JP6295820B2 - Biological information analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological information analyzer that analyzes biological information non-invasively.

  Conventionally, biological information analyzers that measure body fluid components such as blood of biological specimens, blood oxygen saturation, metabolic rate, pulse rate, brain waves, etc. (hereinafter referred to as biological information) have been used in various medical settings. ing. In recent years, in particular, along with an increase in health consciousness, there is a need for an apparatus that accurately and noninvasively constantly measures and analyzes components of body fluids such as blood of biological specimens.

  Because of these market demands, a smaller, lighter and more accurate analysis device is desired for non-invasive, constant measurement and analysis without burdening body fluid components such as blood of biological specimens. ing.

  In response to such a demand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pulse oximeter for obtaining oxygen saturation of blood of a biological specimen using light without blood collection. This pulse oximeter absorbs and scatters the light emitted from the light emitting element through the living body, and absorbs and scatters the light. It is possible to determine the degree of saturation.

  As another biological information analysis apparatus, for example, a magnetic imaging apparatus using a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference element) shown in Patent Document 2 is known.

JP 2004-89546 A JP 2009-291375 A

  However, since the pulse oximeter disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 measures the oxygen saturation of the blood of the biological specimen using the light absorption characteristic, the brightness fluctuation around the biological specimen, There is a problem that the measurement value varies depending on the size of the specimen and the color of the skin, and the measurement cannot be performed accurately. Further, since the pulse oximeter uses a light emitting element and a light receiving element, there is a problem in that measurement accuracy is lowered due to adhesion of dirt to these elements and / or a biological specimen.

  On the other hand, when the apparatus of Patent Document 2 is used, since it uses a highly sensitive magnetic detection means called SQUID, it is resistant to dirt, but usually uses superconductivity that requires cooling with liquid helium or liquid nitrogen. There has been a problem of increasing the size. The SQUID is an element that detects a magnetic signal emitted from a biological sample, and cannot measure a component of body fluid such as blood of the biological sample.

  An object of the present invention is to solve these problems, and to provide a biological information analyzer that is non-invasive, small in size, and capable of accurately analyzing biological information.

  The biological information analysis apparatus of the present invention includes a magnetic field applying unit that applies a magnetic field to a biological specimen, and a magnetoresistive effect element that is disposed in proximity to the biological specimen and detects the strength of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the biological specimen. Means for obtaining biological information of the biological specimen by analyzing a magnetic signal obtained from the magnetic detection means by applying a time-varying magnetic field to the biological specimen by the detecting means and the magnetic field applying means; It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, by applying a magnetic field to the biological specimen, the strength of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the biological specimen changes according to the magnetic characteristics of the biological specimen, and the change is a magnetoresistive that is a magnetic detection means. Since the biological information of the biological sample can be magnetically detected by the effect element, the biological information can be obtained even if there are fluctuations in the brightness around the biological sample, dirt on the magnetic detection means and / or the biological sample. Information can be measured accurately. Further, by using the magnetoresistive effect element, it is possible to reduce the size as compared with a conventional apparatus using superconductivity.

  Preferably, the magnetoresistive effect element is a GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistance) element or a TMR (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance) element.

  According to the present invention, the magnetoresistive effect element is a GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistance) element or a TMR (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance) element, so that a large size utilizing superconductivity requiring cooling with liquid helium or liquid nitrogen is used. Since biometric information can be detected with low power without using a device, a large power supply is not required, and it can be driven by a small battery, making it a compact, lightweight biometric analyzer. it can.

  More preferably, the magnetic field applying means includes a current control circuit for applying a time-varying magnetic field to the biological specimen.

  According to the present invention, since the magnetic field applying means includes a current control circuit for applying a time-varying magnetic field to the biological specimen, the magnetic field necessary for measuring the biological information is easily applied. be able to.

  More preferably, the magnetic field applying means includes a coil.

  According to the present invention, it becomes easy to control the value and pulse width of the current flowing through the coil of the magnetic field applying means, and theoretically calculate the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection means when there is no biological specimen. The biological information can be electrically analyzed from the magnetic signal by comparing with the strength of the magnetic field when the biological specimen is present.

  More preferably, the analysis means includes storage means for Fourier-transforming the magnetic signal and storing it as analysis data.

  According to the present invention, the analysis unit includes a storage unit that Fourier-transforms the magnetic signal and stores it as analysis data. Therefore, the analysis unit holds analysis data different for each component of body fluid such as blood of the biological sample. I can keep it. Thereby, it is not necessary to store the magnetic signal as an analog signal as it is, or to store a large number of data obtained by A / D converting the magnetic signal in time series, the frequency after Fourier transform, the magnitude of the signal, Since analysis data need only be stored for the number of necessary items such as phase, the storage capacity of the storage means can be reduced.

  More preferably, the storage means has a function of storing the analysis data in time series.

  According to the present invention, since the storage means has a function of storing the analysis data in time series, it can hold time-series analysis data for a predetermined time.

  More preferably, the storage means has a function of deleting the oldest analysis data in time series and storing the latest analysis data when a predetermined time is exceeded.

  According to the present invention, the storage means has a function of deleting the oldest analysis data in time series and storing the latest analysis data when a predetermined time is exceeded. The time-series analysis data can be held.

  More preferably, the storage means stores in advance standard data after Fourier transform for each measurement target component of the biological specimen.

  According to the present invention, since the standard data after Fourier transform is stored in advance for each measurement target component of the biological specimen, the biological information is accurately measured by comparing the analysis data with the standard data. be able to.

  More preferably, the analysis means calculates the pulse rate of the biological sample based on a periodic variation of the analysis data, focusing on a specific component of blood of the biological sample.

According to the present invention, the analysis means pays attention to a specific component of blood of the biological sample, and calculates the pulse rate of the biological sample based on a periodic variation of the analysis data. It is possible to accurately measure the pulse that is one of the above.

  More preferably, the analysis means includes means for selectively outputting the stored data stored in the storage means.

  According to the present invention, since the analysis means includes means for selectively outputting the stored data, the necessary biological information can be extracted at a necessary timing.

  More preferably, the analysis means includes means for transmitting the stored data stored in the storage means to the outside.

  According to the present invention, since the analysis means includes means for transmitting the stored data to the outside, detailed analysis of the biological information can be performed using an external analysis device.

  More preferably, it comprises a secondary battery for supplying electric power to the magnetic field applying means, the magnetic detecting means, and the analyzing means.

  According to the present invention, since the secondary battery for supplying electric power to the magnetic field applying means, the magnetic detecting means, and the analyzing means is provided, measurement of biological information is always performed while wearing a small size and light weight. Can be done accurately.

  More preferably, a coil for non-contact power feeding for storing electric power in the secondary battery is provided.

  According to the present invention, since the non-contact power supply coil for storing power in the secondary battery is provided, power can be supplied at a necessary timing without any particular load in daily life, so that the measurement of biological information is always accurate. Can be done.

  More preferably, the non-contact power supply coil is also used as a coil provided in the magnetic application unit.

  According to the present invention, since the coil for non-contact power feeding is also used as the coil configured as the magnetic application means, it can be further reduced in size and weight.

  More preferably, the secondary battery includes a solar battery for storing electric power.

  According to the present invention, since the secondary battery is provided with a solar battery for storing electric power, it is possible to always accurately measure biological information without any particular load in daily life.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to configure a biological information analyzer that is non-invasive and small in size and capable of accurately analyzing biological information.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the cross section of the biological information analyzer by embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an external view of the biological information analyzer by embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. 1 is a mounting diagram of a biological information analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a wave form chart in the living body information analyzer by an embodiment of the invention, (a) is a wave form of intensity of an applied magnetic field, and (b) is a magnetic signal wave form obtained from a magnetic detection means. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship of each means of the biological information analyzer by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the data analysis of the biological information analyzer by embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the drawings. In addition, a common code | symbol is attached | subjected to a common element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the positional relationship such as up / down / left / right is relative and not particularly limited, and up / down / left / right may be reversed, but in the following description, description will be made based on up / down / left / right of the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios. The following embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited only to the embodiments. The constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a preferred embodiment of a biological information analysis apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each configured means.

  This biological information analyzer 10 has a cylindrical housing 1 similar to a ring having an insertion hole 2, and a biological sample (not shown) is inserted into the insertion hole 2.

  Inside the housing 1 are provided a circuit 3 constituting a coil 3 constituting a magnetic field application means 11 for applying a magnetic field to a biological specimen, a TMR element 4 constituting a magnetic detection means 12, an analysis means 13 and the like. .

  The circuit 5 includes a current control circuit 6 for supplying a current having a predetermined value and a pulse width to the coil 3, a power supply circuit 7 for operating the TMR element 4, and an amplification for amplifying a magnetic signal output from the TMR element 4. A circuit 8 and a processor 9 having a Fourier transform function, which is means for electrically analyzing the amplified magnetic signal, are mounted. Further, a secondary battery 14 for supplying electric power to the magnetic field application means 11, the magnetic detection means 12, and the analysis means 13 is connected to the circuit 5 via the switch 15. Furthermore, storage means 20 for storing analysis data and standard data is provided. Further, a display unit 16 and a transmission unit 21 that transmits data stored in the storage unit 20 to the outside in the embodiments described later are also connected to the processor 9.

  The coil 3 is formed by winding, for example, a copper wire for 10 turns so as to wind a concentric circle around the insertion hole 2.

  First, the component analysis operation of the biological specimen of the biological information analyzer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example of a measurement target component of a biological sample is reduced hemoglobin, and biological information to be analyzed is oxygen saturation.

  Here, although not shown in the figure, when a current of a predetermined value and a pulse width is applied to the coil 3 from the current control circuit 6 in a state where the biological information analyzer 10 is worn with the biological specimen as the middle finger, the coil 3 In the center of the circle, a pulsed magnetic field as shown in FIG. 4A is generated in the direction of the central axis of the cylinder of the insertion hole 2, and the magnetic field is applied to the middle finger.

  Since blood flows in the middle finger and reduced hemoglobin, which is one component constituting blood, is a paramagnetic substance, magnetization M is generated in the middle finger immediately after the pulsed magnetic field is applied. Since the intensity of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the middle finger changes according to the magnetization M, a magnetic signal including biological information as shown in FIG. 4B is detected from the TMR element 4.

  The detected magnetic signal is amplified by the amplifying circuit 8 and the amplified magnetic signal is Fourier transformed using the processor 9 to obtain a frequency spectrum. When the frequency spectrum is obtained, the frequency f0 specific to reduced hemoglobin, the signal magnitude A, Analytical data such as phase φ is obtained. The biological information analyzer 10 stores standard data of deoxyhemoglobin in advance, and oxygen saturation can be calculated based on the obtained analysis data and standard data.

Specifically, values of the signal magnitude V1 when the oxygen saturation is 10% and the signal magnitude V2 when the oxygen saturation is 90% at the inherent frequency f0 of the reduced hemoglobin are stored in advance as standard data. From these two standard data and the magnitude A of the signal obtained by the measurement, the oxygen saturation X% of the measured data can be obtained by linear interpolation using the equation (1).
X = 10 + A × (V2−V1) ÷ 80 (1)

  By using a similar procedure, it is possible to analyze components of biological specimens such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome aa3. The oxygen saturation can also be calculated from these analysis data.

  Further, the storage means 20 for storing the analysis data in time series selectively outputs the time-sequential change in the oxygen saturation as necessary storage data, and the analysis is performed by the processor 9, so that the amount of oxygen metabolism is It is possible to calculate or to calculate the calorie consumption from the metabolic rate.

  Further, by using the same procedure, it is possible to analyze the components of other biological specimens. Here, the oxygen saturation is obtained by linear interpolation using the equation (1) only from the frequency f0 specific to reduced hemoglobin after Fourier transform and the signal magnitude A. However, it differs depending on the phase φ. Biological information can be obtained. Equation (1) is an exemplary method, and an interpolation equation, a specific frequency f0, a signal magnitude A, and a phase φ are stored in advance as standard data as appropriate according to the components of the biological specimen. If so, more accurate measurement is possible.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the biological information analyzer 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). The biological information analyzer 10 has an insertion hole 2 and has a cylindrical shape so that a biological sample (not shown) can pass therethrough. The insertion hole 2 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the insertion hole 2 has a size that can be attached to the arm, and has the same effect. Hereinafter, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described, and description of common parts will be omitted.

  On the upper surface of the biological information analyzer 10, a switch 15 for switching on power, measurement, and display, and a display 16 for displaying biological information are provided. The display 16 displays the biological information calculated by the processor 9 based on the analysis data. The housing 1 is an exterior of the biological information analyzer 10 made of plastic.

  Next, a method of using the biological information analyzer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The arm 17 is inserted into the insertion hole 2 so as to be in close contact therewith. If the switch 15 is pressed in this posture, power is supplied from the secondary battery 14 shown in FIG. 5 and analysis is started.

  When the analysis is started, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, first, a current having a predetermined value and a controlled pulse width is applied to the coil 3 (S1). Accordingly, a magnetic field that changes with time is applied to the arm 17 (S2). Since the arm 17 is inserted in close contact with the insertion hole 2, the TMR element 4 detects a magnetic signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the arm 17 (S3).

  After the detected magnetic signal is amplified and analyzed by the processor 9 having a Fourier transform function (S4), a plurality of biological information is stored in the storage means 20 as analysis data (S5). For example, analysis data as oxygen saturation can be output from the storage means 20 (S6), and the analyzed oxygen saturation is calculated by the processor 9 by comparing with the standard data of oxygen saturation. (S7, S8). Thereby, the calculated data can be displayed on the display 16 as oxygen saturation (S9).

(Third embodiment)
Next, a biological information analyzer 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although not shown in the drawing, the element that constitutes the magnetic detection means 12 used in the biological information analyzer 10 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the element is a GMR element, and has the same operational effects. Hereinafter, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described, and description of common parts will be omitted.

  Although not shown in the drawings, when a plurality of continuous pulse currents are passed through the coil 3 at regular intervals, when focusing on a specific component of blood of a biological specimen, a magnetic signal obtained by amplifying the output of the GMR element , At,..., At are obtained as analysis data after Fourier transformation. The blood of the biological specimen contains a paramagnetic substance, and the amount thereof periodically changes according to the pulsation of the biological specimen, so that a periodic change also appears in the magnitude of the analysis data signal. When this periodic change is analyzed and, for example, a minimum value is shown when the signal magnitude is A1 and An, the pulse rate of the biological specimen can be calculated from the time difference between A1 and An.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, although not shown, a biological information analyzer 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Except that the storage means 20 constituting the analysis means 13 used in the biological information analyzer 10 has a function of deleting the oldest analysis data in time series and storing the latest analysis data, the same as in the second embodiment. While having the configuration, the same operational effects are achieved. Hereinafter, only different parts from the second embodiment will be described, and descriptions of common parts will be omitted.

  Thereby, unlike the second embodiment, it is possible to store not only the biological information immediately after pressing the switch 15 but also the change of the biological information over a long period of time such as one hour, one day, one week.

  Although not shown, the analysis means 13 is connected to a means for transmitting stored data to the outside. This makes it possible to analyze biological information over a long period of time, such as when exercising, resting, and sleeping, using an external analyzer (not shown), and can be used for daily health management and detection of abnormal health conditions. can do.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, although not shown, a biological information analyzer 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although not shown, the secondary battery 14 used in the biological information analyzer 10 is the same as the first embodiment except that a non-contact power supply coil for supplying power from the non-contact power supply device is connected. While having the same structure, it has the same effect. Hereinafter, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described, and description of common parts will be omitted.

  As a result, when storing changes in biological information over a long period of time, such as 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week, power is appropriately supplied from the non-contact power supply device to the secondary battery via the non-contact power supply coil. Since it can be stored, there is no risk of the analysis data being erased during the measurement.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, although not shown, a biological information analyzer 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the secondary battery 14 used in the biological information analyzer 10, the coil 3 that constitutes the magnetic field applying unit 11 also functions as a non-contact power feeding coil for supplying power from the non-contact power feeding device. Has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment and has the same effects. Hereinafter, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described, and description of common parts will be omitted.

  This eliminates the need to provide a separate non-contact power feeding coil, thereby making it possible to configure the biological information analyzer 10 that is smaller and lighter.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, although not shown, a biological information analyzer 10 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although not shown, the secondary battery 14 used in the biological information analyzer 10 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that a solar battery is connected, and has the same operational effects. Hereinafter, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described, and description of common parts will be omitted.

  As a result, when storing changes in biological information over a long period of time, such as 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week, power can be appropriately supplied from the solar cell to the secondary battery and stored. There is no risk of the analysis data being erased.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, according to the biological information analysis apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to accurately and non-invasively always measure and analyze components of body fluids such as blood of biological specimens at various medical sites and in daily life. It can be used for daily health care and physical condition abnormality detection.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Housing 2 ... Insertion hole 3 ... Coil 4 ... TMR element 5 ... Circuit 6 ... Current control circuit 7 ... Power supply circuit 8 ... Amplifier circuit 9 ... Processor 10 ... Biological information analyzer 11 ... Magnetic field application means 12 ... Magnetic detection means 13 Analyzing means 14 Secondary battery 15 Switch 16 Display 17 Arm 20 Storage means 21 Transmitting means

Claims (14)

Magnetic field applying means for applying a magnetic field to the biological specimen;
A magnetic detection means having a magnetoresistive effect element arranged in proximity to the biological specimen and detecting the strength of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the biological specimen;
Analyzing means for obtaining biological information of the biological specimen by analyzing a magnetic signal obtained from the magnetic sensing means by applying a time-varying magnetic field to the biological specimen by the magnetic field applying means,
The biological information analysis apparatus characterized in that the analysis means includes storage means for Fourier-transforming the magnetic signal and storing it as analysis data .   The biological information analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetoresistive effect element is a GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistance) element or a TMR (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance) element.   The biological information analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field applying unit includes a current control circuit for applying a time-varying magnetic field to the biological specimen.   The biological information analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field applying unit includes a coil. The biological information analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit has a function of storing the analysis data in time series. The living body according to claim 5 , wherein the storage unit has a function of deleting the oldest analysis data in time series and storing the latest analysis data when a predetermined time is exceeded. Information analysis device. The biological information analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores in advance standard data after Fourier transform for each measurement target component of the biological specimen. Said analysis means, by paying attention to the specific component of the blood of the living body sample, characterized by calculating the pulse rate of the biological sample based on periodic variation of the analytical data, according to claim 1 Biological information analyzer. The biological information analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit includes a unit that selectively outputs stored data stored in the storage unit. The biological information analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis unit includes a unit that transmits the stored data stored in the storage unit to the outside. It said magnetic field applying means, the magnetic detection means, characterized in that it comprises a rechargeable battery for supplying power to said analyzing means, biological information analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The biological information analyzer according to claim 11 , further comprising a non-contact power supply coil for storing electric power in the secondary battery. Magnetic field applying means for applying a magnetic field to the biological specimen;
A magnetic detection means having a magnetoresistive effect element arranged in proximity to the biological specimen and detecting the strength of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the biological specimen;
Analyzing means for obtaining biological information of the biological specimen by analyzing a magnetic signal obtained from the magnetic sensing means by applying a time-varying magnetic field to the biological specimen by the magnetic field applying means,
further,
A secondary battery for supplying electric power to the magnetic field application means, the magnetic detection means, and the analysis means;
A coil for non-contact power supply for storing electric power in the secondary battery,
The non-contact power supply coil is also used as a coil included in the magnetic application means . Characterized in that it comprises a solar battery for storing electric power to the secondary battery, the biological information analyzer according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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