Clinical thermometer

Abstract

The present invention provides a clinical thermometer that allows for flexible measurement of body temperature in accordance with the purpose and the situation.　A clinical thermometer according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a sheet-like base material (11) having a first portion (11a) and a second portion (11b); a temperature sensor (12) which is provided in the first portion (11a) and which measures the temperature of a subject of body temperature measurement; and a communication unit (19) which is provided in the second portion (11b) and which wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating a result of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor (12). This clinical thermometer can be used to measure the temperature of the subject of body temperature measurement by folding the base material (11) so that the second portion (11b) overlaps the first portion (11a).

Description

Thermometer

[0008] ,

[0007] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermometer.

[0002] Conventionally, a pasted-type thermometer that measures body temperature by attaching a measurement sensor unit to the surface of a measurement site of a body temperature measurement target is known. Among pasted-type thermometers, there is a battery-less thermometer that does not have a battery in the thermometer itself and can operate using radio waves received from an external device (for example, an information terminal) as a power source.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a temperature measurement device that includes a body temperature measurement target wearing device attached to a body temperature measurement target and a reader that is an external device. The body temperature measurement target wearing device is supplied with power by receiving radio waves from the reader, performs temperature measurement, and sends the measurement result to the reader by radio waves. The reader calculates a temperature change rate from the sent temperature data and checks its stability.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-270051

[0005] In the case of a pasted-type thermometer, attenuation by the living tissue of the measurement site can greatly affect power transmission and communication distance with an external device. Particularly in the case of a battery-less thermometer, since stable power supply is difficult, these effects can become significant. On the other hand, due to the configuration of attaching a sensor to the body surface, the difference between the measured temperature and the deep body temperature increases due to heat dissipation from the body surface, so a heat insulating material as thick as possible is required for usability. The temperature measurement device of Patent Document 1 does not disclose countermeasures regarding these points. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in pasted-type thermometers.

[0006] On one aspect, the present invention is made in view of such a situation, and its purpose is to provide a thermometer capable of flexible body temperature measurement according to applications and situations. <00,00013>

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

[0008] (1) A thermometer for measuring the temperature of a body temperature target, comprising: a sheet-like substrate having a first part and a second part; a temperature sensor provided in the first part for measuring the temperature of the body temperature target; and a communication unit provided in the second part for wirelessly transmitting measurement result information indicating the result of temperature measurement by the temperature sensor, wherein the second part can be used by overlapping the first part with the substrate by bending the substrate.

[0009] According to (1), the device can be used in a configuration where the temperature sensor and communication unit are separated without bending, or in a configuration where the temperature sensor and communication unit are close together after bending, enabling flexible body temperature measurement depending on the application and situation.

[0010] (2) A thermometer as described in (1), wherein the temperature sensor and the communication unit are provided on the first surface of the substrate.

[0011] According to (2), since the temperature sensor and communication unit can be provided on the same surface of the sheet-like substrate, the structure and manufacturing method of the thermometer can be simplified.

[0012] (3) A thermometer as described in (2), wherein an adhesive member is provided on the second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface.

[0013] According to (3), by attaching the thermometer to the object to be measured using an adhesive material, the temperature of the object can be accurately measured.

[0014] (4) A thermometer as described in (3), wherein the first portion is shaped such that at least a part of the adhesive member provided in the second portion is exposed when the base material is bent so that the adhesive member is on the inside.

[0015] According to (4), even when the base material is folded so that the adhesive material is on the inside, the temperature sensor can be attached to the body temperature to be measured using the adhesive material.

[0016] (5) A thermometer according to (1) or (4), wherein at least one of a soft magnetic material member and a heat insulating material member is provided between the second surface and the adhesive member.

[0017] According to (5), by providing a soft magnetic material, the attenuation of communication sensitivity due to the body temperature measurement target (biological tissue) and the influence of the communication unit on temperature measurement can be suppressed, and by providing an insulating material, the influence of heat dissipation from the body temperature measurement target or temperature rise of the communication unit on temperature measurement can be suppressed.

[0018] (6) A thermometer according to (5), wherein at least one of the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating material member is provided only in the second part of the first part and the second part.

[0019] According to (6), by providing the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating material member in the second portion, the area around the temperature sensor can be sufficiently covered when the base material is bent.

[0020] (7) A thermometer according to (5) or (6), wherein at least one of the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating member has a protrusion at a position that overlaps with the temperature sensor when the base material is bent.

[0021] According to (7), when the base material is bent, the convex portion presses against the temperature sensor, and by bringing the temperature sensor close to the body temperature to be measured, the temperature of the body temperature to be measured can be accurately measured.

[0022] (8) A thermometer according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the communication unit comprises an antenna capable of transmitting wireless signals and arranged in a coil shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate, and a processing circuit that transmits the measurement result information to an information terminal via the antenna, and the temperature sensor can be positioned inside the coil-shaped antenna when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate by bending the substrate.

[0023] According to (8), it is possible to increase the adhesive strength of the temperature sensor to the object whose body temperature is to be measured, and also to improve comfort when worn.

[0024] (9) A thermometer as described in (8), wherein the first part is shaped along the wiring between the processing circuit and the temperature sensor, and the second part is shaped along the coiled antenna.

[0025] According to (9), the temperature sensor of the first part can be attached to the body temperature to be measured using the adhesive member of the second part while the base material is folded, and the first and second parts can be miniaturized.

[0026] (10) A thermometer as described in (9), wherein the first part has a tapered shape that becomes thinner as it moves away from the second part.

[0027] According to (10), when the second part is superimposed on the first part, the exposed area of ​​the adhesive material can be secured, and the strength of the part of the first part that is close to the second part can be secured.

[0028] (11) A thermometer according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the communication unit has a second temperature sensor different from the first temperature sensor which is the temperature sensor, and wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating the result of temperature measurement by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0029] According to (11), even in a thermometer that measures temperature while attached to the object to be measured, it is possible to perform, for example, a heat flow compensated measurement using two temperature sensors.

[0030] (12) A thermometer as described in any of (1) to (11), which is battery-less.

[0031] According to (12), it is possible for a thermometer to operate without a battery, using radio waves received from an external source (for example, an information terminal) as its power source.

[0032] (13) A thermometer according to any one of (1) to (12), which is battery-less, and which measures temperature while attached to the object to be measured.

[0033] According to (13), for example, continuous monitoring of body temperature can be easily performed.

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermometer that allows for flexible temperature measurement according to the application and situation.

[0035] This figure shows an example of a body temperature measurement system 100 to which the thermometer 110 of the present invention is applied. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the body temperature measurement system 100. This is a perspective view showing an example of the thermometer 110. This is a front view and side view of the thermometer 110 shown in Figure 3. This figure shows an example of the thermometer 110 in use. This is a front view and side view showing a first modified example of the thermometer 110. This figure shows an example of the thermometer 110 in use of the first modified example. This is a front view and side view showing a second modified example of the thermometer 110. This figure shows an example of the thermometer 110 in use of the second modified example. This figure shows the back side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. This figure shows the front side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. Figure 12 shows an example of the thermometer 110 folded and attached to the object to be measured for body temperature. Figure 13 shows an example of the thermometer 110 attached to the object to be measured for body temperature without being folded. Figure 14 shows a third modified example of the thermometer 110.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to one aspect of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0037] <Body Temperature Measurement System 100> Figure 1 shows an example of a body temperature measurement system 100 to which the thermometer 110 of the present invention is applied. As shown in Figure 1, the body temperature measurement system 100 comprises a thermometer 110 and an information terminal 120.

[0038] The thermometer 110 is an instrument that measures the temperature of an object to be measured while it is attached to that object. The thermometer 110 is a device that can communicate wirelessly with the information terminal 120. The "object to be measured" is, for example, a human being. "Attached to the object to be measured" means that at least the temperature sensor provided on the thermometer 110 is attached to the measurement site of the object to be measured. The "measurement site" is, for example, the armpit. The thermometer 110 is composed of, for example, a temperature tag. The thermometer 110 is formed, for example, in a teardrop shape, and has an adhesive applied to its surface so that it can be attached to the site to be measured. The thermometer 110 transmits measurement result information indicating the result of the temperature measurement to the information terminal 120 via wireless communication.

[0039] The information terminal 120 is a terminal capable of wireless communication with the thermometer 110. For example, the information terminal 120 may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or wearable device. "Wireless communication" may use, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which allows contactless reading and writing of information from the thermometer 110's temperature tag using radio waves. Alternatively, NFC (Near Field Communication), which is specialized for short-range communication and operates in a high-frequency band (13.56 MHz), may be used. The information terminal 120 transmits a measurement instruction signal to the thermometer 110 via wireless communication to initiate temperature measurement. The information terminal 120 also magnetically couples with the thermometer 110 and supplies power to the thermometer 110 by generating an induced electromotive force using radio waves. Furthermore, the information terminal 120 receives measurement result information measured by the thermometer 110 from the thermometer 110 via wireless communication.

[0040] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the body temperature measurement system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the thermometer 110 in the body temperature measurement system 100 includes a temperature sensor 12, an antenna 15, and a processing circuit 13. The temperature sensor 12, antenna 15, and processing circuit 13 are housed within the teardrop-shaped casing of the thermometer 110.

[0041] The thermometer 110 is a battery-less thermometer. A "battery-less thermometer" is a thermometer that does not have a battery and can operate using radio waves received from an external source (for example, an information terminal 120) as its power source. For example, if the wireless communication between the thermometer 110 and the information terminal 120 is RFID, the temperature tag of the thermometer 110 is a passive tag. Also, if the wireless communication between the thermometer 110 and the information terminal 120 is NFC, the temperature tag of the thermometer 110 is a tag that operates in passive mode.

[0042] The temperature sensor 12 is composed of, for example, a thermistor. The temperature sensor 12 may also be composed of a thermocouple. When the thermometer 110 is attached, for example, to the armpit of a person being measured, heat is transferred from the surface of the housing, and the resistance value of the temperature sensor 12 changes in response to that heat. The temperature sensor 12 measures the temperature of the measurement site (armpit) based on the resistance value and outputs the measured temperature value to the processing circuit 13.

[0043] Antenna 15 is capable of wireless communication with antenna 121 of information terminal 120. Antenna 15 also functions as a power supply unit that supplies a predetermined voltage to the temperature sensor 12 and processing circuit 13 based on the power supplied from information terminal 120. Antenna 15 converts the AC voltage based on the radio waves received from information terminal 120 into a predetermined DC voltage and supplies it to the temperature sensor 12 and processing circuit 13. Antenna 15 also transmits the body temperature data of the person being measured, measured by the thermometer 110, to the information terminal 120.

[0044] The processing circuit 13 includes, for example, a communication circuit and a processor, controls the overall operation of the thermometer 110, and executes various processes. The processor of the processing circuit 13 is constituted by, for example, a microprocessor, and its operation is defined by the incorporated firmware. When the processing circuit 13 (processor) receives a measurement instruction signal through communication with the information terminal 120, it causes the temperature sensor 12 to start multiple temperature measurements at the measurement site. "Receiving the measurement instruction signal" means receiving the measurement instruction signal once. Further, the processing circuit 13 converts the measured temperature value (analog signal) of the measurement site output from the temperature sensor 12 into body temperature data (digital signal) representing the body temperature of the person to be measured. The processing circuit 13 stores the converted multiple body temperature data in a storage unit provided in the processing circuit 13. The storage unit stores the thermometer ID, which is the identification information of the thermometer 110, and the processing circuit 13 stores the body temperature data in the storage unit in association with the thermometer ID. Further, the processing circuit 13 (communication circuit) causes the converted multiple body temperature data to be transmitted to the information terminal 120 via the antenna 15 as measurement result information indicating the result of the temperature measurement.

[0045] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 120 in the body temperature measurement system 100 includes an antenna 121 and a processing circuit 122.

[0046] The antenna 121 can communicate wirelessly with the antenna 15 of the thermometer 110. The antenna 121 generates radio waves of a predetermined frequency (for example, 13.56 MHz) and supplies power to the antenna 15 of the thermometer 110 by magnetic coupling with the antenna 15 of the thermometer 110. Further, the antenna 121 transmits the measurement instruction signal output from the processing circuit 122 to the thermometer 110. Further, the antenna 121 receives the body temperature data of the person to be measured transmitted from the thermometer 110.

[0047] The processing circuit 122 outputs a measurement instruction signal to be transmitted to the thermometer 110 to the antenna 121. Further, the processing circuit 122 performs processing based on a plurality of body temperature data (measurement result information) of the subject received from the thermometer 110. "Processing based on a plurality of body temperature data" means, for example, determining the validity of at least any one of the results based on the results of a plurality of temperature measurements, and when it is determined to be valid, outputting temperature information indicating a temperature based on at least any one of the results of the plurality of temperature measurements. Determining the validity of the results of a plurality of temperature measurements means, for example, determining whether the results of a plurality of temperature measurements are stable, whether the temperature change over time in the results of a plurality of temperature measurements is small, and whether it can be said that the body temperature tag fits the measurement site from the results of a plurality of temperature measurements. "Fitting" includes not only that the body temperature tag is attached to an appropriate position of the measurement site, but also that there is no irregular fluctuation in the measured temperature, for example, showing a stable rising curve. The temperature based on the results of a plurality of temperature measurements is, for example, the average value of the results of a plurality of temperature measurements, the result of the last temperature measurement in a plurality of temperature measurements, the temperature predicted from the results of a plurality of temperature measurements, and the like. Outputting temperature information means determining the temperature information as a measurement result, for example, displaying the temperature information on the display unit of the information terminal 120, transmitting the temperature information to another device, recording the temperature information in a non-volatile memory, and the like.

[0048] <Configuration of Thermometer 110> FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the thermometer 110. FIG. 4 is a front view and a side view of the thermometer 110 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the thermometer 110 has a sheet-like base material 11, and a temperature sensor 12 and a communication unit 19 provided on the base material 11.

[0049] The base material 11 has a first portion 11a and a second portion 11b. The first portion 11a is a part for measuring the temperature of the body temperature to be measured. The second portion 11b is a part for wirelessly transmitting the measured measurement result information. The first portion 11a is formed in an elongated shape. The second portion 11b is formed in a circular shape. The second portion 11b is provided continuously from one end of the first portion 11a. In plan view, the base material 11 is formed in a teardrop shape consisting of a circular second portion 11b and a first portion 11a protruding outward from the second portion 11b. The first portion 11a is formed in a tapered shape, for example, becoming thinner as it moves away from the second portion 11b. The shape of the second portion 11b may be, for example, an elliptical or rectangular shape.

[0050] The temperature sensor 12 is provided on the first portion 11a. The temperature sensor 12 is provided on the other end of the first portion 11a. The other end is the end opposite to the one end of the first portion 11a to which the second portion 11b is continuous.

[0051] The communication unit 19 is provided in the second part 11b. The communication unit 19 includes an antenna 15 and a processing circuit 13. The antenna 15 is arranged in a coil shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material 11. "Coil shape" includes, for example, a helical shape, a spiral shape, etc. In this example, the antenna 15 is arranged in a round shape. The antenna 15 may also be arranged in a square shape, for example. The antenna 15 can transmit and receive wireless signals with, for example, the antenna 121 of the information terminal 120. The shape of the second part 11b is in line with the shape of the coil-shaped antenna 15. For example, if the coil-shaped antenna 15 is arranged in a round shape, the shape of the second part 11b will be approximately circular. Also, if the coil-shaped antenna 15 is arranged in a square shape, the shape of the second part 11b will be approximately rectangular.

[0052] The processing circuit 13 is located on the side of the second part 11b where the first part 11a is provided. The processing circuit 13 is connected to the antenna 15. The processing circuit 13 transmits the measurement result information measured by the temperature sensor 12 to the information terminal 120 via the antenna 15.

[0053] Furthermore, a wiring (pattern) 14 is provided between the processing circuit 13 of the second part 11b and the temperature sensor 12 of the first part 11a, connecting the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12. The wiring 14 extends in a substantially straight line from the processing circuit 13 to the temperature sensor 12. The shape of the first part 11a follows the shape of the wiring 14 between the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12. For example, the first part 11a has an elongated shape that follows the wiring 14.

[0054] The temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 (antenna 15, processing circuit 13) are provided on the same surface of the sheet-like substrate 11. The surface is an example of the "first surface" of the present invention. In contrast, an adhesive layer 16 is provided on the back surface of the substrate 11. The back surface is the surface of the substrate 11 opposite to the surface on which the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are provided. The adhesive layer 16 is provided over substantially the entire area of ​​the back surface. The back surface is an example of the "second surface" of the present invention. The adhesive layer 16 is an example of the "adhesive member" of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 5 shows an example of how the thermometer 110 is used. As shown in Figure 5, the thermometer 110 can be used by folding the base material 11 to overlap the second part 11b with the first part 11a. The base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside, that is, the adhesive layer 16 on the back of the first part 11a and the adhesive layer 16 on the back of the second part 11b face each other.

[0056] The bending position of the base material 11 is a part of the first portion 11a. The part of the first portion 11a is the part of the first portion 11a that is close to the second portion 11b. The part close to the second portion 11b is the relatively thick region of the tapered first portion 11a. "Usable" means that it can be used as a thermometer. "Bending" means that, for example, the first portion 11a is bendable due to sufficient flexibility. Alternatively, "bending" may also mean that a third portion connecting the first portion 11a and the second portion 11b is provided, and that the third portion is bendable due to sufficient flexibility. Furthermore, the wiring 14 provided between the temperature sensor 12 and the processing circuit 13 of the second portion 11b is also flexible so as not to break when bent. When the first portion 11a is bent, the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a is configured to overlap the approximately central region on the back side of the second portion 11b.

[0057] <First Modified Example of Thermometer 110> Figure 6 shows a front view and a side view of the first modified example of thermometer 110. In the first modified example of thermometer 110, an intermediate layer 17 is provided between the back surface of the base material 11 and the adhesive layer 16 provided on the back surface. The intermediate layer 17 is composed of at least one of a soft magnetic material and a heat insulating material. The intermediate layer 17 is provided only in the second portion 11b of the first portion 11a and second portion 11b.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of use of the thermometer 110 of the first modified example. As shown in Figure 7, the intermediate layer 17 provided on the back surface of the base material 11 may be provided to match the folding position when the first portion 11a is folded, for example. That is, the intermediate layer 17 may be provided not only on the back surface of the second portion 11b but also in a position that spans a part of the first portion 11a on the second portion 11b side.

[0059] <Second Modification of Thermometer 110> Figure 8 shows a front view and a side view of a second modification of thermometer 110. In the second modification of thermometer 110, a protrusion 18 is provided on an intermediate layer 17 provided between the back surface of the base material 11 and the adhesive layer 16 provided on the back surface. A "protrusion" is a part that is thicker than other parts. The protrusion 18 is a protrusion that extends away from the back surface of the base material 11 (downward in Figure 8).

[0060] Figure 9 shows an example of use of the thermometer 110 of the second modified example. As shown in Figure 9, the protrusion 18 of the intermediate layer 17 is provided in a position that overlaps with the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a when the first portion 11a is folded.

[0061] <Positional relationship between the second part 11b and the temperature sensor 12> Figure 10 shows the back side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. Figure 11 shows the front side of the second part 11b when the first part 11a is folded. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first part 11a is shaped to expose at least a part of the adhesive layer 16 provided on the second part 11b when the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside. "A part" means, for example, more than half of the area of ​​the entire adhesive layer 16. That is, the first part 11a is smaller than the second part 11b and is formed in an elongated shape, for example as described above, and overlaps with a part of the area of ​​the second part 11b when folded.

[0062] The temperature sensor 12 in the first part 11a is positioned inside the coil-shaped antenna 15 when the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 faces inward, and viewed from the thickness direction of the base material 11. "Inside the antenna 15" refers to, for example, the approximate center of the antenna 15. However, "inside the antenna 15" can be any central region of the antenna 15, and does not necessarily have to be the exact center. A folding guide may be provided on the base material 11 so that the temperature sensor 12 overlaps the inside of the antenna 15 when the base material 11 is folded. Specifically, a mark may be made on the folding position so that the temperature sensor 12 can overlap the inside of the antenna 15, or the folding position may be made easier to bend (more flexible), or the intermediate layer 17 on the back surface of the second part 11b may be provided up to the folding position to make it easier to bend at the folding position.

[0063] <Thermometer 110 attached to the body to be measured> Figure 12 shows an example of the thermometer 110 being folded and attached to the body to be measured. In Figure 12, the thermometer 110, with the base material 11 folded, is attached to the chest of the human body 130, which is the body to be measured. Note that the thermometer 110 is not limited to the chest of the human body 130, but can be attached to any position such as the armpit, face, neck, near the hip joint, or on the inside of the thigh.

[0064] Figure 13 shows an example of a thermometer 110 being attached to a body to be measured without being folded. In Figure 13, the thermometer 110 is shown attached to the armpit of a human body 130, with the base material 11 folded at approximately 90°. In this case, for example, the first part 11a including the temperature sensor 12 is sandwiched in the armpit, and the second part 11b including the communication unit 19 is exposed from the armpit and in contact with the chest, with the thermometer 110 attached in this manner. Note that even when the thermometer 110 is not folded, the attachment position of the thermometer 110 can be any position.

[0065] As described above, the thermometer 110 is a thermometer that measures temperature while attached to the object to be measured. By folding a sheet-like base material 11, the first part 11a, which is equipped with a temperature sensor 12 for measuring temperature, and the second part 11b, which is equipped with a communication unit 19 for wirelessly transmitting temperature measurement result information, can be used in an overlapping state. With this configuration, it is possible to use the thermometer in a form where the positions of the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are far apart without folding the base material 11, and it is also possible to use the thermometer in a form where the positions of the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are close together by folding the base material 11. This enables flexible temperature measurement according to the application and situation.

[0066] Furthermore, in the thermometer 110, the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are provided on the same side (front) of the sheet-like substrate 11. This makes it possible to bend the substrate 11 so that both the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 are positioned on the outside. In other words, the temperature sensor 12 can be positioned on one side (the side facing the body temperature to be measured), and the communication unit 19 can be positioned on the opposite side. By attaching the thermometer so that the temperature sensor 12 is on the side facing the body temperature to be measured, the temperature sensor 12 can be brought closer to the body temperature to be measured (for example, in direct contact), making it possible to accurately measure the temperature of the body temperature to be measured. Also, by attaching the thermometer so that the temperature sensor 12 is on the side facing the body temperature to be measured, the communication unit 19 can be moved away from the body temperature to be measured, thereby suppressing the influence of electromagnetic waves from biological tissue on the communication unit 19.

[0067] If such a configuration were to be implemented using a method other than folding, for example, it would be necessary to arrange the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 three-dimensionally (for example, by forming circuits on both sides of the base material 11 or by creating a two-layer structure), which would complicate the structure and manufacturing method of the thermometer 110. In contrast, with the thermometer 110 of this type, the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19 only need to be provided on one side (the same side) of the sheet-like base material 11, thus simplifying the structure and manufacturing method of the thermometer 110. Furthermore, with the thermometer 110 of this type, by folding the base material 11, the base material 11 is arranged in a double layer between the temperature sensor 12 and the communication unit 19, which further improves heat retention in the temperature sensor 12 and suppresses the impact on the communication unit 19.

[0068] Furthermore, in the thermometer 110, an adhesive layer 16 is provided on the surface of the base material 11 opposite to the surface on which the temperature sensor 12 and communication unit 19 are located. When the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside and the first part 11a is placed on top of the second part 11b, the first part 11a is formed in such a shape that a portion of the adhesive layer 16 provided on the second part 11b is exposed. As a result, even when the base material 11 is folded, the temperature sensor 12 can be attached to the body temperature to be measured by the exposed adhesive layer 16 of the second part 11b, and the temperature of the body temperature to be measured can be accurately measured.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, at least one of a soft magnetic material and a heat insulating material is provided as an intermediate layer 17 between the back surface of the base material 11 and the adhesive layer 16 provided on the back surface. By providing a soft magnetic material as the intermediate layer 17, it is possible to suppress the attenuation of the communication sensitivity of the communication unit 19 due to electromagnetic waves from the body temperature measurement target (biological tissue), or the influence of electromagnetic waves from the communication unit 19 on the measurement of the temperature sensor 12. Also, by providing a heat insulating material as the intermediate layer 17, it is possible to retain the heat of the body temperature measurement target, or to suppress the influence of the temperature rise of the communication unit 19 on the temperature sensor 12, thereby enabling accurate temperature measurement.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the intermediate layer 17 is provided only in the second portion 11b of the two portions 11a and 11b. This allows the temperature sensor 12 to be sufficiently covered with the soft magnetic material and the heat insulating material (intermediate layer 17) when the base material 11 is bent. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the first portion 11a and maintain a high degree of flexibility of the first portion 11a.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the intermediate layer 17 is provided with a protrusion 18 at a position that overlaps with the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a when the base material 11 is bent. As a result, when the base material 11 is bent, the protrusion 18 of the intermediate layer 17 presses against the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a, bringing the temperature sensor 12 closer to the body temperature to be measured, and enabling accurate measurement of the temperature of the body temperature to be measured.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, when the base material 11 is folded so that the adhesive layer 16 is on the inside, the temperature sensor 12 of the first portion 11a is positioned inside the coiled antenna 15 when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material 11. This allows the adhesive layer 16 to cover the area around the temperature sensor 12 when the base material 11 is folded, thereby increasing the adhesion strength of the temperature sensor 12 to the body temperature to be measured. In addition, since the temperature sensor 12 is positioned so as not to overlap with the antenna 15 or processing circuit 13, the wearing comfort can be improved.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the thermometer 110, the first portion 11a protruding outward from the second portion 11b is formed along the wiring between the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12, and has a tapered shape that becomes narrower as it moves away from the second portion 11b. This ensures that when the first portion 11a is bent and overlapped with the second portion 11b, a sufficient amount of the adhesive layer 16 provided on the second portion 11b is exposed. In addition, the width of the part of the first portion 11a closest to the second portion 11b (the base portion) can be increased, thereby increasing the strength of the first portion 11a against bending.

[0074] <Variations of Body Temperature Measurement> The thermometer 110 may be configured such that the above-described temperature sensor 12, which is provided at the end of the first portion 11a, is provided in the same way as a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor different from the first temperature sensor is also provided. The thermometer 110 may perform heat flow compensated body temperature measurement using the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor is provided, for example, at a predetermined position on the surface of the second portion 11b that overlaps with the first temperature sensor due to the bending of the base material 11. However, the second temperature sensor is not limited to a predetermined position that overlaps with the first temperature sensor, and may be provided, for example, at the position of the processing circuit 13.

[0075] The communication unit 19 performs heat flow-compensated body temperature measurement using the processing circuit 13 based on the temperature measurement information measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and wirelessly transmits the measurement result information to, for example, the information terminal 120. Alternatively, the communication unit 19 may wirelessly transmit the temperature measurement information measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor to the information terminal 120, and the information terminal 120 may perform heat flow-compensated body temperature measurement based on the temperature measurement information.

[0076] Thus, according to the modified thermometer 110, even in a thermometer that measures temperature by bending the base material 11 to overlap the first part 11a and the second part 11b and attaching it to the object to be measured, it is possible to perform, for example, a heat flow compensated measurement using two temperature sensors.

[0077] <Third Modification of Thermometer 110> Figure 14 shows a third modification of the thermometer 110. Although a stick-on type thermometer 110 has been described, the thermometer 110 is not limited to a stick-on type. For example, the thermometer 110 may be configured to be attached to the object to be measured by clipping it onto clothing. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the base material 11 may be configured to be bent into a roughly U-shape and clipped to the edge of clothing 140 (for example, underwear). For example, by attaching the thermometer 110 to clothing 140 so that the temperature sensor 12 faces the inside of the clothing 140 (towards the human body), the temperature sensor 12 is pressed against the object to be measured (human body) by the clothing 140, and the temperature of the object to be measured (human body) can be measured.

[0078] <Modified Antenna Configuration of Thermometer 110> The configuration of the thermometer 110 equipped with a coiled antenna 15 has been described, but the antenna configuration of the thermometer 110 is not limited to this. For example, the antenna 15 may be a chip antenna provided on a small chip. The chip equipped with this chip antenna may be a processing circuit 13, or it may be a circuit separate from the processing circuit 13.

[0079] <Modified Circuit Configuration of Thermometer 110> Although a configuration in which the processing circuit 13 is provided separately from the temperature sensor 12 has been described, a one-chip configuration using a circuit that combines the functions of the processing circuit 13 and the temperature sensor 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "combined circuit") may also be used. For example, in the configuration of the thermometer 110 shown in Figure 3, etc., a combined circuit may be provided in the position of the temperature sensor 12 instead of the temperature sensor 12, processing circuit 13, and wiring 14, and wiring connecting the combined circuit and the antenna 15 may be provided.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects of the present invention. Various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Although various embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components in the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0082] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (JP 2024-230913) filed on December 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference within this application.

[0083] 11 Substrate 11a First part 11b Second part 12 Temperature sensor 13, 122 Processing circuit 14 Wiring 15, 121 Antenna 16 Adhesive layer 17 Intermediate layer 18 Protrusion 19 Communication unit 100 Body temperature measurement system 110 Thermometer 120 Information terminal 130 Human body 140 Clothing

Claims

1. A thermometer for measuring the temperature of an object to be measured, comprising: a sheet-like substrate having a first part and a second part; a temperature sensor provided in the first part for measuring the temperature of the object to be measured; and a communication unit provided in the second part for wirelessly transmitting measurement result information indicating the result of the temperature measurement by the temperature sensor, wherein the second part can be used by overlapping the first part with the substrate by bending the substrate.

2. A thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor and the communication unit are provided on the first surface of the substrate.

3. A thermometer according to claim 2, wherein an adhesive member is provided on the second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface.

4. A thermometer according to claim 3, wherein the first portion is shaped such that at least a portion of the adhesive member provided in the second portion is exposed when the base material is bent so that the adhesive member is on the inside.

5. A thermometer according to claim 3, wherein at least one of a soft magnetic material member and a heat insulating material member is provided between the second surface and the adhesive member.

6. A thermometer according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating material member is provided only in the second part of the first part and the second part.

7. A thermometer according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the soft magnetic material member and the heat insulating member has a protrusion at a position that overlaps with the temperature sensor when the base material is bent.

8. A thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit comprises an antenna capable of transmitting wireless signals and arranged in a coil shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate, and a processing circuit that transmits the measurement result information to an information terminal using the antenna, and the temperature sensor can be positioned inside the coil-shaped antenna when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate by bending the substrate.

9. A thermometer according to claim 8, wherein the first part is shaped along the wiring between the processing circuit and the temperature sensor, and the second part is shaped along the coiled antenna.

10. A thermometer according to claim 9, wherein the first portion has a tapered shape that becomes thinner as it moves away from the second portion.

11. A thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit has a second temperature sensor different from the first temperature sensor which is the temperature sensor, and wirelessly transmits measurement result information indicating the result of temperature measurement by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

12. A thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the thermometer is battery-less.

13. A thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermometer measures temperature while attached to the object whose temperature is to be measured.

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