Information conversion system and biometric information detecting device

Abstract

The present invention provides an information conversion system and a biometric information detecting device having a sensor that can be repeatedly fitted. An information conversion system according to the present invention outputs text information or speech information converted from biometric information of a user. The information conversion system includes a first member that is fixed to the user, a biometric information detecting unit that detects biometric information by a contacting member being brought into contact with the user, and a second member that is installed in the first member and that urges the biometric information detecting unit in a direction causing the biometric information detecting unit to come into contact with the user, wherein the biometric information detecting unit includes an attitude control member that controls the attitude of the contacting member.

Description

Information conversion system and biological information detection device

[0001] The present invention relates to an information conversion system that converts biometric information into text information and a biometric information detection device.

[0002] In recent years, speech content has been recognized using user voice information. A method for detecting biosignals from the skin surface of a human body and estimating the state of oral and maxillofacial movement has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 5924724

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a sensor (surface electrode) for detecting biological information is attached to the under-chin area using a film sheet, but there are cases where the film sheet cannot be worn repeatedly due to a decrease in adhesive strength, etc.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information conversion system or a biological information detection device that allows a sensor to be repeatedly attached.

[0006] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems.

[0007] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an information conversion system is provided that outputs text information or audio information converted from a user's biometric information, and includes a first member fixed to the user, a biometric information detection unit that detects the biometric information by abutting a contact member against the user, and a second member that is installed on the first member and urges the biometric information detection unit in a direction to abut against the user, and the biometric information detection unit has an attitude control member that controls the attitude of the abutment member.

[0008] The biometric information detection device has a first member fixed to the user, a biometric information detection unit that detects biometric information by abutting a contact member against the user, and a second member that is installed on the first member and urges the biometric information detection unit in the direction of abutting against the user, and the biometric information detection unit has an attitude control member that controls the attitude of the abutment member.

[0009] According to the present invention, the sensor of the information conversion system for converting biometric information into text information or the biometric information detection device can be worn repeatedly.

[0010] 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an information conversion system of the present invention. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system of the present invention. A diagram showing the configuration of a biometric information detection unit of the present invention. A diagram showing the configuration of a biometric information detection unit of the present invention. A diagram showing an embodiment ... an embodiment of a biometric information detection unit of the present invention. A diagram showing the configuration of a biometric information detection unit in Modification 1. A diagram showing the configuration of a biometric information detection unit in Modification 2. A diagram showing how displacement of a light-emitting element is detected in Modification 2. A diagram showing how displacement of a light-emitting element is detected in Modification 2. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 3. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 4. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 5. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 6. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 7. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 8. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 9. A diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 10.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described below may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following description.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an information conversion system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the information conversion system.

[0013] The information conversion system according to this embodiment mainly includes a main body unit 100 and a biological information detection unit 200. The information conversion system may also include an external device 300, a display unit 310, and an audio information output unit 320.

[0014] The external device 300 has, for example, the same functions as the information processing unit 120 and is connected to the main body unit 100 .

[0015] The display unit 310 has a function of displaying text information and the like, and is connected to the main body unit 100. The main body unit 100 may have a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display mode on the display unit 310.

[0016] The audio information output unit 320 is a speaker and is connected to the main body unit 100. The audio information output unit 320 can reproduce audio information.

[0017] 1 and 2 show a configuration including one biometric information detection unit 200, but multiple biometric information detection units 200 may be included. The biometric information detection unit 200 includes a sensor 230 that detects biometric information related to the user's muscle movements, skin, mouth, and tongue movements, etc. When multiple biometric information detection units 200 are included, each of the biometric information detection units 200 detects biometric information at a different position. The sensor 230 in the biometric information detection unit 200 is at least one of a myoelectricity sensor, an acceleration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a tactile sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.

[0018] The myoelectric potential sensor detects electrical signals generated when muscles are moved, and for example, three-electrode Ag electrodes are used. The electrodes are placed near the belly of the muscle connected to the mouth or tongue to be measured.

[0019] The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects acceleration and outputs data or a signal corresponding to the detected acceleration. The angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) is a sensor that detects angular velocity and outputs data or a signal corresponding to the detected angular velocity. The acceleration sensor and angular velocity sensor in the bioinformation detection unit 200 may be integrated. The sampling frequency of the bioinformation is set to, for example, 400 Hz for the six-axis acceleration sensor and angular velocity sensor, and to, for example, 800 Hz for the myoelectric potential sensor.

[0020] The biometric information detection unit 200 is installed in a position where it can detect the movement of the user's mouth and tongue. The biometric information detection unit 200 is installed around the user's mouth. Specifically, the biometric information detection unit 200 is installed on the user's lower jaw, cheek, etc. The biometric information detection unit 200 may be installed in a position other than the above-mentioned positions as long as it is a position where it can detect biometric information related to the movement of the mouth and tongue.

[0021] The main body unit 100 is a device that is fixed to a user via a frame member 110 (first member) and processes the biometric information acquired by the biometric information detection unit 200. As shown in Fig. 1 , the main body unit 100 mainly includes an information processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a power supply unit 140. Although not shown, the main body unit 100 is installed inside the frame member 110 (first member) shown in Fig. 2 .

[0022] The frame member 110 (first member) supports the components of the main body 100 and has the function of being fixed to the user by clamping the user's head and neck.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame member 110 (first member) is fixed to the user by two clamping portions 111 that clamp both temples of the user and a connecting portion 112 that connects the two clamping portions 111 together.

[0024] The connecting portion 112 is a curved frame that wraps around the back of the user's head and connects the two clamping portions 111. The connecting portion 112 is a frame that has elasticity that allows it to hold the user's head in place. In other words, the frame member 110 (first member) has a shape that wraps around the user's head and has elasticity that allows it to hold the user's head in place. Therefore, the two clamping portions 111 hold the user's head in place with a predetermined pressure due to the elasticity of the connecting portion 112.

[0025] In this way, from the viewpoint of wearability, it is desirable that the connecting portion 112 be passed around the back or top of the user's head, but it may also be passed around the front of the face like a headband or glasses. Furthermore, the components of the main body 100 are built into the clamping portion 111 of the frame member 110 (first member), but an internal space may be provided in the connecting portion 112. Therefore, the components of the main body 100 are built into the clamping portion 111 or the connecting portion 112.

[0026] The frame member 110 (first member) may be in any form as long as it can be fixed to the user, and may be, for example, a choker-type member worn by wrapping around the user's neck or a mask-type member that covers the user's mouth. The frame member 110 (first member) desirably has an adjustment mechanism so that it can be worn by a variety of users. The adjustment mechanism is, for example, a sliding mechanism (extension / retraction mechanism) of the frame member 110 (first member).

[0027] The connecting portion 112 has multiple tubular members to form a sliding mechanism (extension / contraction mechanism). Each of the multiple tubular members is curved. For example, each of the multiple tubular members is curved to fit the shape of the user's back of the head. A second tubular member is removably connected to a first tubular member that constitutes the multiple tubular members. The length of the curved multiple tubular members can be adjusted by inserting or removing the second tubular member into or from the first tubular member. In this way, the connecting portion 112 can be extended or contracted by the sliding mechanism.

[0028] In addition, if the connecting portion 112 of the frame member 110 (first member) does not have an adjustment mechanism, the connecting portion 112 can also be made elastic as described above to accommodate individual differences among users.

[0029] A biasing member 113 (second member) that biases the biometric information detection unit 200 is provided (extended) on the frame member 110 (first member). The biasing member 113 (second member) biases the biometric information detection unit 200 (described later) in a direction that brings it into contact with the user. The biasing member 113 (second member) has elasticity in a direction that brings it into contact with the user so as to maintain the biasing force even when the user is moving. In this way, the biasing member 113 (second member) can press the biometric information detection unit 200 against the user.

[0030] In this embodiment, the device has a first member (frame member 110) that is fixed to the user, and a biometric information detection unit 200 that detects biometric information by abutting a contact member 210 against the user. The device also has a second member (biasing member 113) that is installed (extended) on the first member (frame member 110) and biases the biometric information detection unit 200 in the direction of abutting against the user.

[0031] The biasing member 113 (second member) is connected to the biometric information detection unit 200. The biometric information detection unit 200 is a component that moves in accordance with the movement of the user's mouth. Therefore, the biasing member 113 (second member) may have elasticity that presses the biometric information detection unit 200 against the user and deforms in accordance with the movement of the mouth. The rigidity of the biasing member 113 (second member) is set to a first predetermined value or greater so that the biasing member 113 (second member) can bias the biometric information detection unit 200 in a direction that contacts the user. The biasing member 113 (second member) deforms in conjunction with the user's movement, while the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)) is configured not to deform in conjunction with the user's movement. Therefore, the rigidity of the biasing member 113 (second member) is lower than the rigidity of the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)). The rigidity of the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)) is set to a second predetermined value or greater. Therefore, the first predetermined value for the rigidity of the biasing member 113 (second member) is lower than the second predetermined value for the rigidity of the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)). The rigidity is at least one of bending rigidity and shear rigidity.

[0032] It is desirable that the biasing force of the biasing member 113 (second member) be adjustable so as not to hinder the movement of the user's mouth. The biasing member 113 (second member) has an adjustment mechanism, similar to the connecting portion 112, and can adjust the biasing force of the biological information detection unit 200 connected to the biasing member 113 (second member). For example, the adjustment mechanism is a slide mechanism (extension / contraction mechanism) in the biasing member 113 (second member).

[0033] The biasing member 113 (second member) has multiple tubular members to form a sliding mechanism. Each of the multiple tubular members is curved. For example, each of the multiple tubular members is curved to follow the shape of the user's cheek so as not to hinder the movement of the user's mouth. A second tubular member is removably connected to a first tubular member constituting the multiple tubular members. The length of the curved multiple tubular members can be adjusted by inserting or removing the second tubular member into or from the first tubular member. In this way, the biasing member 113 (second member) can be extended or retracted.

[0034] Furthermore, it is desirable that the biasing member 113 (second member) has a retraction mechanism or the like so as not to get in the way when the user attaches or detaches the device. The clamping portion 111 (frame member 110 (first member)) supports the biasing member 113 (second member) and includes a rotation mechanism (not shown) that rotates the biasing member 113 (second member). The rotation mechanism is connected to the biasing member 113 (second member) and has the function of rotating the biasing member 113 (second member) around the clamping portion 111 as a fulcrum. Because the biometric information detection unit 200 is connected to the biasing member 113 (second member), by rotating the biasing member 113 (second member) using the rotation mechanism, the biasing member 113 (second member) can be moved in direction A as shown in FIG. 2 . In other words, the rotation mechanism allows the wearing posture and angle of the biometric information detection unit 200 to be adjusted.

[0035] The biasing member 113 (second member) may further include a substrate or wiring for inputting and outputting signals and power between the main body 100 and the biological information detection unit 200. In other words, the biasing member 113 (second member) also functions as a conductive path for electrical connection.

[0036] The information processing unit 120 is a device that processes the biometric information acquired by the biometric information detection unit 200, which will be described later. However, the information processing unit 120 does not need to perform all the processes of converting the biometric information into text information or audio information, and may process signals so that they can be transmitted to the external device 300. Furthermore, the information processing unit 120 may further include an input unit that accepts user operations, or may be operated from the external device 300.

[0037] When converting the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 200 into text information or audio information, the information processing unit 120 uses a conversion method to convert the biometric information into text information or audio information. The conversion algorithm used in the conversion method uses a trained model with an architecture configured by a neural network. The information processing unit 120 has a memory unit (not shown) that stores the trained model, and performs inference using the trained model.

[0038] The trained model is a model generated using a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) or recurrent neural network (RNN). A model derived from a CNN or RNN may also be used. In addition to models derived from a CNN or RNN, other machine learning techniques such as a support vector machine, logistic regression, or random forest may also be used, or a rule-based method may also be used.

[0039] The information processing unit 120 generates a trained model to be used in the conversion method, for example, by learning the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 200 in association with character information or audio information.

[0040] Specifically, the information processing unit 120 acquires in advance multiple data sets in which the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 200 is associated with character information or audio information (e.g., a, i, u, e, o) or their sounds.

[0041] The information processing unit 120 uses the correspondence between biometric information and character information or audio information in multiple data sets as training data. The training data is used to fine-tune the original trained model, thereby generating a trained model to be used in the conversion method. Using the trained model thus trained by associating biometric information with character information or audio information, inference can be performed on newly input biometric information, and text information or audio information can be output. Note that the conversion method can use different conversion algorithms for silent and vocal situations.

[0042] The learning unit is configured inside the information processing unit 120. The learning unit may be configured in the external device 300 or in the cloud. The information processing unit 120 may include a storage unit that stores the trained model. It is only necessary that the trained model can be used in the information processing unit 120.

[0043] The learning unit acquires in advance a plurality of data sets in which the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 200 is associated with text information or audio information. The learning unit uses the correspondence between the biometric information and the text information or audio information in the plurality of data sets as training data, and generates a trained model by learning the correspondence between the biometric information and the text information or audio information. In this way, the information processing unit 120 can use the trained model trained in association with the biometric information and the text information to perform inference on newly input biometric information and output text information or audio information.

[0044] The information processing unit 120 may use different conversion algorithms (trained models) for silent and vocal periods. Silent periods are periods when the user is not vocalizing. Vocal periods are periods when the user is vocalizing.

[0045] The learning unit distinguishes between silent and vocal periods and generates trained models for each. Specifically, the learning unit distinguishes between silent and vocal periods and generates trained models by learning the correspondence between biometric information and character information or vocal information in multiple data sets as training data, associating the biometric information with character information or vocal information. The information processing unit 120 applies a trained model for silent periods or a trained model for vocal periods according to whether the user is silent or vocal. The information processing unit 120 can perform inference on newly input biometric information for silent periods or biometric information for vocal periods, and output character information or vocal information.

[0046] The external device 300 may have the function of an information processing unit. The biometric information detection unit 200 transmits the biometric information detected by the sensor 230 to the external device 300. The external device 300 converts the biometric information into text information or audio information and transmits the converted text information to the communication unit 130. The display unit 310 displays the text information. The converted text information may be further converted into audio information and transmitted to the audio information output unit 320. The external device 300 may also directly convert the biometric information into audio information and transmit it to the audio information output unit 320.

[0047] The communication between the biological information detection unit 200 and the main body unit 100 may be wired or wireless. When the communication between the biological information detection unit 200 and the main body unit 100 is realized by wire, the sensor 230 and the information processing unit 120 are connected by wire such as a USB cable.

[0048] When communication between the sensor 230 and the information processing unit 120 is realized wirelessly, the connection is made wirelessly using wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0049] The information processing unit 120 in this embodiment further includes an attachment determination unit 121. The attachment determination unit 121 is a device that determines whether the biological information detection unit 200 satisfies the attachment conditions.

[0050] The wearing determination unit 121 determines whether the wearing conditions of the biological information detection unit 200 (sensor 230) are met based on whether the biological information detected by the biological information detection unit 200 (sensor 230) is being properly detected. The wearing determination unit 121 may be provided with a new sensor, but it can also determine whether the wearing conditions are met using the biological information. When making the determination, the user may be asked to perform a predetermined action to determine the wearing conditions.

[0051] Specifically, the wearing determination unit 121 determines whether the wearing condition is met using the signal strength, signal characteristics, etc. of the biological information detected by the sensor 230. For example, the wearing determination unit 121 determines that the wearing condition is met if the signal strength of the biological information detected by the sensor 230 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and that the wearing condition is not met if the signal strength is less than the predetermined value. Furthermore, the wearing determination unit 121 determines that the wearing condition is met if the signal characteristics of the biological information detected by the sensor 230 are close to (similar to) the predetermined characteristic, and that the wearing condition is not met if the signal characteristics are far from (dissimilar to) the predetermined characteristic. The display unit 310 displays the determination result when the wearing determination unit 121 determines that the wearing condition is not met or that the wearing state is inappropriate.

[0052] It is desirable that the wearing determination unit 121 always determine whether the wearing conditions are met, but it may determine only when the device is being worn. When the wearing determination unit 121 determines that the wearing conditions are not met, it is desirable that the wearing determination unit 121 notify the user that the wearing conditions are not met via the display unit 310 or the audio information output unit 320.

[0053] The communication unit 130 is a device that communicates signals processed by the information processing unit 120 to the external device 300, the display unit 310, and the audio information output unit 320. The external device 300 may be primarily a PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like, but is not limited thereto and may be configured on the cloud. Communication by the communication unit 130 may be either wired or wireless. When communication is realized via a wired connection, the communication unit 130 is connected to the external device 300, the display unit 310, and the audio information output unit 320 via a wired connection such as a USB cable. When communication is realized wirelessly, the communication unit 130 is connected to the external device 300, the display unit 310, and the audio information output unit 320 via wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi, or wirelessly via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0054] The power supply unit 140 is a device that supplies power to the information processing unit 120 and the communication unit 130. The power supply unit 140 is preferably a rechargeable secondary battery. The main body unit 100 may have a microphone that receives the user's voice.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the biometric information detection unit 200. The biometric information detection unit 200 is a device that detects biometric information from the user's skin surface. The biometric information detection unit 200 is installed at the tip of a biasing member 113 (second member) that biases the biometric information detection unit 200 in a direction that brings it into contact with the user. In FIG. 3 , the direction in which the biometric information detection unit 200 is biased by contacting the user is upward. The biometric information detection unit 200 is mainly composed of a contact member 210, a posture control member 220, and a sensor 230. Since the biometric information detection unit 200 detects biometric information related to the movement of the user's mouth and tongue, it is desirable to install the biometric information detection unit 200 on a site such as the user's neck, lower jaw, cheek, or temple. The biometric information detection unit 200 may be installed in a location other than the above, as long as it can detect biometric information related to the movement of the mouth and tongue.

[0056] The sensor 230 is a component that detects biometric information related to the user's muscle movements, skin and tongue movements, etc. The sensor used in the biometric information detection unit 200 is at least one of a myoelectric potential sensor, an acceleration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a tactile sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. The sensor 230 is connected to a signal line 150. The signal line 150 transmits the biometric signal detected by the sensor 230. The biometric signal acquired by the biometric information detection unit 200 is transmitted to the information processing unit 120 of the main body unit 100 via the signal line 150.

[0057] The biological information detection unit 200 may be a sensor other than the above-mentioned sensors, or may be a combination of multiple sensors, as long as the sensor detects biological information. The signal acquired by the sensor 230 is processed by the information processing unit 120 described above.

[0058] The contact member 210 is a member that comes into contact with the surface of the user's skin. It is desirable that the contact member 210 be smooth so that it can come into close contact with the user's skin, but this is not always the case depending on the detection method. For example, when a myoelectric potential sensor is used as the sensor 230 of the biological information detection unit 200, multiple electrodes are arranged on the contact member 210. Therefore, the contact member 210 may have an uneven surface so that each electrode of the myoelectric potential sensor can reliably come into contact with the user.

[0059] Furthermore, when the biometric information detection unit 200 has multiple contact members 210 or when there are multiple biometric information detection units 200, at least one of the size, shape, and material of the contact members 210 of the biometric information detection unit 200 may be set depending on the contacting portion. For example, when the contact member 210 is to be contacted against the user's lower jaw, a contact member 210 with a narrow contact area can be used so that the contact member 210 is contacted locally against the lower jaw. When the contact member 210 is to be contacted against the user's cheek, a contact member 210 with a wide contact area can be used so that the cheek does not deform significantly. The area of ​​the contact member 210 can be made different depending on the portion of the lower jaw and the cheek. In other words, the size of the contact member 210 is set depending on the portion where the biometric information detection unit 200 is installed, i.e., the portion where the contact member 210 is to be contacted.

[0060] The shape and material of the contact member 210 may be determined depending on the portion with which the contact member 210 comes into contact.

[0061] The attitude control member 220 controls at least one of the contact position and the contact posture of the contact member 210 so that at least one of the position and the posture of the contact member 210 is appropriate. Here, appropriate position and posture means that the conditions (wearing conditions) for optimally acquiring the user's biometric information are met. The attitude control member 220 controls at least one of the position and the posture of the contact member 210 so as to meet a predetermined wearing condition. The wearing condition indicates that the contact member 210 is in a positional relationship in which it is in close contact with the user's skin at the measurement site. An example of a state in which the wearing condition is not met is a state in which the contact member 210 is not in close contact with the user's skin and is floating. This includes a state in which a portion of the contact member 210 is floating. Furthermore, even if the contact member 210 is not floating when worn, it may also be deemed not to meet the wearing condition if it floats when the user moves. However, the content of the wearing condition varies depending on the type of sensor used.

[0062] The attitude control member 220 is passively controlled to adapt to the user's wearing position and movement in accordance with the user's wearing position and movement. In other words, the attitude control member 220 deforms in accordance with the user's wearing position and movement. Alternatively, the attitude control member 220 may be actively controlled in accordance with the user's wearing position and movement. For example, the attitude control member 220 may be provided with an actuator that changes the shape of the attitude control member 220, and may be dynamically deformed in accordance with the user's wearing position and movement.

[0063] In this embodiment, the attitude control member 220 is located between the contact member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member). The attitude control member 220 has an elastic member 221 that deforms in response to an external force applied by the user to the contact member 210. The elastic member 221 can be made of materials such as silicon gel, synthetic rubber, sponge, urethane, or bellows.

[0064] The elastic member 221 may be, for example, a sponge with a cellular structure. A sponge with a cellular structure is made up of multiple connected air bubbles. This allows gas to pass through the sponge with a cellular structure. When the biometric information detection unit 200 is attached to a user, the elastic member 221 is compressed, and when the biometric information detection unit 200 is removed from the user, the elastic member 221 absorbs the gas and returns to its original state.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, a bellows can be used as elastic member 221. The bellows is disposed between contact member 210 and biasing member 113 (second member). When biometric information detection unit 200 is worn by a user, the bellows contracts, and when biometric information detection unit 200 is removed from the user, the bellows restores its original shape.

[0066] A metal or resin spiral spring or the like can also be used as the elastic member 221. Although the above materials have been listed as examples of the elastic member 221, other materials may also be used as long as they have elasticity.

[0067] 4 to 9 show the configurations of the elastic member 221 and the deformation limiting member 222 in the biological information detecting unit 200. FIG.

[0068] 4 shows the amount of deformation of the elastic member 221 in the biometric information detection unit 200. The elastic member 221 has the function of expanding and contracting by a predetermined expansion / contraction width (T mm: for example, 5 mm). Here, the elastic member 221 can expand and contract by T mm in the vertical direction. The expansion / contraction width of the elastic member 221 can be set arbitrarily by changing the material of the elastic member 221. Furthermore, the biometric information detection unit 200 may detect the amount of deformation of the elastic member 221 as biometric information.

[0069] 5 shows a state in which a user (skin surface) 500 comes into contact with the upper surface (contact member 210) of the biological information detection unit 200. At this time, the elastic member 221 is not deformed.

[0070] 6 shows a state in which the user (skin surface) 500 comes into contact with the upper surface (contact member 210) of the biometric information detection unit 200, causing the elastic member 221 of the biometric information detection unit 200 to compress downward. The elastic member 221 has the function of expanding and contracting by a predetermined expansion width, and therefore the elastic member 221 is deformed downward as shown in FIG. 6. The reaction force from the deformed elastic member 221 pushes the upper surface (contact member 210) of the biometric information detection unit 200 upward, allowing the biometric information detection unit 200 to be in close contact with the user (skin surface) 500.

[0071] 3, the attitude control member 220 has a deformation limiting member 222 that limits deformation of the elastic member 221. Fig. 7 is a left side view of the biological information detection unit 200 shown in Fig. 3. The deformation limiting member 222 is connected to and installed between the contact member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member).

[0072] The deformation limiting member 222 is made of a material with a predetermined flexibility and is a member that does not stretch beyond a predetermined length. The predetermined length is the length in the vertical direction in the figure. The deformation limiting member 222 is a strip-shaped member, and for example, fabric (cloth), metal thin film, etc. can be used. The deformation limiting member 222 may also be a linear member, and for example, a wire, string material, etc. can be used.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the deformation limiting member 222 is connected to and installed between the abutting member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member). The deformation limiting member 222 is installed around the elastic member 221. In FIG. 3 , there are multiple deformation limiting members 222, each composed of multiple members. For example, each of the multiple deformation limiting members 222 is connected to the abutting member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member) at two locations. The multiple deformation limiting members 222 are configured in pairs, and each deformation limiting member 222 is connected to the abutting member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the right-end deformation limiting member 222 and the left-end deformation limiting member 222 are configured in pairs, and the right-end deformation limiting member 222 and the left-end deformation limiting member 222 are connected to the abutting member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member).

[0074] The deformation limiting member 222 is connected to the contact member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member) at two locations, but may be connected to four locations or more than four locations.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the deformation limiting member 222 is a strip-shaped member, the upper and lower ends of the strip-shaped member are connected to the abutting member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member). The deformation limiting member 222 is connected to the abutting member 210 and the biasing member 113 (second member) via joint regions at the upper and lower ends of the strip-shaped member. The joint region at the upper end of the deformation limiting member 222 has a predetermined width, and since the deformation limiting member 222 is connected to the abutting member 210, the deformation limiting member 222 can apply force to the abutting member 210 via the joint region at the upper end. Similarly, the joint region at the lower end of the deformation limiting member 222 has a predetermined width, and the deformation limiting member 222 is connected to the biasing member 113 (second member). Therefore, the deformation limiting member 222 can apply force to the biasing member 113 (second member) via the joint region at the lower end.

[0076] Furthermore, when the deformation limiting member 222 is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined width or more, the deformation limiting member 222 can cover a part of the elastic member 221. The deformation limiting member 222 can also cover the periphery of the elastic member 221. Therefore, the deformation limiting member 222 can hide the elastic member 221.

[0077] Figure 8 is a diagram based on Figure 3 and shows a state in which the user (skin surface) 500 contacts the upper surface (contact member 210) of the biometric information detection unit 200 at an angle, causing the biometric information detection unit 200 to be compressed diagonally downward.

[0078] The elastic members 221 are bent in an oblique direction. In this example, the elastic member 221 on the left side in FIG. 8 is bent and compressed, and the elastic member 221 on the right side is bent and stretched.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 8, the deformation limiting member 222 at the right end stretches together with the stretched elastic member 221. Because the deformation limiting member 222 at the right end is a member that does not stretch beyond a predetermined length, when the deformation limiting member 222 at the right end reaches the predetermined length, the deformation limiting member 222 at the right end can suppress deformation of the stretched elastic member 221. The deformation limiting member 222 can suppress deformation of the elastic member 221, which is freely deformable. This makes it possible to limit the contact position and contact posture of the biometric information detection unit 200 with the user (skin surface) 500. Note that the deformation limiting member 222 at the left end may suppress deformation of the compressed elastic member 221.

[0080] 8 shows a configuration in which the left elastic member 221 is bent and compressed, and the right elastic member 221 is bent and stretched, but the same effect can be achieved even if the right elastic member 221 is bent and compressed, and the left elastic member 221 is bent and stretched. In this case, the left-end deformation limiting member 222 stretches together with the stretched elastic member 221. Because the left-end deformation limiting member 222 is a member that does not stretch beyond a predetermined length, when the left-end deformation limiting member 222 reaches the predetermined length, the left-end deformation limiting member 222 can suppress deformation of the stretched elastic member 221.

[0081] Figure 9 is a diagram based on Figure 7 and shows a state in which the user (skin surface) 500 contacts the upper surface (contact member 210) of the biometric information detection unit 200 at an angle, causing the biometric information detection unit 200 to be compressed diagonally downward.

[0082] The elastic members 221 are bent in an oblique direction. In this example, the elastic member 221 on the left side in FIG. 9 is bent and compressed, and the elastic member 221 on the right side is bent and stretched.

[0083] 9 , the deformation limiting member 222 deforms together with the deforming elastic member 221. Because the right end of the deformation limiting member 222 does not stretch beyond a predetermined length, when the deformation limiting member 222 reaches the predetermined length, the right end (one end) of the deformation limiting member 222 can suppress deformation of the right side of the stretched elastic member 221. The deformation limiting member 222 can suppress deformation of the elastic member 221, which is freely deformable. Therefore, it is possible to limit the contact position and contact posture of the biometric information detection unit 200 with respect to the user (skin surface) 500. Note that the left end (other end) of the deformation limiting member 222 may suppress deformation of the compressed elastic member 221.

[0084] 9 shows a configuration in which the left elastic member 221 is bent and compressed and the right elastic member 221 is bent and expanded, the same effect can be achieved even if the right elastic member 221 is bent and compressed and the left elastic member 221 is bent and expanded. In this case, the left end (other end) of the deformation limiting member 222 does not expand beyond a predetermined length, so that when the deformation limiting member 222 reaches the predetermined length, the left end (other end) of the deformation limiting member 222 can suppress deformation of the left side of the expanded elastic member 221. Note that the right end (one end) of the deformation limiting member 222 may suppress deformation of the compressed elastic member 221.

[0085] It should be noted that the attitude control member 220 and the sensor 230 do not necessarily need to be separate, and the attitude control member 220 may function as part of the sensor 230. For example, by combining the attitude control member 220 with an optical sensor or a strain gauge, the amount of deformation of the attitude control member 220 may be detected and used as biometric information.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information conversion system that outputs text information or audio information converted from a user's biometric information has a first member (frame member 110 (first member)) that is fixed to the user. It also has a biometric information detection unit 200 that detects biometric information by abutting a contact member 210 against the user. It further has a second member (biasing member 113 (second member)) that is installed on the first member (frame member 110 (first member)) and biases the biometric information detection unit 200 in a direction that brings it into contact with the user. The biometric information detection unit 200 has an attitude control member 220 that controls the attitude of the abutting member 210.

[0087] Therefore, the sensor of the information conversion system that converts biometric information into text information or the biometric information detection device can be worn repeatedly.

[0088] <Modification 1> Next, Modification 1 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the biological information detection unit 200 in Modification 1. In this modification, a contact-type sensor unit is used for the biological information detection unit 200, and a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor are used.

[0089] The biological information detection unit 200 in this modification includes a contact member 210, an attitude control member 220, a circuit board 231 on which a magnetic sensor IC is mounted, and a circuit board 232 on which an inertial sensor IC is mounted. The inertial sensor IC has built-in detection units for triaxial acceleration and triaxial angular velocity.

[0090] A permanent magnet 233 is fixed to the contact member 210 on the side facing the attitude control member 220. The magnetic sensor IC, which is the circuit board 231, detects the relative displacement with respect to the permanent magnet 233. The magnetic sensor IC is an element having four magnetic field detection points inside. Alternatively, a three-axis geomagnetic sensor capable of detecting the direction of a magnetic field vector may be used. Using the output from the magnetic sensor IC, a downstream signal processing circuit (not shown) detects the three-dimensional displacement of the permanent magnet 233, and the external force is calculated from the detected displacement amount.

[0091] The triaxial acceleration and triaxial angular velocity detection unit, which is the circuit board 232, is an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The triaxial acceleration and triaxial angular velocity are detected in the biometric information detection unit 200. The acceleration sensor in the biometric information detection unit 200 can be of a piezoelectric type, a piezo-resistive type, or a capacitance type. The angular velocity sensor can be of a piezoelectric type, a capacitance type, or the like.

[0092] The biological information detection unit 200 can detect the biological information using the relative displacement, acceleration, and angular velocity with respect to the permanent magnet 233. The wearing determination unit 121 determines whether the wearing condition is met based on whether the biological information detected by the magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, and angular velocity sensor is being properly detected.

[0093] Specifically, the wearing determiner 121 determines whether the wearing condition is met using the relative displacement, acceleration, and angular velocity with respect to the permanent magnet 233 detected by the magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, and angular velocity sensor. For example, the wearing determiner 121 determines that the wearing condition is met if the relative displacement with respect to the permanent magnet 233 detected by the magnetic sensor is within a predetermined displacement. The wearing determiner 121 determines that the wearing condition is met if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is within a predetermined acceleration. Furthermore, the wearing determiner 121 determines that the wearing condition is met if the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity sensor is within a predetermined angular velocity.

[0094] <Modification 2> Next, Modification 2 of the present invention will be described, but parts common to Modification 1 will be omitted. Figures 11 to 13 are diagrams showing the configuration of a biological information detection unit 200 in Modification 2. In this modification, an optical tactile sensor unit is used for the biological information detection unit 200.

[0095] The biological information detection unit 200 in this embodiment has a circuit board on which two-segment photodiodes 235a and 235b are mounted, and a light-emitting element 234 is further mounted on the circuit board 231 on which the inertial sensor IC is mounted. Here, the light-emitting element 234 is mounted on the abutting member 210. The two-segment photodiodes 235a and 235b are mounted on the biasing member 113 (second member). There is a hollow space between the light-emitting element 234 and the segmented photodiodes 235a and 235b. In other words, there is no elastic member 221 between the light-emitting element 234 and the segmented photodiodes 235a and 235b.

[0096] The two-segment photodiodes 235a and 235b are light-receiving elements each having a light-receiving surface divided into two. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the aperture member 236 has openings 236a and 236b in the optical path between the light-emitting element 234 and the two-segment photodiodes 235a and 235b.

[0097] Using the outputs from the two-segment photodiodes 235a and 235b, a signal processing circuit (not shown) at a later stage detects three-dimensional displacement of the light emitting element 234, and calculates the external force from the detected amount of displacement.

[0098] Here, a procedure for detecting the amount of movement of the light-emitting element 234 due to an external force and calculating the external force will be described. FIG. 12 illustrates the movement of the light-emitting element 234 and the movement of the projected spot 237 when a vertical external force F is applied. The distance between the spot pair formed by one light-emitting element 234 changes depending on the ratio between the distance between the light-emitting element 234 and the openings 236a and 236b and the distance between the openings 236a and 236b and the light-receiving IC surface. When subjected to a force pushing in the surface direction, the light-emitting element 234 moves downward, reducing the distance between the light-emitting element 234 and the openings 236a and 236b. As a result, the center-to-center distance between the spot pair increases. The vertical external force can be estimated by calculating the distance between the center position coordinates of the spot pair.

[0099] 13 is a diagram showing the movement of the light-emitting element 234 and the movement of the projected spot 237 when an external force F in the shear direction is applied. When the elastic member 221 is subjected to an external force in the shear direction via the abutting member 210, the light-emitting element 234 moves in an in-plane direction. As a result, the center of the central position of the spot pair moves in the direction opposite to the external force. The external force in the shear direction can be estimated by calculating the average value of the central position coordinates of the spot pair.

[0100] <Modification 3> Next, a description will be given of Modification 3 of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 3.

[0101] A biasing member 113 (second member) that biases the biological information detection unit 200 is provided (extended) on the frame member 110 (first member). In addition, a biasing member 252 that biases the biological information detection unit 250 is provided (extended) on the frame member 110 (first member).

[0102] The biological information detection unit 200 is placed on the user's lower jaw, and the biological information detection unit 250 is placed on the user's cheek.

[0103] The biasing member 252 biases the biometric information detection unit 250 in a direction that brings it into contact with the user. The biasing member 252 has elasticity in the direction that brings it into contact with the user so as to maintain the biasing force. In this way, the biasing member 252 can press the biometric information detection unit 250 against the user.

[0104] The biasing member 252 is connected to the biometric information detection unit 250. The biometric information detection unit 250 is a component that moves in accordance with the movement of the user's mouth. Therefore, the biasing member 252 may have elasticity that presses the biometric information detection unit 250 against the user and deforms in accordance with the movement of the mouth. The rigidity of the biasing member 252 is set to a third predetermined value or greater so that the biasing member 252 can bias the biometric information detection unit 250 in a direction that brings it into contact with the user. The rigidity of the biasing member 252 is lower than the rigidity of the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)). The rigidity of the biasing member 252 is higher than the rigidity of the biasing member 113 (second member).

[0105] The rigidity of the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)) is set to be equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. The rigidity is at least one of bending rigidity and shear rigidity. Therefore, the third predetermined value for the rigidity of the biasing member 252 is lower than the second predetermined value for the rigidity of the connecting portion 112 (frame member 110 (first member)).

[0106] It is desirable that the biasing force of the biasing member 252 is adjustable so as not to hinder the movement of the user's mouth. The biasing member 252 has an adjustment mechanism, similar to the connecting portion 112, and can adjust the biasing force of the biological information detection unit 250 connected to the biasing member 252. For example, the adjustment mechanism is a slide mechanism (extension / contraction mechanism) in the biasing member 252.

[0107] <Modification 4> Next, Modification 4 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 4. In contrast to Modification 3, the connecting portion 112 constituting the frame member 110 (first member) is composed of connecting portion 112A and connecting portion 112B. When the user wears the device, the device can be worn on either the left or right side of the head so that the biasing members 113 and 252 do not get in the way. Connecting portions 112A and 112B can be connected, for example, with a magnet or a buckle, but various other methods are also possible. Furthermore, connecting portions 112A and 112B each may be composed of multiple tubular members and may have an adjustment mechanism for adjusting their length. This configuration allows the user to easily attach and detach the device. Furthermore, the device can be stored compactly.

[0108] The device may be powered on when the coupling unit 112A and the coupling unit 112B are coupled. Furthermore, wireless communication between the information processing unit 120 and the sensor 230, and wireless communication between the communication unit 130 and the external device 300, the display unit 310, and the audio information output unit 320 may be triggered by coupling the coupling unit 112A and the coupling unit 112B. Furthermore, attachment determination and estimation may be triggered by coupling the coupling unit 112A and the coupling unit 112B. The device may also be powered off when the coupling unit 112A and the coupling unit 112B are separated. This allows the user to use the information conversion system more easily. It also avoids unnecessary power consumption.

[0109] <Modification 5> Next, Modification 5 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the appearance of an information conversion system in Modification 5. In contrast to Modification 3, this modification has a frame member 110 (first member) including a clamping portion 111 and biasing members 113 and 252 (second members) that are separate members. The user can wear the device with the biasing members 113 and 252 detached from the first member 110. After wearing the first member, the user can easily wear the device by connecting the biasing members 113 and 252 to the clamping portion 111. The biasing members 113 and 252 can be connected to the clamping portion 111 using, for example, a magnet. Alternatively, the biasing members 113 and 252 may be made up of multiple members and have an adjustment mechanism for adjusting their length. This configuration allows the device to be stored compactly.

[0110] Furthermore, as in the fourth modification, the device may be powered on and off using the coupling and separation of the biasing members 113, 252 and the clamping unit 111 as a trigger. Furthermore, wireless communication between the information processing unit 120 and the sensor 230, and wireless communication between the communication unit 130 and the external device 300, the display unit 310, and the audio information output unit 320 may be started and ended using the coupling and separation of the biasing members 113, 252 and the clamping unit 111 as a trigger. Furthermore, attachment determination and estimation may be started using the coupling as a trigger. This allows the user to use the information conversion system more easily. It also avoids unnecessary power consumption.

[0111] <Variation 6> Next, Variation 6 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the information conversion system in Variation 6. In this variation, in contrast to Variation 5, the audio output unit 320 is installed in the clamping unit 111 or the like. The audio output unit 320 may be, for example, a bone conduction earphone, an in-ear earphone, or a headphone. The user can confirm the audio information output by the information processing unit 120 via the audio output unit 320. The audio output unit 320 may be installed not only in the clamping unit 111 but also in the coupling unit 112 or the biometric information detection unit 220, or may be placed in the ear, as long as the audio information output by the information processing unit 120 can be confirmed. This configuration allows the user to easily confirm whether their mouth movements are being converted into audio information as intended. Furthermore, the audio output unit 320 is not limited to audio information estimated based on the user's biometric information, and may output music, the voice of the person on the other end of the phone, or the like.

[0112] In this modification, the audio input unit 410 is installed in the clamping unit 111 or the like. The audio input unit 410 is, for example, a microphone. The installation position of the audio input unit 410 is not limited to the clamping unit 111, but may also be the coupling unit 112 or the biometric information detection unit 220, as long as it can acquire the user's voice. The audio information input to the audio input unit 410 is sent to the information processing unit 120.

[0113] The information processing unit 120 estimates and outputs corresponding text information or audio information based on the biometric information and audio information acquired by the biometric information detection unit 200 and the biometric information detection unit 250. This allows the information processing unit 120 to improve estimation accuracy based on the biometric information and audio information. The information processing unit 120 may also estimate and output corresponding text information based only on audio information, or output audio information from which noise has been removed.

[0114] Switching between audio information only, biometric information only, or audio information and biometric information input to the information processing unit 120 may be performed by a user operation, or may be performed automatically depending on the state of connection between the biasing members 113, 252 and the clamping unit 111. Specifically, when the biasing members 113, 252 and the clamping unit 111 are not connected, only audio information may be input to the information processing unit 120. Furthermore, when the biasing members 113, 252 and the clamping unit 111 are connected, audio information and biometric information may be input to the information processing unit 120. Switching of input information may also be performed automatically. Furthermore, even when the biasing members 113, 252 and the clamping unit 111 are connected, if it is determined that the audio information does not include the user's voice, the information processing unit 120 may automatically switch to estimating and outputting corresponding text information or audio information based only on the biometric information. Alternatively, only audio information may be input to the information processing unit 120 even when the biasing members 113 and 252 and the clamping unit 111 are coupled together.

[0115] This allows the user to use the information conversion system with the optimum hardware configuration depending on the usage situation.

[0116] <Seventh Modification> Next, a seventh modification of the present invention will be described. In this modification, the frame member 110 in the third modification is placed in front of the face. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the appearance of the information conversion system in the seventh modification.

[0117] The frame member 110 is provided with a nose pad member 114. The nose pad member 114 has a bifurcated tip and is designed to come into contact with the top of the nose when worn. Here, the frame member 110 may have the function of glasses, or may be part of a glasses-type image output device.

[0118] A biasing member 113 (second member) that biases the biometric information detection unit 200 is provided (extended) on the frame member 110 (first member). In addition, a biasing member 252 that biases the biometric information detection unit 250 is provided (extended) on the frame member 110 (first member). The biometric information detection unit 200 is placed on the user's lower jaw, and the biometric information detection unit 250 is placed on the user's cheek. The biasing member 252 is a biasing member that biases the biometric information detection unit 250 in a direction that brings it into contact with the user. The biasing member 252 has elasticity in the direction that brings it into contact with the user so as to maintain the biasing force. In this way, the biasing member 252 can press the biometric information detection unit 250 against the user.

[0119] According to this modification, the device can be attached from the front of the face, making it easy to wear without disturbing the hairstyle. Furthermore, because the fixing parts can be supported by the ears and nose, the frame member 110 can be stably fixed to the head via the biasing member 113 even when subjected to forces in various directions due to opening and closing the mouth, improving the accuracy of acquiring biometric information.

[0120] <Modification 8> Next, Modification 8 of the present invention will be described. In this modification, the frame member 110 in Modification 3 is separated into two parts, a left part and a right part. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the appearance of the information conversion system in Modification 8.

[0121] The two frame members 110 are connected via a biasing member 115. The biometric information detection unit 200 is placed on the user's lower jaw, and the two biometric information detection units 250 are placed on the user's cheeks. Here, one biometric information detection unit 250 is placed on each cheek, but dummy pads without detection functions may also be included. The left and right frame members 110 are secured to the head by being hung on the ears, and the elasticity of the biasing member 115 presses the biometric information detection units 200 and 250 against the under-chin and cheeks, respectively. At this time, a force acts to pinch the cheeks between the two biometric information detection units 250, stabilizing the biasing force and preventing poor fit, such as floating.

[0122] According to this modification, the device can be attached from the front of the face, making it easy to attach without messing up the hairstyle. In addition, the device is clamped by the detection unit, which makes it less likely to be attached incorrectly.

[0123] <Modification 9> Next, Modification 9 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the appearance of the information conversion system in Modification 9. This modification is different from Modification 3 in that it has a mechanism in which biasing members 113, 252 (second members) rotate in the left-right direction relative to clamping portion 111 that constitutes frame member 110 (first member).

[0124] This allows the user to easily wear the device. The biasing members 113 and 252 may also have a rotation mechanism with the longitudinal direction of the biasing member as the rotation axis. This allows the device to be stored more compactly. Furthermore, this rotation mechanism allows the device to be worn in a way that better suits the user's face shape.

[0125] The biasing members 113 and 252 may also have a function of turning on the device when they reach a predetermined attachment position (a position where the sensors 200 and 250 come into contact with the skin) and turning off the device when they reach a detachment position. Furthermore, a bone conduction earphone built into the biasing member 113 may provide feedback to the user by sound when the power is on or off.

[0126] This allows the user to use the information conversion system more easily and also helps to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0127] <Modification 10> Next, Modification 10 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the appearance of the information conversion system in Modification 10. In comparison with Modification 3, this modification has a mechanism in which biasing members 113, 252 (second members) rotate in the up-down direction relative to clamping portion 111 constituting frame member 110 (first member).

[0128] This allows the user to easily wear the device, and also allows the device to be stored more compactly.

[0129] The biasing members 113 and 252 may also have a function of turning on the device when they reach a predetermined attachment position (a position where the sensors 200 and 250 come into contact with the skin) and turning off the device when they reach a detachment position. Furthermore, a bone conduction earphone built into the biasing member 113 may provide feedback to the user by sound when the power is on or off.

[0130] This allows the user to use the information conversion system more easily and also helps to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0131] As described above, this embodiment includes a first member (frame member 110 (first member)) that is fixed to the user, and a biometric information detection unit 200 that detects biometric information by abutting the abutting member 210 against the user. It also includes a second member (urging member 113 (second member)) that is installed in the first member (frame member 110 (first member)) and urges the biometric information detection unit 200 in a direction to abut against the user. It also includes a third member (urging member 252) that is installed in the first member (frame member 110 (first member)) and urges the biometric information detection unit 250 in a direction to abut against the user.

[0132] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0133] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0134] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-174306 filed on October 6, 2023 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-070111 filed on April 23, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An information conversion system which outputs text information or audio information converted from a user's biometric information, comprising: a first member fixed to the user; a biometric information detection unit which detects the biometric information by contacting a contact member against the user; and a second member attached to the first member and urging the biometric information detection unit in a direction to contact the user, wherein the biometric information detection unit has an attitude control member which controls the attitude of the contact member.

2. The information conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the biometric information detection unit is composed of a contact member that contacts the user's skin surface, the posture control member, and a sensor that detects the user's biometric information.

3. An information conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the biometric information detection unit is installed at the tip of the second member which biases the biometric information detection unit in a direction to contact the user.

4. An information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein said attitude control member controls at least one of the position and attitude of said contact member so as to satisfy a predetermined wearing condition.

5. An information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein the attitude control member is located between the abutment member and the second member and is connected to the abutment member and the second member.

6. An information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein said attitude control member has an elastic member which is deformed by an external force applied to said contact member.

7. An information conversion system according to claim 6, wherein said attitude control member has a deformation limiting member for limiting deformation of said elastic member.

8. An information conversion system according to claim 7, wherein the deformation limiting member is a strip-shaped member or a linear member.

9. The information conversion system according to claim 7, wherein the deformation limiting member is a plurality of members, each of which is connected to the abutting member and the second member.

10. The information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein the first member is shaped to wrap around the user's head and has elasticity to sandwich the user's head.

11. The information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein the first member or the second member has an extension mechanism.

12. The information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein the first member supports the second member and includes a rotation mechanism for rotating the second member.

13. The information conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that there are multiple biometric information detection units, and at least one of the size, shape, and material of the contact member is set according to the part of the contact member that comes into contact with the user.

14. The information conversion system according to claim 6, wherein said biometric information detection section detects the amount of deformation of said elastic member as the biometric information.

15. The information conversion system according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment determination unit which determines whether or not the attachment conditions of the biometric information detection unit are met based on whether or not the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit is being properly detected.

16. The information conversion system according to claim 15, further comprising a display section for displaying the result of the determination when the mounting condition is determined not to be satisfied by the mounting determination section.

17. The information conversion system according to claim 1, wherein the bioinformation detection unit is at least one of a myoelectric potential sensor, an acceleration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a tactile sensor, an optical sensor, and a pressure sensor.

18. An information conversion system as described in claim 1, further comprising a main body section for processing the biometric information acquired by the biometric information detection section, the main body section being installed inside the first member.

19. The information conversion system described in claim 1, further comprising an information processing unit that converts the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit into text information or audio information using a trained model that associates biometric information with text information or audio information.

20. A biometric information detection device comprising: a first member fixed to a user; a biometric information detection unit that detects biometric information by abutting a contact member against the user; and a second member attached to the first member and biasing the biometric information detection unit in a direction to abut against the user, wherein the biometric information detection unit has an attitude control member that controls the attitude of the abutment member.

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