Measurement system, measurement device, and analysis device

Abstract

This measurement system is provided with: a first measurement device provided with a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal and a first wireless communication unit; and a second measurement device provided with a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal and a second wireless communication unit. The first measurement device is provided with a first synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples a trigger signal received by the first wireless communication unit and the first measurement signal and outputs a first synchronized trigger signal and a first synchronized measurement signal, respectively. The first wireless communication unit transmits a first signal pair including the first synchronized trigger signal and the first synchronized measurement signal. The second measurement device is provided with a second synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples a trigger signal received by the second wireless communication unit and the second measurement signal and outputs a second synchronized trigger signal and a second synchronized measurement signal, respectively. The second wireless communication unit transmits a second signal pair including the second synchronized trigger signal and the second synchronized measurement signal.

Description

Measurement systems, measuring devices, and analytical devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement system using a plurality of sensors with wireless communication capabilities.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a biosignal measurement system. The biosignal measurement system of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals includes a biosignal sensor that measures a biosignal.

[0003] Each biosignal sensor generates a sequence number that indicates the order in which it acquired biosignal-based data. Each terminal assigns the sequence number to the data and transmits it to other terminals. When other terminals receive the sequence number, they reset their own sequence number. This ensures synchronization between multiple terminals.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a biological information management system. The biological information management system in Patent Document 2 includes a biological information measurement unit, a clock unit, and a management server. The management server provides the clock unit with information representing standard time or information representing corrected time corrected based on the information representing standard time.

[0005] The clock unit corrects the time at which the biological information measurement unit measures the biological information using information representing the standard time or information representing the corrected time, thereby synchronizing the biological information measured at multiple times.

[0006] International Publication No. 2014 / 033942 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-178626

[0007] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, a delay occurs when each terminal resets. Furthermore, the delay times of each terminal must be synchronized. Therefore, in the system described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to synchronize data measured by multiple terminals with a simple configuration and simple processing.

[0008] Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 2, information indicating standard time and information indicating corrected time is communicated wirelessly, but delays caused by this wireless communication are not taken into consideration. For this reason, even in the system described in Patent Document 2, it was difficult to synchronize data measured by multiple terminals with a simple configuration and simple processing.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to synchronize data measured by a plurality of terminals with a simple configuration and simple processing.

[0010] A measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first measurement device including a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal and a first wireless communication unit, and a second measurement device including a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal and a second wireless communication unit. The first measurement device includes a first synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples a trigger signal and the first measurement signal received by the first wireless communication unit and outputs a first synchronized trigger signal and a first synchronized measurement signal, respectively. The first wireless communication unit transmits a first signal pair including the first synchronized trigger signal and the first synchronized measurement signal. The second measurement device includes a second synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples a trigger signal and the second measurement signal received by the second wireless communication unit and outputs a second synchronized trigger signal and a second synchronized measurement signal, respectively. The second wireless communication unit transmits a second signal pair including the second synchronized trigger signal and the second synchronized measurement signal.

[0011] In this configuration, the first and second measurement signals are sampled in synchronization with a common trigger signal, making it possible to synchronize the first and second measurement signals by referencing the trigger signal.

[0012] A measurement device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor, a wireless communication unit, and a synchronous sampling unit. The sensor outputs a measurement signal. The wireless communication unit receives a trigger signal. The synchronous sampling unit synchronously samples the trigger signal and the measurement signal received by the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit transmits a signal pair including the synchronously sampled trigger signal and measurement signal.

[0013] In this configuration, measurement signals synchronized by a trigger signal are transmitted, so if there are multiple measurement devices and an analysis device that performs a specified analysis using the measurement signals from the multiple measurement devices, the analysis device can synchronize the measurement signals from the multiple measurement devices using the trigger signal.

[0014] An analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a trigger signal generation unit, a wireless communication unit, a synchronization processing unit, and an analysis unit. The trigger signal generation unit generates a trigger signal. The wireless communication unit transmits the trigger signal. The wireless communication unit receives a first signal pair including a first measurement signal and the trigger signal synchronously sampled by the trigger signal, and a second signal pair including a second measurement signal and the trigger signal synchronously sampled by the trigger signal. The synchronization processing unit synchronizes the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on the trigger signals included in the first signal pair and the second signal pair, respectively. The analysis unit analyzes an event based on the synchronized first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0015] With this configuration, even if different first and second measurement signals generated by an event to be analyzed are received from an external device, the first and second measurement signals can be synchronously processed based on the trigger signal, thereby enabling highly accurate data analysis of the event (e.g., the correlation between multiple types of reactions and actions).

[0016] According to the present invention, data measured by a plurality of terminals can be synchronized with a simple configuration and simple processing.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship on the time axis of each signal of the measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [First Embodiment] A measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship on the time axis of each signal of the measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the measurement system 1 includes a measurement device 11, a measurement device 12, and a data analysis device 20. The measurement system 1 is a system that uses a single (common) trigger signal to measure multiple occurrence events (e.g., brain response, vocalization, physical reaction, etc.) and performs predetermined data analysis while synchronizing these events. Note that, although the present embodiment shows a case in which two measurement devices are used, three or more measurement devices may also be used.

[0020] The measuring devices 11 and 12 are, for example, devices (portable devices) large enough to be worn by the subject. Note that the measuring devices 11 and 12 may also be devices that externally measure the subject's movements. The measuring devices 11 and 12 correspond to the "first measuring device" and "second measuring device" of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the measuring device 11 corresponds to the "first measuring device" and the measuring device 12 corresponds to the "second measuring device."

[0021] (Configuration of measuring device 11) The measuring device 11 includes a wireless communication unit 111, a trigger signal demodulation unit 112, a sensor 113, a synchronous sampling unit 114, and an antenna ANT11. The sensor 113 may be a sensor capable of measuring the subject's vital signals, such as a voltage sensor or potential sensor that measures brain waves, or an acceleration sensor or piezoelectric sensor that measures heart rate or blood pressure. The sensor 113 is not limited to a vital sensor, and may also be a sensor that captures physical phenomena occurring in the measurement target, such as a temperature sensor, light sensor, or vibration sensor.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 111, the trigger signal demodulation unit 112, and the synchronous sampling unit 114 are realized by, for example, electronic circuits. The wireless communication unit 111 corresponds to the "first wireless communication unit" of the present invention, and the synchronous sampling unit 114 corresponds to the "first synchronous sampling unit" of the present invention. The sensor 113 corresponds to the "first sensor" of the present invention.

[0023] The antenna ANT11 is connected to a wireless communication unit 111. The wireless communication unit 111 is connected to a trigger signal demodulation unit 112 and a synchronous sampling unit 114. The sensor 113 is connected to the synchronous sampling unit 114.

[0024] (Configuration of Measuring Device 12) The measuring device 12 includes a wireless communication unit 121, a trigger signal demodulation unit 122, a sensor 123, a synchronous sampling unit 124, and an antenna ANT12.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 121, the trigger signal demodulation unit 122, and the synchronous sampling unit 124 are realized by, for example, electronic circuits. The wireless communication unit 121 corresponds to the "second wireless communication unit" of the present invention, and the synchronous sampling unit 124 corresponds to the "second synchronous sampling unit" of the present invention. The sensor 123 corresponds to the "second sensor" of the present invention. The sensor 123 has a configuration similar to that of the sensor 113. The type of signal measured by the sensor 123 and the type of signal measured by the sensor 113 may be the same or different. For example, if the types of signals are the same, the sensors 123 and 113 are disposed at different positions on the measurement object, and if the types of signals are different, the sensors 123 and 113 are disposed at the same or different positions on the measurement object.

[0026] The antenna ANT12 is connected to a wireless communication unit 121. The wireless communication unit 121 is connected to a trigger signal demodulation unit 122 and a synchronous sampling unit 124. The sensor 123 is connected to the synchronous sampling unit 124.

[0027] (Configuration of Data Analysis Device 20) The data analysis device 20 includes a trigger signal generation unit 21, a data conversion unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, a synchronization processing unit 24, a data processing unit 25, and an antenna ANT2. The trigger signal generation unit 21, the data conversion unit 22, the wireless communication unit 23, the synchronization processing unit 24, and the data processing unit 25 are realized by an electronic circuit, a PC (personal computer), or other processing device. The wireless communication unit 23 corresponds to the "third wireless communication unit" of the present invention.

[0028] The trigger signal generating unit 21 is connected to a data converting unit 22, and the data converting unit 22 is connected to a wireless communication unit 23. The wireless communication unit 23 is connected to an antenna ANT2. The wireless communication unit 23 is connected to a synchronization processing unit 24, and the synchronization processing unit 24 is connected to a data processing unit 25.

[0029] (Specific Processing of Measurement System 1) (Process 1 of Data Analysis Device 20) The trigger signal generation unit 21 generates a trigger signal. The trigger signal is a signal with a frequency in the audible range, and is an audio signal or sound signal. The trigger signal generation unit 21 includes a plurality of intermittent pulses that are repeated at a predetermined period. The trigger signal generation unit 21 outputs the trigger signal to the data conversion unit 22.

[0030] The data conversion unit 22 converts the trigger signal into a trigger signal for communication and outputs it to the wireless communication unit 23. If the wireless communication unit 23 has the function of the data conversion unit 22, the data conversion unit 22 can be omitted.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 23 transmits the communication trigger signal from the antenna ANT2. For example, the wireless communication unit 23 transmits the communication trigger signal using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) LE Audio standard. This allows the data analysis device 20 to transmit the communication trigger signal approximately synchronously while establishing a communication connection with the measurement devices 11 and 12. Note that a method that does not establish a communication connection (broadband transmission (distribution) of the communication trigger signal) can also be used, and any other method may be used as long as it allows the communication trigger signal to be transmitted approximately synchronously to the measurement devices 11 and 12.

[0032] (Processing of Measuring Device 11) The wireless communication unit 111 receives a communication trigger signal via the antenna ANT 11. The wireless communication unit 111 outputs the communication trigger signal to the trigger signal demodulation unit 112.

[0033] The trigger signal demodulation unit 112 demodulates the communication trigger signal into a trigger signal St11a and outputs the trigger signal St11a to the synchronous sampling unit 114.

[0034] The sensor 113 detects a first event (a reaction or a movement) in the subject and generates a measurement signal S11a corresponding to the detection result. The measurement signal S11a corresponds to the “first measurement signal” of the present invention. The sensor 113 outputs the measurement signal S11a to the synchronous sampling unit 114.

[0035] The synchronous sampling unit 114 includes a sampler 1141 and a sampler 1142. The samplers 1141 and 1142 perform AD sampling, which is the sampling of an analog signal as a digital signal.

[0036] The sampler 1141 digitally samples the trigger signal St11a and outputs a trigger signal St11 (first synchronized trigger signal). The sampler 1142 digitally samples the measurement signal S11a and outputs a measurement signal S11 (first synchronized measurement signal).

[0037] The samplers 1141 and 1142 perform sampling in synchronization with each other. That is, the trigger signal St11 sampled by the sampler 1141 and the measurement signal S11 sampled by the sampler 1142 are synchronized.

[0038] Furthermore, the sampler 1141 samples the trigger signal St11 with time information attached thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the sampler 1141 attaches time stamps TS11, TS12, TS13, etc. to the trigger signal St11 and samples the signal.

[0039] The sampler 1142 adds time information or a counter value to the measurement signal S11 when sampling. For example, the counter value, which is incremented by one for each sampling, is stored together with the sampled measurement signal S11.

[0040] The synchronous sampling unit 114 outputs the synchronously sampled trigger signal St11 and measurement signal S11 to the wireless communication unit 111. The synchronously sampled trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 to which a counter value is assigned correspond to a "first signal pair" of the present invention. The trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 are a collection of time-series data sampled multiple times over a certain period of time.

[0041] The wireless communication unit 111 converts the synchronously sampled trigger signal St11 and measurement signal S11 into a data format for wireless communication and transmits the data from the antenna ANT11. Note that the wireless communication unit 111 also transmits the counter value and the measurement signal S11 during periods when the first signal pair is not obtained (periods when the pulse portion is not obtained).

[0042] (Processing of Measuring Device 12) The wireless communication unit 121 receives a communication trigger signal via the antenna ANT 12. The wireless communication unit 121 outputs the communication trigger signal to the trigger signal demodulation unit 122.

[0043] The trigger signal demodulator 122 demodulates the communication trigger signal into a trigger signal St12a. The trigger signal St12a is the same signal as the trigger signal St11a. The trigger signal demodulator 122 outputs the trigger signal St12a to the synchronous sampling unit 124.

[0044] The sensor 123 detects a second event (a reaction or a movement) in the subject and generates a measurement signal S12a corresponding to the detection result. The measurement signal S12 corresponds to the "second measurement signal" of the present invention. The sensor 123 outputs the measurement signal S12 to the synchronous sampling unit 124.

[0045] The synchronous sampling unit 124 includes a sampler 1241 and a sampler 1242. The sampler 1241 and the sampler 1242 perform AD sampling.

[0046] The sampler 1241 digitally samples the trigger signal St12a and outputs a trigger signal St12 (second synchronized trigger signal). The sampler 1242 digitally samples the measurement signal S12a and outputs a measurement signal S12 (second synchronized measurement signal).

[0047] The samplers 1241 and 1242 perform sampling in synchronization with each other. That is, the trigger signal St12 sampled by the sampler 1241 and the measurement signal S12 sampled by the sampler 1242 are synchronized.

[0048] Furthermore, the sampler 1241 samples the trigger signal St12 while attaching time information to the trigger signal St12. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the sampler 1141 attaches timestamps TS21, TS22, TS23, etc., set in the measuring device 12, and then samples the trigger signal St12.

[0049] The sampler 1242 adds time information or a counter value to the measurement signal S12 at the time of sampling. For example, the counter value, which is incremented by one for each sampling, is stored together with the sampled measurement signal S12.

[0050] The synchronous sampling unit 124 outputs the synchronously sampled trigger signal St12 and measurement signal S12 to the wireless communication unit 121. The synchronously sampled trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 to which a counter value has been assigned correspond to a "second signal pair" of the present invention. The trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 are a collection of time-series data sampled multiple times over a certain period of time.

[0051] The wireless communication unit 121 converts the synchronously sampled trigger signal St12 and measurement signal S12 into a data format for wireless communication and transmits the data from the antenna ANT 12. Note that the wireless communication unit 121 also transmits the measurement signal S12 during periods when the second signal pair is not obtained (periods when the pulse portion is not obtained).

[0052] (Process 2 of the data analysis device 20) The wireless communication unit 23 receives a first signal pair of a trigger signal St11 and a measurement signal S11 via the antenna ANT2. The wireless communication unit 23 receives a second signal pair of a trigger signal St12 and a measurement signal S12 via the antenna ANT2. The wireless communication unit 23 outputs the first signal pair and the second signal pair to the synchronization processing unit 24.

[0053] The synchronization processing unit 24 synchronizes the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 using the time information of the trigger signal St11 and the time information of the trigger signal St12. Specifically, the synchronization processing unit 24 adjusts the positions of the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 on the time axis so that the timestamp TS11 of the trigger signal St11 and the timestamp TS21 of the trigger signal St12 match. By using the timestamps, synchronization can be performed more reliably even if a signal pair cannot be obtained due to a communication error or the like.

[0054] The synchronization processing unit 24 outputs the synchronized measurement signals S11 and S12 to the data processing unit 25.

[0055] The data processing unit 25 performs predetermined data processing based on the measurement signals S11 and S12. The predetermined data processing is, for example, processing to analyze the correlation between multiple types of reactions and movements of the subject.

[0056] In this configuration, even if wireless communication is adopted in which the time required for communication from the measuring device 11 to the data analysis device 20 may differ from the time required for communication from the measuring device 12 to the data analysis device 20, the data processing unit 25 can perform highly accurate data processing (analysis).

[0057] Specifically, for example, in the case of FIG. 2, the timing of the trigger signal St11 in the measuring device 11 and the timing of the trigger signal St12 in the measuring device 12 are substantially the same.

[0058] The measurement signal S11 is synchronized with the trigger signal St11, and the measurement signal S12 is synchronized with the trigger signal St12. Therefore, during measurement, the measurement signals S11 and S12 are substantially synchronized.

[0059] However, at the time when the data analysis device 20 receives the trigger signal St11 (before synchronization), the timing of the trigger signal St12 may differ due to differences between the communication state for the measurement device 11 and the communication state for the measurement device 12, etc.

[0060] Therefore, the data analyzer 20 synchronizes the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12 in the synchronization processing unit 24. The trigger signal St11 and the measurement signal S11 are sampled synchronously, and the trigger signal St12 and the measurement signal S12 are sampled synchronously.

[0061] Therefore, by synchronizing the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12, the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 are synchronized. This allows the data analyzing apparatus 20 to reproduce the timing at which the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 were measured. In other words, the data analyzing apparatus 20 can acquire the measurement signal S11 and the measurement signal S12 that were measured at the same time.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, a pulse trigger signal is used continuously at a predetermined cycle. However, a pulse trigger signal may be used intermittently. Specifically, a pulse trigger signal is used continuously at a predetermined cycle during a first period, and no trigger signal is used during a second period. The first and second periods are then repeated. In this case, the measuring device 11 generates and transmits a first signal pair during the first period, and transmits only a measurement signal during the second period. Similarly, the measuring device 12 generates and transmits a second signal pair during the first period, and transmits only a measurement signal during the second period.

[0063] By understanding the relationship between the time information or count values ​​assigned to measurement signal S11 and measurement signal S12 when trigger signal St11 and trigger signal St12 in the first period are synchronized using time information (such as a timestamp), synchronization is possible by comparing the time information or count values ​​assigned to measurement signal S11 and measurement signal S12 in the second period.

[0064] By repeating the first and second periods at a predetermined cycle, it is possible to periodically update the synchronization state even if there is a mismatch between the internal clocks of the biological signal measurement devices 11 and 12. Specifically, by using time information (such as a timestamp) added to each pulse of the trigger signal St11 and the trigger signal St12, it is possible to update the relationship between the time information or count values ​​added to the measurement signals S11 and S12, which are periodically synchronized.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the count assigned to the measurement signal and the timestamp assigned to the pulse of the trigger signal are described as separate indices, but the time information or count value of measurement signal S11 and measurement signal S12 and the time information (timestamp, etc.) of trigger signal St11 and trigger signal St12 may be the same. That is, for example, among the count values, a count value corresponding to a change point such as a pulse of the trigger signal may be used as the timestamp.

[0066] Although not described in detail in the above embodiment, it is preferable to measure the delay time Tdly of the wireless communication between the measurement device 11, the measurement device 12, and the data analysis device 20 in advance and set the period Ttrg of the trigger signal based on this delay time Tdly. Specifically, the period Ttrg of the trigger signal is set to be longer than the delay time Tdly. This prevents multiple trigger signals from being included in the delay time Tdly. Therefore, more reliable synchronization can be achieved.

[0067] [Second embodiment] A measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] 3 and 4, the measurement system according to the second embodiment differs from the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the multiple measurement devices and in part of the processing of the data analysis device. Only the differences between the measurement system according to the second embodiment and the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0069] The measurement system according to the second embodiment includes measurement devices 11A and 12A. The measurement device 11A differs from the measurement device 11 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a binarization processing unit 115. The measurement device 12A differs from the measurement device 12 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a binarization processing unit 125.

[0070] The binarization processing unit 115 and the binarization processing unit 125 are configured by, for example, an electronic circuit, a microcomputer, etc. The binarization processing unit 115 and the binarization processing unit 125 have the same configuration and perform the same processing, so only the processing of the binarization processing unit 115 will be specifically described below.

[0071] The binarization processing unit 115 binarizes the trigger signal St11 output from the sampler 1141 to generate a binarized signal St11BI.

[0072] The binarization processing unit 115 sets and stores a binarization threshold value Vth for the trigger signal St11. The binarization processing unit 115 compares the trigger signal St11 with the threshold value Vth to generate a binarized signal St11BI.

[0073] In this case, the binarization processing unit 115 sets the period in which the voltage value of the trigger signal St11 is higher than the threshold value Vth (the period of the voltage value VDD in the figure) to "1" and the period in which the voltage value of the trigger signal St11 is lower than the threshold value Vth (the period of the voltage value VDD / 2 in the figure) to "0."

[0074] By this processing, the trigger signal St11 is converted into a 2-bit binary signal St11BI, which reduces the amount of data transmitted from the measuring device 11A to the data analyzing device 20.

[0075] The data analyzer performs synchronization processing of the measurement signal using the binary signal St11BI.

[0076] This reduces the amount of data communication in the measurement system and the communication data rate per measurement device, making it possible to increase the number of measurement devices that can be connected to the data analysis device.

[0077] Alternatively, if the number of connected devices is constant, the number of retransmissions can be increased in the event of a wireless communication failure, improving communication robustness. Furthermore, by providing the above-described configuration, even if a wireless communication failure occurs from the measurement device to the data analysis device, synchronization of multiple measurement signals can be performed with high accuracy.

[0078] [Third Embodiment] A measurement system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of each signal of the measurement device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] 5 and 6, the measurement system according to the third embodiment differs from the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the multiple measurement devices. Only the differences between the measurement system according to the third embodiment and the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0080] The measurement system according to the third embodiment includes measuring devices 11B and 12B. The measuring device 11B differs from the measuring device 11 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a reference potential signal generator 116, a switch circuit 117, and a switching detector 118. The measuring device 12B differs from the measuring device 12 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a reference potential signal generator 126, a switch circuit 127, and a switching detector 128. The measuring device 12B has the same configuration as the measuring device 11B, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] The switch circuit 117 includes a first switch SW1 and a second switch SW2. The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 include a common terminal. The common terminal is connected to an input terminal of the sampler 1141. An individual terminal of the first switch SW1 is connected to the trigger signal demodulation unit 112. An individual terminal of the second switch SW2 is connected to the reference potential signal generation unit 116.

[0082] The switching detection unit 118 is connected to the output terminal of the trigger signal demodulation unit 112 and is also connected to the switch circuit 117 .

[0083] The trigger signal St11B of this embodiment has a switching signal before the synchronization pulse on the time axis, as compared to the trigger signal St11 of the first embodiment. The switching signal is a pulse signal, and the pulse width Tos of the switching signal is larger than the pulse width Tp of the synchronization pulse.

[0084] When the switching detector 118 detects the switching signal, it controls the first switch SW1 to be on and the second switch SW2 to be off for a predetermined period Ts from the falling edge of the switching signal. The predetermined period Ts is set to a time that includes the timing of the synchronization pulse.

[0085] At other times, the switching detector 118 controls the first switch SW1 to be OFF and the second switch SW2 to be ON.

[0086] The reference potential signal generating unit 116 generates a DC reference potential signal. The voltage of the reference potential signal is set to be the same as the low voltage of the trigger signal St11B, for example, set to VDD / 2 in the case of FIG. 6 . The reference potential signal generating unit 116 outputs the reference potential signal to the second switch SW2 of the switch circuit 117. The reference potential signal generating unit 116 corresponds to the "first auxiliary signal generating unit" of the present invention, and the reference potential signal of the reference potential signal generating unit 116 corresponds to the "first synchronization auxiliary signal" of the present invention. Note that the reference signal generating unit 126 of the measuring device 12B corresponds to the "second auxiliary signal generating unit" of the present invention, and the reference potential signal of this reference potential signal generating unit 126 corresponds to the "second synchronization auxiliary signal" of the present invention.

[0087] In this configuration, the measuring device 11B generates a first signal pair of a trigger signal and a measurement signal during a period that includes a synchronization pulse (a period during which a pulse trigger signal is being received) and transmits the first signal pair to the data analyzing device 20. On the other hand, the measuring device 11B generates a third signal pair of a reference potential signal and a measurement signal during a period that does not include a synchronization pulse (a period during which a pulse trigger signal is not being received) and transmits the third signal pair to the data analyzing device 20.

[0088] Similarly, measuring device 12B generates a second signal pair of a trigger signal and a measurement signal during a period that includes a synchronization pulse (a period during which a pulse trigger signal is being received) and transmits the second signal pair to data analyzing device 20. On the other hand, measuring device 12B generates a fourth signal pair of a reference potential signal and a measurement signal during a period that does not include a synchronization pulse (a period during which a pulse trigger signal is not being received) and transmits the fourth signal pair to data analyzing device 20.

[0089] When the wireless communication function for trigger signals (audio signals, etc.) is operated intermittently, the type of signal input to the synchronous sampling unit when trigger signal communication is not being performed depends on the hardware specifications of the measurement device. Furthermore, there is a possibility that an unintended signal may be generated when the trigger signal communication starts or stops. In contrast, by using a switching signal as in this embodiment, it is possible to avoid distortion of the waveform of the input signal to the synchronous sampling unit due to the start and stop of trigger signal communication. This allows the measurement devices 11B and 12B to achieve stable synchronization.

[0090] The waveform of the reference potential signal is not limited to the above example. For example, the voltage of the reference potential signal may be GND (0 V) instead of VDD / 2. The switching signal is also not limited to the above example. For example, the criterion for switching may be the reception of a certain rectangular wave multiple times.

[0091] [Fourth embodiment] A measurement system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] 7, the measurement system according to the fourth embodiment differs from the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the multiple measurement devices. Only the differences between the measurement system according to the fourth embodiment and the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0093] The measurement system according to the fourth embodiment includes measuring devices 11C and 12C. The measuring device 11C includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor 113 instead of the sensor 113 of the measuring device 11 according to the first embodiment. The measuring device 12C includes a microphone 123M instead of the sensor 123 of the measuring device 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0094] With this configuration, the measurement system can accurately synchronize the auditory stimulation signal (sensory stimulation signal) obtained by the microphone 123M with the measurement results of the electroencephalogram in response to the auditory stimulation signal, thereby improving the accuracy of ERP measurement.

[0095] Although the present embodiment has been described as a case where an auditory stimulus is measured, the measurement system of the present embodiment can also be applied to a system for measuring a sensory stimulus such as a visual stimulus.

[0096] [Modification] In the measurement system 1 according to the first embodiment, the sensors 113 and 123 are acceleration sensors attached to different parts of the subject, thereby obtaining motion measurement signals representing the body movements at each part. By synchronizing these two sensors, the movement of the entire body can be detected. The number of sensors is not limited to two; three or more sensors can also be used, and the body movements at different parts can be detected by synchronizing the trigger signals in the same way. The acceleration sensors may be angular velocity sensors or magnetic sensors, or a nine-axis sensor may be used.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present application, the functions of generating a trigger signal, synchronizing received biological signals, and performing analysis from the synchronized signals are performed by a single data analysis device, but these functions may be performed by separate devices, or only some of them may be performed by separate devices.

[0098] <1> A measurement system comprising: a first measurement device including a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal and a first wireless communication unit; and a second measurement device including a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal and a second wireless communication unit, wherein the first measurement device comprises a first synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples a trigger signal and the first measurement signal received by the first wireless communication unit and outputs a first synchronized trigger signal and a first synchronized measurement signal, respectively; the first wireless communication unit transmits a first signal pair including the first synchronized trigger signal and the first synchronized measurement signal; the second measurement device comprises a second synchronous sampling unit that synchronously samples the trigger signal and the second measurement signal received by the second wireless communication unit and outputs a second synchronized trigger signal and a second synchronized measurement signal, respectively; and the second wireless communication unit transmits a second signal pair including the second synchronized trigger signal and the second synchronized measurement signal.

[0099] <2> The measurement system of <1>, further comprising: an analysis device, wherein the analysis device comprises: a third wireless communication unit that receives the first signal pair and the second signal pair; and a synchronization processing unit that synchronizes the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on a time difference between the first synchronization trigger signal and the second synchronization trigger signal.

[0100] <3> The measurement system of <2>, wherein the analysis device includes: a trigger signal generation unit that generates the trigger signal; and an analysis unit that analyzes the event based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal synchronized by the synchronization processing unit, and the trigger signal is transmitted from the third wireless communication unit to the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit.

[0101] <4> The measurement system of any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the first measurement device includes a first binarization processing unit that binarizes the first synchronized trigger signal output from the first synchronous sampling unit, and the first synchronized trigger signal included in the first signal pair is a signal sampled by the first synchronous sampling unit and binarized by the first binarization processing unit, and the second measurement device includes a second binarization processing unit that binarizes the second synchronized trigger signal output from the second synchronous sampling unit, and the second synchronized trigger signal included in the second signal pair is a signal sampled by the second synchronous sampling unit and binarized by the second binarization processing unit.

[0102] <5> The measurement system of <3>, wherein the trigger signal generation unit generates the trigger signal intermittently so that periods in which the trigger signal is generated and periods in which it is not generated alternate with each other; the third wireless communication unit transmits the trigger signal to the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit only during the period in which the trigger signal is generated; the first synchronous sampling unit generates the first signal pair when receiving the trigger signal; the first wireless communication unit transmits the first signal pair to the third wireless communication unit when it has successfully generated the first signal pair; the second synchronous sampling unit generates the second signal pair when it has received the trigger signal; and the second wireless communication unit transmits the second signal pair to the third wireless communication unit when it has successfully generated the second signal pair.

[0103] <6> The measurement system of <5>, wherein the first wireless communication unit continuously transmits the first measurement signal even during a period when the trigger signal is not received, and the second wireless communication unit continuously transmits the second measurement signal even during a period when the trigger signal is not received.

[0104] <7> The measurement system of <5> or <6>, wherein the first measurement device includes a first auxiliary signal generation unit that generates an auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal; the first synchronous sampling unit outputs a first synchronous auxiliary signal and a first synchronous measurement signal by synchronously sampling the first auxiliary signal and the first measurement signal; the first wireless communication unit transmits a third signal pair including the first synchronous auxiliary signal and the first synchronous measurement signal to the third wireless communication unit during a period when the first signal pair is not being transmitted; the second measurement device includes a second auxiliary signal generation unit that generates an auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal; the second synchronous sampling unit outputs a second synchronous auxiliary signal and a second synchronous measurement signal by synchronously sampling the second auxiliary signal and the second measurement signal; and the second wireless communication unit transmits a fourth signal pair including the second synchronous auxiliary signal and the second synchronous measurement signal to the third wireless communication unit during a period when the second signal pair is not being transmitted.

[0105] <8> The measurement system of <7>, wherein the auxiliary signal is a DC reference potential signal.

[0106] <9> The measurement system according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the trigger signal is an audio signal.

[0107] <10> The measurement system according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the first sensor is an electroencephalograph, the first measurement signal is an electroencephalogram signal, the second sensor is a sensor that measures a response to a sensory stimulus, and the second measurement signal is a sensory stimulus signal.

[0108] <11> The measurement system of any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the first sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, the second sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor are attached to different locations on a subject, and the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are motion measurement signals that measure body movement of the subject.

[0109] 1: Measurement system 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: Measurement device 20: Data analysis device 21: Trigger signal generation unit 22: Data conversion unit 23: Wireless communication unit 24: Synchronization processing unit 25: Data processing unit 111, 121: Wireless communication unit 112, 122: Trigger signal demodulation unit 113, 123: Sensor 113EEG: Brain wave sensor 114, 124: Synchronization sampling unit 115, 125: Binarization processing unit 116, 126: Reference potential signal generation unit 117, 127: Switch circuit 118, 128: Switching detection unit 123M: Microphone 1141, 1142, 1241, 1242: Sampler ANT11, ANT12, ANT2: Antenna S11, S12: Measurement signal St11, St11B, St12: Trigger signal St11BI: Binarized signal SW1: First switch SW2: Second switch VDD, VDD / 2: Voltage value Vth: Threshold value

Claims

1. a first measuring device including a first sensor that outputs a first measurement signal and a first wireless communication unit; a second measuring device including a second sensor that outputs a second measurement signal and a second wireless communication unit; A measurement system comprising: The first measuring device is a first synchronous sampling unit that samples the trigger signal and the first measurement signal received by the first wireless communication unit in synchronization with each other, and outputs a first synchronous trigger signal and a first synchronous measurement signal, respectively; the first wireless communication unit transmits a first signal pair including the first synchronization trigger signal and the first synchronization measurement signal; The second measuring device is a second synchronous sampling unit that samples the trigger signal and the second measurement signal received by the second wireless communication unit in synchronization with each other, and outputs a second synchronous trigger signal and a second synchronous measurement signal, respectively; the second wireless communication unit transmits a second signal pair including the second synchronization trigger signal and the second synchronization measurement signal. Measurement system.

2. Equipped with an analysis device, The analysis device a third wireless communication unit that receives the first signal pair and the second signal pair; a synchronization processing unit that synchronizes the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on a time difference between the first synchronization trigger signal and the second synchronization trigger signal; The measurement system of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The analysis device a trigger signal generating unit that generates the trigger signal; an analysis unit that analyzes an event based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal synchronized by the synchronization processing unit; Equipped with the trigger signal is transmitted from the third wireless communication unit to the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit. The measurement system of claim 2 .

4. The first measuring device synchronously samples a first trigger signal and the first measurement signal by attaching at least one of time information, a timestamp, and a count value; the second measurement device synchronously samples the second trigger signal and the second measurement signal by attaching at least one of time information, a time stamp, and a count value; The measurement system of claim 2 .

5. The synchronization processing unit performs synchronization using at least one of time information, a timestamp, and a count value. The measurement system of claim 4 .

6. the first measurement device includes a first binarization processing unit that binarizes the first synchronized trigger signal output from the first synchronized sampling unit, the first synchronous trigger signal included in the first signal pair is a signal sampled by the first synchronous sampling unit and binarized by the first binarization processing unit, the second measurement device includes a second binarization processing unit that binarizes the second synchronized trigger signal output from the second synchronized sampling unit, the second synchronization trigger signal included in the second signal pair is a signal sampled by the second synchronization sampling unit and binarized by the second binarization processing unit; The measurement system of claim 1 .

7. the trigger signal generating unit generates the trigger signal intermittently so that periods in which the trigger signal is generated and periods in which the trigger signal is not generated alternately; the third wireless communication unit transmits the trigger signal to the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit only during a period in which the trigger signal is being generated; the first synchronous sampling unit generates the first signal pair upon receiving the trigger signal; the first wireless communication unit transmits the first signal pair to the third wireless communication unit when the first signal pair is generated; the second synchronous sampling unit generates the second signal pair upon receiving the trigger signal; the second wireless communication unit transmits the second signal pair to the third wireless communication unit when the second signal pair is generated; The measurement system of claim 3 .

8. the first wireless communication unit continuously transmits the first measurement signal even during a period when the trigger signal is not being received; the second wireless communication unit continuously transmits the second measurement signal even during a period when the trigger signal is not being received; The measurement system of claim 7.

9. the first measurement device includes a first auxiliary signal generating unit that generates a first auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal; the first synchronous sampling unit outputs a first synchronous auxiliary signal and a first synchronous measurement signal by synchronously sampling the first auxiliary signal and the first measurement signal; the first wireless communication unit transmits a third signal pair including the first synchronization auxiliary signal and the first synchronization measurement signal to the third wireless communication unit during a period in which the first wireless communication unit is not transmitting the first signal pair; the second measurement device includes a second auxiliary signal generating unit that generates a second auxiliary signal having a waveform different from that of the trigger signal; the second synchronous sampling unit outputs a second synchronous auxiliary signal and a second synchronous measurement signal by synchronously sampling the second auxiliary signal and the second measurement signal; the second wireless communication unit transmits a fourth signal pair including the second auxiliary signal and the second measurement signal to the third wireless communication unit during a period in which the second signal pair is not being transmitted; The measurement system of claim 7.

10. the first auxiliary signal and the second auxiliary signal are DC reference potential signals; The measurement system of claim 9.

11. the trigger signal is an audio signal; The measurement system of claim 1 .

12. the first sensor is an electroencephalograph, and the first measurement signal is an electroencephalogram signal; the second sensor is a sensor that measures a response to a sensory stimulus, and the second measurement signal is a sensory stimulus signal; The measurement system of claim 1 .

13. the first sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, and the second sensor is an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor are attached to different locations on the subject, and the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are motion measurement signals that measure the body movement of the subject. The measurement system of claim 1 .

14. a sensor that outputs a measurement signal; a wireless communication unit for receiving a trigger signal; a synchronous sampling unit; , and The synchronous sampling unit The trigger signal and the measurement signal received by the wireless communication unit are sampled in synchronization with each other; the wireless communication unit transmits a signal pair including the synchronously sampled trigger signal and the synchronously sampled measurement signal. Measuring equipment.

15. a trigger signal generating unit that generates a trigger signal; a wireless communication unit that transmits the trigger signal and receives a first signal pair including the trigger signal and a first measurement signal sampled in synchronous with the trigger signal, and a second signal pair including the trigger signal and a second measurement signal sampled in synchronous with the trigger signal; a synchronization processing unit that performs synchronization processing of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on the trigger signals included in the first signal pair and the second signal pair, respectively; an analysis unit that analyzes an event based on the synchronized first and second measurement signals; Equipped with Analysis device.