Clothing-type device

Abstract

This clothing-type device comprises: a clothing part worn by an object to be measured; and one or a plurality of modules attached to the clothing part. The module has a functional part, a first module setting part, and a first connection part electrically connected to the clothing part. The clothing part has a plurality of module set parts to / from which the modules are attachable / detachable, a second connection part electrically connected to the first connection part, a control unit that controls the operations of the modules attached to the module set parts, and a communication path that electrically connects the second connection part of each module set part and the control unit. The module set part has a second module setting part that connects to the first module setting part, and the control unit recognizes the function of the functional part of the module on the basis of the connection mode between the first module setting part and the second module setting part.

Description

Clothing-type device

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing-type device.

[0002] Various pieces of information (biometric information) obtained from a living organism are important for understanding the physical and psychological state of that organism. Examples of biometric information include electrocardiogram, pulse wave, body temperature, and blood pressure. Wearable devices are worn on the user's body (arm, wrist, head, etc.) to obtain biometric information and enable daily health management and exercise optimization. As a result, wearable devices have become increasingly popular in recent years in line with the growing demand for healthcare and fitness.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes measuring biometric information from electrodes mounted on clothing and measuring the user's body movements using an accelerometer. Patent Document 2 describes not only measuring biometric information but also mounting a fan on clothing to blow air to the user to prevent heatstroke, etc.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6301969 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-011651

[0005] As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, wearable devices come in a wide variety of shapes and configurations, each designed to suit a different purpose and usage environment. However, configurations tailored to a purpose or usage environment have low customizability, making it difficult for each wearable device to adapt to different purposes and usage environments depending on the user.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a clothing-type device that has excellent customizability and can respond to the increasing complexity of user purposes and usage environments.

[0007] The clothing-type device of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration: (1) A clothing-type device comprising: a clothing part worn by a measurement object; and one or more modules attached to the clothing part, wherein the module has: a functional part having a predetermined function, a first module setting part for recognizing the type of the module, and a first connection part that electrically connects to the clothing part when attached to the clothing part, wherein the clothing part has: a plurality of module setting parts arranged in an array, each of which has a module detachably attached, a second connection part that electrically connects to the first connection part, a control part that controls the operation of the modules attached to the module setting part, and a communication path that electrically connects the second connection part of each module setting part to the control part, wherein the module setting part has: a second module setting part that connects to the first module setting part, and wherein the control part recognizes the function of the functional part of the module connected to the module setting part having the second module setting part based on the connection state between the first module setting part and the second module setting part.

[0008] (2) The clothing-type device according to (1), wherein the control unit outputs the measurement results obtained by the module to a communication terminal.

[0009] (3) The clothing-type device according to (1), further comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the control unit.

[0010] (4) The clothing-type device according to (1), wherein each module setting section is a non-penetrating type provided on the inside and outside of the main body section of the clothing section.

[0011] (5) A clothing-type device as described in (1), in which each module setting section is a through-type section in which a through hole is formed, the clothing section has an opening formed at the through-hole formation position and penetrates from the inside to the outside, and the functional section of at least one module penetrates the clothing section and is exposed on the side of the clothing section opposite the module attachment side.

[0012] (6) The clothing device according to (1), wherein the module and / or the clothing part has an alarm part that notifies the status of the module.

[0013] (7) The clothing-type device according to (1), wherein the clothing part is a shirt composed of a front body part, a back body part, sleeves, and a collar part.

[0014] (8) The clothing-type device according to (7), wherein the clothing part has a neck part that covers the neck part of the measurement object, and the module setting part is provided on the neck part.

[0015] (9) The clothing-type device according to (7), wherein the clothing part has a sleeve part that covers an arm part of the measurement object, and the module setting part is provided on the sleeve part.

[0016] (10) The clothing-type device described in (1), wherein the functional unit of at least one module has a functional element that acquires one or more of electrocardiogram, electromyogram, pulse wave, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, body temperature, sweating, heart sounds, respiratory sounds, echo, abdominal movement, chest movement, body movement, impedance, temperature, and humidity.

[0017] (11) The clothing-type device according to (1), wherein the functional part of at least one module has a Peltier element that absorbs or releases heat on a functional surface.

[0018] (12) The clothing-type device according to (1), wherein the functional part of at least one module has a heater element whose functional surface generates heat.

[0019] (13) The clothing-type device according to (1), wherein the functional part of at least one module has a functional element that measures the temperature inside the clothing part.

[0020] According to the present invention, the system has excellent customizability and can respond to the increasing complexity of user objectives and usage environments.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a clothing-type device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a module included in the clothing-type device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a clothing part included in the clothing-type device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a module setting part included in the clothing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a measurement process performed by the clothing-type device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a measurement process performed by the clothing-type device according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a measurement process performed by the clothing-type device according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a measurement process performed by the clothing-type device according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a module included in the clothing-type device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a module setting part included in the clothing part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a module included in the clothing-type device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of a clothing-type device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the individual embodiments of the present invention are not independent and can be implemented in appropriate combination with each other.

[0023] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a clothing-type device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The clothing-type device 1 includes a module group 120 consisting of one or more modules, and a clothing part 3. The modules are attached to the clothing part 3, and a target user 100 wears the clothing part 3 to perform measurements. The user 100 may be a human, a non-human animal, or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0024] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a module included in the clothing-type device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. The module 2 includes a main body unit 20, a functional unit 21, a module setting unit 22, a connection unit 23, and a fixing unit 24. Note that the module 2 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is a non-penetrating type module in which the functional unit 21 does not penetrate the main body unit 20.

[0025] The main body 20 is plate-shaped. Fig. 2(a) shows the surface on the side that is attached to the garment part 3, Fig. 2(b) shows a side portion that is connected to the surface on the side that is attached, and Fig. 2(c) shows the surface on the opposite side from the surface on the side that is attached to the garment part 3.

[0026] The functional unit 21 is configured using functional elements having any of various functions. The functional unit 21 here includes functional elements for realizing the functions provided to the user 100. Functions provided to the user 100 include sensing such as measuring electrocardiogram signals, body temperature, and body movement, as well as warming / cooling effects and power generation effects. When the function provided to the user 100 is sensing, a sensor appropriate for the sensing content is used as the functional element. When the function is to provide a warming / cooling effect, a heater or a fan is used as the functional element.

[0027] The modules 2 each have different functional elements and various types of functions, and the user 100 can select a module to attach to the garment part 3 from the module group 120 depending on the purpose and usage environment. Examples of the modules include an electrocardiogram measurement module, an electromyogram measurement module, a pulse wave measurement module, a blood pressure measurement module, a blood oxygen saturation measurement module, a blood glucose measurement module, a body temperature measurement module, a sweat measurement module, a heart sound measurement module, a respiratory sound measurement module, an echo measurement module, an abdominal movement measurement module, a chest movement measurement module, a body movement measurement module, a body surface impedance measurement module, a Peltier element module, a heater module, a fan module, a temperature difference power generation module, a vibration power generation module, a photovoltaic power generation module, a wired power supply module, a wireless power supply module, a communication module, a display module, and the like. In this way, the module can acquire biometric information from the user 100, such as electrocardiogram, electromyogram, pulse wave, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, body temperature, sweating, heart sounds, respiratory sounds, echocardiogram, abdominal movement, chest movement, body movement, and impedance, as well as environmental information, such as temperature and humidity inside and / or outside the clothing, and can expand the functionality of the clothing-type device 1. The functions of the module are not limited to these. Even if the desired functions and purposes of the modules are the same, the functional elements may be different. For example, when the purpose is to measure body temperature, the functional element can be selected from a thermistor, an infrared sensor, a thermocouple, or the like. The size of the module 2 can be designed as desired.

[0028] The module setting unit 22 has a configuration for recognizing module information, such as what type of module is attached to the garment part 3. The module setting unit 22 may use, for example, a mechanical switch element such as a pin arrangement, or a radio wave recognition technology such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, but is not limited to these.

[0029] The connection unit 23 enables electrical connection with the clothing part 3. The connection unit 23 establishes electrical connection by connecting to electrodes of the clothing part 3. The connection unit 23 supplies power from the clothing part 3 to the functional part 21 and transmits data acquired by the functional part 21 to the clothing part 3.

[0030] The fastening portion 24 fastens the module 2 to the clothing portion 3. The fastening portion 24 may be, for example, a button, a clip, a magnet, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0031] The module 2 has a functional unit 21 provided on the surface of the main body 20 opposite to the surface on which the main body 20 is attached to the garment 3, and a module setting unit 22 and a fixing unit 24 provided on the surface on which the main body 20 is attached to the garment 3. The connecting unit 23 is provided across from the surface on which the main body 20 is attached to the garment 3 to the opposite surface, and is electrically connected to the functional unit 21 and the module setting unit 22. Depending on the measurement mode, etc., the functional unit 21 may be located on the surface on which the main body 20 is attached to the garment 3, or on both surfaces.

[0032] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the clothing part included in the clothing-type device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. The clothing part 3 includes a main body part 30, a control part 31, a power supply part 32, a module setting part 33, a communication path 34, and a pressure adjustment part 35. Note that the module setting part 33 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is a non-penetrating type module setting part that is compatible with non-penetrating type modules.

[0033] The main body 30 is shaped like a garment that can be worn around the upper body of the user 100. The garment 3 may be, but is not limited to, a long-sleeved garment, a sleeveless garment, or a high-necked garment that covers the neck of the user 100. Thus, the main body 30 of the garment 3 is basically a shirt-like structure consisting of a front body, a back body, sleeves, and a collar, and may have a neck portion that covers the neck and sleeves that cover the arms depending on the object being measured. The garment 3 is also shaped like a fabric, such as cotton, polyester, or nylon, and does not necessarily have to be made of a single material but may be made of a combination of these materials. The main body 30 of the garment 3 is shaped like a high-necked, long-sleeved garment, with a front body, a back body, sleeves, a collar, a neck, and sleeves. The main body 30 is made of, for example, a cotton-polyester blend. From the viewpoint of repeated use, it is preferable that the garment portion 3 be made of a washable material that has excellent water resistance, durability, abrasion resistance, shape memory properties, and the like.

[0034] The control unit 31 controls the operation of the module 2 attached to the module setting unit 33, the module setting unit 33, manages acquired data, and communicates with external devices. The control unit 31 is a computer configured using one or more hardware components such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and a memory. The memory is configured using a read only memory (ROM) in which various programs are pre-installed, a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., which store calculation parameters and data for each process.

[0035] The communication here may be, for example, an existing public line network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc., but is not limited to these. The external device may be, for example, a smartphone owned by the user 100, a server provided by a medical institution, etc., but is not limited to these. The control unit 31 may be configured to be detachable from the main body unit 30.

[0036] The various programs can also be recorded on computer-readable recording media such as HDDs, flash memories, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and Blu-ray (registered trademark) and widely distributed.

[0037] The power supply unit 32 supplies operating power to the control unit 31. When the functional unit 21 of the module 2 requires power for its operation, the power supply unit 32 also supplies operating power to the module 2. Furthermore, when power is supplied from the functional unit 21 of the module 2, power is supplied from the module 2 to the power supply unit 32. The power supply unit 32 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to this. The power supply unit 32 may have a mechanism that is detachable from the main body 30.

[0038] The module setting sections 33 are arranged in an array on the inner and outer surfaces of the garment section 3, and the modules 2 are detachably attached to them. A plurality of module setting sections 33 are provided on the main body section 30. In the example shown in Fig. 3, module setting sections 33 are also provided on the neck and sleeve sections.

[0039] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the module setting section included in the garment part according to embodiment 1. The module setting section 33 includes a main body section 331, a module setting section 332, a fixing section 333, and a connecting section 334.

[0040] The main body 331 is plate-shaped. Fig. 4A shows the surface on which the module 2 is attached, and Fig. 4B shows a side surface connected to the surface on which the module 2 is attached. In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the module setting section 33 is provided on both sides of the main body 30 will be described, but a configuration in which the module setting section 33 is provided on either side will also be possible.

[0041] The module setting unit 332 identifies module information, such as what type of module is installed, according to the connection state with the module setting unit 22 of the module 2. The module setting unit 332 is configured to be compatible with the module setting unit 22 of the module 2. For example, if the module setting unit 22 of the module 2 is configured with a pin arrangement, the module setting unit 332 is configured with a pin recognition mechanism.

[0042] The fixing portion 333 fixes the module 2 to the main body 30. The fixing portion 333 is configured to be detachable from the fixing portion 24 of the module 2. For example, if the fixing portion 24 of the module 2 is a male snap button, the fixing portion 333 is configured as a female snap button.

[0043] The connection portion 334 is electrically connected to the communication path 34. The connection portion 334 also comes into contact with the connection portion 23 of the module 2, thereby electrically connecting the connection portion 334 to the communication path 34.

[0044] 3 , the communication path 34 electrically connects the control unit 31 to the connection unit 334 of each module setting unit 33. The communication path 34 connects to the connection unit 23 via the connection unit 334, enabling power supply from the garment unit 3 to the functional unit 21, transmission of data acquired by the functional unit 21 to the garment unit 3, and communication with the module setting unit 332. The communication path 34 is expected to be formed, for example, from a stretchable conductive fiber, but is not limited to this. The communication path 34 is expected to be formed, for example, from two power lines, two signal lines, and two signal lines for transmitting module information, for a total of six conductors, but is not limited to this.

[0045] 4 shows an example in which the communication path 34 is provided on one side of the main body 30 and is electrically connected to the module set unit 33 on the opposite side via the main body 30, but the communication path 34 may be provided on both sides of the main body 30. It is also preferable that the communication path 34 is built into the main body 30, which can prevent entanglement and breakage of the conductors. The communication path 34 may also have a mechanism that is detachable from the main body 30.

[0046] The pressure adjusting unit 35 tightens the main body unit 30 so that the main body unit 30 is in close contact with the body surface of the user 100. The pressure adjusting unit 35 is disposed at any position on the main body unit 30, and the position, size, and number of the pressure adjusting unit 35 can be set as appropriate. The pressure adjusting unit 35 may be, for example, a belt, a button, an elastic band, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of module setting sections 33 are provided in the main body section 30 at positions corresponding to the locations where measurements etc. are to be performed, and each is connected to the control section 31 via a communication path 34 .

[0048] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of measurement processing executed by the wearable device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a series of steps is described for measuring the pulse wave signal of user 100 and displaying information about the measured pulse wave signal on a smartphone owned by user 100. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which module 2 is a pulse wave measurement module and the functional element in functional unit 21 is a reflective PPG (Photo Plethysmo Gram) sensor (reflective photoplethysmogram sensor).

[0049] First, the user 100 attaches the module 2 to the module setting unit 33 at a position suitable for measurement. The module setting unit 33 is selected to be located on the inside of the user's 100 left wrist and on the inside of the garment unit 3 so as to contact the radial artery in the user's 100 left wrist. For example, if the fixing units 24 and 333 are configured with snap buttons, the module 2 is fixed by, for example, fitting the fixing unit 24 into the fixing unit 333. The user 100 attaches the module 2 to the module setting unit 33 on the inside or outside of the garment unit 3, depending on the function of the module 2. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pulse wave measurement module is attached to the inside surface of the garment unit 3. The module 2 has a module setting unit 22, a connection unit 23, and a fixing unit 24 on one side, and a functional unit 21 on the other side. The module 2 may be loaned from a medical institution or purchased by the user 100, etc. The attachment position of the module 2 may be determined by the user 100 or by an operator such as a doctor. After wearing the module 2, the user 100 puts on the clothing part 3 and adjusts the pressure adjustment part 35 to bring the main body part 30 close to or in close contact with the body surface of the user 100, thereby placing the module 2 on the body surface of the user 100. Note that the module 2 may be attached after the user 100 has put on the clothing part 3.

[0050] When the module 2 is attached to the module setting unit 33, the module setting units 22 and 332 are connected. Thereafter, when the power supply unit 32 is switched on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 32 to the control unit 31 and the module 2. Then, the control unit 31 executes a recognition process for the module 2 connected to the module setting unit 33 (step S101). For example, if the module setting units 22 and 332 are configured using a pin arrangement, the control unit 31 detects the connection state of the pins and determines the type of functional unit 21 included in the module 2.

[0051] Thereafter, the control unit 31 operates the module 2 and acquires the measurement results from the module 2 (step S102). Here, since the module 2 is attached to the clothing part 3 so as to contact the radial artery in the left wrist of the user 100, the reflective PPG sensor, which is the functional element of the functional part 21 of the module 2, emits light toward the radial artery and receives the reflected light to detect the amount of light absorbed by the blood and measure a pulse wave signal. The control unit 31 acquires the pulse wave signal from the module 2.

[0052] Control unit 31 communicates with communication terminal 4, such as a smartphone owned by user 100, and transmits the acquired pulse wave signal (step S103). Communication terminal 4 receives the pulse wave signal and displays necessary information based on the pulse wave signal to inform user 100. Control unit 31 may also process the pulse wave signal to generate display information and transmit it to communication terminal 4.

[0053] According to the embodiment 1 of the present invention described above, the function selected by the user 100 can be assigned to a specified position on the clothing-type device 1, which provides excellent customization, making it possible to adapt to the different purposes and usage environments of each user.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is only necessary to decide the module setting section 33 to which the module 2 is to be attached, so there is no need to consider the placement of the sensor, and appropriate measurements can be performed without specialized knowledge.

[0055] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example has been described in which one pulse wave measurement module is used as module 2 from module group 120, but multiple modules of different types can also be used.

[0056] In addition to these modules, it is also conceivable to attach a module that detects the pressure of the pressure adjusting section 35, detect the degree of pressure, and output the pressure state.

[0057] (Variation 1 of Embodiment 1) Next, Variation 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of measurement processing executed by a clothing-type device according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Variation 1 differs from the above-described Embodiment 1 in the number and types of modules 2. Variation 1 describes a series of steps in which an electrocardiogram signal, a pulse wave signal, and a body temperature of a user 100 are measured, information indicating the health condition of the user 100 is analyzed from the measured electrocardiogram signal, pulse wave signal, and body temperature, and the obtained information is displayed on a smartphone owned by the user 100.

[0058] In this first modification, four modules are used. The first and second modules are electrocardiogram measurement modules, and the functional element in the functional unit 21 is a dry electrocardiogram electrode. The third module is a pulse wave measurement module, and the functional element in the functional unit 21 is a reflective PPG sensor. The fourth module is a body temperature measurement module, and the functional element in the functional unit 21 is a thermistor.

[0059] First, the user 100 attaches two electrocardiogram measurement modules to the module set part 33 located on the front of the user 100 and inside the clothing part 3, sandwiching the user's 100 epigastrium, attaches a pulse wave measurement module to the module set part 33 located on the inside of the user's 100's left wrist and inside the clothing part 3, and attaches a body temperature measurement module to the module set part 33 located on the front of the user 100 and inside the clothing part 3.

[0060] When each module 2 is attached to the module setting unit 33, the module setting units 22 and 332 are connected. Thereafter, when the power supply unit 32 is switched on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 32 to the control unit 31 and each module 2. The control unit 31 then executes a recognition process for each module 2 connected to the module setting unit 33 (step S201). The control unit 31 detects the connection state of the module setting units 22 and 332 and determines the type of functional unit 21 provided in each module 2. Here, it detects that an electrocardiogram measurement module, a pulse wave measurement module, and a body temperature measurement module have been connected.

[0061] When measurement begins, the electrocardiogram signal is measured by the electrocardiogram measurement module, the pulse wave signal is measured by the pulse wave measurement module, and the body temperature is measured by the body temperature measurement module in parallel (step S202). When the electrocardiogram signal is measured by the electrocardiogram measurement modules, the control unit 31 acquires the potential difference between the two electrocardiogram measurement modules as an electrocardiogram signal. The pulse wave measurement modules measure pulse wave signals for red light and infrared light, respectively, and transmit the measured pulse wave signals to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 acquires the pulse wave signals from the pulse wave measurement modules. The body temperature measurement module also measures the body temperature and transmits the measured body temperature to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 acquires the body temperature from the body temperature measurement modules.

[0062] The control unit 31 extracts, from the acquired data, information indicating the health condition of the user 100, such as the heart rate, arrhythmia information, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO ２ ) is analyzed (step S203).

[0063] The heart rate is analyzed based on the acquired electrocardiographic signal. The control unit 31 detects electrocardiographic waveforms from the acquired electrocardiographic signal and treats the number of electrocardiographic waveforms occurring per specified time period as the heart rate. The arrhythmia information is analyzed based on the acquired electrocardiographic signal. The control unit 31 analyzes the acquired electrocardiographic signal for arrhythmia and treats the presence or absence of arrhythmia and / or the type of arrhythmia that has occurred and / or the number of arrhythmias that have occurred as arrhythmia information. The blood oxygen saturation is analyzed based on the acquired pulse wave signal. The control unit 31 determines the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood from the acquired red light pulse wave signal and infrared light pulse wave signal, and calculates the blood oxygen saturation.

[0064] The control unit 31 communicates with a communication terminal 4 such as a smartphone owned by the user 100, and transmits the acquired electrocardiogram signal, pulse wave signal, and body temperature, as well as information indicating the analyzed health condition of the user 100 (step S204). The communication terminal 4 receives this information and displays the necessary information to inform the user 100. Note that the control unit 31 may also perform signal processing on the electrocardiogram signal and pulse wave signal to generate information for display and transmit it to the communication terminal 4.

[0065] According to the above-described variant example 1, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, the function selected by the user 100 can be assigned to a specified position on the clothing-type device 1, which has excellent customizability and can be adapted to the different purposes and usage environments of each user.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the first modification, multiple pieces of information about the health condition of the user 100 can be provided, making it possible to grasp and monitor the health condition of the user 100.

[0067] In this first modification, an example has been described in which the electrocardiogram measurement modules are placed across the epigastrium of the user 100 to obtain lead CC5, but this is not limiting. Furthermore, in this first modification, one electrocardiogram signal is obtained from one lead using two electrocardiogram measurement modules, but this is not limiting, and it is also possible to use three electrocardiogram measurement modules to obtain three electrocardiogram signals from three leads, or to use another electrocardiogram measurement module as a ground to improve the quality of the obtained electrocardiogram signal.

[0068] In addition, in this variant example 1, the control unit 31 acquires the potential difference of the electrocardiogram measurement module as an electrocardiogram signal, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible that the potential difference of the electrocardiogram measurement module is acquired by module 2 as an electrocardiogram signal, and then the control unit 31 acquires this signal.

[0069] Furthermore, in this variant example 1, the measurement of the electrocardiogram signal by the electrocardiogram measurement module, the measurement of the pulse wave signal by the pulse wave measurement module, and the measurement of the body temperature by the body temperature measurement module are carried out in parallel, but this is not limited to this, and the timing at which each module operates can be freely determined.

[0070] Furthermore, in this variant example 1, an example has been described in which an electrocardiogram measurement module, a pulse wave measurement module, and a body temperature measurement module are used as module 2 from module group 120, but the number and types of modules used are not limited to this.

[0071] Furthermore, in this variant example 1, the heart rate, arrhythmia information, and blood oxygen saturation were analyzed as information indicating the health condition of user 100, but the number and types of information indicating the health condition of user 100 are not limited to these, and it is also possible to analyze based on data measured by multiple modules.

[0072] Furthermore, in this variant example 1, the control unit 31 analyzed the information indicating the health condition of the user 100, but this is not limited to this, and the analysis may also be performed by an external device such as a server provided by a medical institution.

[0073] (Variation 2 of Embodiment 1) Next, Variation 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of measurement processing executed by a clothing-type device according to Variation 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Variation 2 differs from the function of module 2 in the above-described Embodiment 1. In Variation 2, the temperature inside the clothing is measured, and based on the result, a module for providing a warming effect to user 100 is controlled. The flow of processing when this module is used will be described below.

[0074] In this second modification, two modules are used. One module is a clothing temperature measurement module, and the functional element in the functional unit 21 is a thermistor. The other module is a heater module, and the functional element in the functional unit 21 is a heating element.

[0075] First, the user 100 attaches the in-garment temperature measurement module to the module set part 33 located on the back of the user 100 and outside the clothing part 3, and then attaches the heater module to the module set part 33 located on the back of the user 100's neck and inside the clothing part 3.

[0076] When each module 2 is attached to the module setting unit 33, the module setting units 22 and 332 are connected. After that, when the power supply unit 32 is switched on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 32 to the control unit 31 and each module 2. Then, the control unit 31 executes a process to recognize each module 2 connected to the module setting unit 33 (step S301). The control unit 31 detects the connection state of the module setting units 22 and 332 and determines the type of functional unit 21 provided in each module 2. Here, it detects that a clothing temperature measurement module and a heater module have been connected.

[0077] When measurement starts, the garment temperature measurement module measures the garment temperature and transmits the measured garment temperature to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 acquires the measurement result from the garment temperature measurement module (step S302). Here, the control unit 31 acquires a temperature corresponding to the temperature near the body surface from the garment temperature measurement module.

[0078] The control unit 31 determines whether the temperature acquired from the clothing temperature measurement module is below a preset predetermined temperature (step S303). The preset temperature is set as a temperature measured by the clothing temperature measurement module that the user 100 does not feel uncomfortable at, for example, in the range of 10°C to 25°C. In this flow, an example of determining whether the temperature is below 10°C is described. However, an upper limit (e.g., 25°C) may be set and whether the temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value may also be set, or a lower limit and an upper limit may be set and whether the temperature is outside the range between the lower limit and the upper limit.

[0079] If the control unit 31 determines that the acquired temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature (step S303: Yes), the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that the acquired temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature (step S303: No), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0080] In step S304, the control unit 31 drives the heater module, which generates heat and heats the surrounding area.

[0081] In step S305, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the termination condition for the process is satisfied. The control unit 31 determines whether or not the termination condition, such as whether the upper limit of the number of measurements (number of repetitions) has been exceeded, is satisfied. If the control unit 31 determines that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S305: No), the control unit 31 returns to step S302 and repeats the above-described process. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that the termination condition is satisfied (step S305: Yes), the control unit 31 terminates the process.

[0082] In this way, in this second modification, the control unit 31 analyzes the measured temperature inside the clothing and controls the heater module according to the results. For example, if the temperature inside the clothing is below 10°C, the control unit 31 may start the heater module operation or change the heater module output according to the temperature inside the clothing.

[0083] At this time, the control unit 31 communicates with the communication terminal 4 owned by the user 100 or the like, and transmits the acquired temperature information and information indicating the operating status of the heater module.

[0084] According to the above-described variant example 2, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, the function selected by the user 100 can be assigned to a specified position on the clothing-type device 1, which has excellent customizability and can be adapted to the different purposes and usage environments of each user.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the second modification, it is possible to control a plurality of modules in a coordinated manner via the control unit 31, thereby improving the expandability of the clothing-type device 1.

[0086] In this second modification, an example has been described in which a garment temperature measurement module and a heater module from the module group 120 are used as module 2, but the number and type of modules used are not limited to this. Furthermore, in this second modification, the heater module is controlled based on the garment temperature acquired from the garment temperature measurement module, but the combination of modules and the control content are not limited to this. Furthermore, in this second modification, the control unit 31 analyzes the garment temperature and controls the heater module based on the results of the analysis. However, this is not limited to this, and analysis and control may be performed by an external device, such as a server provided by a medical institution, via an external device.

[0087] (Third Modification of First Embodiment) Next, a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the measurement process executed by the clothing-type device according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this third modification, when the module 2 is attached to the module setting unit 33, the compatibility between the module 2 and the module setting unit 33 is determined, and the result is notified to the user 100, etc. The flow of this process will be described below.

[0088] In the third modification, the control unit 31 is described as storing in memory information about the compatibility of each module with each module set unit of the garment unit 3. "Compatibility with a module" refers to whether the effects of the module 2 can be achieved in the position of the module set unit 33. For example, the compatibility of a pulse wave measurement module is described as being recorded as being good with a module set unit 33 located on the inside of the wrist and on the inside of the garment unit 3, but being bad with a module set unit 33 located on the inside of the wrist and on the outside of the garment unit 3.

[0089] First, the user 100 attaches the module 2 to the module setting unit 33. When the module 2 is attached to the module setting unit 33, the module setting units 22 and 332 are connected. Thereafter, when the power supply unit 32 is switched on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 32 to the control unit 31 and the module 2. Then, the control unit 31 executes a recognition process for the module 2 connected to the module setting unit 33 (step S401). The control unit 31 detects the connection state of the module setting units 22 and 332 and determines the type of functional unit 21 included in the module 2.

[0090] Thereafter, the control unit 31 determines the compatibility between the module 2 attached to the module setting unit 33 and the module setting unit 33 (step S402). If the control unit 31 determines, via the module setting units 22 and 332 of the module 2 and the module setting unit 33, that the pulse wave measurement module is attached to the module setting unit 33 located on the inside of the left wrist and inside the clothing part 3, for example, the control unit 31 refers to the memory and determines that the compatibility between the pulse wave measurement module and the module setting unit 33 is good. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that the pulse wave measurement module is attached to the module setting unit 33 located on the inside of the left wrist and outside the clothing part 3, the control unit 31 refers to the memory and determines that the compatibility between the pulse wave measurement module and the module setting unit 33 is poor.

[0091] If the control unit 31 determines that the compatibility of the module 2 attached to the module setting unit 33 is "good" (step S403: Yes), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that the compatibility of the module 2 attached to the module setting unit 33 is "bad" (step S403: No), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S404.

[0092] In step S404, the control unit 31 outputs to the communication terminal 4 owned by the user 100 or the like a determination result that the current attachment of the module 2 and the module setting unit 33 is incompatible. This causes the user 100 or the like to change the attachment position of the module 2. The control unit 31 returns to step S402 and again determines the compatibility between the module 2 whose attachment position has been changed and the module setting unit 33.

[0093] In step S405, the control unit 31 operates the module 2 and acquires the measurement results from the module 2.

[0094] The control unit 31 then communicates with the communication terminal 4 owned by the user 100 or the like, and transmits the acquired measurement results. The communication terminal 4 that receives the measurement results displays the necessary information and notifies the user 100.

[0095] According to the above-described third variant, similar to the first embodiment, the function selected by the user 100 can be assigned to a specified position on the clothing-type device 1, which has excellent customizability and can be adapted to the different purposes and usage environments of each user.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this modification example 3, the compatibility between the module 2 and the module set unit 33 to which the module 2 is attached is judged, and a notification is given if the compatibility is "bad," thereby making it possible to further ensure that measurements are taken at the appropriate attachment position.

[0097] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of a module included in a clothing-type device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from embodiment 1 described above in the configurations of the module 2, clothing part 3, and module setting part 33. Note that components that are the same as those according to embodiment 1 described above are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, differences from embodiment 1 will be described.

[0098] The module 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a main body section 20, a functional section 21A, a module setting section 22, a connecting section 23, and a fixing section 24. The module 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a penetration-type module in which the functional section 21A penetrates the main body section 30A (module setting section 33A) of the garment section 3A.

[0099] The functional unit 21A is configured using a functional element having any of the various functions described above. The functional unit 21A is provided at the tip of a protrusion 26 extending from the main body 20. Here, the functional unit 21A is provided on the surface of the main body 20 that is attached to a clothing part (referred to as clothing part 3A in the second embodiment). Therefore, in the module 2A, the functional unit 21A, the protrusion 26, the module setting unit 22, and the fixing part 24 are provided on the surface that is attached to the clothing part 3A.

[0100] Garment part 3A according to embodiment 2 of the present invention includes main body part 30A, control part 31, power supply part 32, module setting part 33A, communication path 34, and pressure adjustment part 35. Module setting part 33A according to embodiment 2 of the present invention is a through-type module setting part that is compatible with through-type modules as well as non-through-type modules.

[0101] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a module setting section included in a garment part according to embodiment 2. The module setting section 33A includes a main body section 331A, a module setting section 332, a fixing section 333, and a connecting section 334.

[0102] The main body 331A is plate-shaped with a through-hole 335 formed in the center. The functional unit 21A penetrates the main body 331A through the through-hole 335. FIG. 10A shows the surface on which the module 2A is attached, and FIG. 10B shows a side surface connected to the surface on which the module 2A is attached. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the module setting unit 33A is provided on the outer surface of the clothing part 3. In this case, the main body 30A also needs to be opened in accordance with the through-hole 335, and a through-hole 301 penetrating the main body 30A is formed in the clothing part 3A at the position where the through-hole 335 of the main body 331A is formed.

[0103] When the module 2A is attached to the module setting unit 33A, the functional unit 21A and the protruding unit 26 penetrate the through-hole 301 of the main body unit 30A, and the functional unit 21A protrudes and is exposed on the side of the main body unit 30A opposite to the side where the module setting unit 33A is arranged. Note that it is also possible to attach and use a non-penetrating type module (e.g., module 2 in embodiment 1) in which the functional unit 21 functions without penetrating the main body units 30, 30A. Note that the flow of the measurement process is similar to the flow shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] According to the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, the function selected by the user 100 can be assigned to a specified position on the clothing-type device 1, which provides excellent customization, and thus allows the device to be adapted to the different purposes and usage environments of each user.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the module setting portion 33A is a through-type module setting portion, and therefore by providing the module setting portion 33A on only one surface of the main body portion 30A, the functional portions 21, 21A can be made to function on both the front and back of the main body portion 30A. This allows the total number of module setting portions to be reduced by about half compared to the configuration according to the first embodiment, and also improves the comfort of the user 100 because the module setting portion 33A is positioned so as not to come into contact with the body surface.

[0106] (Embodiment 3) Next, embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of a module included in a clothing-type device 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. Embodiment 3 of the present invention differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of module 2 described above. Note that components that are the same as those in embodiment 1 described above are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, differences from embodiment 1 will be described.

[0107] The module 2B according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a main body unit 20 , a function unit 21 , a module setting unit 22 , a connection unit 23 , a fixing unit 24 , and a notification unit 27 .

[0108] The notification unit 27 notifies the user 100 of the status determined by the control unit 31. The notification unit 27 includes, for example, a speaker, a vibrator, etc., and outputs light, sound, vibration, etc. Alternatively, a display or other known notification means may be used. The notification unit 27 outputs, for example, light or sound according to the measurement results of pulse wave, body temperature, blood pressure, etc., or outputs light or sound according to the determination result of whether the measurement was successful.

[0109] According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, similar to the first embodiment, the third embodiment of the present invention has excellent customization in that the function selected by the user 100 can be assigned to a specified position on the clothing-type device 1, and therefore can be adapted to the different purposes and usage environments of each user.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, sound, light, etc. are output depending on the measurement results, etc., so that it is possible to grasp the measurement results and check whether the measurement conditions are appropriate on a module-by-module basis.

[0111] In the third embodiment of the present invention, an example has been described in which the notification unit 27 notifies the status based on the measurement result, but the third modification may be applied to notify the compatibility of modules.

[0112] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, a configuration has been described in which the alarm unit 27 is provided in the module 2B, but an alarm unit having the same function as the alarm unit 27 may be provided in the clothing unit 3, such as the control unit 31, or an alarm unit having the same function as the alarm unit 27 may be provided in both the module 2B and the clothing unit 3.

[0113] (Other Embodiments) Up to this point, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described, but the present invention should not be limited to only the above-described embodiments. In the above-described first to third embodiments and modifications, a configuration including a power supply unit 32 has been described as an example, but if a module having a power supply function is used as the power supply unit, a configuration without a power supply unit 32 may be used. Furthermore, a module having a power supply function can supply power to the power supply unit 32 to charge it.

[0114] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Clothing-type device 2, 2A, 2B Module 3, 3A Clothing part 20, 30, 30A, 331, 331A Main body part 21, 21A Functional part 22, 332 Module setting part 23, 334 Connection part 24, 333 Fixation part 26 Protrusion part 27 Notification part 31 Control part 32 Power supply part 33, 33A Module setting part 34 Communication path 35 Wearing pressure adjustment part 100 User 120 Module group 301, 335 Through hole

Claims

1. A clothing device comprising: a clothing part worn by an object to be measured; and one or more modules attached to the clothing part, wherein the modules have: a functional part having a predetermined function; a first module setting part for recognizing the type of the module; and a first connection part that electrically connects to the clothing part when attached to the clothing part, wherein the clothing part has: a plurality of module setting parts arranged in an array, each of which has a module that is detachable; a second connection part that electrically connects to the first connection part; a control part that controls the operation of the modules attached to the module setting part; and a communication path that electrically connects the second connection part of each module setting part to the control part, wherein the module setting part has: a second module setting part that connects to the first module setting part, and the control part recognizes the function of the functional part of the module connected to the module setting part having the second module setting part based on the connection state between the first module setting part and the second module setting part.

2. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the measurement results obtained by the module to a communication terminal.

3. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the control unit.

4. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein each module set section is a non-penetrating type provided on the inside and outside of the main body section of the clothing section.

5. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein each module setting section is a through-type section in which a through hole is formed, the clothing section has an opening formed at the position where the through hole is formed and penetrates from the inside to the outside, and the functional section of at least one module penetrates the clothing section and is exposed on the side of the clothing section opposite the side on which the module is attached.

6. The clothing device according to claim 1, wherein the module and / or the clothing part has an alarm part that notifies the status of the module.

7. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein the clothing part is a shirt composed of a front body part, a back body part, sleeves, and a collar.

8. The clothing-type device according to claim 7, wherein the clothing part has a neck part that covers the neck of the measurement object, and the module setting part is provided on the neck part.

9. The clothing-type device according to claim 7, wherein the clothing part has a sleeve part that covers the arm part of the measurement object, and the module setting part is provided on the sleeve part.

10. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein the functional unit of at least one module has a functional element that acquires one or more of electrocardiograms, electromyograms, pulse waves, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, body temperature, sweating, heart sounds, respiratory sounds, echoes, abdominal movement, chest movement, body movement, impedance, temperature, and humidity.

11. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein the functional part of at least one module has a Peltier element that absorbs or dissipates heat on its functional surface.

12. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein the functional part of at least one module has a heater element whose functional surface generates heat.

13. The clothing-type device according to claim 1, wherein the functional part of at least one module includes a functional element for measuring the temperature inside the clothing part.

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