Biometric information measurement system and biometric information measurement apparatus

A biometric information measurement system includes a first measurement apparatus, a second measurement apparatus, and a control apparatus. The first measurement apparatus measures first biometric information of a subject. The second measurement apparatus measures second biometric information which is biometric information of the subject and which is different from the first biometric information. The control apparatus changes a condition of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus on the basis of the first biometric information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-045117 filed Mar. 12, 2019.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a biometric information measurement system and a biometric information measurement apparatus.

(ii) Related Art

There has been known technology for measuring biometric information such as electroencephalogram (EEG).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-217986 describes technology for measuring EEG by providing an electrically conductive member in a canal-type earphone.

By the way, it is conceivable to measure a plurality of pieces of biometric information using a plurality of measurement apparatuses. However, in the case where a plurality of measurement apparatuses are used, more electric power is consumed than in the case where one measurement apparatus is used.

SUMMARY

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reducing power consumption in the case of measuring biometric information using a plurality of measurement apparatuses than in the case where all the measurement apparatuses measure biometric information in accordance with a fixed measurement condition.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a biometric information measurement system including a first measurement apparatus, a second measurement apparatus, and a control apparatus. The first measurement apparatus measures first biometric information of a subject. The second measurement apparatus measures second biometric information which is biometric information of the subject and which is different from the first biometric information. The control apparatus changes a condition of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus on the basis of the first biometric information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the configuration of a biometric information measurement system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1illustrates an example of the configuration of the biometric information measurement system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

A biometric information measurement system10according to the present exemplary embodiment includes, for example, a control apparatus12and a plurality of measurement apparatuses. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1, the biometric information measurement system10includes three measurement apparatuses. Specifically, the biometric information measurement system10includes measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C. Hereinafter, the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C will be collectively referred to as the “measurement apparatuses14” when it is unnecessary to distinguish between them. The configuration illustrated inFIG. 1is only one example, and the number of measurement apparatuses14included in the biometric information measurement system10may be two, or four or more. In addition, the biometric information measurement system10may include a plurality of control apparatuses12, or may include an external apparatus such as a server.

Transmission and reception of information between the control apparatus12and each measurement apparatus14may be realized by wired communication or wireless communication. The control apparatus12and each measurement apparatus14may be physically connected to each other by a cable to transmit and receive information to and from each other, or may transmit and receive information to and from each other through wireless communication. As the wireless communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or short-distance wireless communication may be used. As the short-distance wireless communication, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), or radio-frequency identification (RFID) may be used. Alternatively, the control apparatus12and each measurement apparatus14may communicate with each other through a network such as a local area network (LAN). Note that the control apparatus12may transmit and receive information using the Internet. In addition, the measurement apparatuses14may transmit and receive information using the Internet.

The control apparatus12is configured to control the operation of each measurement apparatus14. The control apparatus12is, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a cellular phone. The control apparatus12may be mobile terminal apparatus such as a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a cellular phone.

The measurement apparatuses14are configured to measure biometric information of a subject. Each measurement apparatus14is configured to measure, for example, a different type of biometric information from the other measurement apparatuses14. Needless to say, all or some of the measurement apparatuses14may be configured to measure the same type of biometric information. In addition, each measurement apparatus14may be configured to measure one type of biometric information, or may be configured to measure a plurality of types of biometric information.

The measurement apparatuses14may be wearable apparatuses such that the entire measurement apparatuses14are worn by a subject, or may be apparatuses that measure biometric information by having an electrode or the like worn by a subject.

Biometric information includes various types of physiological information and anatomical information obtained from a subject who is a living body. The scope of the concept of biometric information includes, for example, electroencephalogram (EEG), pulse rate, blood pressure, heart rate, movement of the subject, and the like. In addition, electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform, electromyogram (EMG) waveform, eye movement, and the like may be used as biometric information. Needless to say, these are only one example of biometric information, and other physiological information and anatomical information may be used as biometric information.

The control apparatus12is configured to control measurement performed by each measurement apparatus14. In addition, the control apparatus12may control analysis, storage, or output of biometric information on receipt of biometric information from each measurement apparatus14. For example, the control apparatus12may control display of biometric information or transmission of biometric information to another apparatus as output of biometric information.

Note that one measurement apparatus14among the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C corresponds to an example of a “first measurement apparatus”, and another or other measurement apparatuses14correspond to an example(s) of a “second measurement apparatus”.

Next, the configuration of the control apparatus12will be described in detail.

A communication unit16is a communication interface, and has the function to transmit information to another apparatus and the function to receive information from another apparatus. The communication unit16may have a wired communication function or a wireless communication function. The communication unit16receives, for example, biometric information transmitted from the measurement apparatuses14. In addition, the communication unit16may transmit various types of information to an external apparatus such as a server. For example, biometric information may be transmitted from the control apparatus12to an external apparatus.

A user interface (UI) unit18is a user interface unit, and includes, for example, a display and an operation unit. The display is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescence (EL) display. The operation unit is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The UI unit18may be a user interface unit that serves as both a display and an operation unit (such as a touchscreen, or a display device that displays an electronic keyboard).

Memory20includes one or more storage areas that store information. Each storage area includes, for example, one or more storage devices (such as physical drives including a hard disk drive and memory). For example, biometric information measured by the measurement apparatuses14is stored in the memory20.

An analysis unit22is configured to analyze biometric information measured by the measurement apparatuses14. The analysis unit22may analyze biometric information using, for example, a known analyzing method.

An information generator24is configured to generate biometric information or other information on the basis of one or more pieces of biometric information. The information generator24may generate, on the basis of different pieces of biometric information, another new piece of biometric information.

A controller26is configured to control the operation of each unit of the control apparatus12. The controller26is also configured to control measurement performed by each measurement apparatus14.

The controller26controls, for example, measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) on the basis of first biometric information measured by the first measurement apparatus. The first measurement apparatus is one measurement apparatus14among the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C. The second measurement apparatus(es) is/are one or more measurement apparatuses14among the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C. The second measurement apparatus(es) is/are an apparatus(es) that measures second biometric information different from the first biometric information.

The controller26may change, for example, a condition of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) on the basis of the first biometric information.

The condition of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) is, for example, a time interval of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es). In other words, the controller26changes the time interval of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) on the basis of the first biometric information. The time interval of measurement is the time interval from a time point at which biometric information is measured to a time point at which next biometric information is measured. For example, in the case where the time interval of measurement is set to one minute, biometric information is measured every minute.

Note that a measurement period in which biometric information is measured and a non-measurement period in which no biometric information is measured may be alternatively defined. In this case, measurement and non-measurement of biometric information are alternately repeated. In other words, biometric information is measured in a measurement period; when the measurement period elapses, biometric information is not measured in a non-measurement period; and biometric information is again measured in the next measurement period.

In another example, the condition of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) may be the sensitivity of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es). In other words, the controller26may change the sensitivity of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) on the basis of the first biometric information.

In yet another example, the condition of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) may be at least one of the start timing and the end timing of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es). In other words, the controller26may change at least one of the start timing and the end timing of measurement performed by the second measurement apparatus(es) on the basis of the first biometric information.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the measurement apparatuses14will be described in detail.

The measurement apparatus14A includes a measurement unit28A, memory30A, a communication unit32A, a battery34A, and a controller36A.

The measurement apparatus14B includes a measurement unit28B, memory30B, a communication unit32B, a battery34B, and a controller36B.

The measurement apparatus14C includes a measurement unit28C, memory30C, a communication unit32C, a battery34C, and a controller36C.

The measurement units28A,28B, and28C are configured to measure biometric information of a subject. The measurement units28A,28B, and28C are configured to measure different types of biometric information of a subject. Needless to say, the measurement units28A,28B, and28C may be configured to measure the same type of biometric information of a subject. Here, it is assumed that, for example, the measurement units28A,28B, and28C measure different types of biometric information of a subject.

The memory30A,30B, and30C includes one or more storage areas that store information. Each storage area includes, for example, one or more storage devices (such as physical drives including a hard disk drive and memory). For example, biometric information measured by the measurement unit28A is stored in the memory30A. The same applies to the memory30B and30C.

The communication units32A,32B, and32C are communication interfaces, and have the function to transmit information to another apparatus and the function to receive information from another apparatus. The communication units32A,32B, and32C may have a wired communication function or a wireless communication function. The communication units32A,32B, and32C receive, for example, control information transmitted from the control apparatus12, and transmit measured biometric information to the control apparatus12. In addition, the communication units32A,32B, and32C may transmit biometric information to an external apparatus such as a server. In this case, biometric information may be stored in the external apparatus. Note that biometric information may be stored in the control apparatus12or an external apparatus, instead of being stored in the memory30A,30B, and30C.

In the case where biometric information is transmitted to an external apparatus and stored in the external apparatus, the control apparatus12may obtain the biometric information from the external apparatus, instead of obtaining the biometric information from the measurement apparatuses14.

The battery34A is configured to supply electric power to each unit of the measurement apparatus14A. The battery34B is configured to supply electric power to each unit of the measurement apparatus14B. The battery34C is configured to supply electric power to each unit of the measurement apparatus14C. Alternatively, no battery may be provided in the measurement apparatuses14, and electric power may be supplied from an external power source such as a commercial power source to the measurement apparatuses14.

The controller36A is configured to control the operation of each unit of the measurement apparatus14A. The controller36B is configured to control the operation of each unit of the measurement apparatus14B. The controller36C is configured to control the operation of each unit of the measurement apparatus14C. For example, the controllers36A,36B, and36C control the operation of the respective measurement apparatuses14under control of the controller26of the control apparatus12. Note that each of the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C may be provided with a UI unit, and measured biometric information may be displayed on the UI unit. In addition, the user may use the UI unit to operate each of the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C.

Note that the measurement apparatuses14may include an analysis unit configured to analyze measured information. The analysis unit may analyze biometric information using, for example, a known analyzing method. The analysis unit analyzes measured information using, for example, spectrum analysis or analysis based on an algorithm, such as a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The analysis unit may perform the same or similar analysis to one performed by the analysis unit22provided in the control apparatus12. Even in the case where an analysis unit is provided in each of the measurement apparatuses14, the analysis unit22may be provided in the control apparatus12. In this case, the analysis unit22of the control apparatus12may generate new information by receiving the results of analysis performed by the measurement apparatuses14and further analyzing the results.

Hereinafter, a process performed by the biometric information measurement system10will be described in detail by citing specific examples.

First Example

Hereinafter, a process according to a first example will be described. In the first example, for example, the measurement apparatuses14A and14B are used. In this case, the measurement apparatus14C may not be included in the biometric information measurement system10.

The measurement apparatus14A is an electroencephalograph (EEG) measurement apparatus configured to measure the EEG of a subject. The measurement apparatus14B is a pulse measurement apparatus configured to measure the pulse rate of a subject. Here, the measurement apparatus14A corresponds to an example of the first measurement apparatus, and the measurement apparatus14B corresponds to an example of the second measurement apparatus. In other words, the controller26of the control apparatus12changes the condition of pulse measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B on the basis of the EEG measured by the measurement apparatus14A.

Hereinafter, the first example will be described in more detail.

In response to measurement of the EEG of a subject by the measurement apparatus14A, information indicating the measured EEG (hereinafter referred to as “EEG information”) is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14A to the control apparatus12. As the EEG, for example, at least one of α waves, β waves, γ waves, θ waves, and δ waves are measured. These waves are classified by frequency band. The EEG information corresponds to an example of the first biometric information.

In response to measurement of the pulse rate of the subject by the measurement apparatus14B, information indicating the measured pulse rate (hereinafter referred to as “pulse information”) is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14B to the control apparatus12. The pulse information corresponds to an example of the second biometric information.

It is known that whether a subject who is a person is concentrated or not, and the degree of concentration may be grasped on the basis of the intensity and/or transition of a waves, which are EEG. The analysis unit22of the control apparatus12determines whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of the measured a waves using known technology. For example, in the case where the intensity of the measured a waves is included in a predetermined reference range, and that state continues for a predetermined reference time period or longer, the analysis unit22determines that the subject is concentrated. The reference range and the reference time period are references for determining whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of EEG. The analysis unit22generates third information indicating whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of a waves.

The analysis unit22may determine whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of a waves or EEG other than α waves. Hereinafter, a general relationship between EEG and the degree of concentration, and a general relationship between EEG and the sleeping state will be discussed.γ waves: 30 Hz or greater; γ waves may be measured when the subject is unstable and excited.β waves: 13 to 30 Hz; β waves may be measured when the subject is a little nervous and in a normal thinking state.α waves: 7 to 13 Hz; α waves may be measured when the subject is relaxed and absorbed in something.θ waves: 4 to 7 Hz; θ waves may be measured when the subject is in a dreaming state or a profound meditation state.δ waves: less than or equal to 4 Hz; δ waves may be measured when the subject is not dreaming and is in a deep sleep.
Note that the above definitions, frequency ranges, and subject states are based on a general view, and the definitions, frequency ranges, and subject states are not restricted to the above details.

The analysis unit22may determine whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of each of the measured EEG. It is said that the mental state and secretion of brain hormones are closely related. For example, the “positive feedback” cycle first begins with the state of “safety and satisfaction”. At this time, it is believed that brain hormones such as thyrotropin and dopamine are secreted to cause a physiological response and increase concentration. In such a cycle, α waves are generated, and a “sense of accomplishment” is born. In contrast, it is believed that adrenaline and noradrenaline are secreted in the state of “anxiety and dissatisfaction”, which are opposite from “safety and satisfaction”, and β waves or β waves with frequencies close to γ waves are generated, which results in a continued state of irritation. The analysis unit22may analyze EEG emitted from the subject to determine the state of “safety and satisfaction”, “sense of accomplishment”, or “anxiety and dissatisfaction”.

In addition, it is known that the pulse rate increases in the case where a subject is concentrated. The analysis unit22of the control apparatus12determines whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of the measured pulse rate using known technology. For example, in the case where the measured pulse rate is included in a predetermined reference range, and that state continues for a predetermined reference time period or longer, the analysis unit22determines that the subject is concentrated. The reference range and the reference time period are references for determining whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of the pulse rate. The analysis unit22generates third information indicating whether the subject is concentrated or not on the basis of the pulse rate.

Note that the heart has a distribution of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, but most of the distribution to the ventricles are sympathetic nerves. The heart rate increases when sympathetic nerves become hyperactive due to physical and/or mental stress. The relationship between the heart rate and mental stress is reported in, for example, the following documents:(1) Lacey, J. I., Lacey, B. C.: Somatopsychic effects of interoception, Research in the Psychobiology of Human Behavior, pp. 59-73, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1978.(2) Hiroaki Takatsu, Mitsuo Munakata, Osamu Ozeki, Kiyoko Yokoyama, Yosaku Watanabe, and Kazuyuki Takata: An Evaluation of the Quantitative Relationship between the Subjective Stress and Heart Rate Variability, Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ) Transactions on Electronics, Information and Systems C, 120(1), 104-110, 2000.

For example, the controller26of the control apparatus12activates the measurement apparatus14A to allow the measurement apparatus14A to measure EEG; and the controller26of the control apparatus12deactivates the measurement apparatus14B to not allow the measurement apparatus14B to measure the pulse. The controller26may turn off the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B, or may not allow the measurement apparatus14B to measure the pulse while the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B is on. The measurement apparatus14A measures EEG, and the measurement apparatus14A transmits EEG information to the control apparatus12. In addition, the measurement apparatus14B does not measure the pulse, and the measurement apparatus14B does not transmit pulse information to the control apparatus12.

The analysis unit22determines whether the subject is concentrated or not by analyzing EEG (such as α waves) indicated by the EEG information transmitted from the measurement apparatus14A. In doing so, third information based on EEG is generated. The controller26may cause the display of the UI unit18to display the third information based on EEG, transmit the third information to an external apparatus, or store the third information in the memory20.

In the case where the analysis unit22determines on the basis of EEG that the subject is concentrated, the controller26activates the measurement apparatus14B to allow the measurement apparatus14B to measure the pulse; and the controller26deactivates the measurement apparatus14A to not allow the measurement apparatus14A to measure EEG. In the case where the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B is off, the controller26turns on the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B, and allows the measurement apparatus14B to measure the pulse. The controller26may turn off the electric power of the measurement apparatus14A, or may not allow the measurement apparatus14A to measure EEG while the electric power of the measurement apparatus14A is on. The measurement apparatus14B measures the pulse, and the measurement apparatus14B transmits pulse information to the control apparatus12. The measurement apparatus14A does not measure EEG, and the measurement apparatus14A does not transmit EEG information to the control apparatus12. The controller26may cause the display of the UI unit18to display information indicating that the measurement of biometric information has switched from EEG measurement to pulse measurement.

As described above, the controller26controls the start timing of pulse measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B, which is the second measurement apparatus, on the basis of EEG information, which is the first biometric information.

The analysis unit22determines whether the subject is concentrated or not by analyzing the pulse rate indicated by the pulse information transmitted from the measurement apparatus14B. In doing so, third information based on the pulse rate is generated. The controller26may cause the display of the UI unit18to display the third information based on the pulse rate, transmit the third information to an external apparatus, or store the third information in the memory20.

In general, the amount of data of EEG is greater than the amount of data of the pulse rate, and data transmission of EEG consumes more electric power than data transmission of the pulse rate. As described above, after it is determined on the basis of EEG measurement that the subject is concentrated, measurement of biometric information is changed from EEG measurement to pulse measurement. In this way, the power consumption of the measurement apparatus14A may be reduced while continuing the measurement for determining whether the subject is concentrated or not. In other words, the power consumption of the whole biometric information measurement system10may be reduced.

After the pulse measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B has started, the controller26may allow the measurement apparatus14B to measure the pulse rate at a predetermined time interval. The analysis unit22may measure the length of time in which the subject is continuously concentrated on the basis of the pulse rate measured by the measurement apparatus14B. In the case where the length of time becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the controller26may cause the display of the UI unit18to display information indicating a warning or information for prompting the subject to take a rest, or may emit warning sound or sound for prompting the subject to take a rest from a loudspeaker provided in the control apparatus12.

For a person to effectively work while keeping his/her concentration, it is recommended that the person take a rest after working for a certain amount of time (such as about 90 minutes). In addition, when a person continuously work for a long period of time, the person may be physically stressed. Therefore, useful information is provided to the subject by outputting the above-mentioned warning or the like.

Second Example

Hereinafter, a process according to a second example will be described. In the second example, for example, the measurement apparatuses14A and14B are used. In this case, the measurement apparatus14C may not be included in the biometric information measurement system10.

The measurement apparatus14A is an EEG measurement apparatus configured to measure the EEG of a subject. The measurement apparatus14B is a blood pressure measurement apparatus configured to measure the blood pressure of a subject. Here, the measurement apparatus14A corresponds to an example of the first measurement apparatus, and the measurement apparatus14B corresponds to an example of the second measurement apparatus. In other words, the controller26of the control apparatus12changes the condition of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B on the basis of the EEG measured by the measurement apparatus14A.

Hereinafter, the second example will be described in more detail.

In response to measurement of EEG by the measurement apparatus14A, EEG information indicating the measured EEG is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14A to the control apparatus12. The EEG information corresponds to an example of the first biometric information.

In response to measurement of blood pressure by the measurement apparatus14B, information indicating the measured blood pressure (hereinafter referred to as “blood pressure information”) is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14B to the control apparatus12. The blood pressure information corresponds to an example of the second biometric information.

It is known that the sleeping state of a subject who is a person may be grasped on the basis of the type, intensity, and/or transition of EEG, for example. The sleeping state is classified into, for example, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-REM sleep, and awake. Needless to say, this classification is only one example, and other types of classification may be used. Here, it is assumed that, for example, in the case where the sleeping state of a subject is REM sleep or non-REM sleep, the state of the subject is a sleeping state; and, in the case where the sleeping state of the subject is awake, the state of the subject is a non-sleeping state. The analysis unit22of the control apparatus12determines the sleeping state of a subject on the basis of the type, intensity, and/or transition of measured EEG using known technology. The analysis unit22generates third information indicating the sleeping state of the subject on the basis of EEG.

It is known that EEG when a person falls asleep occur in the order of β waves, α waves, θ waves, and δ waves. When a subject lies down and closes his/her eyes, the body relaxes from a state in which β waves are generated, and then α waves are generated. From that stage, when the consciousness fades away, θ waves are generated, and, when the sleep gets deeper, δ waves are generated. The analysis unit22determines the sleeping state of the subject by analyzing EEG that occurs in this way.

For example, the controller26of the control apparatus12activates the measurement apparatus14A to allow the measurement apparatus14A to measure EEG; and the controller26of the control apparatus12activates the measurement apparatus14B to allow the measurement apparatus14B to measure the blood pressure. The measurement apparatus14A measures EEG, and the measurement apparatus14A transmits EEG information to the control apparatus12. In addition, the measurement apparatus14B measures the blood pressure, and the measurement apparatus14B transmits blood pressure information to the control apparatus12.

The analysis unit22determines whether the state of the subject is a sleeping state or not by analyzing EEG indicated by the EEG information transmitted from the measurement apparatus14A. In other words, the analysis unit22determines whether the sleeping state of the subject is REM sleep, non-REM sleep, or awake by analyzing EEG. In the case where the sleeping state of the subject is REM sleep or non-REM sleep, the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject is a sleeping state. In the case where the sleeping state of the subject is awake, the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject is a non-sleeping state.

The analysis unit22determines whether the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state. In addition, the information generator24generates third information indicating the sleeping state of the subject. The controller26may cause the display of the UI unit18to display the third information indicating the sleeping state, transmit the third information to an external apparatus, or store the third information in the memory20.

In the case where the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state, the controller26changes the time interval of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. The controller26changes, for example, the time interval of blood pressure measurement after the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state (hereinafter referred to as a “second time interval”) to be shorter than the time interval of blood pressure measurement in a state where the state of the subject is a sleeping state (hereinafter referred to as a “first time interval”). In doing so, after the subject wakes up, the blood pressure is measured more finely than when the subject is sleeping. Note that the user may change the first time interval and the second time interval while maintaining the relationship that the second time interval is shorter than the first time interval.

Alternatively, in the case where the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state, the controller26may change the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. The controller26changes, for example, the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement after the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state (hereinafter referred to as “second sensitivity”) to be higher than the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement in a state where the state of the subject is a sleeping state (hereinafter referred to as “first sensitivity”). In doing so, after the subject wakes up, blood pressure information with higher sensitivity than when the subject is sleeping is measured. Note that the user may change the first sensitivity and the second sensitivity while maintaining the relationship that the second sensitivity is higher than the first sensitivity.

Alternatively, in the case where the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state, the controller26may change both the time interval and the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. The controller26changes the time interval of blood pressure measurement after the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state to be shorter than the time interval of blood pressure measurement in a state where the state of the subject is a sleeping state. In addition, the controller26changes the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement after the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state to be higher than the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement in a state where the state of the subject is a sleeping state.

As described above, the controller26changes at least one of the time interval and the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B on the basis of EEG information, which is the first biometric information.

Note that the controller26may deactivate the operation of the measurement apparatus14B while the subject is sleeping. For example, the controller26may turn off the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B in the meantime. In this case, in the case where the state of the subject changes from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state, the controller26turns on the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B and allows the measurement apparatus14B to measure the blood pressure. In addition, in the case where blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B has started, the controller26may stop EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A. The controller26may turn off the electric power of the measurement apparatus14A.

Generally, blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, as it becomes lower during sleeping and becomes higher after waking up. It is believed that blood pressure becomes higher in the morning because sympathetic nerves that activate the movement of the heart start moving. In addition, a sudden increase in blood pressure is believed to cause strokes or the like. For example, since it is said that myocardial infarction attacks are most likely to occur after waking up, it is necessary to pay special attention to high blood pressure in the morning, and it is meaningful to measure the blood pressure at the time of waking up. Regarding this point, useful information is provided to the subject by controlling the condition of blood pressure measurement, as described above.

Note that the controller26may cause the display of the UI unit18to display EEG information measured by the measurement apparatus14A, or may cause the display of the UI unit18to display blood pressure information measured by the measurement apparatus14B.

Instead of an EEG measurement apparatus, an acceleration sensor that measures acceleration may be used. In this case, the measurement apparatus14A is an acceleration sensor that measures acceleration, and the measurement apparatus14B is a blood pressure measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus14A corresponds to an example of the first measurement apparatus, and the measurement apparatus14B corresponds to an example of the second measurement apparatus. In other words, the controller26of the control apparatus12changes the condition of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B on the basis of the acceleration measured by the measurement apparatus14A.

In response to measurement of acceleration by the measurement apparatus14A, acceleration information indicating the measured acceleration is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14A to the control apparatus12. In addition, blood pressure information is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14B to the control apparatus12. The acceleration information corresponds to an example of the first biometric information, and the blood pressure information corresponds to an example of the second biometric information.

When the measurement apparatus14A, which is an acceleration sensor, is worn by the subject, the subject's acceleration, that is, movement, is measured. It is known that the sleeping state of a subject who is a person may be grasped on the basis of the intensity and/or the amount of change of acceleration. The analysis unit22of the control apparatus12determines the sleeping state of a subject on the basis of the measured acceleration using known technology. For example, in the case where the intensity of the measured acceleration is included in a predetermined reference range, and that state continues for a predetermined reference time period or longer, the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject is a sleeping state. Otherwise, the analysis unit22determines that the state of the subject is a non-sleeping state. The reference range and the reference time period are references for determining whether the subject is sleeping or not on the basis of the intensity of acceleration. The analysis unit22generates third information indicating whether the state of the subject is a sleeping state or not on the basis of the acceleration.

In addition, in the case where a change of the measured acceleration is included in a predetermined reference range, and that state continues over a predetermined reference time period, the analysis unit22may determine that the state of the subject is a sleeping state.

In the case where the analysis unit22determines on the basis of the acceleration that the state of the subject has changed from a sleeping state to a non-sleeping state, the controller26changes at least one of the time interval and the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B, as described above.

In yet another example, the analysis unit22may determine whether the state of the subject is a sleeping state or an awaken state on the basis of EEG or acceleration. A sleeping state is a state in which the subject is in bed, and an awaken state is a state in which the subject has gotten out of bed. In the case where the state of the subject changes from sleeping to awaken, the controller26may change at least one of the time interval and the sensitivity of blood pressure measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B.

Third Example

Hereinafter, a process according to a third example will be described. In the third example, for example, the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C are used.

The measurement apparatus14A is an EEG measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus14B is a heart rate measurement apparatus that measures the heart rate of a subject. The measurement apparatus14C is an acceleration sensor for measuring the movement of a subject. Here, the measurement apparatus14C corresponds to an example of the first measurement apparatus, and the measurement apparatuses14A and14B correspond to examples of the second measurement apparatuses. In other words, the controller26of the control apparatus12changes the condition of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A and the condition of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B on the basis of acceleration measured by the measurement apparatus14C.

Hereinafter, the third example will be described in more detail.

In response to measurement of EEG by the measurement apparatus14A, EEG information indicating the measured EEG is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14A to the control apparatus12. The EEG information corresponds to an example of the second biometric information.

In response to measurement of heart rate by the measurement apparatus14B, heart rate information indicating the measured heart rate is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14B to the control apparatus12. The heart rate information corresponds to an example of the second biometric information.

In response to measurement of acceleration by the measurement apparatus14C, acceleration information indicating the measured acceleration is transmitted from the measurement apparatus14C to the control apparatus12. The acceleration information corresponds to an example of the first biometric information.

The analysis unit22detects the movement of the subject on the basis of the intensity and/or change of acceleration indicated by the acceleration information. For example, in the case where the intensity of acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the analysis unit22determines that the subject is moving. In the case where the intensity of acceleration is less than the threshold, the analysis unit22determines that the subject remains still. In addition, in the case where the intensity of acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and that state continues for a predetermined reference time period or longer, the analysis unit22may determine that the subject is moving. Otherwise, the analysis unit22may determine that the subject remains still. Alternatively, in the case where the amount of change of acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the analysis unit22may determine that the subject is moving. In the case where the amount of change of acceleration is less than the threshold, the analysis unit22may determine that the subject remains still. In the case where the amount of change of acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and that state continues for a predetermined reference time period or longer, the analysis unit22may determine that the subject is moving. Otherwise, the analysis unit22may determine that the subject remains still.

The analysis unit22may generate information indicating the subject's mental stress on the basis of EEG. In addition, the analysis unit22may generate information indicating the subject's dynamic stress (that is, physical stress) on the basis of heart rate. The information indicating the mental stress and the information indicating the dynamic stress correspond to examples of the third information.

For example, the controller26of the control apparatus12activates the measurement apparatus14C to allow the measurement apparatus14C to measure acceleration. The analysis unit22determines whether the subject is moving or not on the basis of acceleration.

In the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject remains still, the controller26allows the measurement apparatus14A to start EEG measurement, and allows the measurement apparatus14B to end the heart rate measurement. The controller26may turn off the electric power of the measurement apparatus14B.

In the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject is moving, the controller26allows the measurement apparatus14A to end the EEG measurement, and allows the measurement apparatus14B to start heart rate measurement. The controller26may turn off the electric power of the measurement apparatus14A.

As described above, the controller26controls the start timing and the end timing of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, which is the second measurement apparatus, on the basis of acceleration information, which is the first biometric information. Similarly, the controller26controls the start timing and the end timing of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B, which is the second measurement apparatus, on the basis of acceleration information, which is the first biometric information.

In another example, regardless of whether the subject is moving or not, the controller26may turn on the electric power of each of the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C, and allow the measurement apparatus14A to measure EEG, the measurement apparatus14B to measure heart rate, and the measurement apparatus14C to measure acceleration.

In this case, in the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject remains still, the controller26shortens the time interval of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, and elongates the time interval of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. In the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject is moving, the controller26elongates the time interval of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, and shortens the time interval of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. In other words, the time interval of EEG measurement when the subject remains still is shorter than the time interval of EEG measurement when the subject is moving. In addition, the time interval of heart rate measurement when the subject remains still is longer than the time interval of heart rate measurement when the subject is moving.

In another example, in the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject remains still, the controller26may increase the sensitivity of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, and decrease the sensitivity of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. In the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject is moving, the controller26may decrease the sensitivity of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, and increase the sensitivity of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. In other words, the sensitivity of EEG measurement when the subject remains still is higher than the sensitivity of EEG measurement when the subject is moving. In addition, the sensitivity of heart rate measurement when the subject remains still is lower than the sensitivity of heart rate measurement when the subject is moving.

In yet another example, in the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject remains still, the controller26may shorten the time interval of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A and increase the sensitivity of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, and may elongate the time interval of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B and decrease the sensitivity of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B. In the case where the analysis unit22determines that the subject is moving, the controller26may elongate the time interval of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A and decrease the sensitivity of EEG measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14A, and may shorten the time interval of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B and increase the sensitivity of heart rate measurement performed by the measurement apparatus14B.

In addition, the information generator24may generate new information indicating comprehensive stress on the basis of information indicating mental stress and information indicating dynamic stress. The new information corresponds to an example of the third information.

Modification

Although the control apparatus12and the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C are separate apparatuses in the above-described exemplary embodiment, these apparatuses may constitute one apparatus. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, a biometric information measurement apparatus38according to a modification includes the control apparatus12and the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C.

Needless to say, the biometric information measurement apparatus38may include at least one measurement apparatus14among the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C. In the case where the number of measurement apparatuses14included in the biometric information measurement apparatus38is one, this measurement apparatus14included in the biometric information measurement apparatus38is used as the first measurement apparatus or one of the second measurement apparatuses, and another measurement apparatus14not provided in the biometric information measurement apparatus38is used as the first measurement apparatus or the other one of the second measurement apparatuses.

The functions of the individual units of the above-described control apparatus12, measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C, and biometric information measurement apparatus38are realized by, for example, cooperation between hardware and software. Specifically, the control apparatus12, the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C, and the biometric information measurement apparatus38each include one or more processors such as central processing units (CPUs) (not illustrated). The functions of the units of the control apparatus12, the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C, and the biometric information measurement apparatus38are realized by reading and executing, by this one or more processors, a program stored in a storage device (not illustrated). The program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD) or via a communication channel such as a network. In another example, the functions of the units of the control apparatus12, the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C, and the biometric information measurement apparatus38may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor, an electronic circuit, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A device such as memory may be used in realizing the functions. In yet another example, the functions of the units of the control apparatus12, the measurement apparatuses14A,14B, and14C, and the biometric information measurement apparatus38may be realized by a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.