Measuring device, measuring method, and program
The measuring device dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on user conditions to balance accuracy and power consumption, addressing the limitations of fixed parameters in conventional devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Conventional measuring devices face challenges in achieving both optimal measurement accuracy and power consumption, as measurement parameters are fixed during user operation, making it difficult to adapt to varying user conditions.
A measuring device and method that dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and VNA calibration based on the user's state, such as hypoglycemic conditions or health status, to optimize accuracy and power consumption.
The solution allows for precise blood glucose level measurements during critical conditions while conserving battery life by dynamically switching parameters, ensuring optimal measurement accuracy and power efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure JP2025041115_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Measuring Device, Measuring Method, and Program 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a measuring device, a measuring method, and a program, and more particularly to a measuring device, a measuring method, and a program that can achieve both optimal measurement accuracy and power consumption. 【0002】 Conventionally, non-invasive sensors for measuring biological information using infrared lasers, microwaves, millimeter waves, etc. have been studied and commercialized (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As this type of sensor, a measuring device that measures biological information by measuring S parameters is known. 【0003】 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0297256 【0004】 In conventional measuring devices, it was difficult to achieve both optimal measurement accuracy and power consumption because the measurement parameters were fixed during user operation. 【0005】 The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation and aims to achieve both optimal measurement accuracy and power consumption. 【0006】 A measuring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a measuring unit that measures biological information of a user based on S parameters measured from the user as a measurement target, and a control unit that controls the measuring unit. The control unit acquires measurement parameters according to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and controls the measurement by the measuring unit based on the acquired measurement parameters. 【0007】 A measuring method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a measuring device measuring biological information of a user based on S parameters measured from the user as a measurement target, acquiring measurement parameters according to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and controlling the measurement based on the acquired measurement parameters. 【0008】One aspect of the present disclosure is a program that enables a computer to function as a measuring device, comprising a measuring unit that measures a user's biological information based on S-parameters measured from the user being measured, and a control unit that controls the measuring unit, wherein the control unit acquires measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and controls the measurement by the measuring unit based on the acquired measurement parameters. 【0009】 In one aspect of this disclosure, a measuring device, a measuring method, and a program are used to measure a user's biological information based on S-parameters measured from the user being measured, to acquire measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and to control the measurement based on the acquired measurement parameters. 【0010】 Furthermore, the measuring device representing one aspect of this disclosure may be an independent device or an internal block constituting a single device. 【0011】 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a measurement system to which this disclosure is applied. This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of measurement processing performed by the measurement system. This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of mode determination processing. This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of blood glucose measurement processing. This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a measurement system to which this disclosure is applied. This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of measurement processing performed by the measurement system. This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of mode determination processing. This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of blood glucose measurement processing. This is a diagram showing a first example of the configuration of an electronic device having a sensor module. This is a diagram showing a second example of the configuration of an electronic device having a sensor module. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of computer hardware. 【0012】 <<First Embodiment>> 【0013】 <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a measurement system to which this disclosure is applied. 【0014】The measurement system 1 consists of a sensor module 11 and an information terminal 12. The sensor module 11 is a measuring device equipped with a measurement unit for measuring the user's blood glucose level. The information terminal 12 is an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet. The sensor module 11 and the information terminal 12 can exchange data by wireless communication according to a communication method compliant with, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). 【0015】 The sensor module 11 comprises a control detection unit 21, a measurement unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The control detection unit 21 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller including a CPU and memory. The control detection unit 21 controls each part of the sensor module 11. For example, the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 based on measurement parameters, time information, and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12. The control detection unit 21 also controls the measurement unit 22 based on the measurement results supplied from the measurement unit 22. The control detection unit 21 can also control the measurement unit 22 based on attitude data supplied from the gyro sensor 61. The control detection unit 21 is connected to the gyro sensor 61 via a predetermined input interface. The gyro sensor 61 is a sensor that detects angular velocity and can calculate attitude changes from angular velocity. 【0016】The measurement unit 22 has a VNA core 31 configured as a VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) chip (VNA integrated circuit). The VNA core 31 measures S-parameters by irradiating the user's body part to be measured (for example, the arm such as the wrist) with microwave or millimeter-wave electromagnetic waves (radio waves), i.e., RF (Radio Frequency) signals, via a probe or the like as an incident signal. The body part to be measured includes, for example, the tissue around the user's arm, specifically body tissue consisting of keratin, skin cells, blood vessels (blood), etc. The body part to be measured is not limited to the user's arm, but may be other parts such as the earlobe, palm, foot, or abdomen. Furthermore, the measurement unit 22 may measure other biological information in addition to blood glucose levels. 【0017】 An electrode 32, which functions as a probe, is connected to the port of the VNA core 31. The electrode 32 is composed of multiple electrodes. The VNA core 31 has an RF unit 41, an S-parameter calculation unit 42, and a calibration unit 43. The RF unit 41 irradiates the user's body part to be measured with an incident signal for measuring the S-parameters via the electrode 32, and also receives the incident signal that has been reflected back from inside the user's body part as a reflected signal. The RF unit 41 can also receive the incident signal that has passed through the user's body part to be measured as a transmitted signal. 【0018】The S-parameter calculation unit 42 calculates S-parameters based on at least the incident signal and the reflected signal from the RF unit 41, among the incident signal, reflected signal, and transmitted signal. That is, when measuring blood glucose levels, the VNA core 31 measures S-parameters. S-parameters are parameters related to the magnitude (amplitude) and phase of RF signals such as reflected signals and transmitted signals. For example, when only port 1 is used for measurement, S11 is calculated as an S-parameter based on the incident signal and the reflected signal. S11 is information that represents the change in magnitude and phase of the reflected signal relative to the incident signal to the measurement target. When both port 1 and port 2 are used for measurement, S11 and S21 are calculated as S-parameters based on the incident signal, the reflected signal, and the transmitted signal. S21 is information that represents the change in magnitude and phase of the transmitted signal relative to the incident signal to the measurement target. 【0019】 The calibration unit 43 performs VNA calibration. The calibration unit 43 can perform VNA calibration, for example, by SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Thru) calibration. In SOLT calibration, the characteristics of short circuit, open circuit, load, and transmission are measured using a calibration element, and reference data is acquired. By performing VNA calibration, it becomes possible to remove unnecessary influences from the measurement and accurately measure the characteristics of the object being measured. 【0020】The measurement unit 22 includes a blood glucose calculation unit 33 along with a VNA core 31 as a circuit unit for calculating S-parameters and blood glucose levels. The blood glucose calculation unit 33 calculates blood glucose levels based on the S-parameters calculated by the S-parameter calculation unit 42. Here, for example, the complex dielectric constant of the object to be measured can be calculated by the probe method or the S-parameter method, and the blood glucose level can be calculated based on the complex dielectric constant. The communication unit 23 is composed of a communication module compatible with communication methods such as wireless LAN and short-range wireless communication standards. The communication unit 23 receives measurement parameters, time information, and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12 according to a predetermined communication method and supplies them to the control detection unit 21. The communication unit 23 also transmits the blood glucose data calculated by the blood glucose calculation unit 33 as a measurement result to the information terminal 12 according to a predetermined communication method. 【0021】 The information terminal 12 comprises an application 51, a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, a communication unit 54, and a UI unit 55. The application 51 is an application for measuring blood glucose levels. The application 51 is started and operated when a processor such as a CPU executes a program stored in the storage unit 53. For example, the application 51 is obtained and installed from a server on the internet. The display unit 52 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. For example, the display unit 52 displays the screen of the application 51 and information corresponding to the measurement results from the sensor module 11. 【0022】 The storage unit 53 is composed of a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 53 stores various data such as measurement parameters. The communication unit 54 is composed of a communication module compatible with communication methods such as wireless LAN and short-range wireless communication standards. The communication unit 54 transmits measurement parameters, time information, and measurement instructions to the sensor module 11 according to a predetermined communication method. The communication unit 54 also receives the measurement results transmitted from the sensor module 11 according to a predetermined communication method and supplies them to the application 51. 【0023】The UI unit 55 is an input interface that accepts input from the user, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel, a software keyboard, or physical buttons. The UI unit 55 accepts input such as meal start time and sleep start time in response to user operations. Meal start time is the time when the user starts eating. Sleep start time is the time when the user starts sleeping. 【0024】 <Processing Flow> Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 2, the flow of the measurement process performed by the measurement system 1 in Figure 1 will be explained. 【0025】 In step S11, the sensor module 11 and the information terminal 12, which constitute the measurement system 1, are activated and become ready to operate in cooperation. In step S12, the application 51 on the information terminal 12 checks the current time. 【0026】 In step S13, the application 51 of the information terminal 12 performs measurement parameter setting processing. In the measurement parameter setting processing, the following are set: radio wave intensity, which indicates the strength of the radio waves during measurement; measurement frequency, which indicates the number of measurements performed per unit time to determine one blood glucose level; number of electrodes used, which indicates the number of electrodes used during measurement; and information regarding the implementation of VNA calibration. For example, the set radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and information regarding the implementation of VNA calibration are stored in advance in the storage unit 53. Note that the measurement frequency is not limited to the number of measurements per unit time, but may also be determined according to, for example, the average number of measurements, the number of samples, the number of frequency bands used (5GHz only, 4GHz and 5GHz, etc.). 【0027】Specifically, in the hypoglycemia-adaptive measurement mode, the measurement parameters can be set to 1.5 times the normal level, 20 measurements per second, 8 electrodes used, and VNA calibration enabled. In the normal measurement mode, the measurement parameters can be set to 0.7 times the normal level, 5 measurements per second, 4 electrodes used, and VNA calibration can be optionally enabled. Here, "normal" refers to standard values such as the settings used in conventional measurement systems (measuring devices). 【0028】 In step S14, the communication unit 54 of the information terminal 12 transmits measurement parameters, time information, and measurement instructions to the sensor module 11 according to a predetermined communication method. The communication unit 23 of the sensor module 11 receives the measurement parameters, time information, and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12. The time information includes the current time, meal start time, and sleep start time. 【0029】 In step S15, the control detection unit 21 of the sensor module 11 performs a mode determination process. The mode determination process determines whether to enter the hypoglycemia-adaptive measurement mode or the normal measurement mode. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the mode determination process. In step S31, it is determined whether or not the user is in a hypoglycemic state. For example, based on the measurement results from the measurement unit 22, the control detection unit 21 determines that the user being measured is in a hypoglycemic state when the measured blood glucose level is less than a predetermined value (for example, blood glucose level < 70 mg / dL). If it is determined in step S31 that the user is in a hypoglycemic state, the system enters the hypoglycemia-adaptive measurement mode (S32). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the user is not in a hypoglycemic state, the process proceeds to step S33. 【0030】In step S33, it is determined whether or not it is a time period in which hypoglycemia can be detected. For example, the control detection unit 21 determines that it is a time period in which hypoglycemia can be detected when it is 2 to 3 hours after the meal, based on the current time and the meal start time. If it is determined in step S33 that it is a time period in which hypoglycemia can be detected, the system switches to the hypoglycemia-adaptive measurement mode (S32). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that it is not a time period in which hypoglycemia can be detected, the process proceeds to step S34. 【0031】 In step S34, it is determined whether or not the user is asleep. For example, the control detection unit 21 determines that the user is asleep based on the current time and the time the user has started to sleep. Alternatively, it may determine whether or not the user is asleep based on posture data measured by the gyro sensor 61. If it is determined in step S34 that the user is asleep, the system switches to the hypoglycemia adaptive measurement mode (S32). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the user is not asleep, the system switches to the normal measurement mode (S35). Once the processing in step S32 or S35 is completed, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S16 in Figure 2. 【0032】 In step S16, the control detection unit 21 of the sensor module 11 controls the measurement unit 22 based on the measurement parameters and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12 and the processing result of the mode determination process, thereby performing the blood glucose measurement process. In the blood glucose measurement process, when measuring blood glucose levels using VNA, the radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and VNA calibration are dynamically adjusted based on the measurement parameters transmitted from the information terminal 12. 【0033】Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the blood glucose measurement process. In the blood glucose measurement process, if the hypoglycemia adaptive measurement mode is selected (S41: Yes), the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 to measure the blood glucose level based on the measurement parameters, setting the radio wave intensity to 1.5 times the normal level, the measurement frequency to 20 times per second, and the number of electrodes used to 8 (S42). In addition, prior to measurement, the control detection unit 21 controls the calibration unit 43 to perform VNA calibration for each blood glucose measurement (S42). 【0034】 On the other hand, in normal measurement mode (S41: No), the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 to measure blood glucose levels based on the measurement parameters, setting the radio wave intensity to 0.7 times the normal level, the measurement frequency to 5 times per second, and the number of electrodes used to 4 (S43). In addition, prior to measurement, the control detection unit 21 controls the calibration unit 43 to perform VNA calibration at a specified number of times (once per hour, twice per hour, or not performed) (S43). In this case, the radio wave intensity in the former (1.5 times the normal level) is stronger than the radio wave intensity in the latter (0.7 times the normal level), the measurement frequency in the former (20 times per second) is more than the measurement frequency in the latter (5 times per second), and the number of electrodes used in the former (8) is more than the number of electrodes used in the latter (4). When the processing in step S42 or S43 is completed, the process proceeds from step S16 to step S17 in Figure 2. 【0035】 Specifically, when signs of hypoglycemia are detected, such as during a hypoglycemic state, a hypoglycemic detection period, or during sleep, the radio signal strength is increased to 1.5 times the normal level to improve measurement accuracy. On the other hand, in normal conditions where no signs of hypoglycemia are detected, the radio signal strength is reduced to 0.7 times the normal level to conserve battery power. For example, when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg / dL, the device operates in a high-precision mode with improved measurement accuracy, while at other times it operates in a power-saving mode that conserves battery power. This allows for precise detection of hypoglycemia while extending overall battery life. 【0036】The measurement frequency is also dynamically adjusted depending on whether signs of hypoglycemia are detected. If signs of hypoglycemia are detected, it operates in high-precision mode, performing 20 measurements per second to determine a single blood glucose level. On the other hand, under normal conditions, it switches to low-precision mode, performing 5 measurements per second to determine a single blood glucose level. This allows for a more detailed understanding of hypoglycemic states, which require more attention, while optimizing battery consumption under normal conditions. 【0037】 Furthermore, the number of electrodes used can be adjusted to precisely capture hypoglycemia if signs of hypoglycemia are detected. For example, if electrode 32 has eight electrodes, it will operate in multi-electrode mode, using all eight electrodes. On the other hand, under normal conditions, it switches to a small-electrode mode (power-saving mode) that uses only four of the eight electrodes. This allows for improved measurement accuracy in hypoglycemic states by measuring with multiple electrodes and using the results. Thus, accurate blood glucose levels can be determined and responses can be made quickly. 【0038】 VNA calibration is performed after each blood glucose measurement if signs of hypoglycemia are detected, allowing for more precise measurements. Under normal conditions, VNA calibration is performed at a select number of times (once an hour, twice an hour, or not at all) to conserve power. This maximizes measurement accuracy in hypoglycemic conditions while optimizing power consumption under normal conditions. 【0039】 In step S17, the communication unit 23 of the sensor module 11 transmits the measurement results to the information terminal 12 according to a predetermined communication method. The communication unit 54 of the information terminal 12 receives the measurement results transmitted from the sensor module 11. For example, the application 51 on the information terminal 12 can display information corresponding to the received measurement results on the display unit 52. 【0040】As described above, the measurement system 1 in Figure 1 can measure blood glucose levels by dynamically switching four measurement parameters (radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and VNA calibration information) triggered by the detection of signs of hypoglycemia. For example, when hypoglycemia occurs, the radio wave intensity can be increased for more precise measurements, while at other times, the radio wave intensity can be decreased to reduce power consumption. Also, when hypoglycemia occurs, the measurement frequency can be increased for more precise measurements, while at other times, the measurement frequency can be decreased to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, when hypoglycemia occurs, VNA calibration can be performed for more precise measurements, while at other times, VNA calibration can be performed only a specified number of times to reduce power consumption. Additionally, when hypoglycemia occurs, the number of electrodes used can be increased for more precise measurements, while at other times, the number of electrodes used can be decreased to reduce power consumption. 【0041】 In conventional measurement systems (measuring devices), the measurement parameters were fixed during user use, making it difficult to perform optimal measurements for various use cases (such as hypoglycemia). The four measurement parameters mentioned above have a trade-off relationship: some improve measurement accuracy but consume more power, while others consume less power but have lower measurement accuracy. For example, fixed measurement parameters could not adequately capture blood glucose fluctuations during hypoglycemia, making it impossible to achieve optimal measurement accuracy for each use case. On the other hand, using measurement parameters that prioritize accuracy shortens the battery life. Therefore, it is difficult to balance measurement accuracy and power consumption; for example, high-precision measurement increases power consumption, while reducing power consumption decreases measurement accuracy. In this disclosure, the measurement parameters are dynamically switched when signs of hypoglycemia are detected, enabling optimal measurement accuracy and power consumption to be achieved simultaneously. 【0042】In other words, in a measurement system (measuring device) to which this disclosure is applied, when a hypoglycemic state is detected, the system transitions to a hypoglycemic adaptive measurement mode that sets optimal measurement parameters according to the blood glucose level (state of biological information), and adjusts the measurement parameters to improve measurement accuracy. On the other hand, in normal measurement mode, the measurement parameters are adjusted to reduce power consumption. This allows for highly accurate monitoring during hypoglycemic states, and in normal states, it can operate in power-saving mode to extend battery life. In this case, as a method for detecting signs of hypoglycemia, the meal start time entered by the user is used to perform measurements during a time when hypoglycemia can be judged (for example, 2 to 3 hours after a meal), and the measurement results can be used for judgment. During the time when hypoglycemia can be judged, the measurement parameters can be changed to obtain blood glucose levels with high accuracy. Furthermore, since hypoglycemia tends to occur during sleep, the measurement system (measuring device) to which this disclosure is applied can be equipped with a function to detect hypoglycemia by acquiring information on the sleep start time. Information on the sleep start time can be acquired using manual input by the user or detection results from a gyro sensor 61. Based on information regarding sleep onset time, if the user is asleep, the measurement parameters can be changed to accurately measure blood glucose levels and detect signs of hypoglycemia. 【0043】 In the above explanation, the case shown is where the sensor module 11 selects measurement parameters from the measurement parameters transmitted from the information terminal 12 based on the result of the mode determination process. However, the information terminal 12 may also select measurement parameters based on the result of the mode determination process and transmit the selected measurement parameters. When the information terminal 12 selects measurement parameters, the sensor module 11 must notify the information terminal 12 of the processing result of the mode determination process. Alternatively, the information terminal 12 may perform the mode determination process. In other words, the mode determination process (S15) in Figure 2 may be performed by the application 51 on the information terminal 12. 【0044】Further, the measurement parameters pre-stored in the memory unit 53 are obtained and stored from an external server or the like at a predetermined timing such as when the application 51 is installed or when cooperating with the sensor module 11 in the information terminal 12, for example. Alternatively, the measurement parameters may be set by the user via the UI unit 55. When measuring blood glucose levels, it is not necessary to dynamically switch all of the above four measurement parameters, and at least one measurement parameter may be dynamically switched. In FIG. 1, a configuration in which a gyro sensor 61 is provided as a sensor for acquiring attitude data is shown. However, for example, other sensors such as an acceleration sensor or a magnetic sensor may be used, or a combination of multiple sensors may be used. 【0045】 <<Second Embodiment>> 【0046】 <System Configuration> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a measurement system to which the present disclosure is applied. In the measurement system 2 of FIG. 5, parts corresponding to those in the measurement system 1 of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. 【0047】 In the measurement system 2 of FIG. 5, a body temperature sensor 62 is provided instead of the gyro sensor 61 as compared with the measurement system 1 of FIG. 1. The body temperature sensor 62 is connected to the control detection unit 21 of the sensor module 11 via a predetermined input interface. The body temperature sensor 62 is a sensor for measuring the user's body temperature. The body temperature sensor 62 measures the body temperature (for example, skin temperature) from the user's part (such as an arm part like the wrist) using a predetermined measurement method, and supplies the measured body temperature data to the control detection unit 21. 【0048】In the information terminal 12 of FIG. 5, the UI unit 55 accepts inputs such as diabetic patient identification information, test result information, and sick day related information according to the user's operations. The diabetic patient identification information is information for identifying whether the user to be measured is a diabetic patient or a healthy person. The test result information includes information regarding test results such as fasting blood glucose level, HbA1c level, and results of a 75g oral glucose tolerance test. The sick day related information includes information regarding sick days such as the user's self-report of physical condition. A sick day is a state (a day with poor physical condition) in which a diabetic patient cannot eat due to fever, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc., and the blood glucose level is likely to fluctuate. 【0049】 <Processing Flow> Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the flow of the measurement process executed by the measurement system 2 of FIG. 5 will be described. 【0050】 In step S61, similar to step S11 of FIG. 2, the system is activated. In step S62, the UI unit 55 of the information terminal 12 accepts user input. For example, diabetic patient identification information indicating a diabetic patient or a healthy person, test result information such as fasting blood glucose level, and sick day related information such as the user's self-report of physical condition are input. The test result information may be, for example, information obtained from a health check of the user to be measured. In step S63, similar to step S12 of FIG. 2, the current time is confirmed. 【0051】 In step S64, the application 51 of the information terminal 12 performs measurement parameter setting processing. In the measurement parameter setting processing, information regarding radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and implementation of VNA calibration is set. For example, information regarding the radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and implementation of VNA calibration to be set is stored in the storage unit 53 in advance. 【0052】Specifically, in sick day mode, the measurement parameters can be set to 2.0 times the normal signal strength, 50 measurements per second, 10 electrodes used, and VNA calibration enabled. In diabetic patient mode, the measurement parameters can be set to 1.5 times the normal signal strength (lower limit 1.3 times), 30 measurements per second (lower limit 25), 8 electrodes used (lower limit 6), and VNA calibration can be optionally set. Furthermore, in healthy person mode, the measurement parameters can be set to 1.2 times the normal signal strength, 20 measurements per second, 6 electrodes used, and VNA calibration can be optionally set. 【0053】 In step S65, the communication unit 54 of the information terminal 12 transmits measurement parameters, time information, user input information, and measurement instructions to the sensor module 11 according to a predetermined communication method. The communication unit 23 of the sensor module 11 receives the measurement parameters, time information, user input information, and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12. The time information includes the current time. The user input information includes diabetes patient identification information, test result information, and sick day related information. 【0054】 In step S66, the control detection unit 21 of the sensor module 11 performs a mode determination process. The mode determination process determines whether the mode is sick day mode, diabetic patient mode, or healthy person mode. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the mode determination process. In step S81, it is determined whether the user being measured is a diabetic patient based on at least one of the diabetic patient identification information and test result information included in the user input information. If it is determined in step S81 that the user is a diabetic patient, the process proceeds to step S82. 【0055】In step S82, it is determined whether the user is sick or not based on sick day-related information included in the user input information. Here, if necessary, body temperature data from the body temperature sensor 62 may be used to determine whether the user is sick or not based on whether they have a fever. If it is determined in step S82 that the user is sick, the system enters sick day mode (S83). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S82 that the user is not sick, the system enters diabetic patient mode (S84). Also, if it is determined in step S81 that the user is not diabetic, the system enters healthy person mode (S85). Once any of the processes in steps S83 to S85 are completed, the process proceeds to steps S66 to S67 in Figure 6. 【0056】 In step S67, the control detection unit 21 of the sensor module 11 controls the measurement unit 22 based on the measurement parameters and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12 and the processing result of the mode determination process, thereby performing the blood glucose measurement process. In the blood glucose measurement process, when measuring blood glucose levels using VNA, the radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and VNA calibration are dynamically adjusted based on the measurement parameters transmitted from the information terminal 12. 【0057】 Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the blood glucose measurement process. In the blood glucose measurement process, if the patient is in sick day mode (S91: Yes), the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 to measure the blood glucose level based on the measurement parameters, setting the radio wave intensity to 2.0 times the normal level, the measurement frequency to 50 times per second, and the number of electrodes used to 10 (S92). In addition, prior to measurement, the control detection unit 21 controls the calibration unit 43 to perform VNA calibration for each blood glucose measurement (S92). 【0058】On the other hand, if it is not in sick day mode (S91: No) and is in diabetic patient mode (S93: Yes), the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 to measure blood glucose levels by setting the radio wave intensity to 1.5 times the normal level, the measurement frequency to 30 times per second, and the number of electrodes used to 8, based on the measurement parameters (S94). In addition, prior to measurement, the control detection unit 21 controls the calibration unit 43 to perform VNA calibration at a specified number of times (once every 30 minutes, twice every 30 minutes, or not performed) (S94). Furthermore, if it is not in sick day mode (S91: No) and is not in diabetic patient mode (S93: No), it is in healthy person mode, so the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 to measure blood glucose levels by setting the radio wave intensity to 1.2 times the normal level, the measurement frequency to 20 times per second, and the number of electrodes used to 6, based on the measurement parameters (S95). Furthermore, prior to measurement, the control detection unit 21 controls the calibration unit 43 to perform VNA calibration at a specified number of times (e.g., once per hour, twice per hour, or not performed) (S95). 【0059】 At this time, the radio wave intensity in diabetic patient mode (1.5 times the normal intensity) is less than or equal to the radio wave intensity in sick day mode (2.0 times the normal intensity), and greater than or equal to the radio wave intensity in healthy person mode (1.2 times the normal intensity). The measurement frequency in diabetic patient mode (30 times per second) is less than or equal to the measurement frequency in sick day mode (50 times per second), and greater than or equal to the measurement frequency in healthy person mode (20 times per second). The number of electrodes used in diabetic patient mode (8 electrodes) is less than or equal to the number of electrodes used in sick day mode (10 electrodes), and greater than or equal to the number of electrodes used in healthy person mode (6 electrodes). When the processing in step S92, S94, or S95 is completed, the process proceeds from step S67 to step S68 in Figure 6. 【0060】In step S68, the communication unit 23 of the sensor module 11 transmits the measurement results to the information terminal 12 according to a predetermined communication method. The communication unit 54 of the information terminal 12 receives the measurement results transmitted from the sensor module 11. For example, the application 51 on the information terminal 12 can display information corresponding to the received measurement results on the display unit 52. 【0061】 As described above, the measurement system 2 in Figure 5 can measure blood glucose levels by dynamically switching four measurement parameters (radio wave intensity, measurement frequency, number of electrodes used, and VNA calibration information) triggered by diabetic patient identification information (diabetic patient flag), etc. For example, when measuring diabetic patients, the radio wave intensity can be increased for more precise measurements, while when measuring healthy individuals, the radio wave intensity can be decreased to reduce power consumption. Also, when measuring diabetic patients, the measurement frequency can be increased for more precise measurements, while when measuring healthy individuals, the measurement frequency can be decreased to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, when measuring diabetic patients, VNA calibration can be performed as many times as possible for more precise measurements, while when measuring healthy individuals, VNA calibration can be performed only a specified number of times to reduce power consumption. Additionally, when measuring diabetic patients, the number of electrodes used can be increased for more precise measurements, while when measuring healthy individuals, the number of electrodes used can be decreased to reduce power consumption. This allows for a balance between optimal measurement accuracy and power consumption. 【0062】 In other words, a measurement system (measuring device) to which this disclosure applies can perform blood glucose measurement that balances measurement accuracy and power consumption tailored to each user's health condition by using a user-adaptive measurement mode that sets optimal measurement parameters according to the user's condition using diabetes patient identification information (diabetes patient flag), etc. Furthermore, a measurement system to which this disclosure applies has a function that allows the user to input information obtained from a health checkup as test result information, and from that, determines whether to be in diabetes patient mode or healthy person mode. For example, by inputting information such as fasting blood glucose level, HbA1c value, and the results of a 75g oral glucose tolerance test, the system can automatically select the appropriate mode and set optimal measurement parameters. 【0063】 Furthermore, in diabetic patient mode, it is possible to set lower limits for each measurement parameter. For example, the lower limit for radio wave intensity can be set to 1.3 times the normal value, the lower limit for measurement frequency to 25 times per second, the lower limit for the number of electrodes used to 6, and the lower limit for VNA calibration to be optional (e.g., once every 45 minutes, twice every 45 minutes), thereby optimizing power consumption while ensuring measurement accuracy. This makes it possible to balance battery life with ensuring a certain level of measurement accuracy at all times in blood glucose management for diabetic patients. In addition, the measurement system to which this disclosure applies has a function to handle sick days. For example, sick day-related information such as the user's self-reported physical condition and body temperature data from the body temperature sensor 62 is used to determine the user's physical condition, and if the user is in poor physical condition, especially if they are a diabetic patient, the system will switch to sick day mode. In sick day mode, considering the increased risk of blood glucose fluctuations, the measurement parameters are set to their maximum values to ensure the highest accuracy measurement. 【0064】 In the above explanation, the sensor module 11 selected measurement parameters from the measurement parameters transmitted from the information terminal 12 based on the result of the mode determination process. However, the information terminal 12 may also select measurement parameters based on the result of the mode determination process and transmit the selected measurement parameters. When the information terminal 12 selects measurement parameters, the sensor module 11 must notify the information terminal 12 of the processing result of the mode determination process. Alternatively, the information terminal 12 may perform the mode determination process. That is, the mode determination process (S66) in Figure 6 may be performed by the application 51 of the information terminal 12. When measuring blood glucose levels, it is not necessary to dynamically switch all four of the above measurement parameters; at least one measurement parameter may be dynamically switched. 【0065】<<Application Example>> Figure 9 shows a first example of the configuration of an electronic device having a sensor module 11. As shown in Figure 9, the sensor module 11 can be mounted on a wearable terminal 10. The wearable terminal 10 is an electronic device that the user wears while using it, such as a smartwatch that is worn on the user's wrist like a wristwatch. The wearable terminal 10 is equipped with a main CPU and memory, and the sensor module 11 operates according to the control from the main CPU. The wearable terminal 10 also has a rechargeable battery 13 such as a lithium-ion battery, and power is supplied to each part from the rechargeable battery 13. 【0066】 In the wearable terminal 10, the sensor module 11 is configured to correspond to the sensor module 11 in Figure 1 or Figure 5. For example, in the sensor module 11 in Figure 9, the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 based on measurement parameters and measurement instructions transmitted from the information terminal 12. This makes it possible to achieve both optimal measurement accuracy in the measurement unit 22 and optimal power consumption using power from the storage battery 13. If the wearable terminal 10 is equipped with an input interface that accepts input from the user, the wearable terminal 10 may accept user input (for example, meal start time and sleep start time in Figure 1, diabetes patient identification information, test result information, sick day related information, etc. in Figure 5) on the wearable terminal 10 side instead of the UI unit 55 of the information terminal 12. The wearable terminal 10 and the information terminal 12 exchange data wirelessly according to a predetermined communication method, but wired communication is also acceptable. 【0067】Figure 10 shows a second example of the configuration of an electronic device having a sensor module 11. As shown in Figure 10, the wearable terminal 10 may be configured to include an information processing unit 12A together with the sensor module 11. The information processing unit 12A is configured to correspond to the information terminal 12 in Figure 1 or Figure 5. For example, the information processing unit 12A has functions corresponding to the application 51. Functions corresponding to the display unit 52, storage unit 53, and UI unit 55 may be provided by the wearable terminal 10. Since the information processing unit 12A is provided in the same housing as the sensor module 11 and connected via a predetermined input / output interface, there is no need to provide a communication unit 23 and a communication unit 54. 【0068】 For example, in the sensor module 11 of Figure 10, the control detection unit 21 controls the measurement unit 22 based on measurement parameters and measurement instructions supplied from the information processing unit 12A. This makes it possible to achieve both optimal measurement accuracy in the measurement unit 22 and optimal power consumption using power from the storage battery 13. Various sensors such as the gyro sensor 61 of Figure 1 and the body temperature sensor 62 of Figure 5 can be mounted on the wearable terminal 10 of Figures 9 and 10. 【0069】 <Computer Configuration> The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on the computer. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above by program. 【0070】 In a computer, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 are interconnected by a bus 104. An input / output interface 105 is further connected to the bus 104. An input / output interface 105 is connected to an input unit 106, an output unit 107, a storage unit 108, a communication unit 109, and a drive 110. 【0071】The input unit 106 consists of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. The output unit 107 consists of a display, speaker, etc. The storage unit 108 consists of a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 109 consists of a network interface, etc. The drive 110 drives a removable recording medium 111 such as semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk. 【0072】 In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 101 loads programs recorded in the ROM 102 and memory unit 108 into the RAM 103 via the input / output interface 105 and bus 104, and executes them, thereby performing the series of processes described above. 【0073】 The program executed by the computer (CPU 101) can be provided by recording it on a removable recording medium 111, such as a packaged media. The program can also be provided via wired or wireless transmission media, such as a local area network, the internet, or digital satellite broadcasting. 【0074】 In a computer, a program can be installed in the storage unit 108 via the input / output interface 105 by inserting the removable recording medium 111 into the drive 110. Alternatively, a program can be received by the communication unit 109 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 108. Furthermore, programs can be pre-installed in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 108. 【0075】 In this specification, the processes performed by a computer according to a program do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order described in the flowchart. That is, the processes performed by a computer according to a program include processes that are executed in parallel or individually (e.g., parallel processing or object-based processing). Furthermore, the program may be processed by one computer (processor) or it may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers. 【0076】The embodiments described herein are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur. 【0077】 Furthermore, this disclosure can take the following form. 【0078】(1) A measuring device comprising: a measuring unit that measures the biological information of a user based on S-parameters measured from the user to be measured; and a control unit that controls the measuring unit, wherein the control unit acquires measurement parameters according to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and controls the measurement by the measuring unit based on the acquired measurement parameters. (2) The measuring device according to (1), wherein the measuring unit comprises electrodes that irradiate the target to be measured with radio waves for calculating the S-parameters, and a circuit unit that calculates the biological information based on the calculated S-parameters. (3) The measuring device according to (2), wherein the measurement parameters include radio wave intensity indicating the intensity of the radio waves at the time of measurement, measurement frequency indicating the frequency of measurements performed to determine the biological information, and number of electrodes used indicating the number of electrodes used at the time of measurement. (4) The measuring device according to (3), wherein the measurement parameters include information regarding the implementation of calibration in the measuring unit. (5) The measuring device according to (3) or (4), wherein the biological information is a blood glucose level, and the measurement parameters include a first measurement parameter used when the measured blood glucose level is hypoglycemic, and a second measurement parameter used when the measured blood glucose level is not hypoglycemic. (6) The measuring device according to (5), wherein the first measurement parameter is further used during a time period in which the user can determine that they are hypoglycemic, or while the user is sleeping. (7) The measuring device according to (5) or (6), wherein the first measurement parameter includes a first radio wave intensity, a first measurement frequency, and a first number of electrodes used, and the second measurement parameter includes a second radio wave intensity, a second measurement frequency, and a second number of electrodes used, the first radio wave intensity is stronger than the second radio wave intensity, the first measurement frequency is more frequent than the second measurement frequency, and the first number of electrodes used is more frequent than the second number of electrodes used. (8) The measuring device as described in (4), wherein the information relating to the implementation of the calibration includes information indicating that it is performed each time the biological information is measured, or that the implementation is optional.(9) The measuring device according to (3) or (4), wherein the biological information is a blood glucose level, and the measurement parameters include a first measurement parameter used when the user is a diabetic patient and a second measurement parameter used when the user is healthy. (10) The measuring device according to (9), wherein the measurement parameters further include a third measurement parameter used when the user is a diabetic patient and experiences a sick day. (11) The measuring device according to (10), wherein the first measurement parameter includes a first radio wave intensity, a first measurement frequency, and a first number of electrodes used; the second measurement parameter includes a second radio wave intensity, a second measurement frequency, and a second number of electrodes used; the third measurement parameter includes a third radio wave intensity, a third measurement frequency, and a third number of electrodes used; the first radio wave intensity is an intensity that is less than or equal to the third radio wave intensity and greater than or equal to the second radio wave intensity; the first measurement frequency is a frequency that is less than or equal to the third measurement frequency and greater than or equal to the second measurement frequency; and the first number of electrodes used is a number that is less than or equal to the third number of electrodes used and greater than or equal to the second number of electrodes used. (12) The measuring device according to any one of (1) to (11) mounted on a wearable terminal. (13) The measuring device according to (12), wherein the measurement parameter is transmitted from another device that executes an application relating to the measurement of biological information. (14) A measurement method comprising: measuring a user's biological information based on S-parameters measured from the user to be measured; acquiring measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user; and controlling the measurement based on the acquired measurement parameters. (15) A computer comprising: a measurement unit for measuring a user's biological information based on S-parameters measured from the user to be measured; and a control unit for controlling the measurement unit, wherein the control unit is programmed to function as a measuring device that acquires measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and controls the measurement by the measurement unit based on the acquired measurement parameters. 【0079】1,2 Measurement system, 10 Wearable terminal, 11 Sensor module, 12 Information terminal, 12A Information processing unit, 13 Storage battery, 21 Control detection unit, 22 Measurement unit, 23 Communication unit, 31 VNA core, 32 Electrode, 33 Blood glucose calculation unit, 41 RF unit, 42 S-parameter calculation unit, 43 Calibration unit, 51 Application, 52 Display unit, 53 Storage unit, 54 Communication unit, 55 UI unit, 61 Gyro sensor, 62 Body temperature sensor
Claims
1. A measuring device comprising: a measuring unit that measures the biological information of a user based on S-parameters measured from the user to be measured; and a control unit that controls the measuring unit, wherein the control unit acquires measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and controls the measurement by the measuring unit based on the acquired measurement parameters.
2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit comprises an electrode that irradiates a target for measurement with radio waves for calculating the S-parameters, and a circuit unit that calculates the biological information based on the calculated S-parameters.
3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the measurement parameters include radio wave intensity, which indicates the intensity of the radio waves at the time of measurement; measurement frequency, which indicates the frequency of measurements performed to determine the biological information; and number of electrodes used, which indicates the number of electrodes used at the time of measurement.
4. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the measurement parameters include information relating to the performance of calibration in the measuring unit.
5. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the biological information is a blood glucose level, and the measurement parameters include a first measurement parameter used when the measured blood glucose level is in a hypoglycemic state, and a second measurement parameter used when the measured blood glucose level is not in a hypoglycemic state.
6. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the first measurement parameter is further used during a period in which the user can determine that they are experiencing hypoglycemia, or during the user's sleep.
7. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the first measurement parameter includes a first radio wave intensity, a first measurement frequency, and a first number of electrodes used; the second measurement parameter includes a second radio wave intensity, a second measurement frequency, and a second number of electrodes used; the first radio wave intensity is stronger than the second radio wave intensity; the first measurement frequency is more frequent than the second measurement frequency; and the first number of electrodes used is more frequent than the second number of electrodes used.
8. The measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the information relating to the implementation of the calibration includes information indicating that it is performed for each measurement of the biological information, or that the implementation is optional.
9. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the biological information is a blood glucose level, and the measurement parameters include a first measurement parameter used when the user is a diabetic patient and a second measurement parameter used when the user is a healthy person.
10. The measuring device according to claim 9, further comprising a third measuring parameter used when the user is a diabetic patient and experiences a sick day.
11. The measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the first measurement parameter includes a first radio wave intensity, a first measurement frequency, and a first number of electrodes used; the second measurement parameter includes a second radio wave intensity, a second measurement frequency, and a second number of electrodes used; the third measurement parameter includes a third radio wave intensity, a third measurement frequency, and a third number of electrodes used; the first radio wave intensity is an intensity that is less than or equal to the third radio wave intensity and greater than or equal to the second radio wave intensity; the first measurement frequency is a frequency that is less than or equal to the third measurement frequency and greater than or equal to the second measurement frequency; and the first number of electrodes used is a number that is less than or equal to the third number of electrodes used and greater than or equal to the second number of electrodes used.
12. The measuring device according to claim 1, which is mounted on a wearable device.
13. The measuring device according to claim 12, wherein the measurement parameters are transmitted from another device that performs an application relating to the measurement of biological information.
14. A measurement method comprising: measuring a user's biological information based on S-parameters measured from the user to be measured; acquiring measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user; and controlling the measurement based on the acquired measurement parameters.
15. A computer comprising: a measurement unit that measures the biological information of a user based on S-parameters measured from the user to be measured; and a control unit that controls the measurement unit, wherein the control unit is programmed to acquire measurement parameters corresponding to the state of the biological information or the state of the user, and to function as a measuring device that controls the measurement by the measurement unit based on the acquired measurement parameters.