be poor.

[0137] Furthermore, the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 may be exposed to alcohol components from a disinfecting sheet if a disinfecting sheet is placed nearby when the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is being used. In this case, the environment in which the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is used is considered to be poor.

[0138] Therefore, in step S7, if "N" is 2 or more, the processor 100 notifies the subject of a message by displaying on the display unit 106 a message indicating that the storage environment or usage environment of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is poor (step S8).

[0139] In this embodiment, in step S7, it is determined whether "N" is 2 or more, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The number to be compared with "N" may be a number other than 2 and can be determined arbitrarily.

[0140] Then, the processor 100 executes step S3 and subsequent steps, thereby repeatedly activating the solenoid 60 (step S4) until the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 becomes less than a predetermined value.

[0141] In step S9, the processor 100 measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the breath of the subject.

[0142] That is, the solenoid 60 is actuated to introduce exhaled air into the passage 68, and the concentration of the measurement target component in the exhaled air introduced into the passage 68 is measured.

[0143] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the processor 100 measures the pressure of the exhaled air blown into a mouthpiece (not shown) attached to the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 using a pressure sensor 58. When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 58 reaches a preset reference pressure, the processor 100 activates the solenoid 60 to contract and expand the air barrel 62. At this time, the processor 100 adds 1 to "S," which indicates the number of measurements.

[0144] As a result, the breath blown onto the mouthpiece is introduced into the passage 68, and the concentration of alcohol components contained in the breath introduced into the passage 68 is measured by the measurement sensor 36.

[0145] Then, the processor 100 displays the measurement results from the measurement sensor 36 on the display unit 106, for example. The processor 100 also stores the measurement results in the memory unit 102 in association with the time acquired from the mobile terminal 14, for example, and transmits the measurement results to the mobile terminal 14 via the communication unit 112. The measurement results are then sent from the mobile terminal 14 to the management device 16, where they are recorded and managed.

[0146] Next, the processor 100 outputs a drive signal to the drive unit 114 to activate the solenoid 60 (step S10). Note that the flow of fluid caused by the activation of the solenoid 60 is the same as in step S4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0147] This allows fluid to flow in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside, replacing the fluid in the passage 68 into which the exhaled air was introduced during the measurement process, and suppressing the influence that the exhaled air remaining in the passage 68 may have on the measurement results when measuring the exhaled air of the next subject.

[0148] Then, the processor 100 adds 1 to "N" to count the number of times the solenoid 60 has been actuated (step S11), and then determines whether the concentration of the component to be measured is less than a predetermined value (step S12). The method for determining the concentration of the component to be measured is the same as in step S3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] If the concentration of the component to be measured is above a predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is above a predetermined value, when the breath of the next subject is measured in succession, there is a risk of a false positive, in which alcohol components are detected even though the breath of the next subject does not contain alcohol components.

[0150] Therefore, if the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in step S12, the processor 100 repeats the steps from activating the solenoid 60 (step S10) to determining the component to be measured (step S12) until the concentration of the component to be measured becomes less than the predetermined value.

[0151] In this embodiment, the predetermined value used for the determination in step S3 and the predetermined value used for the determination in step S12 are the same value, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The predetermined value used for the determination in step S3 and the predetermined value used for the determination in step S12 may be different values, and each value can be set arbitrarily.

[0152] On the other hand, if the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the specified value, when the next subject's breath containing no alcohol components is measured, the concentration of the measured alcohol components is unlikely to be above the specified value, and there is little risk of a false detection.

[0153] Therefore, if the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the predetermined value in step S12, the processor 100 executes the next step S13.

[0154] In step S13, the processor 100 adds "N", which indicates the number of times the solenoid has been operated for purposes other than measurement processing in the exhaled breath component measurement processing, to "S", which indicates the number of measurements performed by the solenoid 60.

[0155] Here, even when the fluid in the passage 68 is replaced, the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to the fluid and may consume the sensor life specified to maintain the accuracy of the measurement sensor 36. For this reason, the number of times the solenoid 60 is operated other than for measurement processing is added to the number of measurements used to calculate the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 that measures the concentration of the component to be measured.

[0156] Then, the processor 100 determines whether or not to end the measurement of the exhaled breath components based on an input from, for example, a switch that constitutes the input unit 104 (step S14).

[0157] If it is determined in step S14 that the measurement of the breath components is not to be completed, step S2 is carried out to prepare for the measurement of the breath components of the next subject.

[0158] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the measurement of the exhaled air components is to be ended, the processor 100 turns off the power of the exhaled air component measuring device 10 (step S15) and ends the exhaled air component measurement process.

[0159] (Action and effect) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0160] The exhaled breath component measurement device 10 in this embodiment includes an air barrel 62 that stores gas introduced from the intake unit 32, and a solenoid 60 that changes the volume of the air barrel 62. The exhaled breath component measurement device 10 also includes a measurement sensor 36 that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of a component to be measured in the gas. The exhaled breath component measurement device 10 also includes a measurement unit 150 that measures the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced from the intake unit 32 based on the output value of the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is activated to change the volume of the air barrel 62. The exhaled breath component measurement device 10 also includes a control unit 74 that activates the solenoid 60 at least either before or after measurement by the measurement unit 150.

[0161] According to this configuration, by utilizing the solenoid 60 used to measure the concentration of the component to be measured, it is possible to discharge the fluid, which is gas, from the container having the internal air barrel 62 when not in measurement, without providing a new blower. More specifically, it is possible to let the fluid in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside.

[0162] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming larger than when a blower that is not necessary for measuring the concentration of the component to be measured must be installed to move fluid in and out between the inside of passage 68 and the outside.

[0163] In addition, by operating the solenoid 60 to move fluid in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside, it is possible to suppress the influence of components contained in the fluid remaining in the passage 68 on the measurement results.

[0164] This makes it possible to suppress false detection.

[0165] In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the component to be measured is alcohol.

[0166] This configuration makes it possible to measure the concentration of alcohol components contained in breath, thereby enabling a pre-driving alcohol test to be carried out.

[0167] In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 before measurement by the measurement sensor 36 .

[0168] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the influence of the fluid in the passage 68 on the measurement results.

[0169] Examples of fluids in the passage 68 include the subject's exhaled breath remaining in the passage 68, air from the storage location that has entered the passage 68 while the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being stored, or air from the usage location that has entered the passage 68 when the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being used.

[0170] In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 when the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value before measurement by the measurement unit 150.

[0171] According to this configuration, regardless of the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68, power consumption can be reduced compared to when the solenoid 60 is activated every time before measurement.

[0172] The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 in this embodiment includes a notification unit 154 that issues a message when the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60.

[0173] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the subject by means of a message that the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in passage 68 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0174] In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 again if the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value after activating the solenoid 60 and before measurement by the measurement unit 150.

[0175] This configuration makes it possible to further reduce the influence on the measurement results of components contained in the fluid remaining in the passage 68. This makes it possible to further reduce false detections.

[0176] In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the notification section 154 issues a message when the control section 74 has actuated the solenoid 60 a predetermined number of times or more before measurement by the measurement section 150.

[0177] With this configuration, it is possible to predict that components contained in the air at the storage location will have infiltrated into the passage 68 while the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being stored, or that components contained in the air at the usage location will have infiltrated into the passage 68 when the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being used.

[0178] This makes it possible to notify a specific message, such as urging the user to change the storage location or the usage location.

[0179] The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 in this embodiment has a memory unit 102 that stores the sensor usage time of the measurement sensor 36, and the memory unit 102 stores the sensor usage time added up based on the number of times the control unit 74 has activated the solenoid 60.

[0180] That is, even when the fluid in the passage 68 is replaced, the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to the fluid, and the sensor life specified for maintaining the accuracy of the measurement sensor 36 may be consumed.

[0181] Therefore, in this configuration, by adding the number of times the solenoid 60 is activated other than to measure the exhaled breath components to the sensor usage time used to calculate the usage period, it is possible to prohibit the use of the measurement sensor 36 for an appropriate usage time.

[0182] Furthermore, the service life of the measurement sensor 36, such as the period of use, can be determined from the sensor usage time.

[0183] In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 after the measurement by the measurement unit 150.

[0184] According to this configuration, after measurement, the solenoid 60 is operated to allow fluid to flow between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside, thereby replacing the exhaled air remaining in the passage 68 with external fluid.

[0185] This makes it possible to shorten the measurement interval of the exhaled breath components when measuring them continuously, compared to when waiting until the exhaled breath components remaining in the passage 68 have naturally diffused before measuring the exhaled breath components of the next subject.

[0186] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 10. Exhaled breath component measuring device 32 Intake section 34 Pipe 36 Measurement Sensor 40 Connection Nozzle 52 Tube holder 56 Pump section 60 Solenoid 60A operating shaft 62 Air Barrel 64 First Tube Aisle 68 74 Control Unit 100 processors 102 Storage section 106 Display section 108 Sound alarm unit 114 Drive unit 136 Fuel Cell Gas Sensor 150 Measuring section 152 Fluid control section 154 Information Department 156 Addition section

Claims

1. An exhaled breath component measuring device, a storage section that stores gas introduced through the inlet; a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit; a sensor unit provided in the container unit and configured to output an output value based on the concentration of a measurement target component in the gas; a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is operated to change the volume of the storage unit; and a control unit that operates the volume change unit at least one time before and after measurement by the measurement unit so that the volume of the storage unit is changed by contracting and expanding the storage unit, thereby discharging air from within the exhaled breath component measurement device; An exhaled breath component measuring device comprising:

2. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 1, The component to be measured is an alcohol component. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

3. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit activates the volume change unit before measurement by the measurement unit. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

4. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 3, the control unit activates the volume change unit when the output value of the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value before measurement by the measurement unit. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

5. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 4, the control unit operates the volume changing unit again when the output value of the sensor unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined value after operating the volume changing unit and before measurement by the measurement unit. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

6. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 5, a notification unit that notifies a message when the control unit activates the volume change unit; The exhaled breath component measuring device further comprises:

7. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 6, the notification unit issues a message when the control unit has operated the volume change unit a predetermined number of times or more before measurement by the measurement unit. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

8. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, a storage unit for storing a sensor usage time of the sensor unit; The storage unit stores the sensor usage time added based on the number of times the control unit has operated the volume change unit. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

9. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The control unit activates the volume changing unit after measurement by the measurement unit. Exhaled breath component measuring device.

10. an exhaled breath component measurement method executed by an exhaled breath component measurement device comprising: a storage unit that stores gas introduced from an inlet; a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit; a sensor unit that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of a measurement target component in the gas; and a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is operated to change the volume of the storage unit, and a step of operating the volume change unit so that the volume of the storage unit is changed by contracting and expanding the storage unit at least before or after measurement by the measurement unit, thereby discharging air from within the exhaled breath component measurement device. Method for measuring exhaled breath components.

11. a storage section for storing gas introduced from an inlet; a volume change section for changing the volume of the storage section; a sensor section provided in the storage section for outputting an output value based on the concentration of a component to be measured in the gas; and a volume change section for operating the volume change section to change the volume of the storage section, and measuring the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced from the inlet based on the output value of the sensor section. a processor of the exhaled breath component measuring device including a measurement unit for performing a step of operating the volume change unit so that the volume of the storage unit is changed by contracting and expanding the storage unit at least before or after measurement by the measurement unit, thereby discharging air from within the exhaled breath component measurement device; A program for measuring exhaled breath components.

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