JP2018029925A - Ingestion detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance detection accuracy of an ingestion detector configured to detect an ingestion state of a subject based on vibration occurring in a neck at a time of ingestion with a sensor unit mounted on the neck of the subject.SOLUTION: A sensor unit 20R includes: a unit body 30; and a diaphragm 40 and an acoustic sensor 50 which are mounted on the unit body. The sensor unit can come into contact with a neck 2 of a subject at the diaphragm 40. In an inner part of the unit body 30, a first space C1 facing the diaphragm 40, a second space C2 facing the acoustic sensor 50, and an acoustic hole C3 communicating the first space and second space are formed as a closed space C. An acoustic signal emitted to the closed space C through the diaphragm 40 is converted into an electric signal by the acoustic sensor 50. Thus, an acoustic signal can be converted into an electric signal in the acoustic sensor 50 with a certain frequency component emphasized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a feeding detection device configured to detect a feeding state in a state where a sensor unit is mounted on a neck of a subject.

  Conventionally, for the purpose of health management and the like, an eating detection device configured to detect an eating state of a subject is known.

  “Patent Document 1” describes such an eating detection device in which a microphone as a sensor unit is attached to an end of a neckband.

  In the eating detection device described in “Patent Document 1”, vibration generated in the neck of the subject (specifically, vibration generated in the oral cavity or throat and propagated to the neck) It is configured to detect an acoustic signal by a microphone attached to the and to convert it into an electrical signal.

JP 2007-202939 A

  As a specific example of the microphone used in the conventional feeding detection apparatus, an electret condenser microphone, a piezoelectric microphone, or the like can be considered.

  When an electret condenser microphone is used, it is necessary to secure a space for converting the vibration of the neck to an acoustic signal. Such a space has a high frequency acoustic signal as its frequency characteristics. It becomes difficult to convey. For this reason, the low frequency component is emphasized in the collected mastication sound and swallowing sound, and it becomes difficult to distinguish both. Moreover, it will be felt as a humming sound in the sense of hearing.

  On the other hand, when a piezoelectric microphone is used, the high frequency component is emphasized by resonance, while the sensitivity in the low frequency component is low. For this reason, it becomes difficult to detect mastication sounds and swallowing sounds mainly composed of low-frequency components with a good S / N. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately count the number of chewing and swallowing, and to use the waveforms of mastication and swallowing sounds for analysis.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the subject's intake is based on vibration generated in the neck at the time of eating with the sensor unit attached to the subject's neck. An object of the present invention is to provide an eating detection device capable of improving the detection accuracy of an eating detection device configured to detect an eating state.

  The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by devising the configuration of the sensor unit.

That is, the eating detection device according to the present invention is
In the eating detection device configured to detect the eating state of the subject based on vibration generated in the neck when eating with the sensor unit mounted on the neck of the subject,
The sensor unit includes a unit main body and a diaphragm and an acoustic sensor attached to the unit main body, and is configured to be able to contact the neck in the diaphragm.
Inside the unit body, a first space facing the diaphragm, a second space facing the acoustic sensor, and a sound guide hole communicating the first and second spaces are formed as a closed space,
The sensor unit is configured to convert an acoustic signal radiated to the closed space through the diaphragm by vibration generated in the neck portion into an electrical signal by the acoustic sensor. Is.

  The “diaphragm” is not particularly limited in specific shape and material as long as it is configured to radiate vibration generated in the neck as an acoustic signal to the closed space. The mounting position with respect to the unit main body is not particularly limited as long as it is a position that can contact the neck of the subject.

  The specific configuration of the “acoustic sensor” is not particularly limited as long as it can convert an acoustic signal radiated into the closed space into an electric signal.

  The specific shapes of the first and second spaces and the sound guide holes constituting the “closed space” are not particularly limited.

  The feeding detection apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit main body, a diaphragm attached to the unit body, and an acoustic sensor as the sensor unit, and the diaphragm can contact the neck of the subject. In the unit body, a first space facing the diaphragm, a second space facing the acoustic sensor, and a sound guide hole for communicating these are formed as a closed space, and the closed space is formed through the diaphragm. Since the radiated acoustic signal is configured to be converted into an electrical signal by the acoustic sensor, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  That is, since the first and second spaces communicate with each other through the sound guide hole in the closed space, the first space, the sound guide hole with respect to the acoustic signal radiated to the closed space through the diaphragm And the acoustic resonance phenomenon according to each dimension and shape of 2nd space can be generated. And thereby, an acoustic signal can be converted into an electric signal in a state where a specific frequency component is emphasized in the acoustic sensor.

  Since the electrical signal includes waveform information of mastication sounds and swallowing sounds, the timing and frequency of mastication and swallowing can be known by analyzing the waveforms. For example, the number of mastication and swallowing can be counted by counting the number of peaks appearing in the waveform of the mastication sound or swallowing sound.

  In that case, if the shape of the closed space is set to a shape that emphasizes the low-frequency component, the mastication sound and swallowing sound mainly composed of the low-frequency component are in a good S / N state. Can be detected. This makes it easy to accurately count the number of chewing and swallowing and to use the waveforms of mastication and swallowing sounds for analysis.

  In addition, in the mastication sound and the swallowing sound, the swallowing sound contains a higher frequency component, so if the shape is set so that the frequency component is emphasized, the peak of both waveforms It can be easily identified.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a state where the sensor unit is attached to the neck of the subject, the eating state of the subject is detected based on the feeding sound generated in the neck at the time of eating. In the configured feeding detection apparatus, the detection accuracy can be increased.

  In the above configuration, if the closed space is configured to resonate an acoustic signal radiated into the closed space at a frequency in the range of 500 to 2000 Hz, the frequency component of the swallowing sound can be emphasized. Easy to do.

  In the above configuration, if the sound guide hole is formed in a spiral shape with the communication position with the first space as the center, the sound guide hole having the optimum length can be secured in a space-saving manner.

  In the above configuration, if the unit main body has a cylindrical diaphragm mounting portion for mounting the diaphragm, the diaphragm can be easily brought into contact with a required position of the neck of the subject.

  In the above configuration, if the diaphragm is formed of an elastic cap that can be attached to and detached from the unit main body, a diaphragm having an appropriate shape can be used according to the subject's skeleton and the like. The state detection accuracy can be further increased.

  In the above configuration, if the sensor units are respectively attached to both ends of the neckband formed in a substantially C shape, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  That is, the waveform data of the mastication sound obtained from each sensor unit by detecting the eating state of the subject with the diaphragm of the pair of left and right sensor units in contact with the left and right side portions of the subject's neck By comparing these, it is possible to determine whether the subject is masticating mainly using the left or right tooth.

The perspective view which shows the eating detection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention II line direction view of FIG. (A) is the front view which shows the sensor unit of the said feeding detection apparatus seeing from an inner peripheral side (IIIa line direction of FIG. 2), (b) is the right view. Sectional view along line IV-IV in Fig. 3 (a) 3A is a sectional view taken along the line Va-Va in FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3B is a sectional side view showing the inner peripheral half of the sensor unit at the sectional position taken along the line Vb-Vb in FIG. It is a figure which shows the waveform of the mastication sound and swallowing sound obtained by the said feeding detection apparatus, Comprising: (a) is a figure which shows the waveform obtained when an acoustic signal picks up sound with an acoustic sensor as it is, (b) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a waveform obtained when the acoustic signal is collected by the acoustic sensor through the first space, the sound guide hole, and the second space and then filtered. The figure which shows an example of the frequency spectrum of the waveform of the chewing sound and the swallowing sound The figure which shows the frequency characteristic of the sensor sensitivity of the sensor unit The figure which shows the waveform of the mastication sound collected in each of a pair of right and left sensor units The same figure as FIG. 3 which shows the modification of the said embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an eating detection apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow II.

  As shown in these drawings, the feeding detection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a neckband 12 formed in a substantially C shape, and a pair of sensor units 20L attached to both ends of the neckband 12. , 20R.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the feeding detection device 10 is based on vibrations generated in the neck 2 during feeding in a state where a pair of sensor units 20L and 20R are attached to the neck 2 of the subject. It is comprised so that the eating state of a subject may be detected.

  Specifically, this feeding detection device 10 is attached to the neck 2 from the rear side in a state where both ends of the neckband 12 are expanded, and a pair of portions is located at the left and right sides of the larynx 2a. The sensor units 20L and 20R are used in a state where they are pressed lightly against the neck 2.

  Since the pair of sensor units 20L and 20R has a bilaterally symmetric configuration, the configuration of one of the sensor units (the sensor unit mounted on the right side of the neck 2) 20R will be described below.

  3A is a front view showing the sensor unit 20R as viewed from the inner peripheral side of the neckband 12 (that is, the direction of the line IIIa in FIG. 2), and FIG. 3B is a right side view thereof. In that case, in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 20R is shown in a state in which the sensor unit 20R is arranged so that its tip end faces upward.

  4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line Va-Va in FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the sensor unit 20 </ b> R includes a unit main body 30, a diaphragm 40 and an acoustic sensor 50 attached to the unit main body 30.

  The unit body 30 has a substantially elliptical outer shape that is elongated in the direction in which the neckband 12 extends when viewed from the front. The diaphragm 40 is attached to a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the unit main body 30, and the acoustic sensor 50 is attached to the distal end portion of the unit main body 30.

  The unit main body 30 is composed of an inner half 30A and an outer half 30B made of resin (for example, made of ABS resin), and is integrated by tightening the screws 32 in a state where both are fitted. ing.

  A cylindrical diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa is formed on the outer surface on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral half 30A.

  The diaphragm 40 is configured as an elastic cap that can be attached to and detached from the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa. Specifically, the diaphragm 40 is made of a soft member such as a silicone resin and is mounted in a state of being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa. In the diaphragm 40, a diaphragm main body portion 40a positioned at the distal end surface of the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa is formed in a substantially convex spherical shape, and the diaphragm main body portion 40a is in soft contact with the neck portion 2.

  The acoustic sensor 50 is an electret condenser microphone having a circular outer shape when viewed from the front, and a sound collecting hole (not shown) is formed at the center of the end face on the back side.

  The acoustic sensor 50 is fixed to the inner circumferential half 30A by bonding or the like while being accommodated in a cylindrical recess 30Ab formed at the tip of the inner surface of the inner circumferential half 30A. The acoustic sensor 50 is electrically connected to the cord terminal 60a of the wiring cord 60 at a pair of terminal portions 50a disposed on the front end face.

  The wiring cord 60 extends to the external space of the unit main body 30. A cutout portion 30Ac for inserting the wiring cord 60 is formed in the inner peripheral half 30A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, inside the unit main body 30, a first space C <b> 1 facing the diaphragm 40, a second space C <b> 2 facing the acoustic sensor 50, and a sound that communicates the first and second spaces C <b> 1 and C <b> 2. A conducting hole C3 is formed as a closed space C.

  The closed space C is formed by attaching a resin film 34 to the end face of the inner peripheral half 30A.

  The first space C1 is formed as a cylindrical space on the inner peripheral side of the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa. The first space C1 includes a small hole C1a formed so as to penetrate the inner peripheral half 30A at the center position of the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa, and communicates with the sound guide hole C3 via the small hole C1a. ing.

  FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view showing the inner peripheral half 30A at the cross-sectional position along the line Vb-Vb in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the sound guide hole C3 is formed in a spiral shape with the communication position with the first space C1 (that is, the position of the small hole C1a) as the center. The sound guide hole C3 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is formed to extend from the position of the small hole C1a along a substantially rectangular spiral shape. It communicates with the space C2.

  The second space C2 is formed as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space between the sound guide hole C3 and the recess 30Ab that houses the acoustic sensor 50. The second space C2 includes a groove-like communication portion C2a extending toward the tip side to the center position of the bottom surface of the recess 30Ab, and the sound collecting hole of the acoustic sensor 50 is provided at the tip portion of the groove-like communication portion C2a. It comes to communicate with. The volume of the second space C2 is set to a value approximately the same as the volume of the first space C1.

  A notch 30Ad for inserting the end of the neckband 12 is formed at the base end of the inner peripheral half 30A, and the end of the neckband 12 is fixed in the vicinity of the base end. A fixing portion 30Ae is formed.

  The neckband 12 includes a metal core 12A and an elastic covering material 12B that covers a portion other than both ends of the core 12A. The elastic covering material 12B is made of rubber or elastomer.

  The neckband 12 is inserted into the inner circumferential half 30A with the core 12A pressed against the fixing portion 30Ae of the inner circumferential half 30A and the screw 16 is tightened to tighten the screw 16 to the inner circumferential half. It is fixed to 30A.

  The outer peripheral half 30B comes into contact with the core member 12A of the neckband 12 when fitted to the inner peripheral half 30A, and is fixed to the inner peripheral half 30A by tightening the screws 32 in this state. Thus, the core material 12A of the neckband 12 is sandwiched and positioned. A notch 30Ba for inserting the end of the neckband 12 is also formed in the outer half 30B.

  The sensor unit 20R is a sound radiated to the closed space C through the diaphragm 40 by vibration generated in the neck 2 of the subject (specifically, vibration generated in the oral cavity or throat and propagated to the neck 2). The signal is configured to be converted into an electric signal by the acoustic sensor 50.

  At that time, the closed space C resonates the acoustic signal radiated to the closed space C at a frequency within a range of 500 to 2000 Hz (more specifically, a frequency of about 1000 to 1500 Hz (for example, about 1200 Hz)). It is configured. In order to realize this, the closed space C is configured to include a first space C1 and a second space C2 having a relatively large volume and a thin and long sound guide hole C3.

  The acoustic signal picked up by the acoustic sensor 50 is extracted as an electric signal to an external analysis device (not shown) through the wiring cord 60.

  FIG. 6 shows that an acoustic signal emitted from the closed space C of the sensor unit 20 </ b> R when a subject wearing the feeding detection device 10 on the neck 2 eats is picked up by the acoustic sensor 50. It is a figure which shows the waveform of the obtained mastication sound and swallowing sound.

  At that time, FIG. 6A shows a case where the acoustic signal radiated into the closed space C is collected by the acoustic sensor 50 as it is (specifically, when the acoustic signal is collected at the position of the small hole C1a). FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a waveform obtained, and FIG. 6B is a diagram in which an acoustic signal radiated into the closed space C is collected by the acoustic sensor 50 through the first space C1, the sound guide hole C3, and the second space C2. It is a figure which shows the waveform obtained when a filter process is performed later.

  From the waveform shown in FIG. 6 (a), mastication is performed a plurality of times at a substantially constant time interval (time interval of 1 second or less), swallowing is performed after a few seconds, and these are periodically performed. I understand.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the acoustic signal radiated to the first space C1 and reached the acoustic sensor 50 via the sound guide hole C3 and the second space C2 is resonated in the closed space C (hereinafter referred to as “ A specific frequency component is emphasized by “acoustic resonance”. As a result, the amplitude of the waveform indicating the swallowing sound becomes very large, which makes it possible to easily detect the swallowing cycle. Since the swallowing cycle becomes clear in this way, it is possible to easily detect how many times the mastication has been performed before swallowing.

  Hereinafter, the reason why the waveform of the swallowing sound collected by the acoustic sensor 50 is emphasized in the sensor unit 20R will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frequency spectrum of a waveform of an acoustic signal collected when chewing and swallowing.

  In the figure, a curve indicated by a solid line is a frequency spectrum when swallowing, and a curve indicated by a broken line is a frequency spectrum when chewing is performed.

  As shown in the figure, the waveform when swallowing has a larger amplitude than the waveform when chewing, and the difference in amplitude is particularly large in the frequency band around 1200 Hz.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating frequency characteristics of sensor sensitivity of the sensor unit 20R.

  The curve indicated by the broken line in the figure shows the frequency characteristic of the sensor sensitivity when acoustic resonance is not performed at the time of sound signal pickup. This frequency characteristic is such that the sensor sensitivity decreases substantially uniformly as the frequency increases.

  On the other hand, as indicated by the solid curve in the figure, in the sensor unit 20R, acoustic resonance is performed when the acoustic signal is collected, so that the frequency characteristic of the sensor sensitivity is substantially uniform as the frequency increases. The sensor sensitivity does not decrease, but has a peak near 1200 Hz.

  For this reason, the sensor unit 20R has a frequency band around 1200 Hz (that is, the amplitude between the waveform when swallowing and the waveform when chewing is performed) compared to a case where acoustic resonance is not performed. In the frequency band where the difference becomes large, the sensor sensitivity is excellent.

  Therefore, the waveform of the swallowing sound can be emphasized by collecting the mastication sound and the swallowing sound by the sensor unit 20R having such frequency characteristics of sensor sensitivity.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of masticatory sounds collected by each of the pair of left and right sensor units 20L and 20R.

  At this time, for example, FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the waveform of the mastication sound collected by the left sensor unit 20L, and FIG. 9B is the mastication sound collected by the right sensor unit 20R. It is a figure which shows the waveform of a sound. The amplitude value of each waveform is the square of the actual amplitude value.

  In each waveform shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), the portion where the amplitude is increased at a substantially constant period is due to vibration generated in the neck 2 when the mouth is opened for mastication. On the other hand, a plurality of small waveforms positioned between them are due to vibrations generated in the neck 2 when actually chewing.

  As described above, since the pair of left and right sensor units 20L and 20R have the same configuration, the test unit is mounted in a state where they are correctly mounted on the left and right sides of the larynx 2a in the neck 2. When a person performs an eating operation using left and right teeth evenly, a plurality of small waveforms positioned between periodic waveforms having a large amplitude should be substantially the same.

  However, the amplitude of the plurality of small waveforms is much larger in the waveform shown in FIG. 9 (a) than in the waveform shown in FIG. 9 (b), so that the subject can chew using the left tooth. You can see that

  Next, the effect of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The feeding detection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a unit main body 30, a diaphragm 40 and an acoustic sensor 50 attached thereto as the sensor unit 20R, and contacts the subject's neck 2 with the diaphragm 40. In the unit main body 30, a closed space C includes a first space C1 facing the diaphragm 40, a second space C2 facing the acoustic sensor 50, and a sound guide hole C3 communicating these. Since the acoustic signal emitted to the closed space C through the diaphragm 40 is converted into an electrical signal by the acoustic sensor 50, the following operational effects can be obtained. .

  That is, since the first and second spaces C1 and C2 communicate with each other through the sound guide hole C3, the closed space C has the first to the acoustic signal radiated to the closed space C through the diaphragm 40. An acoustic resonance phenomenon corresponding to the size and shape of each of the space C1, the sound guide hole C2, and the second space C3 can be generated. As a result, the acoustic signal can be converted into an electrical signal in a state where a specific frequency component is emphasized in the acoustic sensor 50.

  Since the electrical signal includes waveform information of mastication sounds and swallowing sounds, the timing and frequency of mastication and swallowing can be known by analyzing the waveforms. For example, the number of mastication and swallowing can be counted by counting the number of peaks appearing in the waveform of the mastication sound or swallowing sound.

  At that time, if the shape of the closed space C is set so that the low frequency component is emphasized, the mastication sound and swallowing sound mainly composed of the low frequency component are in a state with good S / N. Can be detected. This makes it easy to accurately count the number of chewing and swallowing and to use the waveforms of mastication and swallowing sounds for analysis.

  In addition, in the mastication sound and the swallowing sound, the swallowing sound contains a higher frequency component, so if the shape is set so that the frequency component is emphasized, the peak of both waveforms It can be easily identified.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, with the sensor unit 20R mounted on the subject's neck 2, the subject's eating state is determined based on the eating sound generated in the neck 2 during eating. In the feeding detection device 10 configured to detect, the detection accuracy can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the closed space C is configured to resonate the acoustic signal radiated to the closed space C at a frequency within a range of 500 to 2000 Hz, and thus emphasizes the frequency component of the swallowing sound. Is easily possible. In particular, in the present embodiment, the frequency component included in the swallowing sound is configured to resonate at a slightly high frequency of about 1000 to 1500 Hz (for example, about 1200 Hz), so that the frequency component of the swallowing sound is effectively emphasized. Can do.

  In addition, by setting to such a resonance frequency, it is possible to make the sound quality close to the actual swallowing easily in swallowing sound even in the sense of hearing. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine whether or not normal swallowing is performed by a person who determines the swallowing state.

  In the present embodiment, since the sound guide hole C3 is formed in a spiral shape with the communication position with the first space C1 as the center, it is possible to secure the sound guide hole C3 having the optimum length in a space-saving manner. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the unit main body 30 includes the cylindrical diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa for mounting the diaphragm 40, so that the diaphragm 40 having the substantially convex spherical main body 40a is covered. It is possible to easily contact the required position of the neck 2 of the examiner.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the diaphragm 40 is formed of an elastic cap that can be attached to and detached from the unit main body 30. Therefore, the diaphragm 40 having an appropriate shape can be used according to the skeleton of the subject, Thereby, the detection accuracy of the eating state can be further enhanced.

  The feeding detection device 10 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a pair of sensor units 20L and 20R are attached to both ends of a neckband 12 formed in a substantially C shape. An effect can be obtained.

  That is, the eating state of the subject is detected in a state where the diaphragm 40 of the pair of left and right sensor units 20L and 20R is in contact with the left and right side portions of the neck 2 of the subject, and the sensor units 20L and 20R By comparing the waveform data of the obtained mastication sound, it can be determined whether the subject is masticating mainly using the left or right tooth.

  In addition, it is also possible to detect an acoustic signal of a pulse sound from the neck 2 by attaching the eating detection device 10 to a subject in a resting state, and thereby the pulse rate of the subject. Can be measured.

  In the above embodiment, the acoustic signal picked up by the acoustic sensor 50 has been described as being configured to be taken out as an electrical signal to an external analysis device via the wiring cord 60. However, wireless communication or the like is used. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that is taken out by an external analysis device.

  Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the sensor unit 120R of the eating detection device according to this modification.

  As shown in the figure, the basic configuration of the sensor unit 120R is the same as that of the above embodiment, but the configuration of the diaphragm 140 is different from that of the above embodiment.

  That is, the diaphragm 140 is fixed to the front end surface of the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa in the inner peripheral half 30A of the unit body 30 by adhesion or the like. Specifically, the diaphragm 140 is made of a film-like hard material (for example, a polyimide resin, a metal foil such as stainless steel or aluminum), and has a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the diaphragm mounting portion 30Aa. It is formed in a shape.

  Even when the configuration of the present modification is employed, substantially the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  By configuring the diaphragm 140 with a hard material as in this modification, the vibration generated in the neck 2 is collected as an acoustic signal compared to the case where the diaphragm 40 is configured with a soft member as in the above embodiment. However, it is difficult to pick up noise at the same time, and the S / N can be increased.

  In addition, the numerical value shown as a specification in the said embodiment and its modification is only an example, and of course, you may set these to a different value suitably.

  The invention of the present application is not limited to the configuration described in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and a configuration with various other changes can be adopted.

2 Neck 2a Larynx 10 Eating detection device 12 Neckband 12A Core material 12B Elastic covering material 16, 32 Screw 20L, 20R, 120R Sensor unit 30 Unit main body 30A Inner peripheral half 30Aa Diaphragm mounting part 30Ab Recessed part 30Ac, 30Ad, 30Ba Notch portion 30Ae Fixing portion 30B Outer peripheral half 34 Film 40, 140 Diaphragm 40a Diaphragm main body portion 50 Acoustic sensor 50a Terminal portion 60 Wiring cord 60a Cord terminal C Closed space C1 First space C1a Small hole C2 Second space C2a Concave groove Communication part C3 Sound guide hole

Claims (6)

In the eating detection device configured to detect the eating state of the subject based on vibration generated in the neck when eating with the sensor unit mounted on the neck of the subject,
The sensor unit includes a unit main body and a diaphragm and an acoustic sensor attached to the unit main body, and is configured to be able to contact the neck in the diaphragm.
Inside the unit body, a first space facing the diaphragm, a second space facing the acoustic sensor, and a sound guide hole communicating the first and second spaces are formed as a closed space,
The sensor unit is configured to convert an acoustic signal radiated to the closed space through the diaphragm by vibration generated in the neck portion into an electrical signal by the acoustic sensor. Eating detection device.   The eating detection device according to claim 1, wherein the closed space is configured to resonate an acoustic signal radiated to the closed space at a frequency in a range of 500 to 2000 Hz.   The eating detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sound guide hole is formed in a spiral shape centering on a communication position with the first space.   The feeding detection device according to claim 1, wherein the unit main body includes a cylindrical diaphragm mounting portion for mounting the diaphragm.   The eating detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is configured by an elastic cap that can be attached to and detached from the unit main body.   The feeding detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor units are respectively attached to both ends of a neckband formed in a substantially C shape.

Images