Biological information detection device and biological information detection system

Abstract

A biometric information detection device according to the present disclosure comprises a main body that is provided with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information related to a living body, and a wearing member that is rotatably held by the main body and is attachable to an ear hole of the living body. Rotation of the wearing member relative to the main body changes the posture of the main body relative to the wearing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biological information detection device and a biological information detection system.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a device having an earpiece provided with sensor electrodes for detecting the potential of a living body, and measuring brain waves using the potential detected by the sensor electrodes (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a device for detecting biological information, it is desirable to improve the detection performance.

[0005] It is desired to provide a biological information detection device capable of obtaining higher detection performance.

[0006] A biological information detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information relating to a living organism, and a mounting member rotatably held by the main body and attachable to the ear canal of a living organism. The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body changes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member. The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. The mounting member has a different thickness in a portion of the circumference of the opening in the part that contacts the support compared to other parts. A biological information detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information relating to a living organism, and a mounting member rotatably held by the main body and attachable to the ear canal of a living organism. The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body changes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member. The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. The mounting member has a different thickness in a portion of the circumference of the opening in the part that contacts the support compared to other parts. A biological information detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information relating to a living organism, and a mounting member rotatably held by the main body and capable of being attached to the ear canal of a living organism. The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body changes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member. The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. The mounting member has a projection on one or the other side of the inner circumference of the opening.

[0007] A biological information detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a biological information detection device and an electronic device. The biological information detection device has a main body provided with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information about a living organism, a mounting member rotatably held by the main body and attachable to the ear canal of a living organism, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the first information. The electronic device has a receiving unit for receiving the first information and a control unit for generating second information regarding the amount of rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body based on the first information. The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body changes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member. The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. In a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support, the center position of the opening is different from the center position of the support.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a biological information detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of a biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a waveform of a biological signal obtained by a biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the mounting state of the biometric information detection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of the mounting state of the biometric information detection device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of a biological information detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order. 0. Background 1. Embodiment 2. Variations 2-1. Variation 1 2-2. Variation 2 2-3. Variation 3 2-4. Variation 4 2-5. Variation 5

[0010] <0. Background> In a device equipped with an electrical or optical sensor capable of acquiring a signal (biological signal) corresponding to the state of a living body, in order to acquire a biological signal with good signal quality, it is necessary to ensure the contact between the sensor and the living body. The device of Patent Document 1 described above has an auxiliary member for stably attaching to the user's ear and a mechanism capable of changing the angle of the bearing portion of the canal-type earpiece, and attempts to ensure the contact of the electrodes. However, since the mechanical mechanism becomes complex, it is conceivable that the size of the device increases and the manufacturing cost increases. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to ensure contact with the shape of the ear with a large individual difference by a simpler mechanism. Hereinafter, a biological information detection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <1. Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a biological information detection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The biological information detection system 1 includes a biological information detection device 100 and an electronic device 200. The biological information detection device 100 is an electronic device used by being worn on the ear. The electronic device 200 is a terminal device (terminal) used by the user. The electronic device 200 is composed of electronic devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, and a computer.

[0012] The biological information detection device 100 is an earphone device, for example, a canal-type earphone. The biological information detection device 100 is configured to be communicable with the electronic device 200. In the biological information detection system 1, the biological information detection device 100 is worn on the ear, and information regarding the living body (hereinafter referred to as biological information) is detected.

[0013] The biological information is, for example, information regarding the state of the human body as a living body. Examples of the biological information include information regarding a pulse wave, information regarding an electroencephalogram, and information regarding an electromyogram. In the biological information detection system 1, biological information such as information regarding a pulse wave is acquired, and it becomes possible to confirm the state of the living body.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the biological information detection device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the biological information detection device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view of the biological information detection device 100 shown in FIG. 2 as seen from above. The biological information detection device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0015] The biological information detection device 100 includes a main body 10 having a base portion 11 and a support 12, and a mounting member 20 which is a member that can be attached to a living body's ear. The support 12 is a shaft portion extending from the base (base) 11. The mounting member 20 is detachably attached to the support 12. The mounting member 20 is attached to the support 12 of the main body 10 and is rotatably held (supported) by the main body 10.

[0016] The mounting member 20 is formed using, for example, a material having elasticity (such as rubber or resin). The mounting member 20 has a shape including a cylindrical shape having an opening 21 into which the support 12 is inserted. The mounting member 20 is supported by the support 12 when the support 12 is inserted into the opening 21. The mounting member 20 is rotatably held with the support (shaft portion) 12 as a rotation axis and is relatively rotatable with respect to the main body 10. Note that the mounting member 20 may be formed using other flexible materials or other materials.

[0017] The mounting member 20 has a shape corresponding to the ear canal of a living body and is a member that can be attached to the ear canal. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the mounting member 20 has an umbrella shape (dome shape). The mounting member 20 is an earpiece. The mounting member 20 attached to the main body 10 is inserted into the ear canal during actual use and is held by the user's ear. When the mounting member 20 is inserted into the ear canal, a part or all of the main body 10 is in a state of being accommodated inside the auricle. Note that a plurality of mounting members 20 having different shapes and / or sizes can be prepared and the mounting member 20 can be exchanged according to the shape of the ear. The mounting member 20 can be said to be a replaceable earpiece.

[0018] The biometric information detection system 1 may include a biometric information detection device 100 worn on the left ear and a biometric information detection device 100 worn on the right ear. The biometric information detection device 100 can be applied to wireless earphones (or headphones) in which the left and right ears are physically independent. A sealed earpiece may be used as the mounting member 20. This allows the user to reduce ambient noise and become more immersed in content when listening to music or other content.

[0019] A sensor (hereinafter referred to as a biosensor) 30 capable of acquiring biological information is provided at the base 11 of the main body 10. The biosensor 30 is an optical sensor, an electrophoretic sensor, etc., and acquires signals (biosensors) corresponding to the state of the living body. The biosensor 30 is, for example, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, and acquires biosensors related to pulse waves. In the biological information detection system 1, biosensors 30 acquire biosensors, and the state of the living body is detected.

[0020] The biosensor 30 is, for example, a PPG sensor having a light-emitting unit 31 and a light-receiving unit 32, and measures the biological state. The light-emitting unit 31 has a light source (e.g., an LED (Light Emitting Diode)) and is a light-emitting element that emits light. The light-receiving unit 32 has a photodetector and is a light-receiving element that receives light. The biosensor 30 comes into close proximity to a part of the ear (e.g., near the tragus), which is the measurement site (the area to be measured), when the attachment member 20 is attached to the ear.

[0021] Furthermore, the measurement site is not limited to the tragus. The measurement site may be any part of the ear. The measurement site can be changed as needed depending on the shape of the biometric information detection device 100, which is an earphone device, and may be the concha or other parts of the ear.

[0022] The light-emitting unit 31 irradiates the measurement site with light generated by the light source when the biosensor 30 and the measurement site are in close proximity. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 is repeatedly absorbed and scattered within the body. Of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31, some is attenuated through repeated absorption and scattering, while other portions are received by the light-receiving unit 32 as reflected light.

[0023] The light received by the light-receiving unit 32 is light that has traveled through the capillaries under the skin and been repeatedly absorbed within the body. The light source of the light-emitting unit 31 often uses light with wavelengths of 500 nm to 780 nm, and absorption by hemoglobin in the blood is particularly large around 530 nm. The amount of blood in the blood vessels increases or decreases with the beating of the heart. The amount of light absorbed increases or decreases with the increase or decrease in blood volume. Therefore, the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 32 increases or decreases with the beating of the heart.

[0024] In the light-receiving unit 32, an electrical signal corresponding to the increase or decrease in the amount of light received can be obtained by photoelectric conversion. In this way, the biosensor 30 irradiates the living body with light, receives the light that has been absorbed and scattered repeatedly through the subcutaneous capillaries, and performs photoelectric conversion to obtain a biological signal as an electrical signal corresponding to the change in blood volume in the blood vessels of the body.

[0025] The biosensor 30 repeatedly generates a biosignal by, for example, taking measurements on the tragus at predetermined intervals. The amplitude (signal level) of the biosignal changes (increases or decreases) in accordance with the volume fluctuations of blood vessels associated with the heartbeat. Therefore, by analyzing the biosignal generated by the biosensor 30, it is possible to detect the pulse wave of the body and calculate biometric information such as heart rate.

[0026] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a biological information detection device 100 according to an embodiment. The biological information detection device 100 comprises a power supply unit 111, a power supply control unit 112, a sensor block 113, a DAC 114, a sound output unit 115, a communication unit 117, and a control unit 120. The power supply unit 111, the power supply control unit 112, the sensor block 113, the DAC 114, the sound output unit 115, the communication unit 117, and the control unit 120 transmit and receive information by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0027] The power supply unit 111 includes a battery (storage battery) and a converter, and is used to operate the biological information detection device 100. The power supply unit 111 has, for example, a rechargeable and high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The power control unit 112 has a controller that controls the power supply unit 111, and performs monitoring (management) of the battery capacity and control of charging operations. The power supply unit 111 is controlled by the power control unit 112 and supplies power to each part of the biological information detection device 100.

[0028] The sensor block 113 includes the biosensor 30 described above. The sensor block 113 also has a proximity sensor 35, which is, for example, a sensor that detects the proximity of a user. The proximity sensor 35 is, for example, an infrared proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 35 emits infrared light to the outside and detects the approach of an object to the proximity sensor 35 by the reflected light of the emitted light.

[0029] Furthermore, the sensor block 113 may include various sensors such as a touch sensor that serves as a user interface, a sensor that acquires a reference signal for sound noise cancellation, an accelerometer, a gyroscope (angular velocity sensor), and the like.

[0030] The DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) 114 is a conversion unit that converts digital signals into analog signals. The DAC 114 receives digital audio data (audio signals) as input from the communication unit 117 and the control unit 120. The DAC 114 converts the input audio data into analog signals.

[0031] The sound output unit 115 outputs sound based on audio data converted into an analog signal. The sound output unit 115 has a transducer (driver) and is a conversion unit that converts audio data, which is an electrical signal, into sound (sound wave). Based on the audio data, the sound output unit 115 outputs music (BGM), sound effects, etc. The sound output from the sound output unit 115 propagates inside the support body 12 shown in Figures 2 and 3 and is emitted to the outside from the tip of the mounting member 20.

[0032] In this manner, the sound output unit 115 generates sound according to the input audio data. The sound from the sound output unit 115 is output through the support body 12 to the ear canal into which the attachment member 20 is inserted. This allows the user to listen to music or other sounds played by the sound output unit 115.

[0033] The communication unit 117 is composed of a communication module (for example, a Bluetooth® module) and can communicate with external devices (such as the electronic device 200 shown in Figure 1). The communication unit 117 consists of a transmitter and a receiver and transmits and receives information such as biometric information and voice data. For example, the communication unit 117 can transmit biometric information acquired by the biometric information detection device 100 to the electronic device 200. The communication unit 117 also receives voice data through communication with the electronic device 200.

[0034] The control unit 120 has a processor and memory, and performs signal processing (information processing) based on a program. The control unit 120 has devices such as a microprocessor, CPU (Central Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and memory such as ROM and RAM. The control unit 120 reads and executes the program built into it and controls each part of the biological information detection device 100. The control unit 120 is a signal processing unit that performs signal processing. The control unit 120 communicates with the electronic device 200 to send and receive information via the communication unit 117.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 4, the control unit 120 includes a storage unit 121 and a data buffer 122. The storage unit 121 is configured to include non-volatile memory and stores (records) programs and data. Various information is stored in the storage unit 121, such as programs and parameters used to control each part of the biological information detection device 100. The data buffer 122 is used when exchanging signals with other blocks, or when temporarily holding data during calculations.

[0036] The control unit 120 supplies a signal to the biosensor 30 to control its operation. The control unit 120 causes the biosensor 30 to repeatedly take measurements at a predetermined interval and output a biological signal. The control unit 120 performs signal processing on the biological signal input from the biosensor 30 to generate biological information.

[0037] The control unit 120 acquires audio data to be played from an electronic device 200, such as a smartphone, via the communication unit 117. The control unit 120 performs signal processing on the audio data, such as noise reduction processing (noise cancellation processing) and signal intensity correction processing. After signal processing by the control unit 120, the audio data is converted into a digital signal by the DAC 114. The control unit 120 outputs sound corresponding to the audio data converted into a digital signal from the sound output unit 115. In this way, the audio data is converted into sound by the sound output unit 115, making it possible for the user to hear the sound.

[0038] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an electronic device 200 according to an embodiment. The electronic device 200 comprises a power supply unit 211, a power supply control unit 212, an audio output unit 215, a display unit 216, a communication unit 217, and a control unit 220. The power supply unit 211, the power supply control unit 212, the audio output unit 215, the display unit 216, the communication unit 217, and the control unit 220 transmit and receive information via wired communication or wireless communication.

[0039] The power supply unit 211 includes a battery and is used to operate the electronic device 200. The power control unit 212 has a controller that controls the power supply unit 211 and monitors the battery capacity, etc. The power supply unit 211 is controlled by the power control unit 212 and supplies power to each part of the electronic device 200. The sound output unit 215 is controlled by the control unit 220 and outputs sound based on audio data. The display unit 216 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc., and displays images based on image data. The display unit 216 may include a touch panel.

[0040] The communication unit 217 is composed of a communication module and can communicate with external devices (such as the biometric information detection device 100 shown in Figure 1). The communication unit 217 consists of a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, and transmits and receives information such as biometric information and voice data. For example, the communication unit 217 communicates with the biometric information detection device 100 to receive biometric information. The communication unit 217 also transmits voice data to the biometric information detection device 100.

[0041] The control unit 220 has a processor and memory, and performs signal processing (information processing) based on a program. The control unit 220 has devices such as a microprocessor, CPU, and DSP, and memory such as ROM and RAM. Various information is stored in the memory of the control unit 220, including programs used to control each part of the electronic device 200, and programs and data for various applications.

[0042] The control unit 220 reads and executes a program built into it and controls each part of the electronic device 200. The control unit 220 is a signal processing unit that performs signal processing. The control unit 220 sends and receives information to and from the biological information detection device 100 via the communication unit 217.

[0043] For example, a user can use an application on an electronic device 200 as a user interface to perform various controls on the biometric information detection device 100. As one example, parameters related to music playback of the biometric information detection device 100, such as equalization, can be controlled.

[0044] Figure 6 shows an example of the waveform of a biological signal obtained by the biological information detection device 100 according to the embodiment. In Figure 6, the vertical axis represents the amplitude of the biological signal, and the horizontal axis represents time. The biological signal includes a DC component and an AC component. The amplitude of the biological signal changes according to the volume fluctuations of blood vessels at the measurement site (e.g., the tragus).

[0045] The interval in the time axis direction between adjacent peaks in a signal waveform is called the Inter-Beat-Interval (IBI). Heart rate, which represents the number of heartbeats per minute, can be expressed using the IBI (in seconds) interval between peaks by the following equation (1). Heart rate = 1 / IBI[s] × 60 ···(1)

[0046] The control unit 120 of the biological information detection device 100 acquires biological signals related to pulse waves from the biological sensor 30, calculates the time interval IBI, and calculates the heart rate using the above equation (1). The control unit 120 transmits the calculated heart rate information as biological information to the electronic device 200 via the communication unit 117.

[0047] The biosensor 30 takes measurements at predetermined time intervals and sequentially outputs the generated biosignals to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 calculates the heart rate using the biosignals sequentially input from the biosensor 30 and generates biosignal information related to the heart rate. The biosignal information generated by the biosignal detection device 100 is output to the electronic device 200 via the communication unit 117 periodically or irregularly.

[0048] The control unit 120 may output biometric information, including biosignals and information indicating heart rate, to the electronic device 200. The control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 may receive biosignals from the biometric information detection device 100 as biometric information and calculate the time interval IBI and heart rate, etc., based on the received biosignals. Furthermore, the method for determining the heart rate is not limited to the method using the peak interval IBI described above. Other calculation formulas besides the above-described formula (1) may also be used.

[0049] Next, the biological information detection device 100 will be further described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The biological information detection device 100 is configured such that the orientation of the main body 10 relative to the mounting member 20 can be changed by rotating the mounting member 20 relative to the main body 10. This makes it possible to change the contact state between the biological sensor 30 and the living body. The biological information detection device 100 according to this embodiment is configured such that one side of the circumference of the opening 21 has a different thickness from the other side. For example, the mounting member 20 has a different thickness in a part of the circumference of the opening 21 where it is in contact with the support 12. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, a protruding member, a protruding portion 25, is provided on a part of the inner circumference of the opening 21.

[0050] The protruding portion 25 is, for example, integrally formed with the mounting member 20 and protrudes from the inner circumference of the opening 21 toward the center of the opening 21. The protruding portion 25 is a convex portion that extends from the inner circumference of the opening 21 toward the support 12. Alternatively, the protruding portion 25 can be described as a projection that protrudes toward the support 12.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the presence of the protrusion 25 means that the center position of the opening 21 is different from the center position of the support 12 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support 12 into the opening 21. It can also be said that the center position of the opening 21 is different from the center position of the support 12 in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the support 12. The shape of the protrusion 25 is not particularly limited and may be rectangular, circular, or other shapes.

[0052] The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the attachment member 20 shown in Figure 2 are surfaces that can come into contact with the skin surface of a living body. When the attachment member 20 is inserted into the ear canal during actual use, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 can come into contact with the ear canal. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are located at different distances (spacing) from the support 12 (shaft portion).

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the center of the first surface S1 is located at a distance d1 from the center of the support 12. The center of the second surface S2 is located at a distance d2 from the center of the support 12. In the example shown in Figure 2, d1 > d2.

[0054] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of how the bio-information detection device 100 according to the embodiment is worn. Figures 7 and 8 show an example where the attachment member 20 is inserted into the ear canal E1 and the biosensor 30 is located near the tragus E2, which is the measurement site.

[0055] By rotating the attachment member 20 relative to the main body 10 on which the biosensor 30 is mounted, the relative position between the attachment member 20 and the biosensor 30 can be changed to the state shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8. The rotation of the attachment member 20 changes the relative position between the living body's skin (tragus E2 in Figures 7 and 8) and the biosensor 30.

[0056] Figure 7 shows the case where the mounting member 20 is attached to the support 12 such that the protrusion 25 is located to the right of the support 12. In this case, the center position of the support 12 is shifted to the left by an amount equivalent to the thickness of the protrusion 25 compared to the center position of the opening 21. In a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the support 12 is inserted into the opening 21, the center position of the opening 21 is located to the right of the center position of the support 12.

[0057] Furthermore, in Figure 7, of the first surface S1 and second surface S2 of the attachment member 20, the first surface S1 is located relatively close to the biosensor 30, and the second surface S2 is located relatively far from the biosensor 30. The attachment member 20 is attached to the support 12 in a position where the first surface S1 is close to the biosensor 30. In this case, as schematically shown in Figure 7, when the attachment member 20 is inserted into the user's ear canal E1, depending on the size and shape of the user's ear, the biosensor 30 and the tragus E2 may be separated.

[0058] Figure 8 shows the case where the mounting member 20 is attached to the support 12 such that the protrusion 25 is located on the left side of the support 12. By rotating the mounting member 20 relative to the main body 10, the position of the protrusion 25 changes, and it is possible to change from the state shown in Figure 7 to the state shown in Figure 8. In the case of Figure 8, the center position of the support 12 is shifted to the right by an amount equivalent to the thickness of the protrusion 25 compared to the center position of the opening 21. In a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the support 12 is inserted into the opening 21, the center position of the opening 21 will be located to the left of the center position of the support 12.

[0059] Furthermore, in Figure 8, of the first surface S1 and second surface S2 of the attachment member 20, the first surface S1 is located relatively far from the biosensor 30, and the second surface S2 is located relatively close to the biosensor 30. The attachment member 20 is attached to the support 12 in a position where the second surface S2 is close to the biosensor 30. This makes it possible to bring the biosensor 30 closer to the tragus E2 than in the case of Figure 7. As schematically shown in Figure 8, when the attachment member 20 is inserted into the user's ear canal E1, the biosensor 30 and the tragus E2 come into contact.

[0060] In this way, the orientation of the main body 10 relative to the attachment member 20 can be changed by rotating the attachment member 20 relative to the main body 10. Rotation of the attachment member 20 relative to the main body 10 changes the relative position between the part of the attachment member 20 that contacts the ear canal E1 and the biosensor 30, and thus changes the distance between the biosensor 30 and the tragus E2. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the contact between the biosensor 30 and the tragus E2.

[0061] The control unit 120 of the biological information detection device 100 determines the reliability of the biological signal, that is, the signal quality of the biological signal. The control unit 120 determines the reliability of the biological signal based, for example, on the heart rate calculated using the biological signal. Generally, the human heart rate is 40 to 200 beats / minute. The control unit 120 determines whether the calculated heart rate is within the acceptable range (40 to 200 beats / minute). If the heart rate is within the acceptable range, the control unit 120 determines that the biological signal has been acquired correctly.

[0062] On the other hand, if the heart rate exceeds an acceptable value, the control unit 120 determines that the biosignal has not been acquired correctly. In this case, the control unit 120 may output from the sound output unit 115 an audio message indicating that the biosignal has not been acquired correctly, an audio message instructing (requesting) the rotation of the attachment member 20, etc.

[0063] The control unit 120 uses biosignals to calculate the amount of rotation of the attachment member 20 required for contact between the biosensor 30 and the measurement site. The control unit 120 estimates the amount of rotation (angle) of the attachment member 20 required for contact between the biosensor 30 and the measurement site by comparing the heart rate calculated using biosignals with a predetermined reference value, and generates information regarding the amount of rotation (angle) of the attachment member 20. The control unit 120 may output an audio signal from the sound output unit 115 indicating the required amount of rotation of the attachment member 20, according to the generated information regarding the amount of rotation of the attachment member 20.

[0064] The control unit 120 may transmit information indicating the determination result, information indicating the amount of rotation of the mounting member 20, etc., to the electronic device 200 via the communication unit 117. The control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 may, based on the information transmitted from the biological information detection device 100, display on the display unit 216 of the electronic device 200 an image indicating that the biological signal has not been acquired correctly, an image indicating the required amount of rotation of the mounting member 20, etc.

[0065] The control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 may output voice messages via the sound output unit 215 indicating that the biosignal has not been acquired correctly, or voice messages indicating the amount of rotation of the attachment member 20. The control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 may also output voice messages via the sound output unit 215 prompting the user to replace the attachment member 20. The user can then rotate the attachment member 20 while checking the voice messages output by the sound output unit 215 and the images displayed on the display unit 216, thereby appropriately adjusting the contactability of the biosensor 30. However, ear shapes vary from person to person, and calculating the necessary amount of rotation to improve signal quality may be difficult. On the other hand, the procedure for the user needs to be simplified. Therefore, for example, the amount of rotation may be fixed at 90 degrees and communicated to the user accordingly.

[0066] The method for determining the reliability of the biological signal is not limited to the method described above. For example, the reliability of the biological signal may be determined based on the maximum or minimum value of the biological signal. Alternatively, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 may perform a reliability determination process for the biological signal using the biological signal acquired from the biological information detection device 100. The biological information detection device 100 may receive information indicating the determination result, information indicating the amount of rotation of the attachment member 20, etc., from the electronic device 200, and may output an audio message indicating that the biological signal has not been acquired correctly, an audio message indicating the required amount of rotation of the attachment member 20, etc.

[0067] In PPG sensors, the LED, photodetector (PD), and internal electrical circuits are insulated and protected by protective materials to prevent direct contact with the body. These protective materials are made, for example, of a transparent resin with high light transmittance. If there is a gap between the protective material and the body, much of the light from the LED will be reflected by the surface of the body, and much of the light incident on the PD will not pass through the body. In this case, it is possible that the desired biosignal cannot be obtained. Therefore, in order to obtain a biosignal with good signal quality, it is necessary to ensure contact between the biosensor and the body. In addition, there are individual differences in ear size and shape, and it is conceivable that a device equipped with a biosensor may fit a user with an average ear shape but may not fit another user.

[0068] Therefore, as described above, the bio-information detection device 100 according to this embodiment is configured such that the orientation of the main body 10 relative to the mounting member 20 can be changed by rotating the mounting member 20 relative to the main body 10. This makes it possible to adjust the contact between the biosensor 30 mounted on the main body 10 and the measurement site.

[0069] In this embodiment, the biosensor 30 can be in good contact with the measurement site while detecting the biological signal, thereby suppressing a decrease in the quality of the biological signal. This prevents insufficient contact between the measurement site and the biosensor 30, which can lead to improper detection of the biological signal and an increase in noise components mixed into the biological signal.

[0070] Furthermore, the biometric information detection device 100, which is an earphone device, can be fitted to both users with average ear shapes and other users. Moreover, without using complex mechanical mechanisms, the biometric information detection device 100 can be adapted to ear shapes with significant individual differences, and the contactability of the biosensor 30 can be ensured. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the biometric information detection device 100 and suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the biometric information detection device 100.

[0071] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the biometric information detection device 100 according to the embodiment. The example of the operation of the biometric information detection device 100 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9. The process shown in Figure 9 is started, for example, when the biometric information detection device 100 is powered on in response to an operation on a touch sensor, based on a program stored in memory.

[0072] In step S11, the control unit 120 of the biological information detection device 100 outputs a signal to the biological sensor 30 instructing it to measure the biological state. The biological sensor 30 starts measuring the biological state in response to the instruction (command) from the control unit 120 and repeatedly generates biological signals.

[0073] In step S12, the control unit 120 determines the signal quality of the biosensor 30, i.e., the reliability of the biosensor. The control unit 120 checks whether the heart rate obtained using the biosensor is within an acceptable range. If the heart rate is outside the acceptable range, the control unit 120 determines that the signal quality of the biosensor is low and proceeds to step S13. If the heart rate is within the acceptable range, the control unit 120 determines that the signal quality of the biosensor is high and proceeds to step S14.

[0074] In step S13, the control unit 120 instructs the user on the rotation operation of the attachment member 20, the required amount of rotation of the attachment member 20, etc., by sound output from the sound output unit 115. The user rotates the attachment member 20 according to the voice guidance on the amount of rotation of the attachment member 20, and adjusts the contactability of the biosensor 30. After that, the process returns to step S12, and the control unit 120 performs the process of determining the signal quality of the biosignal again.

[0075] If the control unit 120 makes a positive determination in step S12 and proceeds to step S14, it determines that the adjustment of the contact properties of the biosensor 30 is complete. In this case, the control unit 120 terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 9.

[0076] [Effects / Effects] The biological information detection device 100 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 10 equipped with a biological sensor 30 capable of acquiring biological information, and a mounting member 20 that is rotatably held by the main body 10 and can be attached to the ear canal E1 of a living organism. The rotation of the mounting member 20 relative to the main body 10 changes the orientation of the main body 10 relative to the mounting member 20.

[0077] As described above, in the biological information detection device 100 according to this embodiment, the rotation of the mounting member 20 relative to the main body 10 changes the orientation of the main body 10 relative to the mounting member 20. Therefore, the contact between the biological sensor 30 mounted on the main body 10 and the living body can be easily adjusted, and the biological sensor 30 can be made to make good contact with the living body. As a result, high-quality biological signals can be acquired, and the detection accuracy of biological information can be improved.

[0078] In the biometric information detection device 100 according to this embodiment, the biometric information detection device 100 can be adapted to the shape of the ear, which varies greatly from person to person, without using a complex mechanical mechanism, and the contactability of the biosensor 30 can be ensured. Therefore, since there is no need to provide a complex mechanism in the biometric information detection device 100, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the biometric information detection device 100 can be suppressed.

[0079] Next, modified examples of the present disclosure will be described. In the following, components similar to those in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] <2. Variant> (2-1. Variation 1) In the flowchart shown in Figure 9, in step S11, the biometric information detection device 100 started measuring the biological state. In this case, the biometric information detection device 100 may also start measuring the biological state when the proximity sensor 35 detects the user's proximity. When the control unit 120 detects that the biometric information detection device 100 is attached to the user's ear, it can cause the biosensor 30 to measure the biological state and output a biological signal.

[0081] (2-2. Variation 2) The biosensor 30 may be a sensor capable of measuring bioelectricity. For example, the biosensor 30 has a plurality of electrodes for detecting potential, for example, two electrodes, a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart and in contact with each other at different positions on the measurement site. The biosensor 30 detects the potential (voltage) of the biological surface using the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0082] When the attachment member 20 is inserted into the ear canal during actual use, the first and second electrodes of the biosensor 30 come into contact with the measurement site (e.g., the tragus). Due to the electricity generated within the body, a potential difference is created between the first and second electrodes of the biosensor 30 that are in contact with the skin of the body. One of the first and second electrodes, or an electrode other than the first and second electrodes, may be used as an electrode for the reference potential.

[0083] The biosensor 30 generates a biological signal that is a voltage corresponding to the difference between the potential of the first electrode and the potential of the second electrode, for example. The biosensor 30 may also generate a biological signal corresponding to the potential of the first electrode and a biological signal corresponding to the potential of the second electrode, respectively.

[0084] The control unit 120 of the biological information detection device 100 determines the signal quality of the biological signal generated by the biological sensor 30. The control unit 120 determines the signal quality of the biological signal based, for example, on the average value, maximum value, minimum value, or change in the voltage of the biological signal. If it is determined that the signal quality of the biological signal is low, the control unit 120 controls, for example, the sound output unit to output a sound that guides the rotation of the mounting member 20.

[0085] The control unit 120 can detect the pulse wave of a living organism and calculate the heart rate by analyzing the biological signals generated by the biosensor 30. Furthermore, the control unit 120 may also analyze the biological signals to detect other information about the living organism, such as the brain waves of the living organism.

[0086] In this modified example, the contact of the biosensor 30 can be adjusted by rotating the mounting member 20. This makes it possible to detect biological signals while the biosensor 30 is in close contact with the measurement site. This helps to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of biological signals.

[0087] (2-3. Variation 3) The biological information detection device 100 may have a mechanism that allows the attachment member 20 to rotate automatically relative to the main body 10. In this case, the control unit 120 of the biological information detection device 100 may control the posture of the attachment member 20 according to the amount of rotation of the attachment member 20 determined based on the biological signal, and adjust the contactability of the biosensor 30 mounted on the main body 10.

[0088] (2-4. Modification 4) The biological information detection device 100 may have an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor capable of generating biological signals related to brain waves. The biological information detection device 100 may also have sensors such as an electromyogram (EMG) sensor or a body temperature sensor. The biological sensor 30 may be an EEG sensor, an EMG sensor, or the like.

[0089] (2-5. Modification 5) The technology disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of products. For example, the technology disclosed herein may be applied to in-ear earphones, behind-the-ear earphones, hearing aids, etc.

[0090] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments and modifications, this technology is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, although the above-described modifications were explained as modifications of the above embodiments, the configurations of each modification can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, although the human body was used as an example of a living organism, the present disclosure is also applicable to living organisms other than the human body, such as animals such as pets and livestock.

[0091] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limited to those described; other effects may also exist. Additionally, this disclosure may take the following configuration. (1) A main unit equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring primary information about a living organism, A mounting member that is rotatably held by the main body and can be attached to the ear canal of the living organism, Equipped with, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes a change in the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member. Biological information detection device. (2) The first sensor acquires the first information from the living organism, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes a change in the relative position between the living body and the first sensor. The biological information detection device described in (1) above. (3) The mounting member is rotatable about the axis, The mounting member includes a first surface that is in contact with the ear canal and is located at a first distance from the axis, and a second surface that is in contact with the ear canal and is located at a second distance from the axis. A biological information detection device as described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The first sensor acquires the first information by coming into contact with the skin of the living organism. A biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The main body has a support that supports the mounting member, The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. A biological information detection device as described in any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) In a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support, the center position of the opening is different from the center position of the support. A biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The mounting member has a different thickness in a portion of the circumference of the opening in the part that contacts the support. A biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The mounting member has a protrusion on one or the other side of the inner circumference of the opening. A biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) The main body has a control unit that generates second information regarding the amount of rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body based on the first information acquired by the first sensor. A biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) The main unit has a second sensor that detects the proximity of the user, The first sensor acquires the first information when the second sensor detects the proximity of a user. A biological information detection device according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) A biological information detection device comprising a main body equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information about a living organism, a mounting member rotatably held by the main body and attachable to the ear canal of the living organism, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the first information, An electronic device having a receiving unit that receives the first information and a control unit that generates second information relating to the amount of rotation of the mounting member to the main body based on the first information. Equipped with, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes a change in the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member. Biometric information detection system.

[0092] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-171845, filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 20, 2021, and all contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and changes can be conceived depending on design requirements and other factors, and that these fall within the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A main unit equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring primary information about a living organism, A mounting member that is rotatably held by the main body and can be attached to the ear canal of the living organism, Equipped with, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member to change. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member, The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. In a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support, the center position of the opening is different from the center position of the support. Biological information detection device.

2. The first sensor acquires the first information from the living organism, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes a change in the relative position between the living body and the first sensor. A biological information detection device according to claim 1.

3. The mounting member is rotatable about the axis, The mounting member includes a first surface that is in contact with the ear canal and is located at a first distance from the axis, and a second surface that is in contact with the ear canal and is located at a second distance from the axis. A biological information detection device according to claim 1.

4. The first sensor acquires the first information by coming into contact with the skin of the living organism. A biological information detection device according to claim 1.

5. A main body provided with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information relating to a living organism, A mounting member that is rotatably held by the main body and can be attached to the ear canal of the living organism, Equipped with, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member to change. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member, The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. The mounting member has a different thickness in a portion of the circumference of the opening in the part that contacts the support. Biological information detection device.

6. A main body provided with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information relating to a living organism, A mounting member that is rotatably held by the main body and can be attached to the ear canal of the living organism, Equipped with, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member to change. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member, The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. The mounting member has a protrusion on one or the other side of the inner circumference of the opening. Biological information detection device.

7. The main body has a control unit that generates second information relating to the amount of rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body based on the first information acquired by the first sensor. A biological information detection device according to claim 1.

8. The main body has a second sensor that detects the proximity of the user, The first sensor acquires the first information when the second sensor detects the proximity of a user. The biological information detection device according to claim 7.

9. A biological information detection device comprising a main body equipped with a first sensor capable of acquiring first information about a living organism, a mounting member rotatably held by the main body and attachable to the ear canal of the living organism, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the first information, An electronic device having a receiving unit that receives the first information and a control unit that generates second information relating to the amount of rotation of the mounting member to the main body based on the first information. Equipped with, The rotation of the mounting member relative to the main body causes the orientation of the main body relative to the mounting member to change. The main body has a support that supports the mounting member, The mounting member has a cylindrical shape including an opening into which the support is inserted. In a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support, the center position of the opening is different from the center position of the support. Biometric information detection system.

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