Biological information measuring device and biological information measuring method

Abstract

To provide a biological information measuring device and a biological information measuring method capable of reducing power consumption.SOLUTION: A biological information measuring device 10 includes a sensor unit 11 having N measuring units 20 and a control unit 50 for sequentially acquiring N output signals So output from each of the N measuring units 20 in a predetermined order. Each of the N measuring units 20 includes an amplifier 30. The control unit 50 sequentially outputs shutdown signals SHDN of an H level to the N measuring units 20 according to an acquisition order of the N output signals So. The control unit 50 outputs a shutdown signal SHDN of an L level on the basis of the acquisition of a corresponding output signal So to each of the N measuring units 20. The control unit 50 outputs the shutdown signal SHDN of an H level even to the measuring unit 20 whose acquisition order is (i+1)-th when outputting the shutdown signal SHDN of the H level to the measuring unit 20 whose acquisition order is i-th.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, as an electronic device, a biological information measuring device (sensor device) that is attached to the body of a subject and measures a signal corresponding to the biological information of the subject is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of biological information measuring device has a sensor unit that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the biological information of the subject, and a control unit that performs signal processing on the electrical signal detected by the sensor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-56243 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there is a demand for reducing power consumption in biological information measurement devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor unit includes N (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 3) measurement units, and a control unit that sequentially acquires N output signals output from the N measurement units in a predetermined order, each of the N measurement units having a bioelectrode and an amplifier that amplifies bioinformation measured by the bioelectrode to generate the output signal, the amplifier having a shutdown terminal to which a shutdown signal is input, the amplifier operating in a drive mode in which generation of the output signal is executed based on the shutdown signal of a first level, and operating in a shutdown mode in which generation of the output signal is paused based on the shutdown signal of a second level, the control unit sequentially outputs the shutdown signals of the first level to the N measurement units in accordance with the acquisition order of the N output signals, the control unit outputs the shutdown signals of the second level to each of the N measurement units based on acquisition of the corresponding output signal, and when the control unit outputs the shutdown signal of the first level to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is i (i is a natural number equal to or greater than 1), the control unit also outputs the shutdown signal of the first level to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is (i+1) [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a biological information measurement system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a biological information measuring device according to an embodiment is used; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a biological information measuring method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a biological information measuring method according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a biological information measuring method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a biological information measuring method according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a biological information measuring method according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of a biological information measuring device in use. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of a biological information measuring device in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, the accompanying drawings may show characteristic portions enlarged to make the characteristics easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of each component may differ from one drawing to another.

[0009] (Overall configuration of biological information measurement system 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the biological information measurement system 1 includes a biological information measurement device 10 and an information management device 80.

[0010] (Configuration of biological information measuring device 10) The biological information measuring device 10 has, for example, a sensor section 11, a control unit 12, and a power supply device 13. The biological information measuring device 10 has, for example, a first signal line 14 that transmits a signal output from the sensor section 11 to the control unit 12, and a second signal line 15 that transmits a signal output from the control unit 12 to the sensor section 11.

[0011] The power supply device 13 is configured to supply, for example, the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12 with the power required for the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12 to operate. The power supply device 13 may be built into the sensor unit 11 or the control unit 12, or may be provided outside the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12. For example, a button-type or coin-type battery can be used as the power supply device 13. The power supply device 13 of this embodiment is a button-type battery built into the control unit 12.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the biological information measuring device 10 is attached to, for example, the body B1 of the subject. The biological information measuring device 10 is configured to acquire biological information of the subject. Examples of the body B1 include the subject's arms and legs. In this embodiment, the body B1 is the subject's forearm. Examples of the biological information include bioelectric potential. Here, the bioelectric potential may be any information that captures changes in the potential of biological information, and includes, for example, an electrocardiogram, an electromyogram, an electroencephalogram, and a heart rate. The biological information measuring device 10 of this embodiment is configured to measure, as biological information of the subject, a myoelectric signal indicating a myoelectric potential, which is an action potential generated when the subject's muscle fibers (muscles) contract. The biological information measuring device 10 of this embodiment is configured to measure myoelectric signals from multiple parts (multiple locations) of the subject's body B1. The sensor unit 11 of this embodiment is a myoelectric sensor that detects a myoelectric signal corresponding to the myoelectric potential.

[0013] (Configuration of sensor unit 11) The sensor unit 11 has N (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 3) channels. The sensor unit 11 has N (here, three) measuring units 21, 22, 23 corresponding to the N (here, three) channels. The three measuring units 21, 22, 23 are attached, for example, to different parts of the subject's body B1. In other words, the sensor unit 11 is provided with a measuring unit 21, 22, 23 for each part where the myoelectric potential is measured. For example, when the sensor unit 11 is attached to the subject's forearm, the three measuring units 21, 22, 23 are attached side by side along the longitudinal direction of the subject's arm. Each measuring unit 21, 22, 23 measures the myoelectric potential at the part where the measuring unit 21, 22, 23 is attached, and outputs a myoelectric signal corresponding to the myoelectric potential. Since the three measurement units 21, 22, and 23 have the same configuration, only the configuration of measurement unit 21 will be described in detail here, and detailed descriptions of the configurations of measurement units 22 and 23 will be omitted.

[0014] 1, the measurement unit 21 has, for example, two bioelectrodes 25, 26 and an amplifier 31. Although not shown, the measurement unit 21 is configured, for example, such that the two bioelectrodes 25, 26 are provided on one surface of a substrate, and the amplifier 31 is provided on the other surface of the substrate. The two bioelectrodes 25, 26 are provided so as to come into contact with the subject's body B1 (see FIG. 2).

[0015] The two bioelectrodes 25, 26 include a positive bioelectrode 25 and a negative bioelectrode 26. The two bioelectrodes 25, 26 measure the myoelectric potential at the locations where the bioelectrodes 25, 26 are attached. Here, the myoelectric potential measured by the bioelectrodes 25, 26 is a weak potential of about several μV to several mV. The frequency band of the myoelectric potential is about 5 Hz to 500 Hz.

[0016] The amplifier 31 has two input terminals 35, 36, one output terminal 37, and one shutdown terminal 41. Two bioelectrodes 25, 26 are connected to the two input terminals 35, 36, respectively. Myoelectric potentials measured by the two bioelectrodes 25, 26 are input to the two input terminals 35, 36. The output terminal 37 is connected to the control unit 12 via a first signal line 14. In other words, the first signal line 14 connects the output terminal 37 of the amplifier 31 to the control unit 12. The shutdown terminal 41 is connected to the control unit 12 via a second signal line 15. In other words, the second signal line 15 connects the shutdown terminal 41 of the amplifier 31 to the control unit 12. The amplifier 31 is, for example, a differential amplifier.

[0017] The amplifier 31 generates an output signal So1, which is a myoelectric signal obtained by amplifying a weak myoelectric potential input from the two bioelectrodes 25, 26. The amplifier 31 outputs the output signal So1 to the control unit 12 via the first signal line 14. Here, the output signal So1 output from the amplifier 31 is an analog signal. A shutdown signal SHDN1 generated by the control unit 12 is input to a shutdown terminal 41 of the amplifier 31. For example, when an H-level (first level) shutdown signal SHDN1 is input to the shutdown terminal 41, the amplifier 31 operates in a drive mode in which generation of the output signal So1 is executed. When an L-level (second level) shutdown signal SHDN1 is input to the shutdown terminal 41, the amplifier 31 operates in a shutdown mode in which generation of the output signal So1 is suspended.

[0018] The measurement unit 22 has, for example, two bioelectrodes 25, 26 and an amplifier 32. The amplifier 32 has two input terminals 35, 36, one output terminal 37, and one shutdown terminal 42. The amplifier 32 generates an output signal So2, which is an electromyographic signal obtained by amplifying weak electromyographic potentials input from the two bioelectrodes 25, 26. The amplifier 32 outputs the output signal So2 to the control unit 12 through a first signal line 14. A shutdown signal SHDN2 generated by the control unit 12 is input to the shutdown terminal 42 of the amplifier 32. The amplifier 32 operates in a drive mode in response to the shutdown signal SHDN2 being at an H level, and in a shutdown mode in response to the shutdown signal SHDN2 being at an L level.

[0019] The measurement unit 23 has, for example, two bioelectrodes 25, 26 and an amplifier 33. The amplifier 33 has two input terminals 35, 36, one output terminal 37, and one shutdown terminal 43. The amplifier 33 generates an output signal So3, which is an electromyographic signal obtained by amplifying weak electromyographic potentials input from the two bioelectrodes 25, 26. The amplifier 33 outputs the output signal So3 to the control unit 12 through a first signal line 14. A shutdown signal SHDN3 generated by the control unit 12 is input to the shutdown terminal 43 of the amplifier 33. The amplifier 33 operates in a drive mode in response to the shutdown signal SHDN3 being at an H level, and in a shutdown mode in response to the shutdown signal SHDN3 being at an L level.

[0020] (Configuration of control unit 12) The control unit 12 includes, for example, a control unit 50 and a communication unit 70. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to, for example, three first signal lines 14 and three second signal lines 15. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the communication unit 70.

[0021] The control unit 50 includes, for example, an A / D conversion circuit 51 that converts an analog signal into a digital signal, a control device 52, and a shutdown signal generation circuit 60 that generates shutdown signals SHDN1, SHDN2, and SHDN3.

[0022] The A / D conversion circuit 51 is electrically connected to, for example, three first signal lines 14. The A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires N output signals So1, So2, and So3 (analog signals) output from the N measurement units 21, 22, and 23, respectively, based on a predetermined sampling rate, and converts the acquired analog signals into digital signals. The A / D conversion circuit 51 sequentially acquires the N output signals So1, So2, and So3 in a predetermined order. For example, the A / D conversion circuit 51 sequentially acquires the N output signals So1, So2, and So3 in the order 1 → 2 → ... → N → 1 → 2 .... Specifically, the A / D conversion circuit 51 of this embodiment sequentially acquires the N (here, three) output signals So1, So2, and So3 in the order So1 → So2 → So3 → So1 → So2 .... That is, the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the output signal So1 output from the measurement unit 21 first, the output signal So2 output from the measurement unit 22 second, and the output signal So3 output from the measurement unit 23 third. Furthermore, after the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the Nth (here, the third) output signal So3, acquisition is repeated in the order of So1 → So2 → So3. The A / D conversion circuit 51 outputs the biological information (here, the myoelectric signal) converted into a digital signal to the control device 52. The sampling rate (sampling frequency) in the A / D conversion circuit 51 can be, for example, about 1 kHz.

[0023] In the following description, for convenience, output signal So1 may be referred to as the first output signal So1, output signal So2 may be referred to as the second output signal So2, and output signal So3 may be referred to as the third output signal So3. Furthermore, measurement unit 21 that outputs first output signal So1 may be referred to as the first measurement unit 21, measurement unit 22 that outputs second output signal So2 may be referred to as the second measurement unit 22, and measurement unit 23 that outputs third output signal So3 may be referred to as the third measurement unit 23. Furthermore, amplifier 31 that outputs first output signal So1 may be referred to as the first amplifier 31, amplifier 32 that outputs second output signal So2 may be referred to as the second amplifier 32, and amplifier 33 that outputs third output signal So3 may be referred to as the third amplifier 33. Furthermore, shutdown terminal 41 of amplifier 31 may be referred to as the first shutdown terminal 41, shutdown terminal 42 of amplifier 32 may be referred to as the second shutdown terminal 42, and shutdown terminal 43 of amplifier 33 may be referred to as the third shutdown terminal 43. Furthermore, the output signals So1, So2, and So3 are collectively referred to as output signal So, the measuring units 21, 22, and 23 are collectively referred to as measuring unit 20, and the amplifiers 31, 32, and 33 are collectively referred to as amplifier 30.

[0024] The control device 52 is configured, for example, to comprehensively control the operation of each circuit included in the control unit 50. The control device 52, for example, generates a signal that controls the acquisition order of the output signals So1, So2, and So3 in the A / D conversion circuit 51, and outputs the signal to the A / D conversion circuit 51. The control device 52, for example, performs a predetermined analysis process on the digital signal generated by the A / D conversion circuit 51, i.e., biological information (here, myoelectric signals), to generate analysis result information. The control device 52, for example, outputs the digital signal generated by the A / D conversion circuit 51, i.e., biological information (here, myoelectric signals) or analysis result information to the communication unit 70.

[0025] The control device 52 generates control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 that control the operation modes of the three amplifiers 31, 32, and 33, respectively, and outputs these control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 to the shutdown signal generation circuit 60. Here, the control signal SH1 controls the operation mode of the first amplifier 31, the control signal SH2 controls the operation mode of the second amplifier 32, and the control signal SH3 controls the operation mode of the third amplifier 33. Therefore, in the following description, for convenience, the control signal SH1 may be referred to as the first control signal SH1, the control signal SH2 may be referred to as the second control signal SH2, and the control signal SH3 may be referred to as the third control signal SH3.

[0026] The control device 52 sequentially switches the control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 from H level to L level in order to operate the N amplifiers 31, 32, and 33 in the drive mode, for example, in accordance with the order of acquisition of the N output signals So1, So2, and So3. The control device 52 sequentially switches the control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 from H level to L level in the order of control signal SH1, control signal SH2, and control signal SH3. The control device 52 switches the corresponding control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 from H level to L level in order to operate the corresponding amplifiers 31, 32, and 33 in the shutdown mode, for example, based on acquisition of the output signals So1, So2, and So3. The control device 52 switches the first control signal SH1 from H level to L level after the A / D conversion circuit 51 has finished acquiring the first output signal So1. The control device 52 switches the second control signal SH2 from H level to L level after the A / D conversion circuit 51 has finished acquiring the second output signal So2. For example, after the A / D conversion circuit 51 has finished obtaining the third output signal So3, the control device 52 switches the third control signal SH3 from H level to L level.

[0027] The signal that controls the order in which the output signals So1, So2, and So3 are acquired in the A / D conversion circuit 51 and the control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 may be the same signal or different signals.

[0028] The control device 52 may be configured as a circuit including: [1] one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software); [2] one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that execute at least some of the various processes; or [3] a combination thereof. The processor includes a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0029] The shutdown signal generating circuit 60 generates shutdown signals SHDN1, SHDN2, and SHDN3 based on control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 input from the control device 52. In the following description, the shutdown signals SHDN1, SHDN2, and SHDN3 will be collectively referred to as the shutdown signal SHDN.

[0030] The shutdown signal generating circuit 60 includes, for example, a plurality of (six in this example) diodes 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66. A control signal SH1 is input to the anode terminals of the diodes 61 and 62. A control signal SH2 is input to the anode terminals of the diodes 63 and 64. A control signal SH3 is input to the anode terminals of the diodes 65 and 66.

[0031] The cathode terminal of the diode 61 is connected to the cathode terminal of the diode 66. The cathode terminals of the diodes 61 and 66 are connected to the shutdown terminal 41 of the amplifier 31 of the measuring unit 21 via the second signal line 15.

[0032] The cathode terminal of the diode 62 is connected to the cathode terminal of the diode 63. The cathode terminals of the diodes 62 and 63 are connected to the shutdown terminal 42 of the amplifier 32 of the measuring unit 22 via the second signal line 15.

[0033] The cathode terminal of the diode 64 is connected to the cathode terminal of the diode 65. The cathode terminals of the diodes 64 and 65 are connected to the shutdown terminal 43 of the amplifier 33 of the measuring unit 23 via the second signal line 15.

[0034] The first control signal SH1 is input to the first amplifier 31 via a diode 61 as a shutdown signal SHDN1, and is also input to the second amplifier 32 via a diode 62 as a shutdown signal SHDN2.

[0035] The second control signal SH2 is input to the second amplifier 32 via a diode 63 as a shutdown signal SHDN2, and is also input to the third amplifier 33 via a diode 64 as a shutdown signal SHDN3.

[0036] The third control signal SH3 is input to the third amplifier 33 via a diode 65 as a shutdown signal SHDN3, and is also input to the first amplifier 31 via a diode 66 as a shutdown signal SHDN1.

[0037] Here, the voltage of the H-level shutdown signal SHDN is higher than that of the L-level shutdown signal SHDN. Furthermore, the H-level control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 are each higher than that of the L-level control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3. Therefore, in the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when, for example, one of the two control signals SH1 and SH3 is H level and the other is L level, the H-level control signal takes precedence. For example, in the diodes 61 and 66 of the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when one of the two control signals SH1 and SH3 goes H level, the H-level control signal takes precedence, and the shutdown signal SHDN1 goes H level. For example, in the diodes 62 and 63 of the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when one of the two control signals SH1 and SH2 goes H level, the H-level control signal takes precedence, and the shutdown signal SHDN2 goes H level. For example, in the diodes 64 and 65 of the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when one of the two control signals SH2 and SH3 goes H level, the H-level control signal takes precedence, and the shutdown signal SHDN3 goes H level.

[0038] In other words, when the control signal SH1 goes high, the shutdown signal SHDN1 input to the first amplifier 31 goes high, and the shutdown signal SHDN2 input to the second amplifier 32 goes high. When the control signal SH2 goes high, the shutdown signal SHDN2 input to the second amplifier 32 goes high, and the shutdown signal SHDN3 input to the third amplifier 33 goes high. When the control signal SH3 goes high, the shutdown signal SHDN3 input to the third amplifier 33 goes high, and the shutdown signal SHDN1 input to the first amplifier 31 goes high.

[0039] Thus, in the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when the jth (j is a natural number from 1 to N−1) control signal goes high, the jth shutdown signal SHDN goes high and the (j+1)th shutdown signal SHDN goes high. In other words, when the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the jth measurement unit 20, it also outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the (j+1)th measurement unit 20. For example, when the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN1 to the first measurement unit 21, it also outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN2 to the second measurement unit 22. For example, when the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN2 to the second measurement unit 22, it also outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN3 to the third measurement unit 23. Furthermore, in the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when the Nth (here, the third) control signal SH3 goes high, the Nth shutdown signal SHDN3 goes high and the first shutdown signal SHDN1 goes high. In other words, when the shutdown signal generating circuit 60 outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN3 to the Nth (here, the third) measuring unit 23, it also outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN1 to the first measuring unit 23.

[0040] In the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when the two control signals SH1 and SH3 both go to L level, the shutdown signal SHDN1 switches from H level to L level. In the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when the two control signals SH1 and SH2 both go to L level, the shutdown signal SHDN2 switches from H level to L level. In the shutdown signal generation circuit 60, when the two control signals SH2 and SH3 both go to L level, the shutdown signal SHDN3 switches from H level to L level.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2 , the N measurement units 21, 22, and 23 are arranged side by side along a first direction in an order that matches the acquisition order of the output signals So1, So2, and So3. Here, the first direction in this embodiment is a direction that matches the longitudinal direction of the subject's arm, which is the body B1, and is a direction from the wrist side toward the upper arm side. That is, in the sensor unit 11 of this embodiment, the N measurement units 21, 22, and 23 are arranged from the wrist side toward the upper arm side in an order that matches the acquisition order of the output signals So1, So2, and So3, that is, in the order of measurement unit 21, measurement unit 22, and measurement unit 23. Specifically, the first measurement unit 21 is arranged closest to the subject's wrist, the second measurement unit 22 is arranged closer to the upper arm than the measurement unit 21, and the third measurement unit 23 is arranged closer to the upper arm than the measurement unit 22.

[0042] (Configuration of communication unit 70) As shown in FIG. 1, an antenna 71 is connected to the communication unit 70 for communicating with the information management device 80 by a predetermined wireless communication method. The communication unit 70 is, for example, a transmission circuit. The communication unit 70 transmits transmission information including bioinformation (here, myoelectric signals) and analysis result information acquired by the sensor unit 11 to the antenna 71. The communication unit 70 transmits the transmission information to the information management device 80 by wireless communication through the antenna 71. Examples of wireless communication methods include BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy; Bluetooth is a registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), ANT+ (registered trademark), and NFC.

[0043] (Configuration of information management device 80) The information management device 80 has, for example, an antenna 81 and receives information transmitted from the biological information measurement device 10. The information management device 80 stores the received information in, for example, a storage device. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD) can be used as the storage device. For example, the information management device 80 displays the received information on a display device. For example, the information management device 80 performs a predetermined analysis process on the received information and displays the analysis results on the display device. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electronic luminescence) can be used as the display device. For example, the information management device 80 notifies the received information by a predetermined action such as sound or vibration. Examples of sounds include voices that express words, sounds such as bells without words, and combinations of these.

[0044] The information management device 80 may be provided so as to be attached to the subject's body B1 (see FIG. 2) together with the biological information measurement device 10, or may be provided at a position separate from the body B1. (Biological information measurement method) Next, a biological information measuring method using the biological information measuring device 10 will be described.

[0045] 2, first, the biological information measuring device 10 is attached to the subject's body B1, in this case, the forearm. The biological information measuring device 10 is attached to the body B1 so that the bioelectrodes 25, 26 (see FIG. 1) of each of the N measuring units 21, 22, 23 contact the skin of the body B1.

[0046] 3, biological information measurement is started by the biological information measurement device 10. At the start of this measurement, the N control signals SH1, SH2, and SH3 are all at L level, and the N shutdown signals SHDN1, SHDN2, and SHDN3 are all at L level. As a result, the N amplifiers 31, 32, and 33 are all in shutdown mode.

[0047] 4, the control device 52 first transitions the first control signal SH1 from L level to H level in accordance with the order in which the output signals So1, So2, and So3 are acquired. When the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 receives the H-level control signal SH1, it outputs the H-level shutdown signal SHDN1 and also outputs the H-level shutdown signal SHDN2. As a result, the amplifier 31 receiving the H-level shutdown signal SHDN1 switches to the drive mode, and the amplifier 32 receiving the H-level shutdown signal SHDN2 switches to the drive mode. Thereafter, the amplifiers 31, 32, and 33 wait for a time equal to or longer than the time required to switch from the shutdown mode to the drive mode. Here, the time required to switch from the shutdown mode to the drive mode in the amplifiers 31, 32, and 33 can be approximately 100 μs to 200 μs.

[0048] Subsequently, the amplifier 31, which has switched to the drive mode, amplifies the myoelectric potential measured by the bioelectrodes 25 and 26 to generate an output signal So1 and outputs the output signal So1 to the A / D conversion circuit 51 of the control unit 50. Similarly, the amplifier 32, which has switched to the drive mode, amplifies the myoelectric potential measured by the bioelectrodes 25 and 26 to generate an output signal So2 and outputs the output signal So2 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. Then, the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the output signal So1, which is the first output signal So1 to be acquired, out of the output signals So1 and So2. For example, the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the output signal So1 at a predetermined sampling rate based on the H-level control signal SH1. Here, the sampling rate of the A / D conversion circuit 51 can be approximately 1 kHz. The A / D conversion circuit 51 converts the acquired output signal So1 (analog signal) into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the control device 52. The control device 52 performs, for example, a predetermined analysis process on the digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 51. This makes it possible to acquire, as a digital signal, biological information (here, a myoelectric signal) at the site where the first measuring unit 21 is attached.

[0049] 4, since the control signals SH2 and SH3 are at L level, the shutdown signal SHDN3 input to the third amplifier 33 is at L level. Therefore, the amplifier 33 remains in the shutdown mode. This allows the amplifier 33 to be in a sleep state during the period in which the first output signal So1 is acquired. Therefore, the power consumption of the amplifier 33 can be reduced compared to when the amplifier 33 is in the drive mode.

[0050] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 52 transitions the second control signal SH2 from L level to H level in accordance with the acquisition order of the output signals So1, So2, and So3. When the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 receives the H level control signal SH2, it outputs the H level shutdown signal SHDN2 and also outputs the H level shutdown signal SHDN3. As a result, the amplifier 33 to which the H level shutdown signal SHDN2 is received continues to operate in the drive mode, while the amplifier 33 to which the H level shutdown signal SHDN3 is received switches to the drive mode. At this time, the second amplifier 32 is switched to the drive mode together with the first amplifier 31 when the first amplifier 31 is switched to the drive mode (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the amplifier 32 operates while maintaining the drive mode in response to the H level shutdown signal SHDN2. Here, when the first amplifier 31 is switched to the drive mode at the start of measurement, it is necessary to wait for a time longer than the time required to switch from the shutdown mode to the drive mode. In contrast, the second amplifier 32 has been switched to the drive mode together with the first amplifier 31, and is therefore already operating in the drive mode when the second control signal SH2 transitions from L level to H level. Therefore, after the second control signal SH2 transitions to H level, the amplifier 32 can be operated in the drive mode without waiting for the time required to switch from the shutdown mode to the drive mode.

[0051] Subsequently, the amplifier 32 operating in the drive mode continues to output the output signal So2 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. Furthermore, the amplifier 33, which has switched to the drive mode, amplifies the myoelectric potential measured by the bioelectrodes 25 and 26 to generate the output signal So3 and outputs the output signal So3 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. The A / D conversion circuit 51 then acquires the output signal So2, which is the second of the output signals So2 and So3. For example, the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the output signal So2 at a predetermined sampling rate based on the H-level control signal SH2. The A / D conversion circuit 51 converts the acquired output signal So2 (analog signal) into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the control device 52. For example, the control device 52 performs a predetermined analysis process on the digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 51. This allows bioinformation (here, a myoelectric signal) at the site where the second measuring unit 22 is attached to be acquired as a digital signal.

[0052] 5, the control device 52 transitions the first control signal SH1 from H level to L level based on the acquisition of the output signal So1. For example, after the A / D conversion circuit 51 finishes acquiring the output signal So1, the control device 52 transitions the control signal SH1 to L level. As a result, both control signals SH1 and SH3 become L level, and the shutdown signal SHDN1 becomes L level. Based on this L-level shutdown signal SHDN1, the amplifier 31 is switched from the drive mode to the shutdown mode. This allows the amplifier 31 to be in a sleep state during the period in which the second output signal So2 is acquired. This allows the power consumption of the amplifier 31 to be reduced compared to when the amplifier 31 remains in the drive mode.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 52 transitions the third control signal SH3 from L level to H level in accordance with the acquisition order of the output signals So1, So2, and So3. When the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 receives the H level control signal SH3, it outputs the H level shutdown signal SHDN3 and also outputs the H level shutdown signal SHDN1. As a result, the amplifier 33 to which the H level shutdown signal SHDN3 is received operates while maintaining the drive mode, while the amplifier 31 to which the H level shutdown signal SHDN1 is received switches to the drive mode. At this time, the third amplifier 33 is switched to the drive mode together with the second amplifier 32 when the second amplifier 32 is switched to the drive mode (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the amplifier 33 has been operating in the drive mode even before the control signal SH3 transitions from L level to H level. Therefore, the amplifier 33 can be operated in the drive mode after the third control signal SH3 transitions to H level without waiting for more than the time required to switch from the shutdown mode to the drive mode.

[0054] Subsequently, the amplifier 33 operating in the drive mode continues to output the output signal So3 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. Furthermore, the amplifier 31, which has switched to the drive mode, amplifies the myoelectric potential measured by the bioelectrodes 25, 26 to generate the output signal So1 and outputs the output signal So1 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. The A / D conversion circuit 51 then acquires the output signal So3, which is the third (Nth) output signal among the output signals So3 and So1. For example, the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the output signal So3 at a predetermined sampling rate based on the H-level control signal SH3. The A / D conversion circuit 51 converts the acquired output signal So3 (analog signal) into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the control device 52. For example, the control device 52 performs a predetermined analysis process on the digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 51. This allows bioinformation (here, a myoelectric signal) at the location where the third measuring unit 23 is attached to be acquired as a digital signal.

[0055] 6, the control device 52 transitions the second control signal SH2 from H level to L level based on the acquisition of the output signal So2. For example, after the A / D conversion circuit 51 finishes acquiring the output signal So2, the control device 52 transitions the control signal SH2 to L level. As a result, both control signals SH1 and SH2 become L level, and the shutdown signal SHDN2 becomes L level. Based on this L-level shutdown signal SHDN2, the amplifier 32 is switched from the drive mode to the shutdown mode. This allows the amplifier 32 to be in a sleep state during the period in which the third output signal So3 is acquired. This reduces the power consumption of the amplifier 32 compared to when the amplifier 32 remains in the drive mode.

[0056] Through the above steps, N output signals So1, So2, and So3 can be obtained in the order So1→So2→So3. Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 52 transitions the first (N+1)th control signal SH1 from L level to H level in accordance with the acquisition order of the output signals So1, So2, and So3. When the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 receives the H level control signal SH1, it outputs the H level shutdown signal SHDN1 and also outputs the H level shutdown signal SHDN2. As a result, the amplifier 31 to which the H level shutdown signal SHDN1 is received operates while maintaining the drive mode, while the amplifier 32 to which the H level shutdown signal SHDN2 is received switches to the drive mode. At this time, the first amplifier 31 is switched to the drive mode together with the third amplifier 33 when the third amplifier 33 is switched to the drive mode (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the amplifier 31 has been operating in the drive mode even before the control signal SH1 transitions from L level to H level. Therefore, the amplifier 31 can be operated in the drive mode after the first control signal SH1 transitions to H level without waiting for a time longer than the time required to switch from the shutdown mode to the drive mode.

[0057] Subsequently, the amplifier 31 operating in the drive mode continues to output the output signal So1 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. Furthermore, the amplifier 32, which has switched to the drive mode, amplifies the myoelectric potential measured by the bioelectrodes 25 and 26 to generate the output signal So2 and outputs the output signal So2 to the A / D conversion circuit 51. The A / D conversion circuit 51 then acquires the (N+1)th (first) output signal So1 from among the output signals So1 and So2. For example, the A / D conversion circuit 51 acquires the output signal So1 at a predetermined sampling rate based on an H-level control signal SH1. The A / D conversion circuit 51 converts the acquired output signal So1 (analog signal) into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal to the control device 52. The control device 52, for example, performs a predetermined analysis process on the digital signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 51. This allows bioinformation (here, a myoelectric signal) from the part where the first measuring unit 21 is attached to be acquired as a digital signal.

[0058] 7, the control device 52 transitions the third control signal SH3 from H level to L level based on the acquisition of the output signal So3. For example, after the A / D conversion circuit 51 finishes acquiring the output signal So3, the control device 52 transitions the control signal SH3 to L level. As a result, both control signals SH2 and SH3 become L level, and the shutdown signal SHDN3 becomes L level. Based on this L-level shutdown signal SHDN3, the amplifier 33 is switched from the drive mode to the shutdown mode. This allows the amplifier 33 to be in a sleep state during the period in which the first output signal So1 is acquired. This reduces the power consumption of the amplifier 33 compared to when the amplifier 33 remains in the drive mode.

[0059] Thereafter, by repeating the steps shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, N output signals So1, So2, and So3 can be obtained in the order of So1→So2→So3→So1→So2→So3 . . .

[0060] In the biological information measurement method of this embodiment, the amplifier 30 is set to the shutdown mode based on the acquisition of the corresponding output signal So. This allows the amplifier 30 to be set to the shutdown mode during a period other than the acquisition period of the corresponding output signal So. This reduces power consumption in the amplifier 30, thereby reducing power consumption in the biological information measurement device 10. Furthermore, in the biological information measurement method of this embodiment, when the i-th (i is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) amplifier 30 in the acquisition order is switched to the drive mode, the next (i+1)th amplifier 30 in the acquisition order is also switched to the drive mode. This allows the (i+1)th amplifier 30, which outputs the next output signal So to be acquired, to be switched to the drive mode in advance, thereby apparently shortening the time required to switch the (i+1)th amplifier 30 to the drive mode.

[0061] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The biological information measuring device 10 includes a sensor unit 11 having N (three in this embodiment) measuring units 20, and a control unit 50 that sequentially acquires N output signals So output from the N measuring units 20 in a predetermined order. Each of the N measuring units 20 includes bioelectrodes 25, 26 and an amplifier 30 that amplifies the biological information measured by the bioelectrodes 25, 26 to generate the output signal So. The amplifier 30 operates in a drive mode in which it generates the output signal So based on an H-level shutdown signal SHDN. The amplifier 30 operates in a shutdown mode in which it suspends generation of the output signal So based on an L-level shutdown signal SHDN. The control unit 50 sequentially outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the N measuring units 20 in accordance with the order in which the N output signals So are acquired. The control unit 50 outputs an L-level shutdown signal SHDN to each of the N measuring units 20 based on the acquisition of the corresponding output signal So.

[0062] According to this configuration, the amplifier 30 is switched to the shutdown mode after the acquisition of the corresponding output signal So is completed. This allows the amplifier 30 to be set to a sleep state during periods other than the acquisition period of the corresponding output signal So. This reduces the power consumption of the amplifier 30 compared to when the amplifier 30 always operates in the drive mode. As a result, the power consumption of the biological information measurement device 10 can be reduced.

[0063] (2) To reduce power consumption in the biological information measurement device 10, a measurement method may be considered in which only the amplifier 30 corresponding to the output signal So acquired by the control unit 50 is operated in drive mode, and all other amplifiers 30 are set to shutdown mode. In this measurement method, when acquiring the first output signal So1, only the first amplifier 31 is operated in drive mode, and all other amplifiers 32 and 33 are set to shutdown mode. When acquiring the second output signal So2, only the second amplifier 32 is operated in drive mode, and all other amplifiers 31 and 33 are set to shutdown mode. When acquiring the third output signal So3, only the third amplifier 33 is operated in drive mode, and all other amplifiers 31 and 32 are set to shutdown mode. In this measurement method, if the sampling rate of the control unit 50 increases and the switching time of the amplifiers 30 to the drive mode becomes longer, the amplifiers 30 may not be able to switch to drive mode in time for the acquisition of the output signal So. This results in a problem of not being able to acquire the desired output signal So at the desired timing.

[0064] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the control unit 50 outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the ith measurement unit 20 in the acquisition order, it also outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the (i+1)th measurement unit 20 in the acquisition order. As a result, when the ith amplifier 30 in the acquisition order is switched to the drive mode, the next (i+1)th amplifier 30 in the acquisition order is also switched to the drive mode. For example, when the first amplifier 31 in the acquisition order is switched to the drive mode, the second amplifier 32 in the acquisition order is also switched to the drive mode. Therefore, the second amplifier 32 that outputs the next output signal So2 can be started to be switched to the drive mode in advance, thereby apparently shortening the time required to switch the second (i+1)th amplifier 32 to the drive mode. As a result, even if the sampling rate of the control unit 50 is increased and the operation mode switching time of the amplifier 30 is lengthened, the amplifier 30 can be suitably switched to the drive mode in accordance with the acquisition timing of the output signal So. This makes it possible to obtain the output signal So at a desired sampling rate, while also reducing power consumption by switching the amplifier 30 to the shutdown mode.

[0065] (3) The control unit 50 includes a shutdown signal generation circuit 60 that generates shutdown signals SHDN1, SHDN2, and SHDN3. The shutdown signal generation circuit 60 includes diodes 61 and 62, the anode terminals of which receive the first control signal SH1, and diodes 63 and 64, the anode terminals of which receive the second control signal SH2. The shutdown signal generation circuit 60 also includes diodes 65 and 66, the anode terminals of which receive the third control signal SH3. The cathode terminals of the diodes 61 and 66 are connected to the shutdown terminal 41 of the first amplifier 31, and the cathode terminals of the diodes 62 and 63 are connected to the shutdown terminal 42 of the second amplifier 32. The cathode terminals of the diodes 64 and 65 are connected to the shutdown terminal 43 of the third amplifier 33. In this way, the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 can be configured using only (N×2) diodes 61 to 66 (six in this embodiment). This allows the shutdown signal generation circuit 60 to have a simple configuration.

[0066] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0067] In the biological information measurement system 1 of the above embodiment, communication between the control unit 12 and the information management device 80 is performed using wireless communication, but this is not limiting. For example, communication between the control unit 12 and the information management device 80 may be performed using wired communication.

[0068] In the above embodiment, communication between the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12 is performed by wired communication using the first signal line 14 and the second signal line 15, but this is not limiting. For example, communication between the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12 may be performed by wireless communication.

[0069] In the above embodiment of the biological information measuring device 10, the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12 are attached to the body B1, which is the measurement target, but this is not limiting. For example, only the sensor unit 11 of the sensor unit 11 and the control unit 12 may be attached to the body B1. In this case, the control unit 12 is not attached to the body B1, but is provided, for example, at a location away from the body B1.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the sensor unit 11 has three measurement units 20, but the number of measurement units 20 included in the sensor unit 11 is not limited to this. The number of measurement units 20 included in the sensor unit 11 may be four or more.

[0071] 8, the sensor unit 11 may have seven measuring units 20. In the sensor unit 11 of this modified example, the seven measuring units 20 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the subject's arm.

[0072] In the sensor unit 11 of the above embodiment, the N measurement units 20 are arranged in a line, but the arrangement of the N measurement units 20 is not particularly limited. For example, N measurement units 20 may be arranged in a matrix as shown in Fig. 9. For example, N measurement units 20 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the subject's arm and along the lateral direction of the subject's arm.

[0073] In the sensor unit 11 of the above embodiment, the N measurement units 20 are arranged in the first direction in the same order as the acquisition order of the N output signals So, but this is not limiting. For example, the N measurement units 20 may be arranged in an order different from the acquisition order of the N output signals So. For example, if the measurement units 21, 22, and 23 are arranged in this order as shown in FIG. 2, the N output signals So1, So2, and So3 may be acquired by the A / D conversion circuit 51 in the order So2 → So1 → So3 → So2 → So1 → So3...

[0074] In the control unit 50 of the above embodiment, the N output signals So1, So2, and So3 are acquired in the order So1 → So2 → So3 → So1 → So2 → So3..., but the acquisition order is not limited to this. For example, the N output signals So1, So2, and So3 may be acquired in the order So1 → So2 → So3 → So2 → So1 → So2 → So3....

[0075] In the above embodiment, when the control unit 50 outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the i-th measurement unit 20, it also outputs an H-level shutdown signal SHDN to the (i+1)-th measurement unit 20. That is, when the i-th amplifier 30 is switched to the drive mode, the (i+1)-th amplifier 30 is also switched to the drive mode. In other words, two amplifiers 30 are switched to the drive mode together. However, this is not limited to this. For example, M (M is a natural number from 2 to N-1) measurement units 20 may be switched to the drive mode together. For example, if the sensor unit 11 has four or more measurement units 20, three measurement units 20 may be switched to the drive mode together.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the measurement target of biological information is a human body B1, but the measurement target of biological information may be an animal body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Biometric information measurement system 10 Biological information measuring device 11 Sensor section 12 Control Unit 14 First signal line 15 Second signal line 20,21,22,23 Measuring part 25,26 Bioelectrodes 30, 31, 32, 33 Amplifier 41, 42, 43 Shutdown terminal 50 control section 51 A / D conversion circuit 52 Control device 60 Shutdown signal generation circuit 61,63 Diode (first diode) 62,64 Diode (second diode) 65 Diode (third diode) 66 Diode (4th Diode) B1 Body SH1, SH2 control signal (first control signal) SH3 control signal (second control signal) SHDN, SHDN1, SHDN2, SHDN3 Shutdown signals So, So1, So2, So3 output signals

Claims

1. a sensor unit having N (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 3) measurement units; a control unit that sequentially acquires N output signals output from the N measurement units in a predetermined order, Each of the N measurement units includes a bioelectrode and an amplifier that amplifies bioinformation measured by the bioelectrode to generate the output signal, the amplifier has a shutdown terminal to which a shutdown signal is input; the amplifier operates in a drive mode in which generation of the output signal is performed based on the shutdown signal having a first level, and in a shutdown mode in which generation of the output signal is suspended based on the shutdown signal having a second level; the control unit sequentially outputs the shutdown signal of the first level to the N measurement units in accordance with the order in which the N output signals are acquired; the control unit outputs the second level shutdown signal to each of the N measurement units based on acquisition of the corresponding output signal; A biological information measuring device in which the control unit outputs the first level shutdown signal to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is i (i is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) when the control unit outputs the first level shutdown signal to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is (i+1)

2. the control unit sequentially acquires the N output signals in the order of 1 → 2 → ... → N → 1 → 2 ...; When the control unit outputs the shutdown signal of the first level to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is j (j is a natural number from 1 to N−1), the control unit also outputs the shutdown signal of the first level to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is (j+1), The biological information measuring device of claim 1, wherein when the control unit outputs the first level shutdown signal to the measurement unit that is Nth in the acquisition order, the control unit also outputs the first level shutdown signal to the measurement unit that is first in the acquisition order.

3. the control unit has a shutdown signal generation circuit that generates the shutdown signal, The shutdown signal generating circuit a first diode and a second diode to whose anode terminals a first control signal for controlling an operation mode of the amplifier included in the j-th measurement unit in the acquisition order is input; a third diode and a fourth diode, to the anode terminals of which a second control signal is input that controls an operation mode of the amplifier included in the measurement unit that is Nth in the acquisition order; a cathode terminal of the first diode is connected to the shutdown terminal of the amplifier included in the measurement unit that is j-th in the acquisition order; a cathode terminal of the second diode is connected to the shutdown terminal of the amplifier included in the measurement unit that is (j+1)th in the acquisition order; a cathode terminal of the third diode is connected to the shutdown terminal of the amplifier included in the measurement unit that is N-th in the acquisition order; The biological information measurement device according to claim 2 , wherein the cathode terminal of the fourth diode is connected to the shutdown terminal of the amplifier of the measurement unit that is first in the acquisition order.

4. The control unit an A / D conversion circuit that sequentially acquires the N output signals and converts the analog output signals into digital signals; 2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a control device that performs an analysis process on the digital signal generated by the A / D conversion circuit.

5. The biological information measurement device according to claim 1 , wherein the N measurement units are arranged in a first direction in an order that matches the acquisition order.

6. a first signal line connecting each of the output terminals of the N amplifiers to the control unit and transmitting the output signal; The biological information measuring device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second signal line connecting each of the shutdown terminals of the N amplifiers to the control unit and transmitting the shutdown signal.

7. a first step of sequentially acquiring N output signals output from N (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 3) measurement units in a predetermined order; a second step of sequentially outputting shutdown signals of a first level to the N measurement units in accordance with the order in which the N output signals are acquired, and setting the operation mode of an amplifier included in the measurement unit to a drive mode in which the output signals are generated; a third step of outputting the shutdown signal at a second level to the i-th measurement unit based on the acquisition of the i-th output signal (i is a natural number equal to or greater than 1), and setting the operation mode of an amplifier included in the i-th measurement unit to a shutdown mode in which generation of the output signal is suspended; In the second step, when the shutdown signal of the first level is output to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is the i-th, the shutdown signal of the first level is also output to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is the (i+1)th.

8. In the first step, the N output signals are sequentially acquired in the order of 1 → 2 → ... → N → 1 → 2 ...; In the second step, when the shutdown signal of the first level is output to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is j (j is a natural number from 1 to N-1), the shutdown signal of the first level is also output to the measurement unit whose acquisition order is (j+1), The biological information measurement method described in claim 7, wherein in the second step, when the shutdown signal of the first level is output to the measurement unit that is the Nth in the acquisition order, the shutdown signal of the first level is also output to the measurement unit that is the first in the acquisition order.

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