Measurement device, measurement method, program, and information processing system

Abstract

The present technology pertains to a measurement device, a measurement method, a program, and an information processing system that make it possible to improve the measurement accuracy of a sensor. A measurement device according to the present technology comprises: a contact unit that irradiates an object to be measured with electromagnetic waves for measuring primary information used for calculating biological information of the object to be measured; and a signal processing unit that measures the primary information by using the contact unit. The signal processing unit determines reliability of a measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit, and determines the measurement result of the primary information to be output on the basis of a determination result of the reliability. The present technology can be applied, for example, to a smartwatch that measures biological information of a wearer.

Description

Measurement device, measurement method, program, and information processing system

[0001] The present technology relates to a measurement device, a measurement method, a program, and an information processing system, and more particularly to a measurement device, a measurement method, a program, and an information processing system that enable improvement in the measurement accuracy of a sensor.

[0002] Conventionally, non-invasive sensing modules that use infrared lasers, microwaves, millimeter waves, etc. to measure primary information used to calculate biological information such as blood glucose levels and blood pressure have been researched and commercialized (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2019-42500 A

[0004] Depending on the contact state between the living body to be measured and the sensing module, a difference may occur between the measurement result of the sensor that measures the primary information and the true value, that is, the measurement accuracy of the sensor may deteriorate.

[0005] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to improve the measurement accuracy of sensors.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present technology, there is provided a measurement device including a contact unit configured to irradiate a subject with electromagnetic waves for measuring primary information used to calculate biological information of the subject, and a signal processing unit configured to measure the primary information using the contact unit. The signal processing unit determines reliability of a measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit, and determines which measurement result to output based on the reliability determination result.

[0007] An information processing system according to a second aspect of the present technology includes a measurement device including a contact unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave onto a subject to be measured for measuring primary information used to calculate the subject's biological information, a signal processing unit that measures the primary information using the contact unit, and a communication unit that transmits the measurement results of the primary information by the signal processing unit to an information processing device, and the information processing device including a communication unit that receives the measurement results of the primary information transmitted from the measurement device, a determination unit that determines the reliability of the measurement results of the primary information using the contact unit, and a calculation unit that calculates the biological information based on the measurement results of the primary information determined based on the determination result of the reliability.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present technology, primary information is measured using the contact unit that irradiates the subject with electromagnetic waves for measuring primary information used to calculate the subject's biological information, the reliability of the measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit is determined, and the measurement result of the primary information to be output is decided based on the reliability determination result.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present technology, a measurement device measures primary information using a contact part that irradiates electromagnetic waves onto the subject to measure the primary information used to calculate the subject's biological information, the measurement results of the primary information are transmitted to an information processing device, the information processing device receives the measurement results of the primary information transmitted from the measurement device, determines the reliability of the measurement results of the primary information using the contact part, and calculates the biological information based on the measurement results of the primary information determined based on the reliability determination result.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a smartwatch according to an embodiment to which the present technology is applied; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a main body; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sensing module; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of wiring in the sensing module; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a signal processing unit; FIG. 6 is a first diagram showing an example of the layout of a contact unit; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the sensing module; FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of the layout of a contact unit; FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the sensing module according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smartwatch according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a first diagram showing the state of the sensing module when worn; FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the sensing module according to the second embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a smartwatch according to the second embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smartwatch according to a third embodiment; FIG. 15 is a second diagram showing the state of the sensing module when worn; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a smartwatch according to the third embodiment;

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described in the following order: 1. First embodiment 2. Second embodiment 3. Third embodiment 4. Modified example

[0012] <1. First embodiment> - Example of smart watch configuration The present technology relates to a sensing module provided with a sensor and a sensing system equipped with a sensing module. Below, as a specific embodiment, a case where the present technology is applied to a sensing system that measures biological information such as blood glucose level and blood pressure of a person to be measured will be described as an example.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a smartwatch according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0014] The smart watch 1 shown in FIG. 1 functions as a non-invasive device (measuring apparatus) that measures the biometric information of the wearer.

[0015] The smartwatch 1 can be worn on a person's wrist, and has a main body 11 and a band 12. The main body 11, which serves as the housing of the smartwatch 1, is fixed to the person's wrist by the band 12, which serves as a wearing device.

[0016] The smartwatch 1 measures biometric information such as the wearer's blood glucose level and blood pressure. The main body 11 is provided with a small display 13, which can display the measurement results such as blood glucose level and blood pressure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the main body 11. As shown in FIG.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2 , the main body 11 includes a sensing module 21 and a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22. The main CPU 22 is connected to a display 13. The main body 11 also includes a communication unit and a battery (not shown). The communication unit is, for example, a wireless module incorporating Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) functionality, and transmits and receives data with an external device. In particular, the communication unit is located on the opposite side of the sensing module 21 from the sensor substrate 31 (the wearer's arm side), i.e., on the upper side in the figure, so that the sensing module 21 does not interfere with communication via the communication unit. Furthermore, the communication unit and the sensing module 21 are arranged to overlap in a plan view, i.e., when viewed perpendicular to the sensor substrate 31, thereby achieving a compact smartwatch 1.

[0019] The sensing module 21 is an example of a measurement device provided with a sensor (for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) sensor) that measures primary information used to calculate biometric information of the wearer.

[0020] The sensing module 21 has a sensor substrate 31 made of a semiconductor substrate or the like. A signal processing unit 32 and a microcomputer 33 are provided on the surface of the sensor substrate 31 facing the wearer's arm, i.e., the surface opposite to the surface that comes into contact with the wearer's arm when the smart watch 1 is worn. A contact unit is provided on the other surface of the sensor substrate 31. For example, the signal processing unit 32 and the contact unit constitute an RF sensor.

[0021] Hereinafter, the side of the sensor board 31 opposite the wearer's arm, i.e., the side (top surface) on which the signal processing unit 32 and the microcomputer 33 are provided, will also be referred to as the front surface, and the side (bottom surface) of the sensor board 31 opposite the front surface will also be referred to as the back surface.

[0022] The signal processing unit 32 is a processing circuit that measures primary information by irradiating, as an incident signal, an electromagnetic wave such as a microwave or millimeter wave for measuring bioinformation onto, for example, the arm of the wearer that is the measurement target via a contact unit. The signal processing unit 32 is composed of, for example, a VNA (Vector Network Analyzer), and contact units that function as electrodes, antennas, transmission lines, probes, etc. are connected to ports of the VNA.

[0023] The signal processing unit 32 irradiates an incident signal onto the wearer's arm, which is the object to be measured, from a predetermined port (hereinafter referred to as port 1), and receives the incident signal that returns via port 1 as a reflected signal.

[0024] Furthermore, if the signal processing unit 32 is provided with another port (hereinafter referred to as port 2) different from port 1, the signal processing unit 32 receives, as a transmitted signal, an incident signal that has passed through the arm of the wearer that is the object to be measured. In this case, the incident signal is irradiated onto the object to be measured via port 1, and a transmitted signal corresponding to the incident signal is received via port 2.

[0025] The signal processing unit 32 calculates the S parameters based on at least the incident signal and the reflected signal out of the incident signal, the reflected signal, and the transmitted signal.

[0026] S-parameters are parameters related to the magnitude (amplitude) and phase of reflected and transmitted signals, and are primary information used to calculate biological information. For example, when only port 1 is used for measurement, S11 is calculated as an S-parameter based on the incident and reflected signals. S11 is information that represents the change in magnitude and phase of the reflected signal relative to the incident signal.

[0027] For example, if port 1 and port 2 are used for measurement, S parameters S11 and S21 are calculated based on the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal. S21 is information that indicates the change in magnitude and phase of the transmitted signal relative to the incident signal.

[0028] The signal processing unit 32 outputs the calculated S parameters to the microcomputer 33 .

[0029] The microcomputer 33 controls the on / off operation of the signal processing unit 32 and calculates biological information such as blood glucose levels based on the S parameters obtained by the signal processing unit 32 .

[0030] The main CPU 22 controls the operation of the sensing module 21 and the display of various information on the display 13 .

[0031] For example, the main CPU 22 acquires various information such as biological information via the microcomputer 33, and displays the acquired information on the display 13 or outputs it to an external device.

[0032] The sensing module 21 may be disposed in a part of the band 12, rather than being disposed inside the main body 11. The part of the wearer to be measured is not limited to the arm, and may be any part, such as the earlobe, palm, foot, or abdomen. The object to be measured is not limited to a human, but may also be an animal.

[0033] Configuration Example of Sensing Module FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the sensing module 21. As shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the sensing module 21 is configured by, for example, a sensor substrate 31, a signal processing unit 32, a microcomputer 33 (not shown), and a contact unit 41.

[0035] 2, nine contact portions 41 constituting the RF sensor are arranged on the back side of the rectangular sensor substrate 31. The nine contact portions 41 are individually and directly connected to the signal processing unit 32 via wiring. Here, the VNA of the signal processing unit 32 is provided with at least nine ports to which the contact portions 41 are connected.

[0036] The contact portion 41 abuts against the wearer's arm to be measured when the smart watch 1 is worn, and guides (irradiates) the incident signal output from the signal processing unit 32 to the wearer's arm, and also receives a reflected signal corresponding to the irradiation of the incident signal and guides it to the signal processing unit 32.

[0037] The signal processing unit 32 calculates the S parameters based on the incident signal and the reflected signal for each contact portion 41. In other words, the signal processing unit 32 calculates (measures) the S parameters using each contact portion 41 individually.

[0038] The signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of each S-parameter measured using each contact unit 41. The reliability of the S-parameter indicates whether the S-parameter is accurate or not, that is, whether the biological information calculated based on the S-parameter can be used for an application or the like.

[0039] The signal processing unit 32 measures, for example, the contact impedance between each contact unit 41 and the arm of the wearer, and determines the reliability of the S parameters based on the measurement results of the contact impedance.

[0040] Furthermore, the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability based on, for example, the S-parameter itself. Specifically, the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability to be high when the S-parameter is a value within a predetermined range, and determines the reliability to be low when the S-parameter is a value outside the predetermined range. The signal processing unit 32 may determine the reliability by comparing the S-parameters measured using each contact unit 41. Specifically, the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability to be high when the absolute deviation of the S-parameter is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and determines the reliability to be low when the absolute deviation of the S-parameter is larger than the predetermined threshold.

[0041] The signal processing unit 32 selects S parameters determined to have high reliability from the S parameters measured using each contact unit 41 and outputs them to the microcomputer 33 .

[0042] Since not all S parameters measured using each contact portion 41 arranged on the sensor substrate 31 are output, but only S parameters excluding those with low reliability are output, the measurement accuracy of the S parameters output from the RF sensor is improved.

[0043] The signal processing unit 32 may supply all S-parameters measured using each contact unit 41 and information indicating the reliability of each S-parameter to the microcomputer 33. In this case, the microcomputer 33 calculates the biological information using only S-parameters determined to have high reliability. Alternatively, the microcomputer 33 may determine the reliability of each S-parameter.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of wiring of the sensing module 21.

[0045] 3, the signal processing unit 32 and each contact unit 41 are connected at the shortest distance. As shown in FIG. 4, wiring between each contact unit 41 and the signal processing unit 32 may be provided so that the wiring lengths between the contact units 41 are the same.

[0046] The sensing module 21 may adopt a so-called flat structure in which the signal processing unit 32 is mounted together with the contact unit 41 on the same semiconductor substrate, or may adopt a so-called stacked structure in which the signal processing unit 32 is stacked on the surface side of the sensor substrate 31 on which the contact unit 41 is provided, as shown in Figure 5.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 5, the signal processing unit 32 is disposed at a position such that the wiring lengths between the signal processing unit 32 and each of the four contact units 41A to 41D are the same among the contact units 41A to 41D.

[0048] Rather than physically matching the wiring length between each contact portion 41 and the signal processing portion 32, it is also possible for the signal processing portion 32 to correct the S parameters measured using each contact portion 41 based on the wiring length between each contact portion 41.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a first diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the contact portions 41. In FIG.

[0050] 6, the contact portions 41 may be arranged on a circular sensor substrate 31. In the example of FIG. 6, five contact portions 41 are arranged on the rear surface side of the circular sensor substrate 31.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the sensing module 21. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0052] The sensing module 21 in FIG. 7 differs from the sensing module 21 in FIG. 3 in that an RF switch 51 is provided between the signal processing unit 32 and the contact unit 41 .

[0053] 7, the VNA of the signal processing unit 32 is provided with at least one port, and this port is connected to the RF switch 51. The nine contact units 41 are individually connected to the RF switch 5132 via wiring.

[0054] The RF switch 51 sequentially switches the contact portion 41 to be connected to the port of the signal processing unit 32 among the nine contact portions 41 .

[0055] The signal processing unit 32 uses the contact unit 41 connected via the RF switch 51 to irradiate an incident signal onto the arm portion of the wearer to be measured, and measures the S parameters by receiving a reflected signal in response to the irradiation of the incident signal.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the contact portions 41. In FIG.

[0057] Even when the RF switch 51 is provided between the signal processing unit 32 and the contact unit 41, the contact unit 41 may be arranged on a circular sensor substrate 31 as shown in Fig. 8. In the example of Fig. 8, five contact units 41 are arranged on the back surface of the circular sensor substrate 31.

[0058] Operation of Sensing Module Next, the processing performed by the sensing module 21 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0059] In step S1 , the signal processing unit 32 irradiates an electromagnetic wave onto the object to be measured via each of the plurality of contact units 41 , thereby measuring the S parameters (primary information) for each of the contact units 41 .

[0060] In step S2, the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of each measurement result of the primary information obtained using each contact unit 41.

[0061] In step S3, the signal processing unit 32 outputs the measurement results of the primary information that has been determined to have high reliability to the microcomputer 33.

[0062] In step S4, the microcomputer 33 calculates the biological information of the subject based on the measurement results of the primary information determined to be highly reliable by the signal processing unit 32. The calculated biological information is displayed on the display 13 of the smartwatch 1, for example.

[0063] Generally, the contact state between the sensing module and the living body changes depending on the body movement of the living body being measured. Therefore, in the past, depending on the contact state, a discrepancy occurred between the measurement result by the sensor installed in the sensing module and the true value, that is, the measurement accuracy of the sensor could be degraded.

[0064] As described above, in the sensing module 21 of the present technology, the primary information is measured using a contact part that irradiates the subject with electromagnetic waves for measuring the primary information used to calculate the subject's biometric information, the reliability of the measurement result of the primary information using the contact part is determined, and the measurement result of the primary information to be output is decided based on the reliability determination result.

[0065] Even if the contact state between the sensing module 21 (contact portion 41) and the living body changes due to body movement, measurement results with low reliability will not be output, thereby preventing deterioration of the sensor's measurement accuracy due to the living body's body movement.

[0066] 2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the reliability of the primary information measured by the RF sensor is determined based on the measurement result itself. In the second embodiment, the reliability of the primary information measured by the RF sensor is determined based on the pressure detection result by the pressure sensor provided in the sensing module 21.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smart watch 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0068] 10, one contact portion 41 is arranged on the back surface side of the sensing module 21 (sensor substrate 31). As shown in FIG. 10, a pressure sensor 101 is arranged on the front surface of the sensing module 21.

[0069] Here, it is desirable that the contact portion 41 and the pressure sensor 101 are arranged so that they overlap when the sensing module 21 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to its front or back surface, that is, when the sensing module 21 is viewed from above. In other words, it is desirable that the pressure sensor 101 is arranged directly behind the contact portion 41 in the sensing module 21. In further other words, it is desirable that the contact portion 41 and the pressure sensor 101 are arranged so that the distance between the contact portion 41 and the pressure sensor 101 in a plan view is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

[0070] The pressure sensor 101 may be disposed between the contact portion 41 and the sensor substrate 31 .

[0071] When the wearer wears the smart watch 1 on their arm, the contact portion 41 of the sensing module 21 is pressed against the wearer's arm, as shown in Fig. 11. Pressing the contact portion 41 of the sensing module 21 against the wearer's arm applies pressure to the sensing module 21.

[0072] The pressure sensor 101 detects the pressure applied to the sensing module 21 (contact portion 41). If the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the signal processing unit 32 (not shown) of the sensing module 21 determines that the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41 is high, and if the pressure value is less than the predetermined threshold, determines that the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41 is low.

[0073] Note that when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, measurement of the primary information may be started using the contact portion 41. When multiple contact portions 41 are arranged on the back surface side of the sensing module 21, the signal processing portion 32 may collectively determine the reliability of each of the measurement results of the primary information using each contact portion 41 based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101.

[0074] The process performed by the sensing module 21 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0075] In step S21, the signal processing unit 32 acquires the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101.

[0076] In step S22, the signal processing unit 32 determines whether the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0077] If it is determined in step S22 that the pressure value is less than the threshold value, the process returns to step S21, and the signal processing unit 32 waits until the pressure value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the pressure value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, then in step S23, the signal processing unit 32 measures primary information by irradiating the object to be measured with electromagnetic waves via the contact unit 41. Here, the measurement of primary information is started when the pressure value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and therefore the processing proceeds assuming that the reliability of the measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit 41 is high.

[0079] In step S24, the microcomputer 33 calculates the biological information of the subject based on the measurement results of the primary information by the signal processing unit 32. The calculated biological information is displayed on the display 13 of the smart watch 1, for example.

[0080] As described above, the primary information measurement result by the RF sensor is output only when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, i.e., when the wearer's arm is normally pressed against the contact portion 41, and therefore, deterioration of the measurement accuracy of the RF sensor due to the body movement of the living body can be suppressed.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the smart watch 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 13, when multiple contact portions 41A to 41E are arranged on the back side of the sensing module 21 (sensor substrate 31), pressure sensors 101A to 101E corresponding to the contact portions 41A to 41E, respectively, are arranged on the front surface of the sensing module 21.

[0083] Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the contact portions 41A to 41E, they will simply be referred to as contact portion 41, and when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the pressure sensors 101A to 101E, they will simply be referred to as pressure sensors 101.

[0084] Here, it is desirable that each combination of contact portion 41 and pressure sensor 101 be arranged so that the corresponding contact portion 41 and pressure sensor 101 overlap when the sensing module 21 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to its front or back surface, that is, when the sensing module 21 is viewed from above. In other words, it is desirable that the pressure sensor 101 be arranged directly behind the contact portion 41 that corresponds to that pressure sensor 101 in the sensing module 21. In further other words, it is desirable that each combination of contact portion 41 and pressure sensor 101 be arranged so that the distance between the corresponding contact portion 41 and pressure sensor 101 is a predetermined distance or less in a plan view.

[0085] The pressure sensor 101A detects the pressure applied to the contact portion 41A, and the signal processing unit 32 (not shown) determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41A based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101A. The pressure sensor 101B detects the pressure applied to the contact portion 41B, and the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41B based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101B.

[0086] The pressure sensor 101C detects the pressure applied to the contact portion 41C, and the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41C based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101C. The pressure sensor 101D detects the pressure applied to the contact portion 41D, and the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41D based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101D. The pressure sensor 101E detects the pressure applied to the contact portion 41E, and the signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact portion 41E based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 101E.

[0087] In this way, the pressure applied to each of the multiple contact parts 41 is detected by the multiple pressure sensors 101, and the signal processing unit 32 can individually determine the reliability of each measurement result of the primary information using each contact part 41.

[0088] 3. Third Embodiment FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smart watch 1 according to a third embodiment.

[0089] In the example of FIG. 14, it is assumed that one contact portion 41 is arranged on the back surface side of the sensing module 21 (sensor substrate 31).

[0090] 14, the sensing module 21 is attached to the main body 11 so as to be movable within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the sensing module 21. In other words, the contact portion 41 is attached to the main body 11 (the housing of the smart watch 1) so as to be movable.

[0091] Furthermore, the sensing module 21 is attached so that a force is applied from the main body 11 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the sensing module 21 is movable.

[0092] The contact portion 41 may be attached to the sensor substrate 31 (sensing module 21) so as to be movable within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the sensor substrate 31.

[0093] When the wearer puts the smart watch 1 on their arm, as shown in Figure 15, the sensing module 21 is pushed toward the main body 11 by the wearer's arm, and the contact portion 41 is pressed against the wearer's arm with a certain force.

[0094] The signal processing unit 32 (not shown) of the sensing module 21 determines that the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41 is high when the sensing module 21 moves from its initial state (e.g., an unattached state), and determines that the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41 is low when the sensing module 21 remains in its initial state.

[0095] Note that when the sensing module 21 moves from the initial state, measurement of the primary information may be started using the contact unit 41. When multiple contact units 41 are arranged on the back surface of the sensing module 21, the signal processing unit 32 may collectively determine the reliability of each of the measurement results of the primary information using each contact unit 41 based on whether the sensing module 21 has moved from the initial state.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the smart watch 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 16, when multiple contact portions 41A to 41E are arranged on the back side of the sensing module 21 (sensor substrate 31), each part of the sensing module 21 including each of the contact portions 41A to 41E is individually attached to the main body 11 and movably within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the sensing module 21.

[0098] The signal processing unit 32 (not shown) determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41 A based on whether or not the part of the sensing module 21 including the contact unit 41 A has moved from the initial state. The signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41 B based on whether or not the part of the sensing module 21 including the contact unit 41 B has moved from the initial state.

[0099] The signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41C based on whether or not the portion of the sensing module 21 including the contact unit 41C has moved from its initial state. The signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41D based on whether or not the portion of the sensing module 21 including the contact unit 41D has moved from its initial state. The signal processing unit 32 determines the reliability of the primary information measured using the contact unit 41E based on whether or not the portion of the sensing module 21 including the contact unit 41E has moved from its initial state.

[0100] In this way, since the multiple contact parts 41 are individually and movably attached to the main body 11, the signal processing unit 32 can individually determine the reliability of each measurement result of the primary information using each contact part 41.

[0101] It should be noted that each of the first, second, and third embodiments may be implemented independently, or a plurality of embodiments may be combined, for example, the first and second embodiments may be combined, or the first and third embodiments may be combined.

[0102] 4. Modifications FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the configuration of the sensing system of the present technology.

[0103] Some of the functions of the sensing module 21 may be executed by an information processing device 301 connected to the smartwatch 1 .

[0104] For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the smart watch 1 transmits the measurement results of the primary information by the RF sensor provided in the sensing module 21 to the information processing device 301 .

[0105] The information processing device 301 is configured by a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The information processing device 301 calculates biometric information of the wearer of the smart watch 1 based on, for example, primary information transmitted from the smart watch 1, and presents the biometric information to the wearer of the information processing device 301. Here, the information processing device 301 functions as a calculation unit that calculates the biometric information of the wearer.

[0106] The information processing device 301 can also determine the reliability of the primary information measured using each contact unit 41 and select the measurement results of the primary information to be used for calculating the biometric information based on the reliability determination result. In this case, the information processing device 301 has a communication unit that receives the measurement results of the primary information, a determination unit that determines the reliability, and a calculation unit that calculates the biometric information.

[0107] The device in which the sensing module 21 is provided is not limited to the smartwatch 1, but may be a wearable device without a display, an in-ear headphone, a medical device that measures a patient's biological information, etc. The device in which the sensing module 21 is provided may be a portable device or a stationary device.

[0108] The above-described series of processes for a computer can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0109] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0110] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 , and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503 are interconnected by a bus 504 .

[0111] An input / output interface 505 is also connected to the bus 504. An input unit 506 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and an output unit 507 including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected to the input / output interface 505. Also connected to the input / output interface 505 are a storage unit 508 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc., a communication unit 509 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 510 that drives removable media 511.

[0112] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 501 performs the above-described series of processes by, for example, loading a program stored in the storage unit 508 into the RAM 503 via the input / output interface 505 and the bus 504 and executing it.

[0113] The program executed by the CPU 501 is installed in the storage unit 508 by being recorded on, for example, a removable medium 511 or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting.

[0114] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0115] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all of the components are housed in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0116] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0117] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present technology.

[0118] For example, the present technology can be configured as a cloud computing system in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0119] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0120] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0121] Example of Combination of Configurations The present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0122] (1) A measurement device comprising: a contact unit that irradiates an object to be measured with electromagnetic waves for measuring primary information used to calculate biological information of the object; and a signal processing unit that measures the primary information using the contact unit, wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability of a measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit and determines the measurement result of the primary information to be output based on the determination result of the reliability. (2) The measurement device described in (1), wherein the signal processing unit and the contact unit are arranged on a single sensor substrate. (3) The measurement device described in (2), wherein a plurality of contact units are arranged on the sensor substrate, and the signal processing unit measures the primary information individually using each of the plurality of contact units, determines the reliability for each contact unit, and selects the measurement result of the primary information to be output from among the measurement results of the primary information using each of the plurality of contact units based on the determination result of the reliability for each contact unit. (4) The measurement device described in (3), wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on the measurement result of the primary information. (5) The measurement device according to (3), wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on contact impedance between the contact unit and the object under test. (6) The measurement device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the sensor substrate is provided with wiring that directly connects each of the plurality of contact units to the signal processing unit. (7) The measurement device according to (6), wherein the wiring lengths of the wiring are the same among the plurality of contact units. (8) The measurement device according to (6) or (7), wherein the signal processing unit is disposed at a position where the wiring lengths of the wiring are the same among the plurality of contact units. (9) The measurement device according to (6), wherein the signal processing unit corrects the measurement results of the primary information using each of the plurality of contact units based on the wiring lengths of the wiring. (10) The measurement device according to (3), further comprising a switch that switches which of the plurality of contact units is connected to the signal processing unit. (11) The measurement device according to any one of (2) to (10), further comprising a pressure sensor that detects a pressure applied to the contact portion, wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor.(12) The measuring device according to (11), wherein the signal processing unit starts measuring the primary information when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. (13) The measuring device according to (11) or (12), wherein the sensor substrate is provided with a plurality of contact portions and a pressure sensor corresponding to each of the plurality of contact portions. (14) The measuring device according to any of (2) to (10), wherein the contact portion is movably attached to a housing of the measuring device or the sensor substrate within a range of directions perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the sensor substrate, and the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on whether the contact portion has moved from an initial state. (15) The measuring device according to (14), wherein the signal processing unit starts measuring the primary information when the contact portion has moved from the initial state. (16) The measuring device according to (14) or (15), wherein the sensor substrate is provided with a plurality of contact portions, and each of the plurality of contact portions is individually movably attached to the housing or the sensor substrate. (17) A measurement method including: measuring primary information using a contact unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave to the subject to measure primary information used to calculate biological information of the subject, the primary information being used to calculate biological information of the subject; determining the reliability of a measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit; and outputting the measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit based on the reliability determination result. (18) A program that causes a computer to execute processing including: measuring the primary information using a contact unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave to the subject to measure primary information used to calculate biological information of the subject, the primary information being used to calculate biological information of the subject, determining the reliability of a measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit; and determining the measurement result of the primary information to be output based on the reliability determination result.(19) An information processing system having a measuring device including: a contact unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave to a subject to be measured for measuring primary information used to calculate the subject's biological information; a signal processing unit that measures the primary information using the contact unit; and a communication unit that transmits the measurement results of the primary information by the signal processing unit to an information processing device; and the information processing device including: a communication unit that receives the measurement results of the primary information transmitted from the measuring device; a determination unit that determines the reliability of the measurement results of the primary information using the contact unit; and a calculation unit that calculates the biological information based on the measurement results of the primary information determined based on the determination result of the reliability.

[0123] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Smart watch, 11 Main body, 12 Band part, 13 Display, 21 Sensing module, 22 Main CPU, 31 Sensor board, 32 Signal processing part, 33 Microcomputer, 41 Contact part, 51 RF switch, 101 Pressure sensor, 301 Information processing device

Claims

1. A measurement device comprising: a contact unit that irradiates an object to be measured with electromagnetic waves for measuring primary information used to calculate the biological information of the object; and a signal processing unit that measures the primary information using the contact unit, wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability of the measurement results of the primary information using the contact unit, and determines the measurement results of the primary information to be output based on the determined reliability.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing section and the contact section are arranged on a single sensor substrate.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the contact portions are arranged on the sensor substrate, and the signal processing unit measures the primary information individually using each of the plurality of contact portions, determines the reliability for each of the contact portions, and selects the measurement result of the primary information to output from among the measurement results of the primary information using each of the plurality of contact portions based on the determination result of the reliability for each of the contact portions.

4. The measurement device according to claim 3, wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on the measurement result of the primary information.

5. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the signal processing section determines the reliability based on a contact impedance between the contact section and the object under test.

6. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the sensor substrate is provided with wiring that directly connects each of the plurality of contact portions to the signal processing portion.

7. The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the wiring lengths of the wiring are the same among the plurality of contact portions.

8. The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the signal processing section is arranged at a position where the wiring lengths of the wiring are the same among the plurality of contact sections.

9. The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the signal processing unit corrects the measurement results of the primary information obtained using each of the plurality of contact portions based on the wiring length of the wiring.

10. The measuring device according to claim 3, further comprising a switch for switching which of the plurality of contact parts is to be connected to the signal processing unit.

11. The measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure applied to the contact portion, wherein the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor.

12. The measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the signal processing unit starts measuring the primary information when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

13. The measuring device according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the contact portions and a plurality of the pressure sensors corresponding to the plurality of the contact portions are arranged on the sensor substrate.

14. The measuring device described in claim 2, wherein the contact portion is attached to the housing of the measuring device or the sensor substrate so as to be movable within a range of directions perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the sensor substrate, and the signal processing unit determines the reliability based on whether the contact portion has moved from its initial state.

15. The measuring device according to claim 14, wherein the signal processing unit starts measuring the primary information when the contact portion moves from the initial state.

16. The measuring device according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of the contact portions are arranged on the sensor substrate, and each of the plurality of contact portions is individually and movably attached to the housing or the sensor substrate.

17. A measurement method including: measuring primary information used to calculate biometric information of a subject using a contact unit that irradiates the subject with electromagnetic waves for measuring the primary information; determining the reliability of the measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit; and outputting the measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit based on the determined reliability.

18. A program for causing a computer to execute processing including: measuring primary information used to calculate the biological information of a subject using a contact unit that irradiates the subject with electromagnetic waves for measuring the primary information; determining the reliability of the measurement result of the primary information using the contact unit; and determining the measurement result of the primary information to be output based on the result of the reliability determination.

19. An information processing system having a measuring device comprising: a contact unit that irradiates an object to be measured with electromagnetic waves for measuring primary information used to calculate the biological information of the object to be measured; a signal processing unit that measures the primary information using the contact unit; and a communication unit that transmits the measurement results of the primary information by the signal processing unit to an information processing device; and the information processing device comprising: a communication unit that receives the measurement results of the primary information transmitted from the measuring device; a determination unit that determines the reliability of the measurement results of the primary information using the contact unit; and a calculation unit that calculates the biological information based on the measurement results of the primary information determined based on the determination result of the reliability.

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