Measurement device

Abstract

The present technology pertains to a measurement device that enables the improvement of measurement accuracy. This measurement device has: a circuit unit that is disposed on one surface of a sensor substrate and is for measuring an S parameter; and a sensor electrode that is disposed on the other surface of the sensor substrate and irradiates a measurement target with a signal for measuring the S parameter output from the circuit unit. In a plan view, the distance between the circuit unit and the sensor electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the terminal that outputs the signal of the circuit unit is directly connected to the sensor substrate. The present technology can be applied to a glucose sensing system.

Description

Measuring equipment

[0001] The present technology relates to a measurement device, and more particularly to a measurement device that is capable of improving measurement accuracy.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Non-invasive biometric sensors that measure biometric information such as glucose levels (blood sugar levels) using infrared lasers, microwaves, millimeter waves, etc. have been researched and commercialized.

[0003] Known examples of such biological information sensors include measuring devices that measure glucose levels by measuring S parameters.

[0004] Furthermore, a constituent concentration measuring device has also been proposed that measures the complex dielectric constant by irradiating an object to be measured with electromagnetic waves, acquires a dielectric spectroscopy spectrum, measures the temperature of the object to be measured, and corrects the dielectric spectroscopy spectrum in accordance with the measured temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-190895

[0006] Incidentally, in measuring devices for measuring glucose levels and the like, it is desirable to improve the measurement accuracy.

[0007] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and is intended to make it possible to improve measurement accuracy.

[0008] A measurement device according to one aspect of the present technology includes a circuit unit for measuring S parameters, which is arranged on one side of a sensor substrate, and a sensor electrode, which is arranged on the other side of the sensor substrate and irradiates a signal for measuring the S parameters output from the circuit unit onto a measurement object, wherein, in a planar view, the distance between the circuit unit and the sensor electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and a terminal of the circuit unit that outputs the signal is directly connected to the sensor substrate.

[0009] In one aspect of the present technology, a measurement device is provided with a circuit unit for measuring S parameters, which is arranged on one side of a sensor substrate, and a sensor electrode, which is arranged on the other side of the sensor substrate and irradiates a signal for measuring the S parameters output from the circuit unit to a measurement object, wherein, in a planar view, the distance between the circuit unit and the sensor electrode is set to a predetermined distance or less, and a terminal of the circuit unit that outputs the signal is directly connected to the sensor substrate.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a smart watch. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the main body of a smart watch. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating measurement processing. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between a VNA chip and a sensor electrode. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between a VNA chip and a sensor electrode. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating determination of normality of glucose levels. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating use of body temperature detection. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating heat dissipation of a VNA chip. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating correction of S parameters. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating setting of the average number of times. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating setting of the average number of times. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating setting of the average number of times. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a measurement device. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating measurement processing. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating setting of the average number of times. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating setting of the average number of times.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present technology is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First Embodiment Example of Configuration of a Smartwatch The present technology relates to a VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) module having a VNA chip, and a sensor system equipped with a VNA module.

[0013] A VNA module is a highly versatile device that can measure the impedance, gain, loss, etc. of high-frequency devices, as well as antennas and the dielectric constant of materials, by, for example, transmitting a signal and measuring the amplitude and phase of the reflected and transmitted waves of that signal.

[0014] This technology can be applied to sensor systems such as biometric sensors and soil moisture sensors that use VNA modules.

[0015] In the following, as a specific embodiment, a case where the present technology is mainly applied to a glucose sensor system that measures a glucose level as biological information of a wearer will be described as an example.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an embodiment of a smart watch to which the present technology is applied.

[0017] 1 functions as a glucose sensor system, which is an example of a bioinformation sensor to which the present technology is applied. In particular, the smartwatch 11 functions as a non-invasive measurement device that measures glucose levels (blood sugar levels) by measuring S parameters related to the wearer.

[0018] The smart watch 11 can be worn on the wrist of the user, and has a main body 21 and a band 22. The main body 21 is fixed to the wrist of the user by the band 22, which is a wearing device.

[0019] The smartwatch 11 measures the glucose level and body temperature of the wearer. The main body 21 is provided with a small display 23, which can display various information obtained as measurement results, such as the glucose level and body temperature.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , the main body 21 of the smartwatch 11 includes a glucose sensing module 51 and a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52. The main CPU 52 is also connected to a display 23. The main body 21 also includes a communication unit and a battery (not shown). The communication unit is, for example, a wireless module incorporating Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) functionality, and transmits and receives data with an external terminal. In particular, the communication unit is located on the opposite side of the glucose sensing module 51 from the sensor substrate 61 (the side facing the user's arm), i.e., on the upper side in the figure, so that the glucose sensing module 51 does not interfere with communication via the communication unit. Furthermore, the communication unit and the glucose sensing module 51 are positioned so as to overlap in a plan view, i.e., when viewed perpendicular to the sensor substrate 61, thereby achieving a compact smartwatch 11.

[0021] The glucose sensing module 51 is a VNA module provided with a VNA chip (VNA integrated circuit).

[0022] The glucose sensing module 51 has a sensor substrate 61 made of a semiconductor substrate, etc. A VNA chip 62 to a flash memory 65 are provided on one surface of the sensor substrate 61, and a sensor electrode (described later) is provided on the other surface of the sensor substrate 61.

[0023] Specifically, a VNA chip 62, a microcomputer 63, a temperature sensor 64, and a flash memory 65 are provided on the side of the sensor board 61 facing the user's arm, i.e., the side opposite to the side that comes into contact with the user's arm when the smart watch 11 is worn.

[0024] Hereinafter, the side of the sensor board 61 opposite the user's arm, i.e., the side (top surface) on which the VNA chip 62 and flash memory 65 are provided, will also be referred to as the front surface, and the side (bottom surface) opposite the front surface of the sensor board 61 will also be referred to as the back surface.

[0025] The VNA chip 62 is a VNA integrated circuit that measures S parameters by irradiating the user's arm, which is the measurement target, with electromagnetic waves in the microwave or millimeter wave band, i.e., RF (Radio Frequency) signals, as incident signals via a probe (not shown) or the like. In other words, the VNA chip 62 functions as a circuit unit that measures S parameters.

[0026] More specifically, the measurement target is tissue around the arm, which is a part of a living body, specifically body tissue consisting of keratin, skin cells, blood vessels (blood), etc. The part of the user that is the measurement target is not limited to the arm, but may be any part, such as the earlobe, palm, foot, or abdomen. The measurement target is not limited to a human, but may also be an animal. With this technology, by using a living body as the measurement target, when the measurement target is a liquid in a container, for example, measurement can be performed more easily than when a liquid is used as the measurement target, and biological information of the measurement target can also be obtained in real time.

[0027] For example, the rear surface of the sensor substrate 61 is a sensor electrode area 71 where one or more sensor electrodes functioning as probes are provided. Each sensor electrode is connected to a port of the VNA chip 62.

[0028] The VNA chip 62 irradiates an incident signal for measuring S parameters onto the user's arm, which is the measurement target, from a specified port (hereinafter referred to as port 1) via a sensor electrode, and receives the incident signal that is reflected inside the user's arm and returns via port 1 as a reflected signal.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, if the VNA chip 62 is also provided with a port 2 other than port 1, the VNA chip 62 receives as a transmitted signal an incident signal that has passed through the user's arm, which is the object of measurement. In this case, the incident signal is irradiated onto the object of measurement via port 1, and a transmitted signal corresponding to the incident signal is received via the sensor electrode and port 2.

[0030] The VNA chip 62 calculates S parameters based on at least the incident signal and the reflected signal among the incident signal, the reflected signal, and the transmitted signal. In other words, when measuring biological information such as a glucose level, the VNA chip 62 measures S parameters.

[0031] S-parameters are parameters related to the magnitude (amplitude) and phase of RF signals such as reflected and transmitted signals. For example, if only port 1 is used for measurement, S11 is calculated as the S-parameter based on the incident and reflected signals. S11 is information that represents the change in magnitude and phase of the reflected signal relative to the incident signal on the measurement target.

[0032] For example, if port 1 and port 2 are used for measurement, S parameters S11 and S21 are calculated based on the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal. S21 is information that represents the change in magnitude and phase of the transmitted signal relative to the incident signal on the measurement target.

[0033] The microcomputer 63 controls the operation of the VNA chip 62 and calculates biological information such as glucose levels based on the S parameters obtained by the VNA chip 62 .

[0034] The temperature sensor 64 is provided in the vicinity of the VNA chip 62. The temperature sensor 64 may be a component temperature sensor that measures the component temperature of the glucose sensing module 51, i.e., the VNA chip 62, or may be a skin temperature sensor that measures the skin temperature of the user's arm, i.e., the user's body temperature.

[0035] The glucose sensing module 51 is provided with at least one of a component temperature sensor that measures the component temperature of the VNA chip 62 and a skin temperature sensor that measures the body temperature of the user (wearer).

[0036] In this case, the electrode portion constituting the skin temperature sensor may be arranged, for example, at a portion that comes into contact with the skin of the user's arm on the rear surface of the sensor substrate 61. Also, for example, the skin temperature sensor may be arranged at a position that is at least a predetermined distance away from the VNA chip 62 so as not to be affected by heat generated by the VNA chip 62.

[0037] The flash memory 65 is a non-volatile memory that records information supplied from the VNA chip 62 and the microcomputer 63 .

[0038] For example, the flash memory 65 stores VNA calibration values, which are calibration values ​​for the VNA chip 62, correction coefficients for calibration (correction) of glucose values ​​(true blood glucose values), and the like.

[0039] The VNA calibration values ​​are information for correcting deviations from the true values ​​of the S parameters that occur due to individual differences, i.e., for each glucose sensing module 51. For example, the microcomputer 63 or the VNA chip 62 corrects the S parameters obtained by measurement based on the VNA calibration values, and the corrected S parameters are used as the final S parameters.

[0040] The correction coefficient is a coefficient for correcting deviations in the relationship between the S parameters and the glucose value that occur due to the object to be measured, individual differences in the glucose sensing module 51, the measurement environment, etc. For example, the microcomputer 63 corrects the glucose value calculated from the S parameters based on the correction coefficient, and sets the corrected glucose value as the final glucose value.

[0041] In addition, for example, the glucose value before correction, i.e., the raw data of the glucose value, the glucose value after correction, i.e., the corrected data of the glucose value, S parameters, the user's body temperature, the device temperature of the glucose sensing module 51, etc., i.e., the component temperature, and glucose value reliability parameters may also be recorded in the flash memory 65 as appropriate.

[0042] The glucose value reliability parameter is information indicating the reliability of the glucose value obtained by measurement, and is calculated based on, for example, the component temperature, the user's body temperature, the contact state of the glucose sensing module 51 (sensor electrode) with the user, and the user's body movement state.

[0043] The glucose value reliability parameter may be calculated by the microcomputer 63 or the main CPU 52. In other words, the microcomputer 63 or the main CPU 52 can function as a control unit that calculates the glucose value reliability parameter.

[0044] The main CPU 52 controls the operation of the glucose sensing module 51 and the display of various information on the display 23 .

[0045] For example, the main CPU 52 determines whether the measured glucose value is accurate, i.e., whether it can be used for an application, based on the glucose value reliability parameter.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, the main CPU 52 acquires various information such as raw data and corrected data of glucose levels, S parameters, the user's body temperature, and device temperature (component temperature) from the flash memory 65 via the microcomputer 63, and displays the acquired information on the display 23 or outputs it to an external device.

[0047] <Description of Measurement Process> A description will be given of the operation of the smart watch 11. That is, the measurement process performed by the smart watch 11 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0048] In step S31, the VNA chip 62 outputs an RF signal of a predetermined frequency, that is, an electromagnetic wave, as an incident signal.

[0049] The incident signal is irradiated via port 1 and the sensor electrode onto the body tissue of the user's arm, which is the measurement target. The incident signal is then reflected by or transmitted through the body tissue, becoming a reflected signal or transmitted signal, which then enters port 1 or port 2 via the sensor electrode. The incident signal is then received by the VNA chip 62 via a directional coupler provided within the VNA chip 62.

[0050] In step S32, the VNA chip 62 receives the reflected and transmitted signals incident from port 1 and port 2 via the sensor electrodes.

[0051] In step S 33 , the VNA chip 62 calculates S parameters based on the incident signal and at least the reflected signal out of the reflected signal and the transmitted signal, and supplies the S parameters to the microcomputer 63 .

[0052] At this time, for example, the microcomputer 63 or the VNA chip 62 may perform correction processing on the calculated S parameters based on VNA calibration values ​​or the like pre-recorded in the flash memory 65 .

[0053] In step S34, the microcomputer 63 calculates the glucose concentration in the blood as a glucose value based on the S parameters supplied from the VNA chip 62.

[0054] For example, in step S34, the complex dielectric constant of the object to be measured is calculated by the probe method or the S parameter method based on the S parameters, and the glucose level is calculated based on the complex dielectric constant.

[0055] At this time, for example, the microcomputer 63 may perform a correction process on the glucose value (RAW data) based on the correction coefficient recorded in the flash memory 65, and the corrected glucose value (corrected data) may be used as the final glucose value.

[0056] The microcomputer 63 supplies the obtained raw data and corrected data of the glucose level to the flash memory 65 for recording, or supplies them to the main CPU 52. Once the glucose level is calculated, the measurement process ends.

[0057] In this manner, the smartwatch 11 irradiates the measurement subject with an incident signal and calculates the glucose level based on the received reflected and transmitted signals.

[0058] <Regarding Element Arrangement on the Sensor Substrate> In order to improve the measurement accuracy of the S parameters, i.e., the measurement accuracy of the glucose level, and to achieve compactness, the glucose sensing module 51 is arranged so that the distance between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrodes is equal to or less than a predetermined distance in a plan view. Specifically, the predetermined distance here is 30 mm.

[0059] Specifically, for example, as indicated by an arrow Q11 in FIG. 4, a VNA chip 62 and a microcomputer 63 are arranged on the surface (upper surface) of the sensor substrate 61.

[0060] The rear surface (bottom surface) of the sensor substrate 61 is a sensor electrode area 71. In the sensor electrode area 71, a sensor electrode 91 is arranged to guide (irradiate) the incident signal output (emitted) from the VNA chip 62 to the user's arm, which is the measurement target.

[0061] The sensor electrode 91 functions as a probe electrically connected to the VNA chip 62, and is brought into contact with the part of the user's arm that is the measurement target when the smart watch 11 is worn.

[0062] During measurement, an incident signal output from the VNA chip 62 is emitted from the sensor electrode 91, and the incident signal is irradiated onto the measurement object. A reflected signal corresponding to the irradiation of the incident signal is incident on the sensor electrode 91 and guided to the VNA chip 62. If a transmitted signal is also used to measure the S parameters, the smartwatch 11 is also provided with another sensor electrode 91 that guides the transmitted signal to the VNA chip 62.

[0063] In this example, the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrodes 91 are arranged so that the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrodes 91 overlap when the sensor substrate 61 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front or back surface of the sensor substrate 61, that is, when the sensor substrate 61 is viewed from above. In other words, the sensor electrodes 91 are arranged directly behind the VNA chip 62 on the sensor substrate 61.

[0064] In other words, the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91 are arranged so that the distance between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91 in a plan view is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

[0065] This arrangement makes it possible to shorten as much as possible the transmission path of RF signals, such as incident signals and reflected signals, that propagate between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91. This reduces loss due to RF signal propagation, i.e., attenuation (loss), as much as possible, and improves the measurement accuracy of S parameters (glucose levels).

[0066] Furthermore, as shown by arrow Q12, electrode units 92-1 to 92-4 of predetermined sensors such as a touch sensor or an impedance sensor may be arranged on the rear surface (bottom surface) of the sensor substrate 61, i.e., near the sensor electrodes 91 in the sensor electrode area 71. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the electrode units 92-1 to 92-4, they will also be simply referred to as electrode units 92.

[0067] By arranging the electrode unit 92 near the sensor electrode 91, more accurate sensing can be performed on the arm portion to be measured by the electrode unit 92. Using the sensing results of such an electrode unit 92, more accurate S parameters and glucose values ​​can be obtained, improving measurement accuracy.

[0068] It should be noted that other parts of the sensor may be integrally provided with the electrode section 92. In other words, the entire sensor including the electrode section 92 may be disposed near the sensor electrode 91.

[0069] Furthermore, in the case of the arrangement shown by arrow Q11, the cross section of the sensor substrate 61 portion is, for example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 5. Note that in Fig. 5, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0070] 5, a VNA chip 62 is mounted on the surface (top surface) of a sensor substrate 61. In particular, in this example, an RF signal terminal 131 provided on the VNA chip 62 is connected to an internal wiring 132 formed inside the sensor substrate 61.

[0071] Furthermore, on the rear surface (bottom surface) of the sensor substrate 61 , the sensor electrodes 91 arranged directly behind the VNA chip 62 are connected to the internal wiring 132 of the sensor substrate 61 .

[0072] In particular, in the sensor substrate 61, the VNA chip 62 (RF signal terminal 131) and the sensor electrode 91 are connected by the shortest distance, i.e., connected in a straight line, via the internal wiring 132, so that the internal wiring 132 can be a straight (or approximately straight) wiring that penetrates the sensor substrate 61. For example, a through-hole VIA can be considered as an example of a straight wiring. Note that the shape of the internal wiring 132 is not limited to a straight line, and may be any other shape.

[0073] The RF signal terminal 131 is a terminal that outputs an incident signal (RF signal), and functions as a port of the VNA chip 62 .

[0074] For example, an incident signal (RF signal) output from RF signal terminal 131 passes through internal wiring 132 and reaches sensor electrode 91. The incident signal is then irradiated from sensor electrode 91 to a measurement object in contact with sensor electrode 91.

[0075] Furthermore, an RF signal such as a reflected signal incident on the sensor electrode 91 from the measurement object propagates to the RF signal terminal 131 through the wiring 132 within the substrate.

[0076] In this example, the RF signal terminal 131 is directly connected to the internal wiring 132. That is, the RF signal terminal 131 is directly connected to the sensor substrate 61. This reduces signal loss of the incident signal output from the VNA chip 62 (RF signal terminal 131) and the reflected signal that passes from the sensor electrode 91 through the internal wiring 132 and enters the VNA chip 62 (RF signal terminal 131). This further improves the measurement accuracy of the S parameter (glucose level). Furthermore, by directly connecting the RF signal terminal 131 to the internal wiring 132, the glucose sensing module 51 can be made smaller.

[0077] When mounting the VNA chip 62, the RF signal terminal 131 and the internal wiring 132 may be connected via solder balls, i.e., by solder balls. Even in such a case, the glucose sensing module 51 can be made smaller.

[0078] Furthermore, the sensor electrode 91 does not necessarily have to be placed directly behind the VNA chip 62; it can be placed in a position close to the back of the VNA chip 62 on the back surface of the sensor substrate 61, as long as the distance between the sensor electrode 91 and the VNA chip 62 in a planar view is less than a predetermined distance.

[0079] Therefore, for example, as shown on the right side of the figure, the distance between the sensor electrode 91 and the VNA chip 62 in a planar view may be 30 mm or less, and the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91 may be connected via a specified device 141.

[0080] For example, the device 141 may be a connector with an RF switch, an RF switch, a chip capacitor, a chip resistor, a chip inductor, or other passive components.

[0081] In this example, a VNA chip 62 and a device 141 are mounted on the surface (top surface) of a sensor substrate 61, and an RF signal terminal 131 of the VNA chip 62 and the device 141 are electrically connected by wiring formed on the surface of the sensor substrate 61. The RF signal terminal 131 of the VNA chip 62 may be directly connected to wiring between the VNA chip 62 and the device 141 on the sensor substrate 61 (wiring on or within the sensor substrate 61), or may be connected to wiring on the sensor substrate 61 via solder balls.

[0082] Furthermore, the device 141 is connected to an end on the upper surface side of the internal wiring 132 formed inside the sensor substrate 61, and an end on the lower surface side of the internal wiring 132 is connected to the sensor electrode 91. Therefore, the device 141 is electrically connected between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91.

[0083] In this example as well, the propagation path of the RF signal, such as the incident signal, is made as short as possible, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the S parameters (glucose levels).

[0084] In particular, in this example, the device 141 and the sensor electrode 91 are arranged so that they overlap in a planar view. Furthermore, the device 141 and the sensor electrode 91 are connected by linear intra-substrate wiring 132 that penetrates the sensor substrate 61. This allows the device 141 and the sensor electrode 91 to be connected in the shortest possible way. Furthermore, by providing (connecting) an arbitrary device 141 between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91, an arbitrary function such as a switch can be added between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91.

[0085] In the example shown on the right side of the figure, the VNA chip 62 outputs an incident signal to the sensor electrode 91 via the device 141 and the wiring 132 inside the substrate. Similarly, a reflected signal from the measurement object is incident on the VNA chip 62 via the sensor electrode 91, the wiring 132 inside the substrate, and the device 141.

[0086] As described above, in the example shown on the right side of Figure 5, the device 141 and the sensor electrode 91 overlap in a planar view, and the distance between the VNA chip 62 and the sensor electrode 91 in a planar view is set to be less than a predetermined distance, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0087] Second Embodiment Determining the Normality of Glucose Values ​​In order to accurately measure glucose values, it is important to perform the measurement while the sensor electrode 91 is in sufficient contact with the part of the user's arm that is the measurement target, i.e., while the sensor electrode 91 is in contact with the arm.

[0088] Therefore, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, it may be possible to determine whether the sensor electrode 91 is in contact with the arm, in other words, to determine whether the glucose level obtained by measurement is normal. In Fig. 6, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts that correspond to those in Fig. 4, and their explanation will be omitted where appropriate.

[0089] 6, a sensor 171 is provided on the surface (top surface) of the sensor substrate 61, and this sensor 171 determines (detects) the state of contact of the sensor electrode 91 with the user's arm. In particular, in this example, the sensor 171 is connected to the sensor electrode 91, and sensing is performed on the sensor electrode 91.

[0090] Specifically, the sensor 171 is composed of, for example, a touch sensor or an impedance sensor, and functions as a contact detection sensor that detects the contact state of the sensor electrode 91 with the object to be measured by detecting (sensing) the capacitance value and resistance value of the sensor electrode 91.

[0091] In this case, the microcomputer 63 or main CPU 52 determines whether the sensor electrode 91 is in contact with the subject to be measured, i.e., whether the glucose value obtained by measurement is correct, based on the capacitance and resistance values ​​obtained as sensing results by the sensor 171. Then, depending on the determination result, the microcomputer 63 or main CPU 52 records the glucose value in the flash memory 65 or uses it for a predetermined application, etc., as appropriate.

[0092] The above-mentioned glucose value reliability parameters may be calculated by the microcomputer 63 or the main CPU 52 based on the capacitance value or resistance value obtained as a sensing result by the sensor 171. In such a case, it is determined whether the glucose value is correct or not based on the calculated glucose value reliability parameters.

[0093] In the example shown by arrow Q32, electrode units 92-1 to 92-4 of the sensor 171 are arranged near the sensor electrode 91 on the rear surface (bottom surface) of the sensor substrate 61. In other words, the main body of the sensor 171 arranged on the front surface of the sensor substrate 61 is connected to the electrode unit 92 of the sensor 171 arranged on the rear surface of the sensor substrate 61.

[0094] Therefore, in this example, the sensor 171 detects (senses) the capacitance and resistance of the portion of the electrode section 92 located near the sensor electrode 91, that is, the portion of the sensor electrode area 71 that abuts against the object to be measured.

[0095] Then, based on the sensing results, a determination is made as to whether the glucose value is correct or not, and a glucose value reliability parameter is calculated, as in the example shown by arrow Q31.

[0096] In the examples shown by arrows Q31 and Q32, rather than measuring the glucose value and then determining whether the glucose value is normal, it may be determined whether or not to measure the glucose value (S parameter) based on the sensing results of sensor 171.

[0097] In this case, for example, the microcomputer 63 or main CPU 52 functioning as the control unit determines whether the sensor electrode 91 is in contact with the measurement subject, i.e., whether or not to perform measurement, based on the capacitance value and resistance value obtained as the sensing result by the sensor 171. Then, the glucose level is measured according to the determination result.

[0098] In the example shown by arrow Q33, the sensor substrate 61 is not provided with a sensor for determining the normality of glucose levels, and the normality is determined based on S11 calculated as an S parameter by the VNA chip 62, i.e., whether the sensor electrode 91 is in contact with the object to be measured is determined.

[0099] In this case, for example, the microcomputer 63 functioning as the control unit or the main CPU 52 calculates the impedance of the sensor electrode 91 based on the S parameter S11 obtained by the VNA chip 62.

[0100] Then, based on the obtained impedance, the microcomputer 63 or the main CPU 52 determines whether the sensor electrode 91 is in contact with the measurement subject, i.e., the contact state of the sensor electrode 91 with the measurement subject. In other words, it determines whether the glucose value obtained by measurement is correct.

[0101] As described above, by determining whether the glucose level is normal, it becomes possible to use only the measurement results obtained when the measurement subject is in proper contact with the sensor electrode 91. In other words, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the glucose level (S parameter).

[0102] Third Embodiment Use of Body Temperature Detection The smart watch 11 can provide a biosensing solution that senses the user's biometric information, such as glucose levels (blood sugar levels), by acquiring (calculating) S parameters using the VNA chip 62.

[0103] The VNA chip 62 may be provided with an RF transmitter 191, a terminal 192, an RF receiver 193, a component temperature detector 194, and a calculator 195, as indicated by arrow Q41 in FIG.

[0104] In this example, the RF transmitter 191 generates an RF signal of a predetermined frequency as an incident signal, and transmits (outputs) the incident signal via a directional coupler (not shown) and the terminal 192 to the sensor electrode 91 connected to the terminal 192. The terminal 192 functions as a port, and corresponds to, for example, the RF signal terminal 131 shown in FIG.

[0105] The incident signal output from the terminal portion 192 is irradiated via the sensor electrode 91 onto the arm of the user, which is the measurement target.

[0106] The incident signal irradiated onto the measurement target is reflected as a reflected signal, and this reflected signal is incident on the RF receiver 193 via the sensor electrode 91, the terminal 192, and a directional coupler (not shown). The RF receiver 193 receives the reflected signal incident from the directional coupler. In other words, the VNA chip 62 receives the reflected signal of the RF signal that it itself transmitted (output) as an incident signal.

[0107] Furthermore, a portion of the incident signal output by the RF transmitting section 191 is also incident on the RF receiving section 193 via a directional coupler (not shown), and is received by the RF receiving section 193 .

[0108] The RF receiving unit 193 receives an incident signal, more specifically, an analog signal obtained by receiving the incident signal, and performs AD (Analog to Digital) conversion on the resulting digital signal, and supplies the resulting digital signal to the calculation unit 195. Similarly, the RF receiving unit 193 receives a reflected signal, more specifically, an analog signal obtained by receiving the reflected signal and performs AD conversion on the resulting digital signal, and supplies the resulting digital signal to the calculation unit 195. Note that when port 2 is also used and a transmitted signal is received, the transmitted signal is also supplied to the calculation unit 195.

[0109] The component temperature detection unit 194 is made up of a component temperature sensor, detects the temperature (component temperature) of the VNA chip 62 , and supplies the detection result to the calculation unit 195 .

[0110] The calculation unit 195 calculates S parameters based on the incident signal and the reflected signal supplied from the RF receiving unit 193 .

[0111] At this time, the calculation unit 195 performs a correction process on the S parameters based on the component temperature supplied from the component temperature detection unit 194 and the VNA calibration values ​​recorded in the flash memory 65. Then, the corrected S parameters are output as the final S parameters.

[0112] By performing such correction (calibration), it is possible to eliminate errors from the true values ​​of the S parameters due to the temperature of the VNA chip 62, individual differences, etc., and obtain more accurate S parameters.

[0113] The sensor substrate 61 is also provided with a body temperature detection unit 201. The body temperature detection unit 201 is made up of a temperature sensor and corresponds to, for example, the temperature sensor 64 shown in FIG.

[0114] The body temperature detection unit 201 detects the skin temperature of the user's arm, which is the measurement target, that is, the user's body temperature, and supplies the detection result to the biological information calculation unit 202.

[0115] The biological information calculation unit 202 is realized by, for example, the microcomputer 63. The biological information calculation unit 202 calculates biological information such as a glucose level based on the skin temperature (body temperature) supplied from the body temperature detection unit 201 and the S parameters supplied from the calculation unit 195, and outputs the calculated information to a subsequent stage.

[0116] In the example shown by arrow Q41, a body temperature detection unit 201 is provided to detect the temperature of the user's arm (body temperature) as a measurement target in order to calculate biological information.

[0117] Furthermore, if there is a difference between the temperature of the VNA chip 62 when the actual S parameters are measured, i.e., when the incident signal and reflected signal are acquired (received) (hereinafter also referred to as the actual measurement temperature), and the temperature of the VNA chip 62 when the VNA calibration values ​​used to correct (calibrate) the S parameters are measured (determined) (hereinafter also referred to as the calibration temperature), then the calculated S parameters will differ from their true values.

[0118] Therefore, in the example shown by arrow Q41, a component temperature detection unit 194 is provided in the VNA chip 62 so that the actual measured temperature can be acquired, thereby preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned difference from the true value during calculation in the calculation unit 195. In other words, the VNA calibration value is appropriately corrected based on the actual measured temperature, and the corrected VNA calibration value is used to correct the S parameters.

[0119] However, providing the component temperature detector 194 within the VNA chip 62 increases the mounting cost and requires more mounting space.

[0120] Therefore, in this technology, for example, as shown by arrow Q42, the body temperature detection unit 201 is placed near the VNA chip 62, and the detection result of the body temperature (skin temperature) by the body temperature detection unit 201 is used to correct (calibrate) the S parameters.

[0121] This eliminates the need to provide the component temperature detector 194, reducing implementation costs and saving space. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain more accurate S parameters with less discrepancy from the true values. In other words, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of biological information (S parameters) while reducing implementation costs and saving space.

[0122] In the example shown by arrow Q42, the VNA chip 62 is provided with an RF transmitter 191, a terminal 192, an RF receiver 193, and a calculator 195, but is not provided with a component temperature detector 194.

[0123] Furthermore, a body temperature detection unit 201 is provided near the VNA chip 62, i.e., at a position within a predetermined distance from the VNA chip 62. Therefore, the detection result obtained by the body temperature detection unit 201 can be used as both the skin temperature (body temperature) of the measurement target and the component temperature of the VNA chip 62.

[0124] Therefore, in this example, the temperature obtained by the body temperature detection unit 201 is supplied to the calculation unit 195 and the biological information calculation unit 202 .

[0125] The calculation unit 195 calculates the S parameters based on the incident signal, the reflected signal, and the skin temperature (body temperature).

[0126] More specifically, the calculation unit 195 calculates the S parameters based on the incident signal and the reflected signal supplied from the RF receiving unit 193 .

[0127] At this time, the calculation unit 195 performs a correction process on the S parameters based on the skin temperature (body temperature) supplied from the body temperature detection unit 201 and the VNA calibration values ​​recorded in the flash memory 65. That is, the VNA calibration values ​​are appropriately corrected based on the skin temperature, and the corrected VNA calibration values ​​are used to perform a correction process on the S parameters. The corrected S parameters are then output as the final S parameters.

[0128] This type of correction (calibration), like the example shown by arrow Q41, eliminates errors from the true values ​​of the S parameters due to factors such as the temperature of the VNA chip 62, making it possible to obtain more accurate S parameters. In other words, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of biological information (S parameters).

[0129] The biological information calculation unit 202 calculates biological information such as a glucose level based on the skin temperature (body temperature) supplied from the body temperature detection unit 201 and the S parameter supplied from the calculation unit 195. The biological information calculation unit 202 may also appropriately correct the biological information based on a correction coefficient recorded in the flash memory 65, for example. At this time, the skin temperature (body temperature) supplied from the body temperature detection unit 201 may also be used to correct the biological information.

[0130] The skin temperature obtained by the body temperature detection unit 201 and the temperature (component temperature) of the VNA chip 62 obtained by the temperature sensor 64 shown in Figure 2 may be used to calculate glucose value reliability parameters by the microcomputer 63 and main CPU 52 functioning as the control unit.

[0131] <Fourth embodiment> <Regarding heat dissipation of the VNA chip> As described above, if there is a difference between the temperature during actual measurement and the temperature during calibration, there will be a difference between the calculated S parameters and the true values. In particular, the temperature of the VNA chip 62 during actual measurement may rise due to self-heating, and such a temperature rise is one of the causes of the difference (error) from the true values.

[0132] Therefore, for example, as shown by arrow Q51 in Fig. 8, it is conceivable to diffuse (dissipate) the heat generated in the VNA chip 62 to the VNA board section 241 that constitutes the sensor board 61 or to the housing section of the smart watch 11. Note that in Fig. 8, parts that correspond to those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

[0133] In the example indicated by arrow Q51, the sensor substrate 61 is not made up of a single semiconductor substrate as in the example shown in FIG. 5, but is made up of a VNA substrate section 241 and a sensor substrate section 242.

[0134] That is, the VNA substrate section 241 and the sensor substrate section 242 are each made of a semiconductor substrate, and by joining the VNA substrate section 241 and the sensor substrate section 242 together, one sensor substrate 61 is formed.

[0135] In particular, in this example, a VNA chip 62 is disposed (mounted) on the VNA substrate section 241, and a sensor electrode 91 is provided on the sensor substrate section 242.

[0136] In this example, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the VNA chip 62 by diffusing the heat generated by the VNA chip 62 itself to the housing of the smart watch 11 and the VNA board 241. However, in such a case, consideration must be given to the specifications of the housing and the back side of the VNA chip 62.

[0137] Therefore, in this technology, by placing a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) 243 between the surface of the VNA chip 62 and the copper foil provided on the surface (top surface) of the sensor substrate portion 242, as shown by arrow Q52, it is possible to more easily suppress the temperature rise of the VNA chip 62.

[0138] In this example, the surface (top surface) of the VNA chip 62 mounted on the VNA substrate section 241 and the surface (top surface) of the sensor substrate section 242 are in contact with each other via a TIM 243 .

[0139] Furthermore, a copper foil is provided on the surface (surface layer) of the sensor substrate part 242 on the VNA substrate part 241 side, that is, on the contact surface of the sensor substrate part 242 with the VNA substrate part 241 via the TIM 243 .

[0140] In this example, the VNA chip 62 and the copper foil on the surface of the sensor substrate part 242 are in contact with each other via a thermally conductive material TIM 243 .

[0141] This improves the efficiency of heat diffusion (heat transfer efficiency) and suppresses the temperature rise of the VNA chip 62. In particular, in this example, it is only necessary to provide the TIM 243, so there is no need to consider the specifications of the housing or the back side of the VNA chip 62, and the temperature rise of the VNA chip 62 can be suppressed more easily.

[0142] Furthermore, by suppressing the temperature rise of the VNA chip 62, it is possible to eliminate errors from the true values ​​of the S parameters due to the temperature of the VNA chip 62, and obtain more accurate S parameters. In other words, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of biological information (S parameters).

[0143] Fifth Embodiment Regarding S-Parameter Correction When transmitting and receiving RF signals that become incident signals and reflected signals, i.e., when transmitting incident signals from the RF transmitter 191 of the VNA chip 62 to the sensor electrode 91, and when transmitting reflected signals from the sensor electrode 91 to the RF receiver 193, it is possible to use a coaxial connector 281, as shown in Fig. 9. Note that in Fig. 9, parts that correspond to those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0144] 9, for example, the RF transmitter 191 and the RF receiver 193 are each connected to a directional coupler (not shown), and the directional coupler is connected to a coaxial connector 281 having a coaxial connector. In addition, a sensor electrode 91 is connected to the side of the coaxial connector 281 opposite to the directional coupler.

[0145] More specifically, for example, the coaxial connector portion 281 is disposed between the internal wiring 132 of the sensor substrate 61 and the sensor electrode 91 in the example shown in FIG.

[0146] In the example indicated by arrow Q61, the incident signal output from RF transmitter 191 is irradiated onto the arm of the user, which is the measurement target, via the directional coupler, coaxial connector 281, and sensor electrode 91.

[0147] Furthermore, a reflected signal generated by irradiation of the incident signal is incident on the RF receiving section 193 via the sensor electrode 91, the coaxial connector section 281, and the directional coupler.

[0148] Furthermore, the calculation unit 195 calculates S parameters based on the incident signal and the reflected signal supplied from the RF receiving unit 193 .

[0149] Incidentally, vibrations may be applied to the contacts inside the coaxial connector portion 281. For example, in a smart watch 11 that measures biological information, vibrations are applied to the coaxial connector portion 281 (contacts) due to bodily movements such as walking or running of the user who wears the smart watch 11.

[0150] In the configuration shown by arrow Q61, if measurement of biometric information such as glucose levels, i.e., measurement of S parameters, is performed while vibrations are being applied to the coaxial connector portion 281 (contacts) due to the user's body movements, etc., the transmission path and transmission characteristics of the RF signal will change, causing a discrepancy between the S parameters obtained during measurement and their true values.

[0151] Therefore, in this technology, for example, as shown by arrow Q62, a sensor unit 282 is provided that detects the user's body movements, such as walking or running, and the S parameters are calculated using the sensing results of the sensor unit 282. By doing so, the influence of the user's body movements can be reduced, and accurate S parameters closer to the true values ​​can be obtained.

[0152] In the example indicated by arrow Q62, similar to the example indicated by arrow Q61, a coaxial connector 281 is provided between the sensor electrode 91 and a directional coupler to which the RF transmitter 191 and RF receiver 193 are connected. The coaxial connector 281 is provided between the sensor electrode 91 and the VNA chip 62 on the sensor substrate 61.

[0153] In the example shown by arrow Q62, a sensor unit 282 is provided as a body movement detection unit that detects the body movement state of the user who is wearing the smart watch 11.

[0154] The sensor unit 282 is a body movement sensor, and is provided, for example, on the surface of the sensor substrate 61 or in a portion inside the main body 21 other than the sensor substrate 61 .

[0155] The sensor unit 282 detects (senses) the user's body movement and supplies the resultant information indicating the user's body movement state (hereinafter also referred to as body movement information) to the calculation unit 195 .

[0156] The calculation unit 195 calculates S parameters based on the incident signal, the reflected signal, and the body movement information.

[0157] More specifically, the calculation unit 195 calculates the S parameters based on the incident signal and the reflected signal supplied from the RF receiving unit 193. At this time, the calculation unit 195 performs a correction process on the S parameters based on the body movement information supplied from the sensor unit 282, and outputs the corrected S parameters to the biological information calculation unit 202 as the final S parameters.

[0158] The calculation unit 195 may also use the skin temperature, component temperature, and VNA calibration value to perform the S-parameter correction process, as in the example described with reference to FIG.

[0159] Such correction based on body movement information eliminates errors from the true values ​​of the S parameters caused by vibrations applied to the coaxial connector 281 due to the user's body movement, making it possible to obtain more accurate S parameters. In other words, the measurement accuracy of biological information (S parameters) can be improved.

[0160] The body movement information obtained by the sensor unit 282 may be used by the microcomputer 63 functioning as the control unit or the main CPU 52 to calculate the glucose value reliability parameter.

[0161] Sixth Embodiment Setting of the Number of Averaging Operations Incidentally, a technique has been proposed for calculating the average value of S parameters in order to obtain a desired measurement accuracy, i.e., a desired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), in a VNA chip used in a soil moisture sensor or a biological information sensor.

[0162] With this technology, the number of averaging attempts, which is the number of S-parameters used to calculate the average value, i.e., the number of times the series of processes of transmitting the incident signal, receiving the reflected signal, and calculating the S-parameters is performed, is set uniformly regardless of the frequency band of the incident signal.

[0163] To improve measurement accuracy, it is necessary to increase the number of averaging operations, but increasing the number of averaging operations leads to an increase in measurement time and power consumption.

[0164] Furthermore, because the accuracy required for measurement differs for each frequency band, if a uniform averaging count is set for all frequency bands, the averaging count for each frequency must be adjusted to match the frequency band that requires the most averaging count, which is disadvantageous in terms of power consumption and measurement time.

[0165] Therefore, this technology makes it possible to set the number of averaging times in advance for each frequency of the incident signal, thereby improving measurement accuracy while suppressing increases in measurement time and power consumption.

[0166] In the VNA module of the present technology, a preset number of averaging times is referenced to measure the S parameters of each frequency, i.e., each channel corresponding to each frequency. Hereinafter, the frequency of the incident signal will also be referred to as a channel. In other words, an incident signal of a predetermined frequency will also be referred to as an incident signal of a predetermined channel.

[0167] As a method for setting the averaging number for each frequency (channel) in the present technology (hereinafter also referred to as an averaging number setting method), for example, the following three methods are conceivable.

[0168] First, the first averaging number setting method is a method in which a unique averaging number is set for each channel (frequency) as shown in FIG.

[0169] In FIG. 10, the "Ch number" column shows the channel number indicating the channel of the incident signal, and the "average number" column shows the average number for the channel indicated by the channel number.

[0170] For example, the number of averaging times for channel number "3" is set to "2." Therefore, for this channel, the series of processes of emitting (irradiating) the incident signal, receiving the reflected signal, and calculating the S-parameters is performed twice. The two obtained S-parameters are then averaged, and this average is output as the final S-parameter obtained by the measurement.

[0171] Hereinafter, a table storing the channel number of each channel and the average count for each channel in association with each other will be referred to as a per-channel average count table, as in the example of Fig. 10. The per-channel average count table can be said to be information indicating the average count for each channel of the RF signal (incident signal) irradiated to the measurement target.

[0172] The second averaging number setting method is a method in which a channel (frequency) is divided into several regions (bands) as shown in FIG. 11, and a specific averaging number is set for each region.

[0173] In the example of Figure 11, the "Ch Number" column lists one or more consecutive channels, and a group of these channels is considered to be one channel area. The "Average Number" column also shows the average number of times for each channel belonging to the channel area.

[0174] Therefore, in this example, the average number can be set for each channel region, and the same average number is set for all channels belonging to one channel region.

[0175] In the second averaging number setting method, the averaging number is determined for each one or more channels, that is, for each frequency band, so that the setting can be performed more easily.

[0176] Hereinafter, a table storing the channel number of each channel belonging to a channel region and the average number in the channel region in correspondence with each other will be referred to as an average number table for each channel region, as in the example of Fig. 11. The average number table for each channel region can be said to be information indicating the average number for each channel region consisting of one or more channels of an RF signal (incident signal) irradiated to the measurement object.

[0177] The third averaging number setting method is a setting method that combines the first and second averaging number setting methods described above.

[0178] In the third average count setting method, not only can the average count be set for each channel area, as shown in Figure 12, but also exceptional channels among the channels belonging to the channel area and the average count for those exceptional channels can be set.

[0179] That is, on the left side of FIG. 12, a channel region average count table showing the average count for each channel region is shown.

[0180] Also, on the right side of the figure, there is shown a table in which the channel numbers (individual channels) of exceptional channels (hereinafter also referred to as exceptional channels) are associated with the average number of times for the exceptional channels indicated by those channel numbers. Hereinafter, the table in which the channel numbers of each exceptional channel are associated with the average number of times for each exceptional channel is also referred to as the average number table for each exceptional channel.

[0181] In the third averaging number setting method, the averaging number is determined by referring to the channel area average number table and the exception channel average number table.

[0182] That is, in the third average number setting method, consecutive channels can be divided into several channel areas and an average number can be set for each channel area, but for exceptional channels, it is possible to overwrite the average number for each individual channel.

[0183] Specifically, if we look at the first channel area in the average frequency table for each channel area shown on the left side of the figure, the channels belonging to that channel area (hereinafter also referred to as the channel area of ​​interest) are channels with channel numbers "1" to "20." Also, the average frequency for the channel area of ​​interest is set to "1."

[0184] Furthermore, referring to the average frequency table for each exception channel shown on the right side of the figure, the exception channel among the channels belonging to the target channel area is the channel with channel number "1", and the average frequency of that channel is "2".

[0185] Therefore, during actual measurement, processing will be performed with an average count of "2" for channel number "1", and processing will be performed with an average count of "1" for each of channels number "2" through channel number "20".

[0186] The above set of the average count table for each channel region and the average count table for each exceptional channel can be said to be information indicating the average count for each channel region consisting of one or more channels of the RF signal (incident signal) irradiated to the object to be measured, and the average count for exceptional channels among the channels belonging to the channel region.

[0187] <Configuration Example of Measuring Apparatus> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a measuring apparatus to which the present technology is applied.

[0188] The measuring device 401 shown in FIG. 13 is made up of a VNA module that measures S parameters, and is mounted on a sensor system that realizes, for example, a soil moisture sensor or a biological information sensor.

[0189] The measuring device 401 includes a probe 411 , an RF transmitting / receiving unit 412 , and a signal processing unit 413 .

[0190] In this example, a block consisting of the RF transceiver 412 and the signal processing unit 413 corresponds to the VNA chip 62 shown in Fig. 2, and the RF transceiver 412 and the signal processing unit 413 are realized, for example, by a single VNA chip (VNA integrated circuit). Note that the RF transceiver 412 and the signal processing unit 413 may be provided within the VNA chip 62 shown in Fig. 2. Also, a portion of the configuration of the signal processing unit 413 may be provided outside the VNA chip 62.

[0191] The probe 411 corresponds to, for example, the sensor electrode 91 shown in Fig. 4. During measurement, the probe 411 is placed so as to abut (contact) against a measurement target, such as a part of the user's arm, and irradiates an incident signal incident from the RF transceiver unit 412 onto the measurement target, while guiding a reflected signal and a transmitted signal incident from the measurement target to the RF transceiver unit 412.

[0192] The RF transmission / reception unit 412 corresponds to, for example, the block made up of the RF transmission unit 191 to the RF reception unit 193 shown in FIG.

[0193] The RF transceiver 412 outputs, for each channel, an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the channel as an incident signal based on the RF setting information supplied from the signal processor 413, and irradiates the incident signal onto the measurement target via the probe 411. The RF setting information is, for example, information indicating the channel (frequency) used for measurement.

[0194] The RF transceiver 412 also receives the output incident signal, and also receives reflected signals and transmitted signals incident from the probe 411 in response to the irradiation of the incident signal.

[0195] The RF transceiver 412 performs AD conversion on the received incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal, and supplies the resulting digital signal as AD data to the signal processor 413. More specifically, the digital signal obtained by AD converting the analog signal obtained by receiving the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal is used as AD data.

[0196] Hereinafter, the digital signals that make up the AD data and correspond to the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal, respectively, will be simply referred to as the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal. Also, the AD data only needs to include the incident signal and the reflected signal, and does not necessarily need to include the transmitted signal.

[0197] The signal processing unit 413 calculates S parameters based on the AD data supplied from the RF transmitting / receiving unit 412. The signal processing unit 413 has a transmitting / receiving control unit 421, an averaging count storage unit 422, an S parameter calculation unit 423, an averaging processing unit 424, and a result holding unit 425.

[0198] The transmission / reception control unit 421, average number storage unit 422, and result holding unit 425 are interconnected by a data bus or the like, allowing various types of information to be exchanged.

[0199] The transmission / reception control unit 421 controls the overall operation of the signal processing unit 413, such as transmission and reception of RF signals and calculation of S parameters.

[0200] For example, the transmission / reception control unit 421 generates RF setting information indicating the channel on which measurement is to be performed, supplies this to the RF transmission / reception unit 412, and instructs the S parameter calculation unit 423 to start and end calculation of S parameters.

[0201] In addition, the transmission / reception control unit 421 supplies the channel number of the channel to be measured to the average count memory unit 422 as bandwidth information, and supplies the average count supplied from the average count memory unit 422 to the average processing unit 424 in response to the supply of bandwidth information, and instructs the execution of averaging processing to calculate the average value.

[0202] The average count storage unit 422 stores average count information for obtaining the average count for each preset channel (frequency). This average count information can be updated under the control of a host or the like higher than the measuring device 401.

[0203] For example, as the average number information, the above-mentioned average number table for each channel, average number table for each channel area, average number table for each exceptional channel, etc. are stored.

[0204] The average count information is not limited to table-format information such as an average count table for each channel, but may be in any format as long as it is information that can obtain the average count for that channel (frequency) of the incident signal.

[0205] When the average count storage unit 422 receives bandwidth information from the transmission / reception control unit 421 , it reads out the average count corresponding to the channel (channel number) indicated by the bandwidth information from the average count information and supplies it to the transmission / reception control unit 421 .

[0206] The S parameter calculation unit 423 calculates S parameters based on the AD data supplied from the RF transmission / reception unit 412 under the control of the transmission / reception control unit 421 , and supplies the S parameters to the averaging processing unit 424 .

[0207] The averaging processing unit 424 calculates the average value of the S parameters of the same channel supplied from the S parameter calculation unit 423 based on the averaging count supplied from the transmission / reception control unit 421, and supplies the calculated average value to the result storage unit 425 as the final S parameter.

[0208] That is, the averaging processing unit 424 calculates the average value of the S parameters for each channel, the number of times corresponding to the number of averaging times indicated by the averaging time information.

[0209] Hereinafter, the average value of the S parameters will also be referred to as the average S parameter. The average S parameter is the final S parameter obtained for the channel being processed.

[0210] The result storage unit 425 stores (preserves) the average S parameters for each channel supplied from the averaging processing unit 424. The average S parameters for each channel stored in the result storage unit 425 are supplied to a subsequent block such as the biological information calculation unit 202 shown in Fig. 7 and are used for calculating biological information such as glucose levels.

[0211] <Description of Measurement Processing> A description will be given of the operation of the measurement device 401. That is, the measurement processing by the measurement device 401 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0212] In step S101, the transmission / reception control unit 421 selects one channel to be processed from among a plurality of channels.

[0213] In step S102, the transmission / reception control unit 421 reads out the average number of times for the channel selected as the processing target.

[0214] For example, the transmission / reception control unit 421 generates bandwidth information indicating the channel number of the channel to be processed and supplies it to the average count memory unit 422, thereby obtaining the average count of the channel indicated by the bandwidth information from the average count memory unit 422.

[0215] Specifically, for example, suppose that the average count table for each channel shown in Figure 10 is pre-stored in the average count memory unit 422 as average count information, and the channel number of the channel to be processed indicated by the bandwidth information is "3".

[0216] In this case, the average count storage unit 422 refers to the channel average count table and supplies "2" to the transmission / reception control unit 421 as the average count for the channel to be processed.

[0217] Although the first average number setting method has been described as an example here, the average number may also be read based on average number information set by the second average number setting method, the third average number setting method, or other methods.

[0218] The transmission / reception control unit 421 generates RF setting information indicating the channel to be processed, and supplies it to the RF transmission / reception unit 412 .

[0219] In addition, the transmission / reception control unit 421 instructs the S parameter calculation unit 423 to start calculating the S parameters, and supplies the averaging number of times for the channel to be processed, which is supplied from the averaging number storage unit 422, to the averaging processing unit 424, and instructs it to perform averaging processing.

[0220] In step S103, the RF transceiver 412 generates an incident signal for the channel to be processed based on the RF setting information supplied from the transceiver controller 421, and irradiates the incident signal onto the object to be measured.

[0221] Specifically, the RF transceiver unit 412 generates an RF signal of a frequency corresponding to the channel indicated by the RF setting information as an incident signal, and outputs (emits) the generated incident signal to the probe 411, thereby irradiating the incident signal to the object to be measured.

[0222] In step S104, the RF transceiver 412 receives the incident signal output in step S103 via a directional coupler (not shown), and performs AD conversion and the like on the received incident signal.

[0223] Furthermore, the RF transceiver unit 412 receives reflected signals and transmitted signals incident from the measurement object via the probe 411 by irradiating the measurement object with an incident signal, and performs AD conversion, etc. on the received reflected signals and transmitted signals.

[0224] The RF transceiver 412 supplies AD data of the channel to be processed, obtained by AD conversion of the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal, to the S parameter calculator 423. This results in obtaining AD data for one irradiation of the incident signal of the channel to be processed, more specifically, for one predetermined time period.

[0225] In step S105 , the S parameter calculation unit 423 calculates S parameters based on the AD data supplied from the RF transmission / reception unit 412 , and supplies the S parameters to the averaging processing unit 424 .

[0226] In step S106, the transmission / reception control unit 421 determines whether the process of calculating the S parameters has been performed the number of times equal to the number of averaging times read from the averaging number storage unit 422.

[0227] If it is determined in step S106 that the process has not yet been performed the average number of times, the process then returns to step S103, and the above-described process is repeated.

[0228] In this case, the RF transceiver 412 continuously irradiates the incident signal, and the S parameter calculator 423 calculates the S parameters based on the AD data for each time interval sequentially supplied from the RF transceiver 412 .

[0229] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the processing has been performed the average number of times, the transmission / reception control unit 421 instructs the S parameter calculation unit 423 to end the calculation of the S parameters, and then the processing of step S107 is performed.

[0230] In step S107, the averaging processing unit 424 calculates an average S parameter based on the S parameters of the channel to be processed supplied from the S parameter calculation unit 423, based on the averaging number of times of the channel to be processed supplied from the transmission / reception control unit 421. For example, in step S107, the average value of the number of S parameters equal to the number of averaging times is calculated as the average S parameter.

[0231] The averaging processing unit 424 supplies the calculated average S parameters of the target channel to the result storage unit 425, which stores the calculated average S parameters.

[0232] In step S108, the transmission / reception control unit 421 determines whether or not the processing has been performed for all channels.

[0233] For example, when all channels to be measured are set as channels to be processed and the average S parameters are calculated, it is determined that processing has been performed for all channels.

[0234] If it is determined in step S108 that the processing has not yet been performed for all channels, the processing then returns to step S101, and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, a new channel is selected as the target channel, and the average S parameter of that channel is calculated.

[0235] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the processing has been performed for all channels, the measurement processing ends.

[0236] In this way, the measurement device 401 performs the process of calculating the average S parameters for the number of averaging times set for each channel, thereby improving the measurement accuracy while suppressing increases in measurement time and power consumption.

[0237] In the above, the first to third averaging number setting methods have been described as specific examples of the method for setting the averaging number for each frequency (channel).

[0238] However, this is not limiting, and the averaging number may be set in units of the frequency (GHz) of the incident signal, or the range and spacing of the channels that make up the channel region may be made changeable as desired.

[0239] Specifically, when the averaging number is set for each frequency, for example, a frequency-specific averaging number table shown in FIG. 15 may be stored in the averaging number storage unit 422 as averaging number information.

[0240] 15, the frequency-by-frequency averaging number table stores frequencies, more specifically, frequency bands, and averaging numbers in association with each other. That is, the frequency-by-frequency averaging number table contains information indicating the averaging number for each frequency band covering all possible frequencies of the RF signal (incident signal) irradiated to the measurement target.

[0241] For example, "<2 GHz" in the frequency column corresponds to the average number of times "1." Therefore, for example, for a channel whose frequency is less than 2 GHz, the average number of times "1" is used.

[0242] Furthermore, for example, since the averaging number "1" is associated with "<3 GHz" in the frequency column, it can be seen that the averaging number "1" is used for channels with frequencies equal to or greater than 2 GHz and less than 3 GHz.

[0243] Alternatively, even when the averaging count is set for each frequency band, that is, for each region consisting of one or more frequencies, exceptional frequencies within that region and the averaging count for those exceptional frequencies may be set separately, as in the example described with reference to Fig. 12. Furthermore, when the averaging count is set for each frequency band, the interval (the number of frequencies belonging to a region) and range of the frequency band may be made arbitrarily changeable (settable).

[0244] As another example, if the range and interval (number) of channels that make up a channel region can be changed arbitrarily, the average number table for each channel region shown in Figure 16 can be stored in the average number memory unit 422 as average number information.

[0245] In the example of Figure 16, similar to the example shown in Figure 11, the "Ch number" indicating the channel belonging to the channel area and the "average number" of each channel belonging to that channel area are stored in correspondence with each other.

[0246] However, in the example of Figure 16, the number of channels that make up a channel area and the first and last channels that make up a channel area, i.e., the range of channels that make up a channel area, can be changed (set) arbitrarily for each channel area.

[0247] Specifically, in the example of FIG. 11, the number of channels constituting each channel region is a fixed value of 20.

[0248] In contrast to this, in the example of FIG. 16, there are channel regions made up of 10 channels, and there are channel regions made up of 30 channels, and so on, and the number of channels making up each channel region is an arbitrary number.

[0249] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 16, for example, the fourth channel area starts from channel number "43", and it can be seen that the start position (channel with the smallest channel number) and end position (channel with the largest channel number) of the channel area can also be set arbitrarily.

[0250] In addition, the average number information such as the average number table for each channel area stored in the average number storage unit 422 of the measuring device 401 may be updated by a host higher than the measuring device 401 .

[0251] In such a case, for example, the microcomputer 63 in Fig. 2 functioning as the host or a block corresponding to the main CPU 52 supplies new average number information to the signal processing unit 413, which stores the average number information in the average number storage unit 422. As a result, the new average number information is stored in the average number storage unit 422, or the average number information already stored in the average number storage unit 422 is replaced with the newly supplied average number information, thereby updating the average number information.

[0252] Furthermore, the host that updates the average number information may update by referring to the cloud, etc. For example, if the measuring device 401 is applied to a soil moisture sensor, the predicted moisture content may be calculated from the weather and time, and the average number information may be set according to the predicted moisture content via the cloud.

[0253] According to the measuring device 401 described above, for example, if the averaging number is set in advance for each frequency to have a good balance between measurement accuracy and power consumption, the number of transmissions (outputs) of the incident signal can be reduced to half or less compared to when the averaging number is fixed across the entire band.

[0254] Another possible method for determining the average number is to output (transmit) an incident signal in a measuring device immediately before measurement and calculate the average number from the reflected signal obtained in response to that output. However, this method requires the output of an incident signal for calculation, i.e., radio wave transmission, in addition to that used for actual measurement, in order to sequentially calculate the average number.

[0255] In contrast, in the measuring device 401, the number of averaging times for each frequency is preset, so radio wave transmission for calculation (output of incident signals) is not required, and measurement accuracy can be improved more simply, with lower power consumption and shorter measurement time.

[0256] Furthermore, there may be cases where the transmission power of the incident signal must be reduced only at a specific frequency (channel) in order to comply with radio regulatory testing, etc. Even in such cases, the measuring device 401 allows the averaging count for that specific frequency (channel) to be individually set, so it is possible to increase the averaging count for that specific frequency only, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0257] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology.

[0258] For example, in the present technology, it is possible to appropriately combine two or more of the first to sixth embodiments described above.

[0259] Furthermore, for example, the present technology can be configured as a cloud computing system in which a single function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0260] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0261] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0262] Furthermore, the present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0263] (1) A measurement device comprising: a circuit unit for measuring S-parameters, arranged on one surface of a sensor substrate; and a sensor electrode arranged on the other surface of the sensor substrate, for irradiating a signal for measuring the S-parameters output from the circuit unit to a measurement target, wherein the distance between the circuit unit and the sensor electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined distance in a plan view, and a terminal of the circuit unit that outputs the signal is directly connected to the sensor substrate. (2) The measurement device described in (1), wherein the circuit unit and the sensor electrode are arranged so that they overlap in a plan view. (3) The measurement device described in (1), further comprising: a device arranged on the one surface of the sensor substrate and connected between the circuit unit and the sensor electrode, wherein the circuit unit outputs the signal to the sensor electrode via the device, and wherein the device and the sensor electrode are arranged so that they overlap in a plan view. (4) The measurement device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the circuit unit is a VNA integrated circuit. (5) The measuring device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the sensor substrate includes an internal wiring that is directly connected to the terminal of the circuit unit and connects the terminal and the sensor electrode. (6) The measuring device according to (5), wherein the internal wiring is a linear wiring that penetrates the sensor substrate. (7) The measuring device according to any one of (1) to (6), further including a contact detection sensor that detects a contact state of the sensor electrode with the measurement object. (8) The measuring device according to (7), wherein the contact detection sensor detects the contact state by detecting a capacitance value or a resistance value of the sensor electrode. (9) The measuring device according to (7), wherein the contact detection sensor detects the contact state by detecting a capacitance value or a resistance value of an electrode portion that is arranged near the sensor electrode on the other surface of the sensor substrate. (10) The measurement device according to any one of (7) to (9), further comprising a control unit that calculates a reliability parameter of the biological information of the measurement object calculated from the S parameter based on a detection result by the contact detection sensor.(11) The measurement device according to any one of (7) to (9), further comprising a control unit that determines whether to measure the S parameter based on a detection result by the contact detection sensor. (12) The measurement device according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a control unit that determines a contact state of the sensor electrode with the measurement object based on the S parameter. (13) The measurement device according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising a detection unit that is provided near the circuit unit and detects the temperature of the measurement object, wherein the circuit unit calculates the S parameter based on the signal irradiated to the measurement object, the signal received from the measurement object in response to the signal irradiation, and the temperature. (14) The measurement device according to (13), further comprising a biological information calculation unit that calculates biological information of the measurement object based on the temperature and the S parameter. (15) The measurement device according to (14), further comprising a control unit that calculates a reliability parameter of the biological information based on the temperature. (16) The measuring device according to (1) or (2), wherein the sensor substrate has a first substrate portion on which the circuit portion is provided and a second substrate portion on which the sensor electrode is provided, and a thermally conductive material is disposed between a surface of the circuit portion and a surface of the second substrate portion. (17) The measuring device according to (16), wherein the thermally conductive material is a TIM. (18) The measuring device according to (16) or (17), wherein a copper foil is provided on a portion of the surface of the second substrate portion that contacts the thermally conductive material. (19) The measuring device according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising a body movement detection unit that detects a body movement state of a person wearing the measuring device, and wherein the circuit unit calculates the S parameters based on the signal irradiated to the measurement object, the signal received from the measurement object in response to the irradiation of the signal, and the detection result of the body movement state. (20) The measurement device according to (19), further comprising a control unit that calculates a reliability parameter of the biological information of the measurement object calculated from the S parameter based on the detection result of the body motion state. (21) The measurement device according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising a biological information calculation unit that calculates the biological information of the measurement object based on the S parameter.(22) The measurement device according to (21), wherein the biological information is a glucose level. (23) The measurement device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the circuit unit comprises: an S parameter calculation unit that calculates the S parameters of a predetermined frequency based on the signal of the predetermined frequency irradiated to the measurement object and the signal received from the measurement object in response to irradiation of the signal of the predetermined frequency; an average number storage unit that stores average number information indicating an average number of the S parameters preset at the frequency; and an averaging processing unit that calculates, for each frequency, an average of the S parameters for the number of times equal to the average number indicated by the average number information. (24) The measurement device according to (23), wherein the average number information is information indicating the average number for each frequency of the signal irradiated to the measurement object or for each channel corresponding to the frequency. (25) The measurement device according to (23), wherein the average number information is information indicating the average number for each region consisting of one or more frequencies of the signal irradiated to the measurement object, or one or more channels corresponding to the frequency. (26) The measurement device according to (25), wherein the number of frequencies or channels belonging to the region, or the range of frequencies or channels belonging to the region, can be arbitrarily set for each region. (27) The measurement device according to (23), wherein the average number information is information indicating the average number for each region consisting of one or more frequencies of the signal irradiated to the measurement object, or one or more channels corresponding to the frequencies, and the average number of exceptional frequencies or channels among the frequencies or channels belonging to the region. (28) The measurement device according to any one of (23) to (27), wherein the average number information stored in the average number storage unit is updatable. (29) The measurement device according to any one of (1) to (28), wherein the measurement object is a living body.

[0264] 11 Smart watch, 51 Glucose sensing module, 52 Main CPU, 61 Sensor substrate, 62 VNA chip, 63 Microcomputer, 64 Temperature sensor, 65 Flash memory, 91 Sensor electrode, 141 Device, 171 Sensor, 401 Measuring device, 411 Probe, 412 RF transmitting and receiving unit, 413 Signal processing unit, 421 Transmission and receiving control unit, 422 Average number storage unit, 423 S parameter calculation unit, 424 Average processing unit

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising: a circuit section for measuring S parameters, arranged on one side of a sensor substrate; and a sensor electrode, arranged on the other side of the sensor substrate, for irradiating a signal for measuring the S parameters output from the circuit section to a measurement object; wherein, in a plan view, the distance between the circuit section and the sensor electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined distance; and a terminal of the circuit section for outputting the signal is directly connected to the sensor substrate.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit section and the sensor electrode are arranged so as to overlap each other in a plan view.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a device arranged on said one surface of the sensor substrate and connected between said circuit section and said sensor electrode, said circuit section outputs said signal to said sensor electrode via said device, and said device and said sensor electrode are arranged so that they overlap in a planar view.

4. The measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit section is a VNA integrated circuit.

5. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor substrate is provided with internal wiring that is directly connected to the terminal of the circuit section and connects the terminal to the sensor electrode.

6. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the wiring within the board is a straight wiring that penetrates the sensor board.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact detection sensor for detecting a contact state of the sensor electrode with the object to be measured.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the contact detection sensor detects the contact state by detecting a capacitance value or a resistance value of the sensor electrode.

9. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the contact detection sensor detects the contact state by detecting a capacitance value or a resistance value of an electrode portion arranged in the vicinity of the sensor electrode on the other surface of the sensor substrate.

10. The measurement device according to claim 7, further comprising a control unit that calculates a reliability parameter of the biological information of the measurement subject calculated from the S parameter based on the detection result by the contact detection sensor.

11. The measurement device according to claim 7, further comprising a control unit that determines whether or not to measure the S parameters based on a detection result by the contact detection sensor.

12. The measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that determines a contact state of the sensor electrode with the measurement object based on the S parameter.

13. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit provided near the circuit unit for detecting a temperature of the object to be measured, wherein the circuit unit calculates the S parameters based on the signal irradiated to the object to be measured, the signal received from the object to be measured in response to the irradiation of the signal, and the temperature.

14. The measurement device according to claim 13, further comprising a vital information calculation unit that calculates vital information of the measurement subject based on the temperature and the S parameter.

15. The measurement device according to claim 14, further comprising a control unit that calculates a reliability parameter of the vital sign information based on the temperature.

16. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor substrate has a first substrate portion on which the circuit portion is provided and a second substrate portion on which the sensor electrode is provided, and a thermally conductive material is disposed between a surface of the circuit portion and a surface of the second substrate portion.

17. The measurement device of claim 16, wherein the thermally conductive material is a TIM.

18. The measuring device according to claim 16, wherein a copper foil is provided on a portion of the surface of the second substrate portion that contacts the thermally conductive material.

19. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a body movement detection unit that detects the body movement state of a person wearing the measuring device, and the circuit unit calculates the S parameters based on the signal irradiated to the object to be measured, the signal received from the object to be measured in response to the irradiation of the signal, and the detection result of the body movement state.

20. The measurement device according to claim 19, further comprising a control unit that calculates a reliability parameter of the biological information of the subject calculated from the S parameters based on the detection result of the body movement state.

21. The measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a vital information calculation unit that calculates vital information of the subject based on the S parameters.

22. The measuring device according to claim 21, wherein the biological information is a glucose level.

23. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit section comprises: an S parameter calculation section that calculates the S parameter of a predetermined frequency based on the signal of the predetermined frequency irradiated to the object to be measured and the signal received from the object to be measured in response to the irradiation of the signal of the predetermined frequency; an average number storage section that stores average number information indicating an average number of the S parameters set in advance at the frequency; and an averaging processing section that calculates, for each frequency, an average value of the S parameters for the number of averaging times indicated by the average number information.

24. The measuring device according to claim 23, wherein the averaging number information is information indicating the averaging number for each frequency of the signal irradiated to the measurement target, or for each channel corresponding to the frequency.

25. The measuring device according to claim 23, wherein the average number information is information indicating the average number for each region consisting of one or more of the frequencies of the signal irradiated to the object to be measured, or consisting of one or more channels corresponding to the frequencies.

26. The measurement device according to claim 25, wherein the number of said frequencies or said channels belonging to said region, or the range of said frequencies or said channels belonging to said region, can be arbitrarily set for each of said regions.

27. The measuring device of claim 23, wherein the average number information is information indicating the average number for each region consisting of one or more of the frequencies of the signal irradiated to the object to be measured, or one or more channels corresponding to the frequencies, and the average number of exceptional frequencies or channels among the frequencies or channels belonging to the region.

28. The measuring device according to claim 23, wherein the average number information stored in the average number storage unit is updatable.

29. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement object is a living body.

Images