Biometric information measurement device

Abstract

To suppress displacement of a measuring part relative to the external auditory meatus and the auricle when a user wearing a biological information measuring device moves in comparison with a configuration in which a second housing is disposed outside a first housing.SOLUTION: A right earphone 20R includes: a first housing 40 including a first electrode part 24 and a second electrode part 26 which are disposed in an external auditory meatus of a user and at a prescribed position of a part of an auricle 67, respectively and measure biological information of the user; a second housing 50 which includes no measuring parts measuring the biological information of the user and is disposed on a reverse side of an ear; and a connecting arm 60 connecting the second housing 50 with the first housing 40. The connection arm being a connection member, includes a part composed of an elastic material, which elastically deforms the connecting arm 60 when the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 are worn by the user to measure the biological information of the user, arranges the second housing 50 on the reverse side of the ear 66, grips the first housing 40 and the ear 66, and arranges the first housing at the prescribed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a biological information measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a biological information measuring device that is worn on a user's ear and measures biological information such as the user's brain waves (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The biological information measuring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing disposed on the lateral side of a user's ear, and an electrode provided on the housing that contacts the external auditory canal to measure biological information.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the biological information measuring device disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in that the first electrode and the second electrode are likely to be displaced relative to the external auditory canal and auricle along with the movement of the user.

[0006] The technology disclosed in the present application ,raw aims to suppress displacement of the measuring unit relative to the external auditory canal and the auricle when a user wearing the biological information measuring device moves.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The first embodiment of the bio-information measuring device comprises a first housing having a measuring unit that is positioned in a predetermined location on the user's external auditory canal and a part of the user's auricle and measures the user's bio-information; a second housing that does not have a measuring unit for measuring the user's bio-information and is positioned behind the user's ear; and a connecting member that connects the second housing and the first housing, the connecting member including a portion made of an elastic material, and when the first housing and the second housing are attached to the user and the user's bio-information is measured, the connecting member is elastically deformed to position the second housing behind the ear, and the first housing and the ear are positioned in the predetermined location.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the biological information measuring device, the first housing and the second housing are arranged in contact with or in close proximity to each other, in a state in which the connecting member does not elastically deform due to external force before the first housing and the second housing are attached to the user.

[0009] The third embodiment of the biometric information measuring device is a biometric information measuring device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the connecting member is curved in a convex shape toward away from the user's body when the first housing and the second housing are attached to the user, and has a curved portion that crosses the upper edge of the ear and connects to the second housing, The curved portion includes a portion made of the elastic material.

[0010] The fourth embodiment of the biological information measuring device is a biological information measuring device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the connecting member is deformable by twisting.

[0011] The biological information measuring device according to the fifth embodiment is a biological information measuring device according to the fourth embodiment, wherein a conductor is arranged inside the connecting member, extending from the first housing to the second housing.

[0012] The sixth embodiment of the biological information measuring device is a biological information measuring device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the measuring unit includes a first electrode unit disposed in the external auditory canal and a second electrode unit disposed at a predetermined position on a part of the auricle.

[0013] The biological information measuring device according to the seventh embodiment is the biological information measuring device according to the sixth embodiment, wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are formed of an elastic material.

[0014] The biometric information measuring device according to the eighth embodiment is a biometric information measuring device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein, when the second housing is attached to the user, the center of gravity of the second housing is located behind the ear.

[0015] The biological information measuring device according to the ninth embodiment is a biological information measuring device according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the second housing houses at least one of a battery and a circuit board.

[0016] The biometric information measuring device according to the tenth embodiment is a biometric information measuring device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein, when the second housing is attached to the user, the second housing is positioned inward from the part of the ear that faces outward.

[0017] The biological information measuring device according to the 11th embodiment is a biological information measuring device according to any one of the 1st to 10th embodiments, wherein, with the first housing and the second housing attached to the user, the second housing is positioned so as not to overlap with the first housing in the insertion direction into the user's ear canal.

[0018] The bio-information measuring device according to the 12th embodiment is a bio-information measuring device according to any one of the 1st to 11th embodiments, wherein the first housing has a sound output unit, and the opening of the first housing through which the sound emitted from the sound output unit passes is opened toward the insertion direction of the external auditory canal when the user is wearing it, and a part of the first housing positioned near the auricle of the user wearing it does not have an opening through which sound passes.

[0019] The biological information measuring device according to the 13th aspect is the biological information measuring device according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, wherein when said first housing is worn by the user, said first housing has at least one cavity that allows external sound to pass through, facing the external auditory canal. Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the first aspect ,raw When the user wearing the biological information measuring device moves, positional displacement of the measuring unit relative to the external auditory canal and auricle can be suppressed.

[0021] According to the second aspect, compared to a configuration in which the distance between the first housing and the second housing is wide when the connecting member is not elastically deformed by an external force before the first housing and the second housing are worn by the user, when the first housing and the second housing are worn by the user, the force exerted by the first housing and the second housing to sandwich the ear can be increased.

[0022] According to the third aspect, compared to a case where the entire curved portion is formed of a hard material, it becomes easier to widen the distance between the first housing and the second housing, thereby improving the wearability of the first housing and the second housing.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, compared to a case where the connecting member cannot be deformed by twisting, the measuring unit can be easily arranged at predetermined positions on a part of the external auditory canal and the auricle.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the conductive wire is arranged outside the connecting member, disconnection of the conductive wire can be suppressed.

[0025] According to the sixth aspect, by measuring the potentials of a part of the user's external auditory canal and auricle respectively by two electrode parts, the first electrode part and the second electrode part, compared with a configuration in which the potential of the user's external auditory canal is measured by one electrode part, the measurement accuracy of the potential of the user's ear is improved.

[0026] According to the seventh embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are formed of a hard body, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion can be brought into close contact with predetermined positions on the external auditory canal and a part of the auricle, respectively, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement of the electric potential by the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.

[0027] According to the eighth embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the center of gravity of the second housing is located anywhere other than behind the ear, for example, when the head of a user wearing a biometric information measuring device moves, displacement or falling of the second housing is suppressed.

[0028] According to the ninth embodiment, the first housing can be made smaller and lighter compared to a configuration in which at least one of the battery and the circuit board is housed in the first housing.

[0029] According to the tenth embodiment, the second housing can be made more stable compared to a configuration in which the second housing is positioned outside the part of the user's ear that faces outward.

[0030] According to the eleventh embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the second housing is positioned in a location that overlaps with the insertion direction of the first housing and the user's ear canal, vibrations of the first and second housings can be reduced when the user moves.

[0031] According to the 12th embodiment, compared to a configuration in which a part of the first housing positioned near the user's auricle has an opening through which sound passes, it is possible to appropriately transmit sound emitted from the sound output unit toward the user's ear canal and to measure biological information with high accuracy.

[0032] According to the 13th embodiment, compared to a configuration in which external sounds from the first housing are blocked from entering the ear canal while the first housing is worn by the user, it is possible to allow external sounds from the first housing to pass through the ear canal while the measurement unit of the first housing measures the user's biological information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the system configuration of a biometric information system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the right and left earphones as seen from the front according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the right and left earphones according to one embodiment, seen from the left rear. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the right and left earphones according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A side view showing the right earphone according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of a user's ear. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the right earphone according to one embodiment in a state where it is worn in the user's ear. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the right earphone according to one embodiment in a state where it is worn in the user's ear. [Figure 9] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the earpiece and auricle piece of the right earphone according to one embodiment, positioned in the user's external auditory canal and concha cavity, respectively. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The following describes one embodiment of the technology disclosed in this application.

[0035] (Biometric information measurement system) Figure 1 shows a biological information system 10 according to this embodiment. The biological information system 10 includes a biological information acquisition device 12 and a terminal device 14.

[0036] The biometric information acquisition device 12 and the terminal device 14 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication path. Wireless or wired communication is used for this communication between the biometric information acquisition device 12 and the terminal device 14. The biometric information system 10 may also include devices such as servers.

[0037] Below, we will first describe the general configuration of the biological information acquisition device 12 and the terminal device 14, and then describe the details of the configuration of the biological information acquisition device 12.

[0038] (Biometric information measurement device) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the biometric information acquisition device 12 is a device that measures the user's biometric information while being worn on the user's ear. Furthermore, the biometric information acquisition device 12 is, for example, an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device that measures the user's brainwaves as biometric information. The biometric information acquisition device 12 may also have voice input and output functions and may take the form of a wearable device used in close contact with the human body.

[0039] The biometric information acquisition device 12 measures the potential of the user's ear (skin potential) and outputs information indicating the measurement result (for example, a signal indicating the measured potential, or an electroencephalogram signal generated by analyzing the measured potential) as information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement result to an external device such as the terminal device 14.

[0040] The biometric information acquisition device 12 is also used as an earphone. Specifically, the biometric information acquisition device 12 is also used as a canal-type earphone and measures the user's biometric information when it is inserted (fitted) into the user's ear canal. As an earphone, the biometric information acquisition device 12 has the function of converting sound signals output from the playback device into sound waves using a speaker.

[0041] The biometric information acquisition device 12 has, for example, a wireless communication function. The wireless communication method is, for example, short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth®, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), etc.), infrared communication, visible light communication, or Wi-Fi® communication, etc.

[0042] The biometric information acquisition device 12 receives, for example, an audio signal such as voice from the terminal device 14 via wireless communication and generates sound based on the received signal. The biometric information acquisition device 12 also transmits information indicating the results of electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement to the terminal device 14 via wireless communication.

[0043] The biometric information acquisition device 12 may receive sound signals from the terminal device 14 via wired communication, or it may transmit information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement results to the terminal device 14 via wired communication.

[0044] (Terminal device) As shown in Figure 1, the terminal device 14 is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, etc.), a music player, or a video playback device. Note that the terminal device 14 is an example of an information processing device.

[0045] The terminal device 14 has, for example, a wireless communication function. This terminal device 14 has the function of receiving information indicating the user's brainwave measurement results from the biometric information acquisition device 12 via wireless communication, and evaluating the user's brainwave state by analyzing the received information indicating the brainwave measurement results.

[0046] Alternatively, the biometric information acquisition device 12 may analyze the information showing the user's electroencephalogram measurement results, and the biometric information acquisition device 12 may transmit the analysis results to the terminal device 14.

[0047] The terminal device 14, for example, has the function of a playback device that plays back sound signals, and transmits the played-back sound signals to the biometric information acquisition device 12 via wireless communication.

[0048] The terminal device 14 may receive information indicating the electroencephalogram measurement results from the biometric information acquisition device 12 via wired communication, or it may transmit sound signals to the biometric information acquisition device 12 via wired communication. Furthermore, the terminal device 14 may communicate with other devices via a communication path such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0049] (Biometric information acquisition device) Next, we will explain the details of the configuration of the biological information acquisition device.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the biometric information acquisition device 12 comprises a right earphone 20R worn on the user's right ear, a left earphone 20L worn on the user's left ear, and a cable 16 that electrically connects the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L. Alternatively, the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L, which serve as left and right biometric information measurement devices, may not be connected by the cable 16, allowing each device (right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L) to operate independently. Similarly, instead of connecting the left and right biometric information measurement devices with a wired connection like the cable 16, they may be connected wirelessly and operated in a way that synchronizes the information.

[0051] Note that the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L are examples of biometric information measurement devices. Arrow X, as shown in each figure, indicates the front (front side) of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L. Arrow Y indicates the width (thickness) direction of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L. Furthermore, arrow Z indicates the top (upper side) of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L.

[0052] Furthermore, with the right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L in place on the user's ears, the front of the right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L (arrow X direction) coincides with the direction the user's face is facing. Also, with the right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L in place on the user's ears, the width direction (arrow Y direction) of the right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L coincides with the width direction (left-right direction) of the user's head. In addition, with the right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L in place on the user's ears, the top of the right earphone 20R and left earphone 20L coincides with the direction the top of the user's head is facing.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L each have a first housing 40, a second housing 50, and a connecting arm 60.

[0054] The first housing 40 is equipped with an earpiece (external auditory canal piece) 42 and an auricle piece (conchaecular cavity piece) 44. The second housings 50 of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L are connected to each other via a cable 16 positioned behind the user's head. The connecting arm 60 is an example of a connecting member.

[0055] (Hardware configuration of the biometric information acquisition device) Figure 4 shows a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the biological information acquisition device 12.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the right earphone 20R has a speaker 22, a first electrode section 24, a second electrode section 26, and a substrate 28. On the other hand, the left earphone 20L has a speaker 22, a third electrode section 38, and a battery 39. The first electrode section 24 and the second electrode section 26 are examples of measurement sections.

[0057] The speaker (driver) 22 is housed in the first housing 40 (see Figure 2) of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L, respectively, and emits sound based on the sound signal. Note that speaker 22 is an example of a sound output unit.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the first electrode unit 24 is provided on the outer surface of the earpiece 42 of the right earphone 20R and measures the potential (skin potential) of the inner surface of the user's ear canal while in contact with it. The second electrode unit 26 is provided on the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 of the right earphone 20R and measures the potential (skin potential) of the surface of the user's concha cavity while in contact with it.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the third electrode 38 is provided on the outer surface of the earpiece 42 of the left earphone 20L and measures the potential (skin potential) of the inner surface of the user's ear canal while in contact with it.

[0060] For the sake of explanation, the electrode portion provided on the earpiece 42 of the right earphone 20R is referred to as the first electrode portion 24, and the electrode portion provided on the earpiece 42 of the left earphone 20L is referred to as the third electrode portion 38, but the configuration of the first electrode portion 24 and the third electrode portion 38 are the same.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no electrode portion is provided on the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 of the left earphone 20L. However, an electrode portion (fourth electrode portion) may be provided on the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 of the left earphone 20L.

[0062] The signals indicating the user's potential, measured by the first electrode unit 24, the second electrode unit 26, and the third electrode unit 38, are output to the electroencephalogram (EEG) processing unit 36, which will be described later.

[0063] The battery 39 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery and is housed, for example, in the second housing 50 of the left earphone 20L (see Figure 2). Power is supplied from this battery 39 to the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L. Note that the battery 39 is not limited to a secondary battery; it may also be a primary battery.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the circuit board 28 is housed, for example, in the second housing 50 of the right earphone 20R. Multiple electronic components, such as a CPU and memory, are mounted on the circuit board 28.

[0065] The circuit board 28 and the battery 39 can be provided in at least one of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the circuit board 28 has, functionally, a control unit 30, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 34, and an electroencephalogram (EEG) processing unit 36. The control unit 30 is implemented, for example, by a CPU mounted on the circuit board 28. This control unit 30 controls the operation of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L.

[0067] The memory unit 32 is implemented, for example, by a memory mounted on the circuit board 28. This memory unit 32 stores, for example, signals indicating potentials measured by the first electrode unit 24, the second electrode unit 26, and the third electrode unit 38, and signals indicating brain waves calculated by the brainwave calculation processing unit 36, which will be described later.

[0068] The communication unit 34 is implemented by a communication chip or the like mounted on the circuit board 28. This communication unit 34 has the wireless communication function described above and sends and receives data to and from the terminal device 14. Specifically, the communication unit 34 receives, for example, sound signals from the speaker 22 from the terminal device 14 or other external devices. The communication unit 34 also transmits, for example, information indicating brainwaves calculated by the brainwave calculation processing unit 36 ​​(described later) to the terminal device 14 or other external devices.

[0069] The electroencephalogram (EEG) calculation processing unit 36 ​​is implemented by electronic circuits and the like mounted on the circuit board 28. This EEG calculation processing unit 36 ​​calculates EEG based on the potentials measured by the first electrode unit 24, the second electrode unit 26, and the third electrode unit 38, respectively.

[0070] Here, for example, the first electrode section 24 is used as a sensor electrode for measuring electroencephalograms, the second electrode section 26 is used as a ground electrode for grounding, and the third electrode section 38 is used as a reference electrode for measuring a reference signal for comparison with the measured electroencephalogram.

[0071] The electroencephalogram (EEG) calculation processing unit 36 ​​uses the potential measured by the second electrode unit 26, which is the ground electrode, as the reference potential (ground potential), and calculates the potential difference between the electroencephalogram potential measured by the first electrode unit 24, which is the sensor electrode, and the reference potential measured by the third electrode unit 38, which is the reference electrode, as the EEG measurement result.

[0072] The electroencephalogram (EEG) calculation processing unit 36 ​​may calculate the EEG based on the potentials measured by two electrodes selected from the electrode group including the first electrode unit 24, the second electrode unit 26, and the third electrode unit 38. Alternatively, the EEG calculation processing unit 36 ​​may calculate the EEG based on the potentials measured by the two electrodes, the first electrode unit 24 and the second electrode unit 26. Furthermore, the EEG calculation processing unit 36 ​​may calculate the EEG based on the potentials measured by three or more electrodes.

[0073] (Earphone structure) Next, we will explain the structure of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L.

[0074] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L are configured symmetrically with respect to the user's head. Furthermore, the basic structure of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L is the same. Therefore, the configuration of the right earphone 20R will be described below, and the configuration of the left earphone 20L will be omitted.

[0075] First, let me explain about the user's ears.

[0076] Figure 6 schematically shows the appearance of the user's ear (right ear) 66. As shown in Figure 6, the ear (external ear) 66 has an external auditory canal 94 and auricle 67. The auricle 67 has an external auditory canal 68 connected to the external auditory canal 94 and a conchaecular cavity 70 which is the area surrounding the external auditory canal 68. The auricle 67 also has a helix 72, a conchaecular fossa 74, a triangular fossa 76, a scaphoid fossa 78, a crura antitragus 80, an antitragus 82, a crura antitragus 84, a tragus 86, a tragus 88, an intertragal notch 90, and a lobe 92.

[0077] Figure 5 shows the right earphone 20R before it is fitted into the user's ear 66 (hereinafter referred to as the "unfitted state"). Figure 7 shows, as an example, the right earphone 20R fitted into a large ear 66 (ear 66A), such as that of an adult male. On the other hand, Figure 8 shows, as an example, the right earphone 20R fitted into a small ear 66 (ear 66B), such as that of a child or an adult female (hereinafter referred to as the "fitted state"). Furthermore, Figure 9 shows the earpiece 42 and auricle piece 44 positioned in the user's external auditory canal 94 and concha 70, respectively. Note that the ear 66 is simplified in Figures 7 and 8 compared to Figure 6.

[0078] (First enclosure) As shown in Figure 5, the first housing 40 of the right earphone 20R is formed in a box shape that is smaller and lighter than, for example, the second housing 50. When the right earphone 20R is worn, this first housing 40 is positioned on the front side of the ear 66. The speaker 22 (see Figure 4) described above is housed inside the first housing 40. When a speaker unit equipped with an air vibration sound source is used as the speaker 22, the speaker 22 is housed inside the first housing 40. On the other hand, when a bone conduction type speaker unit is used as the speaker 22, the speaker 22 may be housed not only inside the first housing 40 but also in the second housing 50. In this case, a contact point with the user's head is provided in the second housing 50, and sound is delivered to the cochlea of ​​the ear 66 by vibrating the bones around the ear 66.

[0079] The first housing 40 has an auricle piece (conchaecular cavity piece) 44. An earpiece (external auditory canal piece) 42 is provided on this auricle piece 44. The earpiece 42 is formed in a hemispherical shape using an elastic material.

[0080] Examples of elastic materials used to form the earpiece 42 include rubber or other resins. More specifically, examples of elastic materials include Si-based rubber (e.g., S1734 manufactured by NOK Corporation) or urethane-based rubber. The hardness of the earpiece 42 and the auricle piece 44 (for example, hardness according to the Durometer Type A (instantaneous) standard) are, for example, 40 to 75. As an example, a resin with a hardness of 70 is used for the earpiece 42.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, the earpiece 42 is provided on the auricle piece 44 via a sound conduit 41. This earpiece 42 is inserted (fitted) into the user's ear canal 94.

[0082] The earpiece 42 is detachably (replaceable) attached to the first housing 40. Also, the first housing 40 is smaller than the ear 66 when viewed from the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the ear canal 94 (arrow Y direction).

[0083] An opening 42H is formed in the center of the earpiece 42, which leads to the sound conduit 41. Sound emitted from the speaker 22 (see Figure 4) inside the first housing 40 flows into the ear canal 94 through this opening 42H and the sound conduit 41. The opening at the tip of the sound conduit 41 is an example of an opening in the second housing 50 that opens in the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the ear canal 94 when the earpiece 42 is inserted into the ear canal 94.

[0084] When the right earphone 20R is worn, the outer surface of the earpiece 42 is in contact with (closely attached to) the inner surface of the ear canal 94. As mentioned above, at least a portion of the outer surface of the earpiece 42 is provided with a first electrode portion 24 for measuring the potential of the ear canal 94. The first electrode portion 24 is made of, for example, conductive rubber made of carbon.

[0085] Furthermore, the first electrode portion 24 is electrically connected to a conductor 62 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. Also, as mentioned above, a third electrode portion 38 (see Figure 2) is provided on the outer surface of the earpiece 42 of the left earphone 20L.

[0086] The auricle piece 44 is formed in an elliptical spherical shape from, for example, an elastic resin. When the right earphone 20R is worn, this auricle piece 44 is positioned on the outside of the earpiece 42 (opposite side from the external auditory canal 94). Also, when viewed from the direction in which the earpiece 42 is inserted into the external auditory canal 94, the auricle piece 44 is formed in an elliptical shape. The outer diameter of this auricle piece 44 is larger than the outer diameter of the earpiece 42. This auricle piece 44 is positioned (fitted) into the concha 70 when the earpiece 42 is inserted into the external auditory canal 94.

[0087] Unlike in-ear earphones, the auricle piece 44 does not have an opening through which sound emitted from the speaker 22 passes. Furthermore, the shape of the auricle piece 44 is not limited to an oval sphere and can be changed as appropriate.

[0088] When the right earphone 20R is worn, the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 is in contact with (closely attached to) the surface of the concha 70. As mentioned above, at least a portion of the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 is provided with a second electrode portion 26 for measuring the potential of the concha 70. The second electrode portion 26, like the first electrode portion 24, is formed of, for example, carbon conductive rubber (containing rubber material and a type of carbon black). A conductor 62 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, is electrically connected to the second electrode portion 26.

[0089] The materials for the first, second, and third electrodes can be formed by mixing a conductive material with an elastic material, or by joining, bonding, plating, or vapor-depositing a conductive material onto an elastic body. Examples of conductive materials include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, gold (Au), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), stainless steel (SUS304, SUS316L), solder, iron (Fe), or silver-silver chloride (Ag / AgCl). Examples of elastic materials include rubber, gel, and carbon nanotube viscoelastic materials. Silver-silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) as a conductive material has a low resting potential and polarization voltage, so the time it takes for the impedance at contact with human skin to stabilize is short, and biological information can be measured soon after the bio-information measurement device is attached to the user, thus improving usability. Elastic materials, especially gel materials capable of containing moisture, are superior in that they can solve the problem of increased contact resistance and instability at the point of contact with human skin due to factors such as drying of human skin.

[0090] (Second cabinet) As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the second housing 50 is larger and heavier than the first housing 40 and is formed in a flat, box-like shape. This second housing 50 is positioned behind the ear 66, with its thickness (width) direction being the width direction of the user's head (arrow Y direction). In other words, the second housing 50 is positioned so as not to overlap with the first housing 40 in the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the ear canal 94 (arrow Y direction). The circuit board 28 (see Figure 5) and the like are housed inside this second housing 50.

[0091] The front end portion 50F of the second housing 50 is gently curved backward (opposite direction to arrow X) so as to conform to the back surface of the ear 66 when viewed from the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the ear canal 94 (arrow Y direction). This enhances the stability of the second housing 50 when the front end portion 50F of the second housing 50 is in contact with the back surface of the ear 66, and also improves the fit of the second housing 50 to the back surface of the ear 66.

[0092] When the right earphone 20R is worn, the center of gravity G of the second housing 50 (see Figures 7 and 8) is located behind the ear 66. Also, when the right earphone 20R is worn, the second housing 50 is positioned inward (towards the user's temporal region) of the outward-facing portion 66S of the ear 66.

[0093] The position of the center of gravity G of the second housing 50 can be changed as appropriate. In this embodiment, the weight ratio of the first housing 40 to the second housing 50 is, for example, 1:9, with the second housing 50 being heavier. This ratio (weight ratio) can be changed as appropriate, as long as the second housing 50 is heavier than the first housing 40. By doing so, the comfort level for each user in terms of the load on the ear 66 can be improved.

[0094] (Connecting component) As shown in Figure 5, the connecting arm 60, for example, connects the first housing 40 and the second housing 50, and in an elastically deformed state, functions as a holding member that holds the user's ears 66 (see Figures 7 and 8) between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 from both the front and back sides.

[0095] The connecting arm 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape from an elastic material such as silicone rubber, as an example. This connecting arm 60 extends in an arm shape from the front of the upper end of the second housing 50 and is connected to the upper surface of the first housing 40. Note that the connecting arm 60 is not limited to a cylindrical shape (circular cross-section), but may also have a polygonal cross-section, for example.

[0096] Inside the connecting arm 60, a conductor 62 is arranged that spans from the first housing 40 to the second housing 50. The conductor 62 electrically connects, for example, the speaker 22 (see Figure 4), the first electrode section 24, and the second electrode section 26 of the first housing 40 to the circuit board 28 of the second housing 50. Note that the conductor 62 is not limited to being inside the connecting arm 60; for example, it may be arranged outside the connecting arm 60.

[0097] The connecting arm 60 has a straight section 60A and a curved section 60B. The straight section 60A extends linearly forward and upward from the upper surface of the first housing 40. The tip (upper end) of this straight section 60A is provided with the curved section 60B.

[0098] Furthermore, the inclination angle θ of the linear portion 60A of the right earphone 20R with respect to the vertical direction is preferably 30° to 40°, and more preferably 34°, as an example.

[0099] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the right earphone 20R is worn, the curved portion 60B is curved convexly toward the direction away from the user's body (forward) when viewed from the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the ear canal 94 (arrow Y direction). One end (lower end) of this curved portion 60B is connected to the upper end of the straight portion 60A. The other end (upper end) of the curved portion 60B is connected to the front end 50F of the upper end of the second housing 50, spanning the upper edge 66U of the ear 66. The curvature of the curved portion 60B is set to approximately 100 to 500 (1 / m) as an example. However, the curvature of the curved portion 60B is not limited to the above range, and other curvatures may be selected.

[0100] In this embodiment, the entire connecting arm 60, that is, the entire straight portion 60A and the curved portion 60B, is formed of an elastic material. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 are elastically deformable so that they move away from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0101] Furthermore, when the right earphone 20R is not attached and the connecting arm 60 is not elastically deformed by an external force, for example, the rear end 40R of the first housing 40 and the front end 50F of the second housing 50 come into contact. As a result, when the user attaches the right earphone 20R, widening the gap between the rear end 40R of the first housing 40 and the front end 50F of the second housing 50 causes the connecting arm 60 to elastically deform. Then, when the right earphone 20R is attached, the restoring force (elastic force) of the elastically deformed connecting arm 60 causes the ear 66 (see Figures 7 and 8) to be sandwiched between the rear end 40R of the first housing 40 and the front end 50F of the second housing 50 from both the front and back sides (front-to-back direction).

[0102] Furthermore, when the right earphone 20R is not attached, the connecting arm 60 may be elastically deformed or may remain in its natural state without elastic deformation. Also, when the right earphone 20R is not attached, the rear end 40R of the first housing 40 and the front end 50F of the second housing 50 may be in close proximity without contact. Here, "close proximity" means that the gap between the rear end 40R of the first housing 40 and the front end 50F of the second housing 50 is, for example, less than or equal to the thickness of the user's ear 66 (pinna 67).

[0103] The connecting arm 60 is designed to be deformable by twisting, as indicated by arrow P in Figure 9. Here, "deformable by twisting" refers to elastic deformation. Furthermore, the restoring force (elastic force) of the connecting arm 60 is set such that the twisted state of the connecting arm 60 is maintained when the earpiece 42 is inserted into the ear canal 94.

[0104] (How to wear the right earphone) Next, we will describe an example of how to attach the right earphone 20R to the user's ear 66. The method for attaching the left earphone 20L to the user's ear 66 is the same as for the right earphone 20R.

[0105] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the right earphone 20R is attached to the ear 66 and the user's biometric information is measured, the user first elastically deforms the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60 to widen the gap between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50. In this state, the user inserts the ear 66 (pinna 67) between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50, positioning the first housing 40 on the front side of the ear 66 and the second housing 50 on the back side of the ear 66. At this time, the user positions the second housing 50 inside the outward-facing portion 66S of the ear 66 (towards the user's temporal region).

[0106] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the user inserts the earpiece 42 into the external auditory canal 94 and the auricle piece 44 into the concha 70. At this time, the user deforms the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60 by twisting it according to the angle of the external auditory canal 94. This allows the earpiece 42 and auricle piece 44 to be easily inserted into the external auditory canal 94 and the concha 70, respectively.

[0107] Here, the earpiece 42 is made of an elastic material. As a result, when the earpiece 42 is inserted into the ear canal 94, the shape of the earpiece 42 deforms to conform to the shape of the ear canal 94, and the outer surface of the earpiece 42 adheres closely to the surface of the ear canal 94. Consequently, the first electrode portion 24 provided on the outer surface of the earpiece 42 adheres closely to the surface of the ear canal 94, improving the accuracy of measuring the potential (skin potential) of the ear canal 94 by the first electrode portion 24.

[0108] Similar to the earpiece 42, the auricle piece 44 is formed from an elastic material. As a result, when the auricle piece 44 is placed in the concha 70, the shape of the auricle piece 44 deforms to conform to the shape of the concha 70, and the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 adheres closely to the surface of the concha 70. Consequently, the second electrode portion 26 provided on the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 adheres closely to the surface of the concha 70, improving the accuracy of the measurement of the potential (skin potential) of the concha 70 by the second electrode portion 26.

[0109] Next, the user adjusts the position of the second housing 50, which is located on the back of the ear 66, to stabilize the second housing 50 on the back of the ear 66.

[0110] In this state, when the right earphone 20R is worn, the connecting arm 60, particularly the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60, undergoes elastic deformation. As a result, the restoring force (elastic force) of the elastically deformed curved portion 60B causes the front end portion 50F of the second housing 50 to contact (be pressed against) the back surface of the ear 66. Therefore, the second housing 50 becomes even more stable on the back surface of the ear 66.

[0111] Furthermore, the restoring force (elastic force) of the curved portion 60B holds the ears 66 between the rear end 40R of the first housing 40 and the front end 50F of the second housing 50, sandwiched from both sides (front and back directions). This further stabilizes the second housing 50 on the back surface of the ears 66.

[0112] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. Note that the operation and effects of the right earphone 20R will be described below, but the operation and effects of the left earphone 20L are the same as those of the right earphone 20R.

[0113] The first housing 40 of the right earphone 20R is provided with an earpiece 42. The earpiece 42 is provided with a first electrode portion 24. The first housing 40 also has an auricle piece 44. The auricle piece 44 is provided with a second electrode portion 26. The potential (skin potential) of the user's external auditory canal 94 and concha 70 is measured by these first electrode portion 24 and second electrode portion 26, respectively.

[0114] In this embodiment, the potential (biopotential) of the user's external auditory canal 94 and concha 70 is measured by two electrode units, the first electrode unit 24 and the second electrode unit 26, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, the accuracy of measuring the potential of the user's ear 66 is improved compared to, for example, a configuration in which the potential of the user's external auditory canal 94 is measured by a single electrode unit.

[0115] Furthermore, the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 are formed of an elastic material. As a result, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 are formed of a rigid material, the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 can be brought into close contact with the external auditory canal 94 and the concha 70, respectively. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring the potential of the external auditory canal 94 and the concha 70 by the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 is improved.

[0116] If the user wearing the right earphone 20R moves, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26 may shift position relative to the user's external auditory canal 94 and concha 70, potentially introducing noise into the potential measured by the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 26. This noise may then reduce the accuracy of measurements such as the user's brainwaves.

[0117] In particular, when the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 vibrate in conjunction with the user's movements, the first electrode section 24 and the second electrode section 26 are prone to misalignment relative to the user's external auditory canal 94 and concha 70. As a result, there is a possibility that significant noise may be introduced into the potential measured by the first electrode section 24 and the second electrode section 26.

[0118] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 are attached to the user and the user's biological information is measured, the user elastically deforms the connecting arm 60, positioning the first housing 40 on the front side of the ear 66 and the second housing 50 on the back side of the ear 66. Then, with the user's ear 66 sandwiched between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50, the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 are positioned in predetermined locations.

[0119] This stabilizes the first housing 40 and the second housing 50. Furthermore, vibrations of the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 are reduced when the user moves. Additionally, even if the second housing 50 vibrates when the user moves, the connecting arm 60 reduces the vibration of the second housing 50.

[0120] Therefore, in this embodiment , Yu When the device moves, it is possible to suppress displacement of the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 relative to the external auditory canal 94 and the concha cavity 70.

[0121] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the right earphone 20R is not attached and the connecting arm 60 is not elastically deformed by an external force, the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 are positioned in contact with or close proximity to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the right earphone 20R is not attached and the connecting arm 60 is not elastically deformed by an external force, the elastic deformation of the connecting arm 60 increases when the distance between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 is increased compared to a configuration where the distance between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 is wide. Consequently, when the right earphone 20R is attached, the force of the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 that clamps the user's ear 66 (the restoring force of the connecting arm 60) can be increased.

[0122] Furthermore, the connecting arm 60 has a curved portion 60B. When the right earphone 20R is worn, the curved portion 60B curves convexly away from the user's body and connects to the second housing 50 by straddling the upper edge 66U of the ear 66. This allows the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 to be connected while suppressing interference between the curved portion 60B and the upper edge 66U of the ear 66.

[0123] Furthermore, the connecting arm 60 is made of an elastic material. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 can be easily widened compared to the case where the entire curved portion 60B is made of a rigid material. In particular, in this embodiment, the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60 is made of an elastic material. This allows the user to further easily widen the distance between the first housing 40 and the second housing 50. Consequently, the fit of the right earphone 20R to the ear 66 is improved.

[0124] Furthermore, a conductor 62 is arranged inside the connecting arm 60, extending from the first housing 40 to the second housing 50. As a result, in this embodiment, breakage of the conductor 62 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the conductor 62 is arranged outside the connecting arm 60.

[0125] Furthermore, Figures 7 and 8 show the fitting state of the right earphone 20R on ears 66 of different sizes (ears 66A and 66B). As shown in Figure 7, when the right earphone 20R is fitted to the larger ear 66 (ear 66A), for example, the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60 catches on the upper edge 66U of the ear 66 (pinna 67).

[0126] As a result, the connecting arm 60 lifts the front end 50F of the second housing 50, causing the front end 50F of the second housing 50 to contact the upper part of the back surface of the ear 66. In this state, the restoring force of the elastically deformed connecting arm 60 presses the front end 50F of the second housing 50 against the upper part of the back surface of the ear 66, thereby stabilizing the second housing 50.

[0127] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the right earphone 20R is attached to a small ear 66 (ear 66B), for example, the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60 does not catch on the upper edge 66U of the ear 66 (pinna 67), and a gap T is formed between the upper edge 66U of the ear 66 and the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60.

[0128] Therefore, rather than the case where the curved portion 60B of the connecting arm 60 catches on the upper edge 66U of the ear 66, the second housing 50 wraps around to the underside of the ear 66, and the front end 50F of the second housing 50 comes into contact with the lower part of the back surface of the ear 66. In this state, the restoring force of the elastically deformed connecting arm 60 presses the front end 50F of the second housing 50 against the lower part of the back surface of the ear 66, thus stabilizing the second housing 50.

[0129] Thus, in this embodiment, the second housing 50 can be stabilized on the back side of the user's ear 66, regardless of the size of the ear 66. Therefore, the versatility of the right earphone 20R is improved.

[0130] Furthermore, as indicated by arrow P in Figure 9, the connecting arm 60 is designed to be deformable by twisting. Therefore, when the user attaches the right earphone 20R to their ear 66, they can deform the connecting arm 60 by twisting it according to the angle of the ear canal 94, etc. Consequently, in this embodiment, the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 can be easily inserted into the ear canal 94 and the concha 70, respectively, compared to a case where the connecting arm 60 is not deformable by twisting.

[0131] Furthermore, when the right earphone 20R is worn, the second housing 50 is positioned inward from the outward-facing portion 66S of the user's ear 66. This allows the second housing 50 to be more stable in this embodiment compared to a configuration where the second housing 50 is positioned outside the outward-facing portion 66S of the user's ear 66 when the right earphone 20R is worn.

[0132] Furthermore, when the right earphone 20R is worn, the second housing 50 is positioned so as not to overlap with the first housing 40 in the insertion direction into the user's ear canal 94. As a result, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the second housing 50 is positioned so as to overlap with the first housing 40 in the insertion direction into the user's ear canal 94 when the right earphone 20R is worn, vibrations of the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 can be reduced when the user moves.

[0133] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the user moves, displacement of the first electrode portion 24 and the second electrode portion 26 relative to the external auditory canal 94 and the concha cavity 70 is further suppressed.

[0134] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the right earphone 20R is worn, the center of gravity G of the second housing 50 is located behind the ear 66. As a result, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration where the center of gravity G of the second housing 50 is located somewhere other than behind the ear 66 when the right earphone 20R is worn, displacement or falling of the second housing 50 is suppressed, for example, when the head of the user wearing the right earphone 20R moves.

[0135] Furthermore, the second housing 50 of the right earphone 20R houses a circuit board 28 (see Figure 4). Also, the second housing 50 of the left earphone 20L houses a battery 39 (see Figure 4). As a result, in this embodiment, the first housing 40 can be made smaller and lighter compared to a configuration in which the circuit board 28 or battery 39 is housed in the first housing 40 of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L.

[0136] Furthermore, the auricle piece 44 positioned in the concha 70, and the support portion of the first housing 40 supporting the auricle piece 44, do not have openings through which sound emitted from the speaker 22 can pass. As a result, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the auricle piece 44 and the support portion of the first housing 40 have openings, the sound emitted from the speaker 22 can be appropriately transmitted to the user's ear canal 94, and biological information can be measured with high accuracy.

[0137] (modified version) Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0138] The first housing 40 (auricle piece 44) may be provided with at least one cavity (through hole) that allows external sound from the first housing 40 to pass towards the ear canal 94 when the right earphone 20R is worn. This allows external sound from the first housing 40 to pass through to the ear canal 94 while the user's potential is measured by the second electrode portion 26 of the first housing 40, compared to a configuration in which external sound from the first housing 40 heading towards the ear canal 94 is blocked when the right earphone 20R is worn. If it is difficult to house a speaker unit that uses air vibration as a sound source in the first housing 40 due to the provision of a cavity (through hole) in the first housing 40, a bone conduction type speaker unit may be housed in the second housing 50, and sound information may be delivered to the user from the bone conduction type speaker unit.

[0139] Furthermore, the first housing 40 (auricle piece 44) may be provided with a lid that opens and closes the cavity (through hole). This improves the convenience of the right earphone 20R, as the user can open and close the cavity as needed.

[0140] Furthermore, by providing a cavity (through hole) in the auricle piece 44, the auricle piece 44 becomes more easily deformed. As a result, when the auricle piece 44 is fitted into the concha 70, the shape of the auricle piece 44 deforms to conform to the shape of the concha 70, and the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 makes it easier for it to adhere closely to the surface of the concha 70. Consequently, the second electrode portion 26 provided on the outer surface of the auricle piece 44 makes it easier for it to adhere closely to the surface of the concha 70, thereby improving the accuracy of measuring the potential (skin potential) of the concha 70 by the second electrode portion 26. Furthermore, the effect of improving adhesion obtained by providing a cavity (through hole) in the auricle piece 44 can also be obtained by designing the first housing 40 (auricle piece 44) as a structure that flexes gently. For example, the same effect can be obtained by providing a notch in a part of the circumferential direction of the frame of the first housing 40, or by thinning a part of the frame thickness in the circumferential direction, thereby intentionally reducing the strength of the frame to make it easier to deform in the circumferential direction.

[0141] Furthermore, as the shape of the auricle piece 44 deforms to conform to the shape of the concha 70, the contact area of ​​the auricle piece 44 that contacts the concha 70 increases. As a result, stress concentration at the contact point of the concha 70 where the auricle piece 44 contacts is reduced, improving the comfort of wearing the auricle piece 44.

[0142] Furthermore, when viewed from the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the external auditory canal 94 (arrow Y direction), the shape of the auricle piece 44 and the cavity (hole) may be elliptical, approximately circular, or a polygonal cavity other than circular, such as a square or triangle. Also, when viewed from the direction of insertion of the earpiece 42 into the external auditory canal 94 (arrow Y direction), one of the auricle piece 44 and the cavity (hole) may be elliptical, and the other of the auricle piece 44 and the cavity (hole) may be approximately circular. In addition, it is preferable that the auricle piece 44 be formed from a resin or the like, which is more easily elastically deformed than metal.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the entire connecting arm 60 as a connecting member is made of an elastic material. However, at least a part of the connecting arm 60 may be made of an elastic material. That is, at least a part of the curved portion 60B may be made of an elastic material, or at least a part of the straight portion 60A may be made of an elastic material.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connecting arm 60 has a straight portion 60A and a curved portion 60B. However, the shape of the connecting arm 60 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the corresponding portion of the straight portion 60A of the connecting arm 60 may be curved so as to be continuous with the curved portion 60B.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connecting member is a connecting arm 60. However, the connecting member is not limited to a connecting arm 60. The connecting member may include, for example, a conductor connecting the first housing 40 and the second housing 50, and a cover member including a portion made of an elastic material.

[0146] The cover member, for example, extends from the second housing 50 and has a curved portion that hooks onto the upper part of the user's ear. The cover member does not reach the first housing 40 and covers a portion of the conductor. In this case, the cover member does not connect the first housing 40 and the second housing 50, and the conductor protruding from the end of the cover member on the first housing 40 side is connected to the first housing 40.

[0147] By hooking the curved portion of the cover member onto the upper part of the user's ear in this manner, the second housing 50 is stabilized and vibrations of the second housing 50 are reduced. Furthermore, by not connecting the first housing 40 and the second housing 50 with the cover member, but connecting them with a conductor, the earpiece 42 and auricle piece 44 can be easily positioned relative to the user's external auditory canal 94 and concha cavity 70. In addition, by covering a portion of the conductor with the cover member, breakage of the conductor is suppressed.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connecting arm 60 is deformable by twisting. However, for example, the straight section 60A and the curved section 60B, which are separate components, may be rotatably connected. Alternatively, the connecting arm 60 may be configured not to deform by twisting.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second electrode unit 26, which serves as the measuring unit, contacts the concha 70 to measure the user's potential. However, the second electrode unit, which serves as the measuring unit, may also contact a predetermined position on a part of the auricle 67 other than the concha 70 to measure the user's potential.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the measurement unit is comprised of electrode sections such as the first electrode section 24, the second electrode section 26, and the third electrode section 38. However, the measurement unit is not limited to electrode sections; it may also be a sensor other than an electrode section, such as a light sensor. In addition, the measurement unit may include both electrode sections and sensors other than electrode sections, such as a light sensor.

[0151] Furthermore, the electrode section and sensors other than the electrode section may measure the user's biometric information by coming into contact with the user, or they may measure the user's biometric information without coming into contact with the user.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, both the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L function as biometric information measuring devices. However, at least one of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L may function as a biometric information measuring device. Alternatively, one of the right earphone 20R and the left earphone 20L may be omitted, and the other earphone 20R may be worn on one of the user's ears as a biometric information measuring device.

[0153] Furthermore, the biometric information measurement device is not limited to earphones; it may also be, for example, a hearing aid, a piercing-type device, a clip-type device, a glasses-type device, or a device including a band or cable that wraps around the ear.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the right earphone 20R, which serves as a bio-information measuring device, measures the user's brainwaves as bio-information. However, the bio-information measured by the bio-information measuring device is not limited to the user's brainwaves and may include various types of information emitted by the user.

[0155] Biological information includes, for example, information indicating brain activity (e.g., electroencephalogram, cerebral blood flow, magnetic field signals, etc.), information indicating pulse rate, electromyographic information such as electromyographic waveforms, information regarding saliva (e.g., information indicating saliva volume), information indicating pulse waves, information indicating blood pressure, information indicating blood flow, information indicating pulse rate, information indicating heart rate, information indicating electrocardiogram waveforms, information indicating eye movements, information indicating body temperature, information indicating sweating, information indicating gaze, voice information, information indicating human movement, or information obtained from bodily fluids (e.g., blood, etc.).

[0156] Furthermore, information identified by biomarkers may be used as biological information. Biological information may also be information resulting from electrical potentials detected by the user. For example, biological information may include electroencephalograms (EEGs), which are the measurement results of minute electrical currents generated in conjunction with brain activity; electrocardiograms (ECGs), which are the measurement results of minute electrical currents generated in conjunction with heartbeats; electromyograms (EMGs), which are the measurement results of minute electrical currents generated in conjunction with muscle activity; or skin potentials, which are the measurement results of minute electrical currents generated in the skin. These are merely examples of biological information, and other types of biological information may also be used. The biological information measuring device measures one or more types of biological information.

[0157] Furthermore, in the biometric information system 10, for example, emotional information, mental information, or psychological information may be obtained by analyzing biometric information. Also, in the biometric information system 10, for example, information indicating the user's emotions, information indicating the user's mental state, or information indicating the user's psychology may be obtained by analyzing the user's biometric information.

[0158] Furthermore, the above embodiment may be applied to a device that measures biological information using recording techniques such as deep brain activity, cortical electroencephalography, scalp electroencephalography, intravascular electroencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, or near-infrared spectroscopy.

[0159] Furthermore, the mounting structure for the user, comprising the first housing, the second housing, and the connecting member of the above embodiment, may also be applied to devices that do not measure biological information. This mounting structure can be widely adapted as a fixing mechanism positioned at a predetermined location on the ear. For example, this mounting structure may be used as a fixing mechanism in accessories decorated with precious metals.

[0160] Although one embodiment of the technology disclosed in this application has been described above, the technology disclosed in this application is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above embodiment and various modifications may be used in appropriate combinations, and it goes without saying that the technology disclosed in this application can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the technology disclosed in this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 20L Left earphone (biometric information measurement device) 20R Right earphone (biometric information measurement device) 22. Speaker (sound output section) 24 First electrode section (measurement section) 26 Second electrode section (measurement section) 28 circuit boards 39 Batteries 40 First cabinet 41. Sound conduit (opening of the first housing) 50 Second cabinet 60 Connecting arm (connecting component) 60B Curved section 62 Conductor 66 Ear 66S Outer part of the ear 66U Upper edge of the ear 67 Auricle 94 External auditory canal G Center of gravity of the second cabinet

Claims

1. A first housing is provided, which is positioned in a predetermined location on the user's external auditory canal and a part of the user's auricle, and has a measuring unit for measuring the user's biological information. It does not have a measurement unit for measuring the user's biometric information, and has a second housing positioned behind the user's ear, It has a connecting member that connects the second housing and the first housing and is elastically deformable by twisting, The connecting member includes a portion made of an elastic material, When the first housing and the second housing are attached to the user and the user's biological information is measured, the connecting member is elastically deformed, the second housing is positioned behind the ear, and the ear is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing by the restoring force of the connecting member due to twisting, and the first housing is positioned in the predetermined position. A device for measuring biological information.

2. Before the first and second housings are mounted to the user, the connecting member is not elastically deformed by external forces, and the first and second housings are positioned in contact with or close to each other. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The connecting member, when the first housing and the second housing are attached to the user, is curved in a convex shape away from the user's body and has a curved portion that crosses the upper edge of the ear and connects to the second housing, The curved portion includes a portion made of the elastic material. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

4. A conductor is arranged inside the connecting member, extending from the first housing to the second housing. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned measuring unit is The first electrode portion is positioned in the external auditory canal, A second electrode portion is positioned at a predetermined location on a part of the auricle, Having, A biological information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are formed of an elastic material. The biological information measuring device according to claim 5.

7. With the second housing attached to the user, the center of gravity of the second housing is located behind the ear. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

8. The second housing houses at least one of the battery and the circuit board. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

9. When the second housing is attached to the user, the second housing is positioned inward from the portion of the ear that faces outward. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

10. With the first housing and the second housing attached to the user, the second housing is positioned so as not to overlap with the first housing in the insertion direction into the user's ear canal. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

11. The first housing has a sound output section, The opening of the first housing through which the sound emitted from the sound output unit passes is opened in the direction of insertion into the ear canal when the user wears it. A portion of the first housing, positioned near the auricle of the user wearing it, does not have an opening through which sound can pass. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

12. With the first housing attached to the user, the first housing has at least one cavity that allows external sound to pass through, facing the external ear canal. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1.

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