Finger-attached device and biological information collection device

Abstract

In this invention, a sensor, a notification device, and a processing unit are supported on an annular member configured to be attachable to a finger. The sensor measures acceleration and / or angular velocity. The notification device performs a notification that can be recognized by a user wearing the annular member. Upon detecting that a predetermined command operation has been performed on the basis of the measurement result of the sensor, the processing unit executes processing corresponding to the command operation and actuates the notification device.

Description

Finger-worn device and biometric information collection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger-worn device and a biometric information collection apparatus.

[0002] A ring-shaped device equipped with an acceleration sensor is known (see Patent Document 1). When the device is worn on a finger and the finger is moved, the acceleration sensor detects the finger movement and controls another device. The other device may be, for example, a glasses-type display, and the user can operate the display by moving their finger.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-20731

[0004] Because it is difficult to equip a ring-shaped device with a display, when a predetermined command operation is performed, the user must check the display of another device to see if the command operation has been properly received. An object of the present invention is to provide a finger-worn device that allows the user to easily check if the command operation has been properly detected when the user performs the command operation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a biometric information collection device that includes this finger-worn device.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a finger wearable device comprising: a ring-shaped member configured to be wearable on a finger; a sensor supported on the ring-shaped member and measuring at least one of acceleration and angular velocity; an alarm supported on the ring-shaped member and performing an alarm operation that can be recognized by a user wearing the ring-shaped member; and a processing unit that, when it detects that a predetermined command operation has been performed based on the measurement results of the sensor, executes processing according to the command operation and operates the alarm.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biometric information collection device comprising the above-mentioned finger wearable device and a control terminal, wherein the finger wearable device has a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the control terminal, the processing unit has a function of transmitting the generated biometric data to the control terminal, and a function of, when detecting that the command operation has been performed, adding a command operation flag indicating that the command operation has been performed to the generated biometric data and transmitting the biometric data to the control terminal, and the control terminal performs different processes depending on whether the command operation flag has been added to the received biometric data.

[0007] By recognizing the annunciation action of the annunciator, the user can easily confirm whether the command action has been detected normally.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the finger-worn device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device according to a second embodiment, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a support member 80A of the finger-worn device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of multiple components surrounding the support member 80A. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the finger-worn device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram of control performed by the processing unit 50. FIG. 6 is a timing chart of control performed by the processing unit 50 in the first mode 51 and the second mode 52. FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram when the processing unit 50 ( FIG. 4 ) of the finger-worn device according to the third embodiment is performing control in the first mode 51. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure performed by the processing unit 50 of the finger-worn device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure performed by the processing unit 50 of the finger-worn device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment when transmitting biometric data (step SA6) in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a biometric information collection device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the control terminal 110.

[0009] 1 and 2, a finger wearable device according to a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment. A sensor 20, an alarm 30, a processing unit 50, a battery 90, flexible circuit boards 91 and 92, and rigid circuit boards 93 and 94 are supported on an annular member 80 that can be worn on a finger. The annular member 80 includes an annular support member 80A, a resin member 80B, and an outer member 80C.

[0010] Openings 80A1 and 80A2 are provided at different circumferential positions of annular support member 80A. Rigid substrates 93 and 94 are arranged to block openings 80A1 and 80A2 from the outer periphery, respectively. Rigid substrates 93 and 94 are larger than openings 80A1 and 80A2, respectively. This allows rigid substrates 93 and 94 to be pressed against the peripheries of openings 80A1 and 80A2 of support member 80A, making it easy to fix their positions.

[0011] The alarm 30 is mounted on the inward-facing surface of one rigid substrate 93, and the sensor 20 and processing unit 50 are mounted on the outward-facing surface of the other rigid substrate 94. It is also possible to mount the alarm 30 on the outward-facing surface and the sensor 20 and processing unit 50 on the inward-facing surface. The processing unit 50 includes, for example, a microcontrol unit (MCU). The rigid substrates 93, 94 or the flexible substrates 91, 92 are also mounted with memory, a wireless charging module, a wireless communication unit, etc.

[0012] Rigid substrates 93 and 94 are connected by a flexible substrate 92 that is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the support member 80A. A battery 90 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the support member 80A. The battery 90 and rigid substrate 93 are connected by a flexible substrate 91 that is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the support member 80A. Printed wiring is formed on the rigid substrates 93 and 94 and the flexible substrates 91 and 92. Rigid-flexible substrates in which rigid portions and flexible portions are integrated can be used as the rigid substrates 93 and 94 and the flexible substrates 91 and 92.

[0013] Rigid circuit boards 93 and 94 and the battery 90 are fixed to a support member 80A. A resin member 80B covers the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the support member 80A and each component from the battery 90 to the rigid circuit board 94. The resin member 80B is produced by, for example, injection molding. The inner peripheral surface of an annular outer member 80C is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin member 80B.

[0014] The sensor 20 includes at least one of an acceleration sensor that measures acceleration in three axial directions and a gyro sensor. That is, the sensor 20 measures at least one of acceleration and angular velocity. The alarm 30 performs an alarm operation that can be recognized by a user wearing the annular member 80. The alarm 30 may be a light-emitting element that emits visible light, a sound generator that emits sound, a vibrator that generates vibrations, or the like.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram of a finger-worn device according to the first embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the finger-worn device according to the first embodiment includes a memory 60 in addition to the sensor 20, processing unit 50, and alarm 30. Programs executed by the processing unit 50 are stored in the memory 60, and various functions are realized by the processing unit 50 executing these programs. Measurement results by the sensor 20 are input to the processing unit 50. The measurement results by the sensor 20 are, for example, at least one of a measurement value of acceleration measured by an acceleration sensor and a measurement value of angular velocity measured by a gyro sensor.

[0016] The processing unit 50 has a function of analyzing the measurement results input from the sensor 20 to detect that a predetermined command action has been performed by the user moving their finger. Examples of the command action include multiple tapping actions, finger rotation, etc. When the processing unit 50 detects that a predetermined command action has been performed, it executes processing according to the command action and activates the alarm 30. Examples of "processing according to the command action" include measurements by various sensors mounted on the finger-worn device.

[0017] Next, a method for detecting a command action by a tapping action will be described. For example, when the processing unit 50 detects that two tapping actions have been performed, it determines that a command action has been performed. When acceleration equal to or greater than a threshold is detected consecutively at intervals of 0.1 seconds to 0.7 seconds, it can be determined that two tapping actions have been performed. Note that two tapping actions may occur accidentally in daily life. In order to more clearly distinguish between accidental actions and command actions, it may be determined that a command action has been performed when three to five consecutive tapping actions have been performed.

[0018] Next, a method for detecting a command action by finger rotation will be described. A finger rotation is an action of moving the fingertip of a finger wearing a finger wearable device in a circular motion. If characteristic waveforms of acceleration and angular velocity are detected, it can be determined that a finger rotation action has been performed. In order to prevent finger rotation actions that occur accidentally in daily life from being mistakenly detected as a command action, it is advisable to determine that a command action has been performed when two to three consecutive finger rotation actions are performed within a certain period of time. Alternatively, it may be determined that a command action has been performed when a finger rotation action is performed once, followed by another finger rotation action in the reverse direction within a certain period of time.

[0019] If the alarm 30 is a light-emitting element, the processing unit 50 causes the light-emitting element to emit light. If the light-emitting element emits light periodically, the processing unit 50 changes the light-emitting pattern, such as the light-emitting cycle. If the alarm 30 is a sound generator, the processing unit 50 generates sound or voice. If the alarm 30 is a vibrator, the processing unit 50 generates vibration.

[0020] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment will be described. First, the support member 80A is produced by resin molding. Examples of resin materials that can be used include ABS and polycarbonate. The alarm 30 is mounted on a rigid substrate 93, and the sensor 20 and processing unit 50 are mounted on a rigid substrate 94.

[0021] The flexible substrates 91, 92 and the rigid substrates 93, 94 are fixed to the support member 80A. For example, the support member 80A is formed with portions shaped to fit the rigid substrates 93, 94, etc., and the rigid substrates 93, 94, etc. are fitted into the support member 80A, thereby fixing the flexible substrates 91, 92 and the rigid substrates 93, 94 to the support member 80A. Alternatively, they may be fixed using double-sided tape, adhesive, etc.

[0022] The openings 80A1, 80A1 of the support member 80A are filled with a transparent resin. This transparent resin may be, for example, an epoxy-based, silicone-based, urethane-based, polycarbonate, or other resin. The support member 80A, rigid boards 93, 94, and flexible boards 91, 92 are then assembled into the outer member 80C, and these components are sealed with a resin member 80B.

[0023] The outer member 80C may be made of, for example, metal, ceramic, resin, etc. Preferably, the metal material is biocompatible and less likely to cause allergies. Examples of metal materials include stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, tantalum, magnesium alloy, gold, silver, platinum, etc. Examples of ceramic materials include zirconia (zirconium dioxide), aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, etc. Examples of resin materials include ABS, polycarbonate, etc.

[0024] Using a hard material such as metal or ceramic for the outer member 80C makes it less susceptible to scratches and increases its mechanical strength, making it less likely to break. To achieve the same strength with resin, the resin material must be thick. By using a hard material for the outer member 80C, the outer member 80C can be made thinner, making it possible to miniaturize the finger-worn device.

[0025] Next, the advantageous effects of the first embodiment will be described. By recognizing the notification from the alarm 30, the user of the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment can determine whether the command action performed by the user has been correctly detected by the finger wearable device. If the user performs a command action but does not receive a notification from the alarm 30, the user realizes that the operation of issuing a command to the finger wearable device through the command action has failed. In this case, the user can perform the command action again to issue a command to the finger wearable device.

[0026] Next, a finger wearable device according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the annular member 80 has a closed shape, but the annular member 80 may have any shape as long as it can be stably worn on the finger. For example, the annular member 80 may have a C-shape with a portion open.

[0027] The alarm 30 uses a light-emitting element that emits visible light, and when the processing unit 50 detects a command operation, the light-emitting element may be made to emit light continuously, or may be made to emit light intermittently at a frequency that appears to the naked eye as if it were emitting light continuously.

[0028] When the light emitted from the light-emitting element is visible light, the light from the light-emitting element can be used as illumination. For example, when a user wakes up in the middle of the night, the finger-worn device can be used as a lighting device by issuing a command in the dark. For example, the finger-worn device can be used as a simple lighting device to locate a light switch or a smartphone.

[0029] The processing unit 50 may have a function of changing the light-emitting intensity or light-emitting duration of the light-emitting element according to the mode of the command operation. For example, if the user increases the number of tapping operations, the processing unit 50 may increase the light-emitting intensity or lengthen the light-emitting duration of the light-emitting element. This allows the user to ensure a desired light intensity or light-emitting duration in the dark. For example, when the light-emitting element is caused to emit light intermittently at a predetermined frequency, the light intensity can be changed by changing the on / off ratio.

[0030] Second Embodiment Next, a finger wearable device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 6. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearable device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0031] 3A is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device according to a second embodiment, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a support member 80A of the finger-worn device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of several parts surrounding the support member 80A.

[0032] The support member 80A (FIG. 3B) has openings 80A1 and 80A2, similar to the support member 80A (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the second light-emitting element 22 is mounted on one rigid board 94 in addition to the processing unit 50 and the sensor 20. In the first embodiment, the alarm 30 is mounted on the other rigid board 93, but in the second embodiment, the first light-emitting element 21 and the light-receiving element 23 are mounted on the rigid board 93.

[0033] The first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 emit measurement light toward the inside of the finger on which the finger wearable device is worn. The light-receiving element 23 receives light that is diffusely reflected inside the finger. The light-receiving element 23 receives a light level that is input to the processing unit 50. The change over time in the light-receiving element 23 is called a photoplethysmogram. The first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 may be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The light-receiving element 23 may be, for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0034] The first light-emitting element 21 emits light in a wavelength range from blue to yellow-green (preferably a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm), for example. The second light-emitting element 22 emits light in a red wavelength range (preferably a wavelength range of 650 nm to 700 nm) or a near-infrared range (preferably a wavelength range of 850 nm to 950 nm).

[0035] Light in the red wavelength range or near-infrared wavelength range is less absorbed by the body than light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range, so photoplethysmograms measured with light in the red wavelength range or near-infrared wavelength range contain more biological information from relatively deep regions, while photoplethysmograms measured with light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range contain more biological information from relatively shallow regions.

[0036] The distance from the second light-emitting element 22 to the light-receiving element 23 is longer than the distance from the first light-emitting element 21 to the light-receiving element 23. The distance from the first light-emitting element 21 to the light-receiving element 23 is preferably, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The distance from the second light-emitting element 22 to the light-receiving element 23 is preferably, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Due to this positional relationship, light emitted from the second light-emitting element 22 and diffusely reflected in a shallow region is more likely to be received by the light-receiving element 23, and light emitted from the first light-emitting element 21 and diffusely reflected in a deep region is more likely to be received by the light-receiving element 23.

[0037] 4 is a block diagram of a finger wearable device according to the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 3A , the finger wearable device according to the second embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 25 and a memory 60. The wireless communication unit 25 and the memory 60 are mounted on rigid substrates 93 and 94 or flexible substrates 91 and 92. At least one of the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 also functions as an alarm 30.

[0038] The processing unit 50 controls the light emission of the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22. Furthermore, the processing unit 50 generates biometric data reflecting biometric information based on a photoplethysmogram obtained from the light reception level of the light-receiving element 23. Furthermore, the processing unit 50 transmits the biometric data to an external device via the wireless communication unit 25. The wireless communication unit 25 supports communication based on wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), and Wi-Fi. The external device may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a tablet, or a personal computer.

[0039] Next, the control by the processing unit 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a state transition diagram of the control performed by the processing unit 50. When the state of charge of the battery 90 is less than a specified value, the processing unit 50 maintains a stopped state 53. When the state of charge of the battery 90 becomes equal to or greater than the specified value, the processing unit 50 transitions to a first mode 51 and controls the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 in the first mode 51.

[0040] When the processing unit 50 analyzes the measurement results of the sensor 20 and detects that a command operation has been performed, it transitions from the first mode 51 to the second mode 52 and controls the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 in the second mode 52. When a predetermined return condition is satisfied, the processing unit 50 transitions from the second mode 52 to the first mode 51. If the state of charge of the battery 90 falls below a specified value while the processing unit 50 is performing control in the first mode 51 or the second mode 52, the processing unit 50 enters the stop state 53.

[0041] Next, the control in the first mode 51 and the second mode 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a timing chart of the control performed by the processing unit 50 in the first mode 51 and the second mode 52.

[0042] When the processing unit 50 is in the first mode 51, the processing unit 50 operates the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 intermittently for a measurement time Tm1 at a constant cycle Tc, and generates biological data from the measurement results of the light-receiving element 23. As an example, the cycle Tc is 10 minutes, and the measurement time Tm1 is 10 seconds.

[0043] During measurement, the processing unit 50 alternately causes the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 to emit light at a predetermined sampling rate of 50 Hz to 1000 Hz, and measures the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving element 23. Furthermore, by analyzing the obtained measurement data, biometric data representing various biometric information is generated. The biometric information includes, for example, photoplethysmography, oxygen saturation, and blood flow in capillaries. Oxygen saturation can be measured using the difference in absorption spectra between oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Blood flow in capillaries can be measured using the laser Doppler effect.

[0044] When the processing unit 50 is in the second mode 52, the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 are continuously operated until a predetermined return condition is met, and biological data is generated from the measurement results of the light-receiving element 23. For example, it can be determined that the return condition is met when a measurement time Tm2 has elapsed since the start of measurement. The measurement time Tm2 is, for example, 10 seconds or more and 120 seconds or less. The sampling rate in the second mode 52 is the same as the sampling rate in the first mode 51. When the predetermined return condition is met, the processing unit 50 transitions to the first mode 51.

[0045] As another example, it may be determined that the return condition is satisfied when a resting state continues for a predetermined time from the start of measurement. The predetermined time may be, for example, 0.5 minutes or more and 5 minutes or less. Here, the resting state refers to a state in which the magnitude of acceleration or angular velocity measured by the sensor 20 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0046] Next, the advantageous effects of the second embodiment will be described. When an operator desires to perform a measurement immediately while waiting for intermittent measurement in the first mode 51, the operator can perform a command by moving his / her finger to perform the measurement before the arrival of the next measurement cycle in the first mode 51. Furthermore, when the return condition is satisfied, the second mode 52 automatically returns to the first mode 51, preventing the operator from forgetting to return to the first mode 51.

[0047] Emitting the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 consumes more power than collecting measurement results from the sensor 20. It is difficult to install a large-capacity battery in a small device such as a finger-worn device. In the first mode 51, intermittent measurement is performed, which reduces power consumption compared to continuous measurement. As a result, the operating time of the finger-worn device per charge can be extended. Here, "continuous measurement" includes not only measurement performed by continuously emitting light from the light-emitting elements, but also measurement performed by intermittently emitting light at a predetermined sampling frequency.

[0048] When the user is exercising or performing strenuous activities, the biological information is affected by body movement. By returning to the first mode 51 after a period of rest, useful biological data that is not affected by body movement can be obtained through intermittent measurement in the first mode 51.

[0049] By making the measurement time Tm2 (FIG. 6) in the second mode 52 longer than the measurement time Tm1 (FIG. 6) in the first mode 51, it is possible to avoid missing any biological data necessary for various analyses.

[0050] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, at least one of the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 also functions as the alarm 30. Since there is no need to provide a dedicated alarm for notifying the user, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the finger-worn device.

[0051] Because the light receiving element 23 (FIG. 3A) is disposed within the opening 80A1 (FIG. 3B), the side surfaces of the opening 80A1 surround the light receiving element 23. Therefore, when the finger wearable device is worn on a finger, the support member 80A functions as a light shield that prevents ambient light from entering the light receiving element 23. This reduces the influence of external light, enabling measurements with a high S / N ratio.

[0052] Furthermore, because the inner peripheral surface of the support member 80A and the openings 80A1 and 80A2 are covered with the resin member 80B, there are no steps or gaps on the surface that comes into contact with the finger. This allows the finger-worn device to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. Another excellent effect is that dirt is less likely to accumulate on the inner peripheral surface of the finger-worn device. Furthermore, because the electronic circuit components, such as the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, the light-receiving element 23, the sensor 20, and the processing unit 50, are sealed with the resin member 80B, moisture penetration into the electronic circuit components is suppressed.

[0053] By mounting the second light-emitting element 22 on the rigid substrate 94 and the first light-emitting element 21 and light-receiving element 23 on the rigid substrate 93, misalignment of the elements is less likely to occur compared to mounting them on flexible substrates. By connecting the two rigid substrates 93, 94 and the battery 90 with the flexible substrates 91, 92, multiple electronic circuit components can be arranged along the annular support member 80A.

[0054] The inner peripheral surface of the resin member 80B may have regions that overlap with the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23 projecting toward the finger on which the member is worn. This shape allows the projecting portions to stably adhere to the skin of the finger, providing the excellent effect of enabling stable measurement of the photoplethysmogram.

[0055] Next, a finger-worn device according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the first light-emitting element 21 and the light-receiving element 23 are arranged adjacent to each other, but a light-shielding wall may be arranged between them. By providing a light-shielding wall, it is possible to reduce the amount of light (stray light) emitted from the first light-emitting element 21 that does not enter the finger but directly enters the light-receiving element 23. This reduces the adverse effects of stray light on photoplethysmographic measurement.

[0056] In order to further reduce stray light, it is preferable to make the height of the light-shielding wall higher than the height of the second light-emitting element 22 and the light-receiving element 23, with the inward-facing surface of the rigid substrate 93 as the height reference. It is also preferable to paint the light-shielding wall black. Painting the light-shielding wall black weakens the reflected light of stray light incident on the light-shielding wall, thereby further reducing stray light incident on the light-receiving element 23.

[0057] The finger-worn device may include at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood glucose sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, and an electromyogram sensor, in addition to the first light-emitting element 21, the second light-emitting element 22, and the light-receiving element 23. These sensors enable the acquisition of more biometric information about the user.

[0058] For example, a temperature sensor can obtain information such as the temperature of the finger's skin and the ambient temperature. A piezoelectric sensor can detect when the finger-worn device is tapped or pressed. A blood pressure sensor can be used to measure the blood pressure of the finger from the measurement value of the pressure sensor. A blood glucose level sensor can be used to measure blood components using an infrared spectroscopic sensor or one that uses the metabolic heat confirmation (MHC) method.

[0059] The electrocardiogram sensor can be configured so that electrodes are exposed on both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of a finger-worn device. The electrocardiogram can be measured by touching the exposed electrodes on the outer circumferential surface with the hand that is not wearing the finger-worn device.

[0060] [Third Example] Next, a finger wearable device according to a third example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearable device according to the second example described with reference to Figs. 3A to 6 will be omitted.

[0061] 7 is a state transition diagram when the processing unit 50 (FIG. 4) of the finger wearable device according to the third embodiment is performing control in the first mode 51. When the processing unit 50 is performing control in the first mode 51, the control method differs between the resting state 51A and the non-resting state 51B. The processing unit 50 determines whether the user is in the resting state 51A or the non-resting state 51B based on the measurement results of the sensor 20 (FIG. 4).

[0062] For example, when the current state is the resting state 51A, if the acceleration or angular velocity measurement value measured by the sensor 20 no longer satisfies the condition indicating a resting state, the processing unit 50 transitions to the non-resting state 51B. When the current state is the non-resting state 51B, if the acceleration, angular velocity, or other measurement value measured by the sensor 20 begins to satisfy the condition indicating a resting state, the processing unit 50 transitions to the resting state 51A. The condition indicating a resting state may be, for example, that the proportion of time during which the acceleration or angular velocity measurement value measured by the sensor 20 is equal to or less than a predetermined value exceeds a determination threshold. Alternatively, the condition indicating a resting state may be that the average or median value of the acceleration, angular velocity, or other measurement value measured by the sensor 20 over a predetermined time period is equal to or less than a predetermined determination threshold. The resting state 51A includes a waking resting state and a sleeping state. The processing unit 50 performs the intermittent measurement shown in FIG. 6 when the subject is in a resting state 51A, i.e., when the measurement values ​​of acceleration, angular velocity, etc. measured by the sensor 20 satisfy the conditions indicating a resting state, and suspends the measurement when the subject is in a non-resting state 51B.

[0063] Next, the advantageous effects of the third embodiment will be described. When not in a resting state, such as during exercise, biological information, particularly information related to blood, such as pulse rate, blood flow, and blood pressure, is affected by bodily movement. Therefore, biological information obtained when not in a resting state may be useless when determining health status, etc. In the third embodiment, when the control state of the processing unit 50 is in the non-resting state 51B, the first light-emitting element 21 and the second light-emitting element 22 are not operated, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0064] Next, a finger wearable device according to a modification of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a determination is periodically made between a resting state 51A and a non-resting state 51B. In this modification of the third embodiment, a determination between a resting state 51A and a non-resting state 51B is made based on the acceleration or angular velocity measurement results from the sensor 20 in accordance with the timing of intermittent measurement in the first mode 51 (FIG. 6). If the determination result is a resting state 51A, measurement is performed, and if the determination result is a non-resting state 51B, measurement is not performed. In this modification as well, power consumption due to unnecessary light emission is suppressed.

[0065] [Fourth Example] Next, a finger wearable device according to a fourth example will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Below, a description of the configuration common to the finger wearable device according to the second example described with reference to Figs. 3A to 6 will be omitted.

[0066] 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure executed by the processing unit 50 of the finger wearable device according to the fourth embodiment. When the charge state of the battery 90 (FIG. 3A) reaches or exceeds a specified value, the processing unit 50 executes intermittent measurement, similar to the first mode 51 (FIG. 6) of the second embodiment. During intermittent measurement, the processing unit 50 determines whether a command operation has been issued based on the measurement results from the sensor 20 (step SA1). If a command operation has not been issued, the processing unit 50 determines whether the current time is the timing for executing intermittent measurement (step SA2).

[0067] If it is time to perform intermittent measurement, the measurement is performed (step SA3). This measurement is the same as the measurement for one cycle performed when the finger-worn device according to the second embodiment is in first mode 51. When the measurement is completed, the biometric data is transmitted to an external device via wireless communication unit 25 (FIG. 4) (step SA6). Then, the procedure from step SA1 is repeated.

[0068] If it is determined in step SA2 that the current time is not the timing for performing intermittent measurement, the procedure from step SA1 is repeated without performing measurement.

[0069] When the processing unit 50 detects that the command operation has been performed in step SA1, it immediately performs measurement (step SA4). Furthermore, it assigns a command operation flag to the biometric data generated from the measurement results (step SA5). The command operation flag indicates that the biometric data was generated from the measurement results measured at the time of the command operation.

[0070] After the flag is added to the biometric data, the biometric data with the flag is transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication unit 25 (FIG. 4) (step SA6), after which the procedure from step SA1 is repeated.

[0071] Next, the advantageous effects of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a user can immediately perform a measurement to obtain biometric information by issuing a command. Furthermore, since a command operation flag is assigned to the biometric data, an external device that receives the biometric data can distinguish whether the received biometric data was obtained by intermittent measurement or based on a command operation. If the biometric data was obtained based on a command operation, it becomes possible to execute special processing that differs from that executed when biometric data obtained by intermittent measurement is received.

[0072] Next, a finger wearable device according to a modification of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure executed by the processing unit 50 of the finger wearable device according to the modification of the fourth embodiment when transmitting biometric data (step SA6) in Fig. 8. In the fourth embodiment, if a wireless communication line is not established by the wireless communication unit 25, the biometric data to be transmitted is discarded. In the modification shown in Fig. 9, the biometric data is not discarded even if a wireless communication line is not established.

[0073] When a request to transmit biometric data is received, the processing unit 50 determines whether wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 25 (FIG. 4) is possible (step SB1). If wireless communication is not possible, the biometric data to be transmitted is stored in the memory 60 (FIG. 4) (step SB3). If the command operation flag assigned in step SA5 (FIG. 8) is assigned to the biometric data, the biometric data and the command operation flag are stored in the memory 60. If it is determined in step SB1 that wireless communication is possible, the processing unit 50 determines whether unsent biometric data remains in the memory 60 (step SB2).

[0074] If there is no unsent biometric data, the latest biometric data to be transmitted is transmitted (step SB4).If it is determined in step SB2 that there is unsent biometric data remaining, the unsent biometric data and the latest biometric data are transmitted (step SB5).

[0075] In the modified example of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the biometric data generated when the wireless communication line is not established is stored in the memory 60 and transmitted when the wireless communication line is established, thereby preventing the biometric data from being discarded.

[0076] Next, a finger wearable device according to yet another modification of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the modification shown in FIG. 9, when a request for biometric data transmission is received in step SA6 (FIG. 8), a determination is made (step SB1) as to whether communication is possible. However, the determination as to whether communication is possible may be made periodically regardless of whether a request for biometric data transmission is received. When communication becomes possible, the biometric data stored in memory 60 may be immediately transmitted. In this modification, the delay time from the generation of the biometric data stored in memory 60 to its transmission is shortened.

[0077] Fifth Embodiment Next, a biological information collection device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0078] 10 is a block diagram of a biometric information collection device according to a fifth embodiment. The biometric information collection device according to the fifth embodiment includes a finger-worn device 100, a control terminal 110, and a server 120. The biometric information collection device according to the fifth embodiment monitors, for example, the health status of a user of the finger-worn device 100.

[0079] The finger wearable device 100 is the finger wearable device according to the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8 . The control terminal 110 includes a position information acquisition unit 111, an image display unit 112, and an input unit 113. The position information acquisition unit 111 includes, for example, a receiver for GNSS or the like. The image display unit 112 and the input unit 113 are configured, for example, with a touch panel. The control terminal 110 may be, for example, a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, or a personal computer. The finger wearable device 100 and the control terminal 110 can communicate data wirelessly. The control terminal 110 and the server 120 can communicate data via a communication network 130.

[0080] In step SA6 (FIG. 8), the finger wearable device 100 transmits the biometric data to the control terminal 110. The biometric data may or may not have a command operation flag attached.

[0081] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the control terminal 110. When the control terminal 110 receives biometric data, it stores the received biometric data in a storage unit (step SC1). If a command operation flag is assigned to the biometric data, the command operation flag is also stored. Furthermore, the control terminal 110 adds user information, time information, etc. to the biometric data and transmits it to the server 120 (step SC2).

[0082] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a command operation flag has been assigned to the biometric data (step SC3). If a command operation flag has been assigned to the biometric data, processing for when a command operation flag is present is executed (step SC4). If a command operation flag has not been assigned to the biometric data, processing is terminated. In other words, the control terminal 110 executes different processing depending on whether or not a command operation flag has been assigned.

[0083] Next, the processing executed by the server 120 will be described. The server 120 analyzes the received biometric data and transmits the analysis results to the control terminal 110. The control terminal 110, upon receiving the analysis results, displays the analysis results on a display. The analysis results include information about the user's health condition.

[0084] Next, the advantageous effects of the fifth embodiment will be described. A small finger wearable device 100 cannot store a large amount of biometric data. In the fifth embodiment, the biometric data is stored in the control terminal 110 (FIG. 10), making it possible to store the biometric data for a long period of time. Furthermore, since the biometric data assigned a command operation flag is stored together with the command operation flag, when the biometric data is read from the storage unit and checked, it is possible to determine whether the read biometric data was collected when a command operation was performed. It is also possible to read only the biometric data assigned a command operation flag and check the contents.

[0085] Next, various ways of using the command action flag will be explained. For example, if a command action is performed when the user takes medicine or eats a meal, the biometric data collected at the time of taking medicine or eating can be easily extracted and checked.

[0086] Next, various examples of processing when a command action is performed in step SC4 will be described. An example will be described in which the finger wearable device 100 is used by a person who is predicted to experience an illness attack. Examples of illnesses include cardiac disorders such as arrhythmia, epilepsy, and asthma. The user is to perform a command action when an attack occurs. If a command action flag is assigned to the received biometric data, the control terminal 110 has a function to send the biometric data to pre-registered contacts. It is recommended to register email addresses of family members, doctors, nursing facilities, etc. as contacts.

[0087] Family members, doctors, care facilities, etc. who receive the biometric data with the command action flag can be informed early on that the user has had a seizure, enabling them to respond to the seizure promptly.

[0088] The control terminal 110 has a function to send current location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 111 along with biometric data to the contacts. Based on the current location information sent to the contacts, emergency services can rush to the user's location. This function is particularly useful, for example, when the user is unable to walk or loses consciousness after performing a command action.

[0089] The finger wearable device according to the fifth embodiment can be effectively used not only by those who are expected to suffer from an illness, but also by workers who perform dangerous work (such as working at heights), workers who work in hot environments, and people at risk of heatstroke or hypothermia. For example, when a user feels something is wrong with their body, they can issue a command that automatically notifies contacts such as a work supervisor, family member, or doctor. In particular, even if the user does not have time to take out their smartphone and operate it to contact contacts when they feel something is wrong, they can still notify a work supervisor, family member, doctor, or other person of their physical abnormality by issuing a simple command.

[0090] Next, an example of adding various additional information to biometric data will be described. When a command operation flag is assigned to the received biometric data, the control terminal 110 displays a comment input screen on the image display unit 112 (FIG. 10) for adding a comment. When the user inputs various information such as the condition of the seizure, the type and dosage of medication taken, the contents of the meal, physical condition, and mood, the control terminal 110 associates the input comment with the biometric data and stores it in the storage unit.

[0091] By allowing comments to be entered in this way, when the contents of the biometric data are checked later, it is possible to know what events occurred when the biometric data was collected.

[0092] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

[0093] 20 Sensor 21 First light-emitting element 22 Second light-emitting element 23 Light-receiving element 25 Communication module 30 Alarm 50 Processing unit 51 First operation mode 51A Resting state 51B Non-resting state 52 Second operation mode 53 Stop state 60 Memory 80 Annular member 80A Support member 80A1, 80A2 Opening 80B Resin member 80C Outer member 90 Battery 91, 92 Flexible substrate 93, 94 Rigid substrate 100 Finger-worn device 110 Control terminal 111 Position information acquisition unit 112 Image display unit 113 Input unit 120 Server 130 Communication network

Claims

1. A finger wearable device comprising: a ring-shaped member configured to be wearable on a finger; a sensor supported on the ring-shaped member and measuring at least one of acceleration and angular velocity; an alarm supported on the ring-shaped member and performing an alarm action that can be recognized by a user wearing the ring-shaped member; and a processing unit that, when it detects that a predetermined command action has been performed based on the measurement results of the sensor, executes processing according to the command action and operates the alarm.

2. A finger wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the alarm includes a light-emitting element that emits light toward the finger on which the alarm is worn, and further includes a light-receiving element that receives light that is emitted from the light-emitting element and diffusely reflected inside the finger, and the processing unit generates biometric data based on the light reception level of the light-receiving element.

3. The finger wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit has a function of controlling the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element in a first mode and a function of controlling them in a second mode, and when it detects that the command operation has been performed while controlling the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element in the first mode, it switches from the first mode to the second mode and controls the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

4. The finger wearable device according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit switches from the second mode to the first mode and controls the light emitting element and the light receiving element when a predetermined return condition is satisfied after switching to the second mode.

5. A finger wearable device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the processing unit generates the biometric data by intermittently operating the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the first mode.

6. A finger wearable device as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the processing unit, in the first mode, operates the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element to generate the biometric data when the measurement value from the sensor satisfies a condition indicating a resting state.

7. The finger wearable device according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit continuously operates the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the second mode until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied.

8. The finger wearable device according to claim 2, wherein, when the processing unit detects that the command action has been performed, the processing unit adds a command action flag indicating that the command action has been performed to the generated biometric data.

9. A finger wearable device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a wireless communication unit for wireless communication with an external device, wherein the processing unit has the function of transmitting the generated biometric data to the external device via the wireless communication unit.

10. A finger wearable device as described in claim 9, further comprising a memory for storing data, wherein the processing unit has the function of storing the generated biometric data in the memory when communication via the wireless communication unit is not possible, and transmitting the biometric data stored in the memory to an external device after communication via the wireless communication unit becomes possible.

11. The finger wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the alarm includes a light-emitting element, and the processing unit causes the light-emitting element to emit continuous light when it detects that the command action has been performed.

12. A biometric information collection device comprising: a finger-worn device according to claim 2; and a control terminal, wherein the finger-worn device has a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the control terminal, and the processing unit has the functions of: transmitting the generated biometric data to the control terminal; and, upon detecting that the command operation has been performed, adding a command operation flag indicating that the command operation has been performed to the generated biometric data and transmitting the data to the control terminal, wherein the control terminal performs different processing depending on whether the command operation flag has been added to the received biometric data.

13. The biometric information collection device of claim 12, wherein information indicating contact information is registered in the control terminal, and when the control terminal receives the biometric data with the command operation flag added, it transfers the biometric data to the registered contact information.

14. The biometric information collection device of claim 12 or 13, wherein the control terminal has a location information acquisition unit that generates current location information, and when it receives the biometric data to which the command operation flag has been added, it associates the current location information with the biometric data.

15. A biometric information collection device as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the control terminal has an image display unit and an input unit, and when it receives the biometric data to which the command operation flag has been added, it displays an input screen on the image display unit for inputting a comment, and associates the input comment with the biometric data.

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