JP7789362B2 - Exhaled breath component measuring device, exhaled breath component measuring method, and exhaled breath component measuring program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an exhaled breath component measurement device, an exhaled breath component measurement method, and an exhaled breath component measurement program.

Patent Document 1 discloses an exhaled breath analyzer.

The breath analyzer is equipped with a blower that creates negative pressure within the breath flow path to ventilate the airway and remove condensation.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-201194

However, the above-mentioned breath analyzer requires the installation of a blower to ventilate the breath flow path, which is not necessary for measuring the concentration of the components to be measured.

This resulted in the device becoming larger.

The present invention was developed in consideration of the above problems, and makes it possible to prevent the device from becoming too large.

An exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage unit that stores gas introduced through an inlet, a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit, and a sensor unit that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of a component to be measured in the gas. The exhaled breath component measuring device also comprises a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced through the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is activated to change the volume of the storage unit. The exhaled breath component measuring device also comprises a control unit that activates the volume change unit at least either before or after measurement by the measurement unit.

According to this aspect, by utilizing the volume change unit used to measure the concentration of the component to be measured, it is possible to discharge internal gas outside of measurement without installing a new blower.

This makes it possible to reduce the size of the device compared to when dedicated ventilation components such as blowers, which are not necessary for measuring the concentration of the components to be measured, must be installed to allow gas to pass between the inside and outside.

In addition, by operating the volume change unit to allow gas to flow in and out between the inside and outside, it is possible to reduce the impact of gas components remaining inside on the measurement results.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an exhaled breath component measuring system including an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the sensor cartridge unit is removed from the main body unit of the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration showing a state in which a sensor cartridge unit is attached to a main body unit of an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of fluid in the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the exhaled breath component measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart continuing from FIG.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an exhaled breath component measurement system 12 equipped with an exhaled breath component measurement device 10 according to one embodiment.

The exhaled breath component measurement system 12 is, for example, a system that allows an administrator to manage the concentration of components to be measured in the exhaled breath, which is the gas exhaled by the subject.

An example of a manager would be a manager in the administrative department of a transportation company. An example of a subject would be a truck driver.

In this embodiment, the manager is assumed to be a manager in the management department of a transportation company, and the subject is assumed to be a truck driver, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

For example, the manager may be a manager of a taxi company and the subject may be a taxi driver. Also, the manager may be a manager of a railway company and the subject may be a train driver. Furthermore, the manager may be a manager of an airline company and the subject may be a pilot.

The exhaled breath component measurement system 12 includes an exhaled breath component measurement device 10, a mobile terminal 14 communicatively connected to the exhaled breath component measurement device 10, and a management device 16 communicatively connected to the mobile terminal 14.

The breath component measurement device 10 operates according to an breath component measurement program. The mobile terminal 14 operates according to an application program installed on the mobile terminal 14. The breath component measurement device 10 and the mobile terminal 14 communicate with each other via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication.

As an example, the management device 16 is configured as a personal computer, and the management device 16 is configured by the personal computer operating in accordance with a management program. The management device 16 is connected to the mobile terminal 14 via a computer network 18 such as the Internet, and the management device 16 exchanges data with the mobile terminal 14.

As a result, the measurement results obtained by the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 are sent to the mobile terminal 14 via BLE communication, where they are recorded and managed. The measurement results sent to the mobile terminal 14 are also sent to the management device 16 via the computer network 18, where they are recorded and managed.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of an exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment with the sensor cartridge unit 22 removed from the main unit 20.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 includes a main unit 20 and a sensor cartridge unit 22 that is detachably attached to the main unit 20.

The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 has a vertically elongated rectangular housing 23. The housing 23 includes a main body housing 20A of the main unit 20 and a cartridge housing 22A of the sensor cartridge unit 22.

An identification code (not shown) is printed on the back of the main body housing 20A. This identification code is different for each breath component measurement device 10, and it is possible to identify which breath component measurement device 10 it is from the identification code.

(sensor cartridge)
The sensor cartridge unit 22 is provided with a cartridge substrate 30. The cartridge substrate 30 is provided with a cylindrical intake portion 32. The intake portion 32 communicates with the outside via an opening (not shown) provided in the cartridge housing 22A of the sensor cartridge unit 22.

As an example, a mouthpiece (not shown) can be attached to the intake section 32 in a replaceable manner. The mouthpiece is cylindrical and, for example, when the subject holds the mouthpiece in their mouth and blows their breath into it, it guides the subject's breath into the intake section 32.

The intake section 32 forms the exhaled air inlet.

The intake portion 32 is connected to the first connection portion 38 of the measurement sensor 36 via a pipe 34. A connection nozzle 40 extends from the measurement sensor 36. The tip of the connection nozzle 40 protrudes from the edge of the cartridge substrate 30 and also protrudes from the sensor cartridge unit 22.

The measurement sensor 36 is a sensor that measures the concentration of the component to be measured.

The measurement sensor 36 constitutes a sensor unit that measures the concentration of the component to be measured. The measurement sensor 36 is provided in a storage unit that has an air barrel 62, and outputs an output value based on the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas. The storage unit is composed of an intake unit 32, a pipe 34, a connection nozzle 40, a tube holder 52 (described below), a first tube 64, and an air barrel 62.

The components to be measured include acetone, a gas component contained in exhaled breath that causes bad breath, such as methyl mercaptan, and alcohol components.

If the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures acetone components, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of acetone contained in the breath. This makes it possible to measure, for example, the degree of body fat burning.

Furthermore, if the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures gas components that cause bad breath, such as methyl mercaptan, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of the gases that cause bad breath contained in the exhaled breath. This makes it possible, for example, to perform a bad breath test.

If the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures the concentration of alcohol components, the measurement sensor 36 will measure the concentration of alcohol contained in the breath. This makes it possible, for example, to perform an alcohol test before driving.

In this embodiment, the measurement sensor 36 is configured as a sensor that measures the concentration of alcohol components, and the component to be measured by the measurement sensor 36 is alcohol components.

The measurement sensor 36 consists of a fuel cell gas sensor. The fuel cell gas sensor generates a voltage corresponding to the concentration of the detected alcohol component. By measuring this voltage, the concentration of the alcohol component contained in the gaseous fluid can be measured.

Here, an example of a fluid containing the component to be measured is air. The fluid described in this embodiment refers to air.

The measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of alcohol components by utilizing a chemical reaction with the alcohol components. For this reason, the measurement sensor 36 has a set sensor lifespan that limits its usage period. When the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 exceeds its sensor lifespan, the measurement sensor 36 built into the sensor cartridge unit 22 can be replaced by replacing the sensor cartridge unit 22.

The cartridge board 30 is equipped with a sensor memory 44, which is a memory unit that stores information for managing the usage period of the measurement sensor 36.

The sensor memory 44 stores the start date and time of use, which indicates the date and time when use of the measurement sensor 36 began.

In addition, the cartridge board 30 is equipped with electronic components such as a thermistor (not shown) that constitutes a temperature sensor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature.

The measurement sensor 36, sensor memory 44, and thermistor are connected to the contacts of the cartridge-side connector 46 via printed wiring formed on the cartridge board 30. The cartridge-side connector 46 is arranged along the edge of the cartridge board 30.

(Main unit)
The main unit 20 is provided with a main circuit board 50. A tube holder 52 and a main circuit board connector 54 are provided on an edge of the main circuit board 50. The main circuit board 50 also has a pump section 56 and a pressure sensor 58.

The pump section 56 consists of a solenoid 60 and an air barrel 62.

When the sensor cartridge unit 22 is attached to the main unit 20, the connection nozzle 40 extending from the sensor cartridge unit 22 is removably connected to the tube holder 52. Furthermore, when attached, the cartridge side connector 46 provided on the sensor cartridge unit 22 is removably connected to the main unit side connector 54.

A first tube 64 extends from the tube holder 52. The first tube 64 is connected to an air barrel 62 that constitutes the pump section 56. A second tube 66 extends from the air barrel 62 and is connected to a pressure sensor 58.

As a result, in the installed state, a fluid flow passage 68 is formed by the intake portion 32 of the sensor cartridge unit 22, the pipe 34, the measurement sensor 36, the connection nozzle 40, the tube holder 52 of the main unit 20, and the first tube 64. Furthermore, a pressure transmission path 70 is formed by the second tube 66 connecting the air barrel 62 and the pressure sensor 58.

The air barrel 62 is formed in the shape of a container that can contract and expand. The air barrel 62 communicates with the first tube 64 and the second tube 66 via its internal space. As a result, the pressure within the first tube 64 is transmitted to the pressure sensor 58 via the internal space of the air barrel 62 and the second tube 66.

The solenoid 60 has an operating shaft 60A connected to an air barrel 62. When the solenoid 60 pushes the operating shaft 60A out, the air barrel 62 contracts, generating positive pressure in the passage 68. When the solenoid 60 retracts the operating shaft 60A, the air barrel 62 expands, generating negative pressure in the passage 68.

The air barrel 62 constitutes an exhaled air storage section that stores the exhaled air introduced into the interior through the intake section 32, which is an exhaled air inlet. The solenoid 60 constitutes a volume change section that changes the volume of the air barrel 62, which is a storage section (exhaled air storage section).

The main body board 50 is provided with a control unit 74. The control unit 74 is composed of an electronic circuit, and the electronic circuit is powered by a dry cell battery (not shown).

The control unit 74 measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the intake unit 32 based on the output value of the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is activated to change the volume of the storage unit containing the air barrel 62. In other words, the control unit 74 constitutes the measurement unit. The control unit 74 also activates the solenoid 60 before or after measurement by the measurement unit.

The control unit 74 is connected to the contacts of the main body connector 54 via printed wiring formed on the main body board 50. The control unit 74 is electrically connected to the electronic circuit formed on the cartridge board 30 of the sensor cartridge unit 22 via each connector 46, 54.

(Hardware configuration)
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration, showing a state in which the sensor cartridge unit 22 is attached to the main unit 20 of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment.

The breath component measurement device 10 is composed of a computer for measuring the concentration of the target component in the subject's breath.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is configured around a processor 100 that constitutes the control unit 74 of the main unit 20. Connected to the processor 100 are a memory unit 102, an input unit 104, a display unit 106, an audio notification unit 108, a communication unit 112, and a drive unit 114.

The processor 100 is also connected to the measurement sensor 36, sensor memory 44, and temperature sensor 120 provided in the sensor cartridge unit 22 via respective connectors 46 and 54.

Examples of the processor 100 include general-purpose processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Also, examples of the processor 100 include dedicated processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The memory unit 102 constitutes a storage means. This memory unit 102 is a computer-readable storage medium and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device. The storage device may be implemented as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, or the like.

In this embodiment, the memory unit 102 is composed of an EEPROM 122 and a RAM 124.

The EEPROM 122 that constitutes the memory unit 102 stores an exhaled breath component measurement program that indicates the processing procedures of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10, as well as data indicating thresholds and the like used in the exhaled breath component measurement program.

The memory unit 102 stores the sensor usage time, which is calculated based on the number of times the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60.

The processor 100 executes each process in accordance with the exhaled breath component measurement program stored in the memory unit 102. The processor 100 also reads and writes data used when executing each process to the RAM 124.

The input unit 104 constitutes an input device to the processor 100, and as an example of the input device, a tactile switch 126 is used.

The display unit 106 is composed of a display device, and as an example, a liquid crystal display panel 128 (LCD) is used as the display device.

The sound notification unit 108 may be a speaker or a buzzer, and in this embodiment, a piezoelectric buzzer 130 is used as an example.

The communication unit 112 constitutes an interface for sending and receiving data. The communication unit 112 enables data to be sent and received between the processor 100 and an external device. Examples of the communication unit 112 include a USB (universal serial bus) or an internet connection device.

In this embodiment, the communication unit 112 is configured, for example, by a BLE module 132, and the processor 100 exchanges data with the mobile terminal 14 by performing BLE communication with the mobile terminal 14 via the BLE module 132.

In addition, if the communication unit 112 is configured as an Internet connection device, the communication unit 112 can receive programs and necessary data from external devices such as servers, and send measurement results, via networks such as the Internet and telephone networks.

The drive unit 114 is composed of a drive circuit 134, which drives the solenoid 60.

As mentioned above, the measurement sensor 36 is composed of a fuel cell gas sensor 136. The sensor memory 44 is composed of a sensor EEPROM 138 provided in the sensor cartridge unit 22. The temperature sensor 120 is composed of a thermistor 140, as mentioned above.

(Function block diagram)
Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of fluid in the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the functions performed under the control of the processor 100 of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 include a measuring unit 150, a fluid control unit 152, a notification unit 154 as a notification means, and an adding unit 156.

As shown in Figure 4, the functions of each unit in the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 are realized by the processor 100 executing an exhaled breath component measurement program read from the memory unit 102.

(Measurement part)
The measurement unit 150 measures the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced from the intake unit 32 based on the output value of the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is activated to change the volume of the storage unit having the air barrel 62.

That is, the measurement unit 150 controls the solenoid 60 so that the exhaled breath is introduced into the passage 68 and the concentration of the measurement target component in the exhaled breath introduced into the passage 68 is measured by the measurement sensor 36.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when exhaled air is blown into the exhaled air component measuring device 10 through a mouthpiece (not shown), the pressure of the blown exhaled air is transmitted to the pressure sensor 58 via the passage 68, the air barrel 62, and the pressure transmission path 70. The pressure of the exhaled air is measured by the pressure sensor 58.

When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 58 reaches a preset reference pressure, the processor 100 activates the solenoid 60 to contract and expand the air barrel 62. The exhaled air blown into the mouthpiece is then introduced into the passage 68 and passes through the measurement sensor 36. At this time, the measurement sensor 36 measures the concentration of the target component contained in the passing exhaled air.

Here, the component to be measured is alcohol. Therefore, the concentration of alcohol contained in the breath is measured by the measurement sensor 36.

(Fluid control section)
The fluid control unit 152 is configured by the processor 100 that configures the control unit 74. The fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside before or after measurement by the measurement unit 150. The fluid control unit 152 may also control the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow in and out between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside both before and after measurement by the measurement unit 150.

Specifically, when the processor 100 controls the solenoid 60 to contract the air barrel 62, the fluid in the passage 68 is discharged to the outside of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 via the intake section 32. Furthermore, when the processor 100 controls the solenoid 60 to expand the air barrel 62, external fluid is introduced into the passage 68 containing the measurement sensor 36. This replaces the fluid in the passage 68.

Before measurement, the fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow between the inside of the passage 68 and the outside. This replaces the fluid in the passage 68 before measurement by the measurement unit 150 begins.

The fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 when the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

As a result, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 controls the solenoid 60, which is the volume change unit, before measurement to perform a pre-measurement inlet/outlet operation that allows fluid to flow in and out between the inside and outside via the intake unit 32, which is the exhaled breath inlet.

Specifically, before measurement by the measurement unit 150 begins, the solenoid 60 is controlled if the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the solenoid 60 is not controlled if the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the predetermined value.

The output value of the measurement sensor 36 can be used to determine whether the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When using the measurement sensor 36 to determine whether the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the measurement value measured by the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is not activated is used.

If the fluid in passage 68 contains a measurement target component at a concentration above a predetermined value, the solenoid 60 is controlled to replace the fluid in passage 68.

Furthermore, when the fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 before measurement, it repeatedly controls the solenoid 60 until the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 falls below a predetermined value.

The fluid control unit 152 performs measurement using the measurement unit 150 when the concentration of the component to be measured in the fluid in the passage 68 falls below a predetermined value.

In addition, the fluid control unit 152 controls the solenoid 60 after the measurement.

Specifically, after measurement, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 activates the solenoid 60, which is the volume change unit, and performs a post-measurement inlet/outlet operation to allow fluid to flow between the inside and outside via the intake unit 32, which is the exhaled breath inlet.

As a result, the fluid control unit 152 replaces the fluid that has accumulated in the passage 68 due to measurement by the measurement unit 150 with external fluid.

(Notification Department)
The notification unit 154 controls the display unit 106 to notify a message when the solenoid 60 is activated during the pre-measurement entry/exit operation.

Examples of the notification message include a message informing the subject that there is still exhaled air remaining from the previous test, or a message informing the subject that the storage environment of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is poor.

The display unit 106 is also controlled to display a message if the solenoid 60 is activated a predetermined number of times or more during pre-measurement entry/exit operations.

In this case, examples of the notification message include a message informing the user that the storage environment of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is poor, or a message informing the user that the usage environment is poor.

(addition section)
The adding unit 156 adds the number of times the solenoid 60 is operated during the pre-measurement inlet/outlet operation to the number of measurements used to calculate the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 that measures the concentration of the component to be measured, thereby adding up the sensor usage time.

Even when replacing the fluid in the passage 68, the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to the fluid and may consume the specified sensor life to maintain the accuracy of the measurement sensor 36. For this reason, in this embodiment, the number of times the solenoid 60 is operated during the pre-measurement inlet/outlet operation is added to the number of measurements.

Methods for accumulating sensor usage time include a method of accumulating the number of times the sensor is used to calculate the sensor usage time, as shown in this embodiment, and a method of accumulating the sensor usage time.

We will now explain in detail how to accumulate sensor usage time.

When accumulating sensor usage time, the cumulative value of the time that the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to gas containing alcohol components (including only exhaled gas) is used as the sensor usage time. If the sensor usage time exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification is sent that the measurement sensor 36 has reached the end of its life.

In this embodiment, if the alcohol concentration is detected to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value immediately before the pre-measurement entry/exit operation or the post-measurement entry/exit operation, a first predetermined value is added to the sensor usage time.

In addition, if the alcohol concentration is below a predetermined value immediately before the pre-measurement entry/exit operation or the post-measurement entry/exit operation, a second predetermined value, which is smaller than the first threshold, is added to the sensor usage time.

This allows the system to estimate the time the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to alcohol and the time it is exposed to air with a low alcohol concentration, and adds the estimated time to the sensor usage time.

Next, we will explain some examples of how sensor usage time can be used.

The sensor usage time described in Patent No. 6229836 can be used.

In other words, the time elapsed from the time when the breath is detected as being blown from the output of the pressure sensor 58 to the time when the recovery time, which is the time it takes for the measurement sensor 36 to become monotonically non-decreasing with respect to the concentration of the gas of the component being measured, has elapsed, is measured. The measured elapsed time is successively added to the sensor usage time.

If it is determined that the sensor usage time has exceeded a predetermined threshold, it determines that the measurement sensor 36 should be replaced and notifies the user to that effect.

When the value of the electrical signal corresponding to the concentration of the gas of the component to be measured output by the measurement sensor 36 is below a predetermined threshold value for the peak value of the electrical signal, the gas concentration is measured based on the peak value and the value of the electrical signal corresponding to the concentration of the gas of the component to be measured output by the measurement sensor 36.

In addition, the degree of deterioration may be calculated by dividing the sum of the values corresponding to the time that the measurement sensor 36 has been exposed to the outside air, which is the sensor usage time, by a predetermined value that notifies the user to replace the measurement sensor 36. The calculated degree of deterioration may then be notified.

Furthermore, based on the start date and time of use and the sensor usage time stored in the sensor memory 44, if it is determined that the usage period of the measurement sensor 36 has exceeded a predetermined value, it may be determined that the measurement sensor 36 should be replaced and a notification of this may be issued.

(Operation description)
Next, the operation of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, along with the processing procedure executed by the processor 100. The processor 100 operates in accordance with an exhaled breath component measuring program stored in the storage unit 102, thereby implementing the exhaled breath component measuring method.

In addition, an area "N" is reserved in the RAM 124 of the memory unit 102 for storing the number of times the solenoid 60 has been activated. In addition, an area "S" is reserved in the RAM 124 of the memory unit 102 for storing the number of measurements taken by the measurement sensor 36.

The number of measurements stored in "S" is also used to calculate the usage period of the measurement sensor in processes other than the breath component measurement process. If the usage period exceeds the predetermined sensor life, use of the measurement sensor 36 is prohibited.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart following Figure 8.

When the processor 100 operates in accordance with the exhaled breath component measurement program and executes the exhaled breath component measurement process, the processor 100 determines whether the power has been turned on by turning on the tactile switch 126 provided on the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 (step S1).

If the power is not turned on in step S1, the processor 100 waits in step S1 until the power is turned on.

When the power is turned on in step S1, the processor 100 sets "N" stored in the memory unit 102 to "0" (step S2). The processor 100 then detects the voltage from the measurement sensor 36 to measure the concentration of the target component, and determines whether the measured concentration of the target component is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S3).

Here, one example of the predetermined value is a value that indicates a concentration of the alcohol component, which is the concentration of the component being measured, that is unsuitable for driving a car.

When the concentration of the component being measured is below a predetermined value, the concentration of alcohol components contained in the fluid in passage 68 is below a concentration that is unsuitable for driving a vehicle. Therefore, when measuring breath that does not contain alcohol components in the measurement process described below, the measured alcohol component concentration is unlikely to exceed the predetermined value, and there is little risk of false detection.

Therefore, if in step S3 the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is less than the predetermined value, the processor 100 executes the measurement process (step S9).

On the other hand, if the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in step S3, there is a risk of false detection occurring during the measurement process.

For this reason, in step S3, if the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the processor 100 outputs a drive signal to the drive unit 114 to activate the solenoid 60 (step S4). This activates the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow between the inside and outside of the passage 68 before measurement.

Specifically, upon receiving a drive signal, the solenoid 60 pushes out the operating shaft 60A and then retracts. When the solenoid 60 pushes out the operating shaft 60A, the air barrel 62 contracts, and the fluid in the air barrel 62 is supplied into the passage 68. The fluid in the passage 68 is then discharged to the outside of the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 via the intake portion 32.

When the solenoid 60 retracts the operating shaft 60A, the air barrel 62 expands, generating negative pressure in the passage 68. This allows outside air to be drawn into the passage 68 containing the measurement sensor 36.

This replaces the air in the passage 68.

Then, the processor 100 adds 1 to "N" to count the number of times the solenoid 60 has been activated (step S5), and then determines whether "N" is 6 or less (step S6).

If "N" exceeds 6, even if the fluid in passage 68 is replaced five times before measurement, the concentration of the component to be measured will not fall below the specified value, and some kind of abnormality is predicted.

Therefore, if "N" exceeds 6 in step S6, the processor 100 turns off the power to the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 (step S15) and terminates the exhaled breath component measurement process.

In this embodiment, in step S6, it is determined whether "N" exceeds 6, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The number compared with "N" may be a number other than 6 and can be set arbitrarily.

On the other hand, if "N" is 6 or less in step S6, the processor 100 determines whether "N" is 2 or more (step S7).

If "N" is 2 or more, even if the fluid in passage 68 is replaced before measurement, the concentration of the component to be measured does not fall below the specified value.

In this case, it is possible that an alcohol-containing disinfectant sheet, for example, was placed near the exhaled breath component measuring device 10, and the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 was exposed to the alcohol components from the disinfectant sheet.

The breath component measurement device 10 may be exposed to alcohol components from a disinfecting sheet when it is stored in a storage location together with the disinfecting sheet. In this case, the storage environment for the breath component measurement device 10 is considered to be poor.

Another situation in which the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 may be exposed to alcohol components from a disinfecting sheet is when the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is used and a disinfecting sheet is nearby. In this case, the environment in which the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is used is considered to be poor.

Therefore, if "N" is 2 or more in step S7, the processor 100 notifies the subject of a message by displaying a message on the display unit 106 indicating that the storage or usage environment of the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 is poor (step S8).

In this embodiment, in step S7, it is determined whether "N" is 2 or greater, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The number compared with "N" may be a number other than 2 and can be set arbitrarily.

Then, the processor 100 executes steps S3 and beyond, repeatedly activating the solenoid 60 (step S4) until the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 falls below a predetermined value.

In step S9, the processor 100 measures the concentration of the target component in the subject's breath.

That is, the solenoid 60 is activated to introduce exhaled air into the passage 68, and the concentration of the target component in the exhaled air introduced into the passage 68 is measured.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the processor 100 uses the pressure sensor 58 to measure the pressure of the exhaled air blown into a mouthpiece (not shown) attached to the exhaled breath component measuring device 10. When the pressure measured by this pressure sensor 58 reaches a preset reference pressure, the processor 100 activates the solenoid 60 to contract and expand the air barrel 62. At this time, the processor 100 adds 1 to "S," which indicates the number of measurements.

This allows the breath blown into the mouthpiece to be introduced into the passage 68, and the concentration of alcohol components contained in the breath introduced into the passage 68 is measured by the measurement sensor 36.

The processor 100 then displays the measurement results from the measurement sensor 36 on the display unit 106, for example. The processor 100 also stores the results in the memory unit 102 in association with the time obtained from the mobile terminal 14, for example, and transmits them to the mobile terminal 14 via the communication unit 112. The measurement results are then sent from the mobile terminal 14 to the management device 16, where they are recorded and managed.

Next, the processor 100 outputs a drive signal to the drive unit 114 to activate the solenoid 60 (step S10). Note that the fluid flow caused by activation of the solenoid 60 is the same as in step S4, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

This allows fluid to flow in and out between the inside and outside of the passage 68, replacing the fluid in the passage 68 into which the exhaled air was introduced during the measurement process, and suppressing the influence that the exhaled air remaining in the passage 68 may have on the measurement results when measuring the exhaled air of the next subject.

Then, the processor 100 adds 1 to "N" to count the number of times the solenoid 60 has been activated (step S11), and then determines whether the concentration of the component to be measured is less than a predetermined value (step S12). The method for determining the concentration of the component to be measured is the same as in step S3, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

If the concentration of the component to be measured is above a predetermined value and the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is above a predetermined value, there is a risk that when the breath of the next subject is subsequently measured, a false positive will occur, in which alcohol components are detected even though the breath of the next subject does not contain alcohol components.

Therefore, if the concentration of the component to be measured is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in step S12, the processor 100 repeats the steps from activating the solenoid 60 (step S10) to determining the component to be measured (step S12) until the concentration of the component to be measured falls below the predetermined value.

In this embodiment, the predetermined value used for the determination in step S3 and the predetermined value used for the determination in step S12 are the same value, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The predetermined value used for the determination in step S3 and the predetermined value used for the determination in step S12 may be different values, and each value can be set arbitrarily.

On the other hand, if the concentration of the component being measured is below the specified value, when the next subject's breath, which does not contain alcohol components, is measured, the concentration of the measured alcohol components is unlikely to exceed the specified value, and there is little risk of a false positive.

Therefore, if the concentration of the component to be measured is less than the predetermined value in step S12, the processor 100 executes the next step S13.

In step S13, the processor 100 adds "N", which indicates the number of times the solenoid was activated for purposes other than the measurement process during the breath component measurement process, to "S", which indicates the number of measurements performed by the solenoid 60.

Even when replacing the fluid in the passage 68, the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to the fluid, which may consume the sensor's specified service life to maintain its accuracy. For this reason, the number of times the solenoid 60 is activated for purposes other than measurement processing is added to the number of measurements used to calculate the service life of the measurement sensor 36, which measures the concentration of the component to be measured.

Then, the processor 100 determines whether to end the measurement of exhaled breath components based on input from, for example, a switch that constitutes the input unit 104 (step S14).

If the determination in step S14 is that measurement of exhaled breath components is not to be terminated, step S2 is performed to prepare for measurement of the exhaled breath components of the next subject.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S14 is that measurement of exhaled breath components should be terminated, the processor 100 turns off the power to the exhaled breath component measurement device 10 (step S15) and terminates the exhaled breath component measurement process.

(Action and effect)
Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 in this embodiment includes an air barrel 62 that contains the gas introduced from the intake unit 32, and a solenoid 60 that changes the volume of the air barrel 62. The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 also includes a measurement sensor 36 that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas. The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 also includes a measurement unit 150 that measures the concentration of the component to be measured in the gas introduced from the intake unit 32 based on the output value of the measurement sensor 36 when the solenoid 60 is activated to change the volume of the air barrel 62. The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 also includes a control unit 74 that activates the solenoid 60 at least either before or after measurement by the measurement unit 150.

With this configuration, by utilizing the solenoid 60 used to measure the concentration of the component to be measured, it is possible to discharge the gaseous fluid from the container having the internal air barrel 62 outside of measurement, without the need for a new blower. Specifically, fluid can be circulated between the inside and outside of the passage 68.

This makes it possible to prevent the device from becoming too large, compared to when a blower, which is not necessary for measuring the concentration of the component to be measured, must be installed to move fluid between the inside and outside of the passage 68.

Furthermore, by operating the solenoid 60 to allow fluid to flow between the inside and outside of the passage 68, it is possible to reduce the impact of components contained in the fluid remaining in the passage 68 on the measurement results.

This makes it possible to reduce false positives.

In the breath component measurement device 10 of this embodiment, the component to be measured is alcohol.

This configuration makes it possible to measure the concentration of alcohol contained in breath, making it possible to conduct an alcohol test before driving.

In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 before measurement by the measurement sensor 36.

This configuration makes it possible to reduce the impact of the fluid in the passage 68 on the measurement results.

The fluid within the passage 68 may include the subject's exhaled breath remaining within the passage 68, air from the storage location that has entered the passage 68 while the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being stored, or air from the usage location that has entered the passage 68 when the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being used.

In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 when the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value before measurement by the measurement unit 150.

This configuration reduces power consumption compared to activating the solenoid 60 every time before measurement, regardless of the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68.

The exhaled breath component measuring device 10 in this embodiment is equipped with an alarm unit 154 that issues a message when the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60.

This configuration makes it possible to notify the subject via a message that the concentration of the component to be measured contained in the fluid in the passage 68 is above a predetermined value.

In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 again if the output value of the measurement sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value after activating the solenoid 60 and before measurement by the measurement unit 150.

This configuration further reduces the impact of components contained in the fluid remaining in the passage 68 on the measurement results. This further reduces false detections.

In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the notification unit 154 issues a message when the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 a predetermined number of times or more before measurement by the measurement unit 150.

This configuration makes it possible to predict whether components contained in the air at the storage location have entered the passage 68 while the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being stored, or whether components contained in the air at the usage location have entered the passage 68 when the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 is being used.

This makes it possible to send specific messages, such as encouraging users to change their storage location or usage location.

In this embodiment, the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 has a memory unit 102 that stores the sensor usage time of the measurement sensor 36, and the memory unit 102 stores the sensor usage time that is added up based on the number of times the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60.

In other words, even when replacing the fluid in the passage 68, the measurement sensor 36 is exposed to the fluid and may consume the sensor life specified to maintain the accuracy of the measurement sensor 36.

In this configuration, by adding the number of times the solenoid 60 is activated in addition to measuring exhaled breath components to the sensor usage time used to calculate the usage period, it is possible to prohibit use of the measurement sensor 36 for an appropriate usage time.

In addition, the sensor lifespan, such as the period of use of the measurement sensor 36, can be determined from the sensor usage time.

In the exhaled breath component measuring device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 74 activates the solenoid 60 after measurement by the measurement unit 150.

With this configuration, after measurement, the solenoid 60 can be activated to allow fluid to flow between the inside and outside of the passage 68, thereby replacing the exhaled air remaining in the passage 68 with external fluid.

This allows for shorter intervals between measurements of exhaled breath components when measuring them continuously, compared to waiting until the exhaled breath components remaining in the passage 68 have naturally diffused before measuring the exhaled breath components of the next subject.

The above describes embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Exhaled breath component measuring device 32 Intake section 34 Pipe 36 Measurement sensor 40 Connection nozzle 52 Tube holder 56 Pump section 60 Solenoid 60A Operating shaft 62 Air barrel 64 First tube 68 Passage 74 Control section 100 Processor 102 Memory section 106 Display section 108 Sound alarm section 114 Drive section 136 Fuel cell gas sensor 150 Measurement section 152 Fluid control section 154 Alarm section 156 Addition section

Claims (11)

An exhaled breath component measuring device,
a storage section that stores gas introduced through the inlet;
a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit;
a sensor unit provided in the container unit and configured to output an output value based on the concentration of a measurement target component in the gas;
a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is operated to change the volume of the storage unit; and
a control unit that operates the volume change unit at least one time before and after measurement by the measurement unit so that the volume of the storage unit is changed by contracting and expanding the storage unit , thereby discharging air from within the exhaled breath component measurement device ;
An exhaled breath component measuring device comprising: The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 1,
The component to be measured is an alcohol component.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit activates the volume change unit before measurement by the measurement unit.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 3,
the control unit activates the volume change unit when the output value of the sensor unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value before measurement by the measurement unit.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 4,
the control unit operates the volume changing unit again when the output value of the sensor unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined value after operating the volume changing unit and before measurement by the measurement unit.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 5,
a notification unit that notifies a message when the control unit activates the volume change unit;
The exhaled breath component measuring device further comprises: The exhaled breath component measuring device according to claim 6,
the notification unit issues a message when the control unit has operated the volume change unit a predetermined number of times or more before measurement by the measurement unit.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
a storage unit for storing a sensor usage time of the sensor unit;
The storage unit stores the sensor usage time added based on the number of times the control unit has operated the volume change unit.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. The exhaled breath component measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The control unit activates the volume changing unit after measurement by the measurement unit.
Exhaled breath component measuring device. an exhaled breath component measurement method executed by an exhaled breath component measurement device comprising: a storage unit that stores gas introduced from an inlet; a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit; a sensor unit that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of a measurement target component in the gas; and a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is operated to change the volume of the storage unit,
and a step of operating the volume change unit so that the volume of the storage unit is changed by contracting and expanding the storage unit at least before or after measurement by the measurement unit , thereby discharging air from within the exhaled breath component measurement device .
Method for measuring exhaled breath components. a storage unit that stores gas introduced from an inlet, a volume change unit that changes the volume of the storage unit, a sensor unit that is provided in the storage unit and outputs an output value based on the concentration of a measurement target component in the gas, and a measurement unit that measures the concentration of the measurement target component in the gas introduced from the inlet based on the output value of the sensor unit when the volume change unit is operated to change the volume of the storage unit,
a step of operating the volume change unit so that the volume of the storage unit is changed by contracting and expanding the storage unit at least before or after measurement by the measurement unit , thereby discharging air from within the exhaled breath component measurement device ;
A program for measuring exhaled breath components.