`
`
`
`(19) Japanese Patent
`Office (JP)
`
`(12) Publication of Unexamined
`Patent Application (A)
`
`(11) Patent Application Disclosure
`2005-270544
`(P2005-27044A)
`(43) Publication Date: October 6, 2005
`
`(51) Int. Cl7
`A 61 B 5/0245
`
`ID Number
`
`
`JPO File Number
`
`
`
`FI
`
`A 61 B 5/02 32OF
`A 61 B 5/02 31OF
`A 61 B 5/02 32OB
`
`
`Theme code (ref.)
`4CO17
`
`
`Request for Examination: Not Requested Number of Claims: 5 OL Total pages: 17
`
`(21) Application No.: 2004-
`91943 (P2004-91943)
`
`(71) Applicant
`
`
`
`000002325
`Seiko Instruments Inc.
`
`
`
`
`
`(74) Agent
`
`
`
`
`
`8, 1-chome, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi,
`Chiba-ken
`100079212
`
`Patent Attorney MATSUSHITA, Yoshiharu
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`MAEKAWA, Kazuya
`
`c/o Seiko Instruments Inc. 8, 1-chome, Nakase,
`Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi
`
`NAKAMURA, Takashi
`
`c/o Seiko Instruments Inc. 8, 1-chome, Nakase,
`Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi
`MORIYA, Koichi
`
`c/o Seiko Instruments Inc. 8, 1-chome, Nakase,
`Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Continued on last page
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`
`
`
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(22) Application Date: March
`26, 2004 (3.26.2004)
`
`
`(Patent office note: the
`following is a registered
`trademark)
`
`1. Bluetooth
`
`
`(54) [Title of the Invention] Physiological Information Measuring Device
`
`(57) [Abstract]
`
`PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a physiological information measuring device that has a
`simple and small construction and does not generate erroneous detection even if there is external light.
`
`SOLUTION: A physiological information measuring device 1 with a detection part that detects whether
`or not a physiological sensor part 6 is in contact with the surface of a living body comprising a light
`emitting part 4 that irradiates light onto the living body, a cover glass 23 that transmits and reflects light
`irradiated by the light emitting part 4 and transmits light backscattered from the living body, a light
`receiving part 5 that receives light transmitted by the cover glass 23, and a determination part 7a that
`determines whether or not the living body and physiological sensor part 6 are in contact based on the
`light reception signal received by the light receiving part 5.
`
`[Selected Drawing] FIG. 6
`
`
`
`
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1030
`U.S. Patent No. 8,923,941
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`001
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`FITBIT, Ex. 1030
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`FITBIT, EX. 1030
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`002
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`Claims
`
`
`
`Claim 1:
`
`A physiological information measuring device comprising a main body,
`
`a physiological sensor part provided on the main body that irradiates light towards a
`
`living body and generates a physiological information signal based on the amount of
`
`light backscattered from this living body,
`
`a physiological information calculation part provided on the main body that calculates
`
`physiological information based on the physiological information signal,
`
`a detection part arranged on the bottom surface side of the main body that detects
`
`whether or not the physiological sensor is in contact with the surface of the living body,
`
`a light emitting part that irradiates the living body with light,
`
`a cover glass arranged on the bottom surface of the main body that transmits and
`
`reflects light irradiated from the light emitting part as well as transmits light
`
`backscattered from the living body,
`
`a light receiving part that receives light transmitted by the cover glass,
`
`and a determination part that determines whether or not the living body and
`
`physiological sensor are in contact based on the light reception signal received by the
`
`light receiving part.
`
`
`
`Claim 2:
`
`The physiological information measuring device according to claim 1 wherein the light
`
`receiving part receives backscatter light from the living body transmitted by the cover
`
`glass and generates a physiological information signal based on the amount of
`
`backscatter light.
`
`
`
`Claim 3:
`
`The physiological information measuring device according to claim 2 comprising a
`
`reflective surface arranged in the cover glass between the light emitting part and the
`
`light receiving part that reflects part of the light propagating in the cover glass.
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`1
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`Claim 4:
`
`The physiological information measuring device according to claim 2 comprising a
`
`bundle of optical fibers arranged with one end close to the cover glass and the other
`
`end close to the light reception surface of the light receiving part.
`
`
`
`Claim 5:
`
`The physiological information measuring device according to claim 1 or claim 2
`
`comprising a concentration part on a surface of the cover glass opposite the light
`
`receiving part that concentrates light backscattered from the living body.
`
`2
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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`
`
`[Technical Field]
`
`
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a physiological information measuring device
`
`that when mounted to the wrist (arm), measures physiological information such as
`
`pulse rate and the like.
`
`
`
`[Background Art]
`
`
`
`[0002]
`
`Interest in health monitoring has risen in recent years and so various types of
`
`physiological information measuring devices that can measure various types of
`
`physiological information such as pulse rate while mounted on the wrist (arm) have
`
`been offered (for example, see patent document 1).
`
`
`
`[0003] The pulse meter (physiological information measuring device) disclosed in
`
`patent document 1 comprises two electrodes in contact with the skin. Furthermore,
`
`when the two electrodes are both in contact with the skin, a minute current flows
`
`through the skin causing a reduction in voltage between the two electrodes enabling
`
`determination that the pulse rate sensor is in contact with the skin. Therefore, the
`
`presence or absence of contact with skin is determined based on potential difference
`
`of these two electrodes.
`
`
`
`[0004] Furthermore, a pulse rate measurement device (physiological information
`
`measuring device) with a pulse rate measurement system that uses a light emitting
`
`diode (light emitting part) and a light receiving element (light receiving part) has also
`
`been proposed (for example, see patent document 2). The pulse rate measurement
`
`device disclosed in patent document 2 has a light receiving element for measuring
`
`brightness arranged and detects contact based on the output of the light receiving
`
`element.
`
`
`
`1
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`Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid Open Publication 2003-70757 (paragraphs 0021 -
`
`0029, Fig. 2 and the like)
`
`Patent document 2: Japan Unexamined Patent Application S60-246736
`
`
`
`[Disclosure of the Invention]
`
`[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
`
`
`
`[0005] However, the physiological information measuring device disclosed in patent
`
`document 1 described above provides accurate physiological contact detection if the
`
`electrodes are sufficiently large; however, if the electrodes are small, erroneous
`
`detection occurs frequently and, for example, use as a small terminal similar to that of
`
`a wrist watch is difficult. Furthermore, the physiological information measuring device
`
`disclosed in patent document 2 described above simply judges light and darkness
`
`based on output from the light receiving element to determine presence or absence of
`
`contact so erroneous detection is a feasibility depending on the level of outdoor light.
`
`
`
`[0006]
`
`In light of the circumstances described above, an object of the present
`
`invention is to provide a physiological information measuring device with a simple and
`
`small construction that does not generate erroneous detection even if there is
`
`external light.
`
`
`
`[Means for Solving the Problems]
`
`
`
`[0007] The present invention provides the means described below to resolve the
`
`problems described above.
`
`
`
`[0008] The physiological information measuring device of the present invention
`
`comprises a main body, a physiological sensor part provided on the main body that
`
`irradiates light towards a living body and generates a physiological information signal
`
`based on the amount of light backscattered from this living body, a physiological
`
`information calculation part provided on the main body that calculates physiological
`
`
`
`2
`
`006
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`information based on the physiological information signal, a detection part arranged
`
`on the bottom surface side of the main body that detects whether or not the
`
`physiological sensor is in contact with the surface of the living body, a light emitting
`
`part that irradiates the living body with light, a cover glass arranged on the bottom
`
`surface of the main body that transmits and reflects light irradiated from the light
`
`emitting part as well as transmits light backscattered from the living body, a light
`
`receiving part that receives light transmitted by the cover glass, and a determination
`
`part that determines whether or not the living body and physiological sensor are in
`
`contact based on the light reception signal received by the light receiving part.
`
`
`
`[0009] The physiological information measuring device of the present invention
`
`irradiates light from a light emitting part towards the living body. Irradiated light that is
`
`reflected off the surface of the cover glass, propagated inside the cover glass or
`
`backscattered from the living body and the like is received in the light receiving part.
`
`The determination part provided in the detection part determines whether or not the
`
`surface of the living body and the physiological sensor part are in contact based on
`
`the status that the light emitting part is emitting light or not emitting light and the light
`
`reception signal of light received by the light receiving part. When the determination
`
`part determines that the surface of the living body is in contact with the physiological
`
`sensor part, in other words determines that the main body is mounted on the wrist
`
`(arm or the like), the physiological sensor irradiates the living body with light and
`
`generates a physiological information signal based on the amount of light
`
`backscattered from the living body. Furthermore, the physiological information
`
`detection part performs a prescribed calculation of the physiological information signal
`
`and calculates physiological information such as the pulse rate. In addition, even if
`
`external light enters the light receiving part, there will be no erroneous detection of
`
`contact of the surface of the living body and the physiological sensor part.
`
`
`
`[0010] Furthermore, with the physiological information measuring device of the
`
`present invention, the light receiving part preferably receives backscattered light from
`
`
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`3
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`007
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`the living body transmitted through the cover glass and generates a physiological
`
`information signal based on the amount of backscattered light.
`
`
`
`[0011] With regards to the physiological information measuring device of the present
`
`invention, having the light receiving part perform both contact detection of the surface
`
`of the living body with the physiological sensor part as well as generation of the
`
`physiological information signal based on light received enables reducing the number
`
`of components and further reducing the size of the overall physiological information
`
`measuring device.
`
`
`
`[0012] Furthermore, the physiological information measuring device of the present
`
`invention preferably comprises a reflective surface in the cover glass in between the
`
`light emitting part and the light receiving part that reflects a part of the light
`
`propagating in the cover glass.
`
`
`
`[0013] With the physiological information measuring device of the present invention,
`
`of the light irradiated by the light irradiating part, light that propagates inside the cover
`
`glass is reflected onto the surface of the living body by the reflective surface.
`
`Therefore, when measuring physiological information, light propagating in the cover
`
`glass that does not contain physiological information can be blocked enabling
`
`accurate measurement of physiological information.
`
`
`
`[0014] Furthermore, the physiological information measuring device of the present
`
`invention preferably comprises a bundle of optical fibers arranged with one end close
`
`to the cover glass and the other end close to the light reception surface of the light
`
`receiving part.
`
`
`
`[0015] As optical fibers are arranged for the physiological information measuring
`
`device according to the present invention, light that passes along the surface of the
`
`living body such as the skin is reflected by the outer circumferential surface of the
`
`optical fiber. Light that only passes along the surface of the skin of the living body
`
`
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`4
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`
`does not contain very much physiological information whereby blocking this light
`
`makes it so that most of the light that enters the optical fiber, propagates in the optical
`
`fiber, and is lead to the light receiving part is light that has passed deeply through the
`
`living body under the inner skin, in other words, light that contains a lot of
`
`physiological information.
`
`
`
`[0016] Furthermore, the physiological information measuring device of the present
`
`invention preferably comprises a concentration part on the surface of the cover glass
`
`opposite the light receiving part that concentrates light backscattered from the living
`
`body.
`
`
`
`[0017] With regards to the physiological information measuring device according to
`
`the present invention, light backscattered from an irradiated living body onto a light
`
`receiving part is efficiently concentrated by the concentration part onto the light
`
`reception surface of the light receiving part. Therefore, the surface area of the light
`
`receiving part can be reduced in size for generating a physiological information signal
`
`such as a pulse rate signal enabling size reduction of the physiological information
`
`measuring device overall.
`
`
`
`[Effect of the Invention]
`
`
`
`[0018] With the physiological information measuring device according to the present
`
`invention, presence or absence of contact is detected based on light received by the
`
`light receiving part when the light emission status of the light emitting part is changed
`
`enabling detection of contact with a living body using a simple construction. Therefore,
`
`in the case external light enters the light receiving part, confirmation of contact with a
`
`living body can be accurately performed enabling calculation of physiological
`
`information with high accuracy.
`
`5
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`[Best Form of the Invention]
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`
`
`[0019] An embodiment of the physiological information measuring device according
`
`to the present invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 11.
`
`
`
`[0020] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 8, the physiological information measuring device 1
`
`of the present embodiment has a wristwatch shape and while mounted to a wrist
`
`(arm) A, calculates pulse rate that is physiological information.
`
`
`
`[0021] The physiological information measuring device 1 comprises a physiological
`
`sensor part 6 with a housing (main body) 2 containing various electrical parts and
`
`electronic parts, securing means 3 for mounting the housing 2 with the bottom surface
`
`2a of the housing 2 facing the surface of the living body B onto the wrist A, an LED
`
`(Light Emitting Diode) 4 provided on the housing 2 that shines light toward the living
`
`body surface (living body) B, and a PD (Photo Diode) 5 that receives light
`
`backscattered from the living body; and a data processor (physiological information
`
`calculation part) 7 provided on the housing 2 that generates a pulse rate signal
`
`(physiological information signal) based on the amount of light received by the
`
`physiological sensor part 6, performs computation on the pulse rate signal, and
`
`calculates the pulse rate.
`
`
`
`[0022] The physiological sensor part 6 is also a detection part that detects whether
`
`or not the physiological sensor part (bottom surface 2a of the housing 2) is in contact
`
`with the surface of the living body B. In other words, the physiological sensor part 6
`
`comprises a LED 4 and PD 5 that provide the functions of detecting being in contact
`
`with the surface of the living body B and detecting light from the living body for
`
`generating a pulse rate signal.
`
`
`
`[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7, the physiological information measuring
`
`device 1 comprises a cover glass 23 arranged on the bottom surface 2a of the
`
`
`
`6
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`housing 2 that transmits and reflects light irradiated by the LED 4 and transmits light
`
`backscattered by the living body. Furthermore, the PD 5 is set up to receive light
`
`propagating in the cover glass 23 as well as light backscattered from the living body
`
`and transmitted through the cover glass 23.
`
`
`
`[0024] Furthermore, the data processor 7 comprises a determination part 7a that
`
`determines whether or not the living body and physiological sensor part 6 are in
`
`contact based on the light reception signal received by the PD 5.
`
`
`
`[0025] The housing 2 is made of plastic or a metal material such as aluminum with a
`
`prescribed thickness and is, for example, formed in a roughly rectangular shape as
`
`viewed from the top. A roughly square shaped glass plate 10 is fitted into the center
`
`of the upper surface 2b of the housing 2 and there is a display part 11 arranged on
`
`the inside of this glass plate 10 for displaying the calculated pulse rate described
`
`above as well as various other types of information.
`
`
`
`[0026]
`
`In addition, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 a main circuit board 12 is provided
`
`in the housing 2 and the data processor 7 described above, display part 11 described
`
`above, a rechargeable battery 13 that can be charged, memory 14 that stores the
`
`pulse rate, a sub-circuit board 15 and various other electronic components are
`
`mounted on or connected electrically via wiring or the like to the main circuit board 12.
`
`
`
`[0027] The data processor 7 includes an IC part such as a CPU and has the
`
`function of amplifying the pulse rate signal generated by the PD 5 in an amplifier or
`
`the like, and then performing prescribed processing such as Fast Fourier Transform
`
`processing (FFT processing) to calculate the pulse rate through analyzing the
`
`process results. Furthermore, the data processor 7 is set up to store the calculated
`
`pulse rate in the memory 14 as well as to display it on the display part 11 based on
`
`input using various buttons 20 described below. Furthermore, the data processor 7
`
`has the function of overall control of the other components.
`
`
`
`
`
`7
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`FITBIT, Ex. 1030
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`[0028] The display part 11 is a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like that in
`
`addition to the pulse rate has a time display function of, for example, displaying time
`
`counted using a crystal oscillator (not shown) as well as a function of displaying
`
`various other types of information. For example, displaying things such as time, date,
`
`day of the week, as well as charge level of the rechargeable battery 13 and the like.
`
`
`
`[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a plurality of buttons 20 are
`
`provided on the housing 2, for example three buttons 20 arranged at the bottom of the
`
`display part 11 on the upper surface 2b of the housing 2 and one button 20 arranged
`
`on the side of the housing 2. Pushing of these various buttons 20 enables performing
`
`various types of operations. For example, starting measurement and stopping
`
`measurement of pulse rate, switching between pulse rate and time and data transfer
`
`of pulse rate data stored in the memory 14 to an external device and other operations
`
`can be performed.
`
`
`
`[0030] Furthermore, an external connection terminal (charging means) 21 for
`
`supplying power externally from a charger or the like to the rechargeable battery 13
`
`described above for charging is provided on the side surface of the housing 2. Note, a
`
`cover or the like can be mounted to cover the external connection terminal 21 for
`
`protection of the external connection terminal 21. This enables protecting the external
`
`connection terminal 21 from water droplets or dust or the like and is therefore
`
`preferable. Furthermore, not being limited to an external connection terminal 21, a
`
`transformer or the like for supplying power can be provided respectively in the
`
`charger and the housing 2 providing a configuration for charging the rechargeable
`
`battery 13 in a non-connected state.
`
`
`
`[0031] Furthermore, the pulse rate signal generated by the PD 5 is sent via a
`
`flexible circuit board 24, the sub-circuit board 15, and main circuit board 12 to the
`
`data processor 7 described above. Furthermore, the light propagating in the cover
`
`glass 23 and received by the PD 5 is sent to the determination part 7a.
`
`
`
`
`
`8
`
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`FITBIT, Ex. 1030
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`[0032] The determination part 7a receives the light reception signal detected by the
`
`PD 5 as a voltage and continuously compares this voltage value with a pre-set
`
`threshold voltage value αV. With the LED 4 OFF, if the light reception signal detected
`
`is lower than the threshold voltage αV, the LED 4 and PD 5 are judged to be in a state
`
`not in contact with the surface of the living body B. On the other hand, if the light
`
`reception signal detected by the PD 5 is greater than the threshold voltage αV, the
`
`LED 4 is turned ON. In addition, if the light reception signal detected by the PD 5 is
`
`greater than a threshold voltage βV, the LED 4 and PD 5 are judged to be in a state
`
`not in contact with the surface of the living body B. On the other hand, if the light
`
`reception signal detected by the PD 5 is less than the threshold voltage βV, the LED 4
`
`and PD 5 are judged to be in a state in contact with the surface of the living body B. In
`
`other words, the data processor 7 is set up to control operation of the LED 4 enabling
`
`irradiation of light from the LED 4 based on this detection result. Note, this is not
`
`limited to this case, for example it can be setup such that FFT processing is not
`
`performed if non-contact with the surface of the living body B is detected.
`
`
`
`[0033] The securing means 3 described above is attached to the base end of the
`
`housing 2 and comprises a first band 30 and second band 31 enabling mounting on
`
`the wrist A. The first band 30 and second band 31 are provided on opposite sides in
`
`the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. In addition, both bands 30, 31 are formed
`
`from an expandable elastic material.
`
`
`
`[0034] A buckle 30a and tongue 30b are mounted at the end of the first band 30
`
`described above. In addition, a plurality of insertion holes 31a into which the tongue
`
`30b described above is inserted are formed along the longitudinal direction of the
`
`second band 31. Thus, the user can adjust the length of the first band 30 and the
`
`second band 31 depending on the size of their wrist A.
`
`
`
`[0035] A case of calculating pulse rate using the physiological information
`
`measuring device 1 configured in this manner and mounted on the wrist A is
`
`described.
`
`
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`9
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`[0036] First, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8, pushing of the buttons 20 to switch
`
`into pulse measurement mode sets the PD 5 power supply to ON state (step S1).
`
`First, with the LED 4 in OFF state, the voltage of the light reception signal received by
`
`the PD 5 is detected (step S2). Light received by the PD 5 is output to the
`
`determination part 7a of the data processor 7 as a voltage. In this case, the
`
`determination part 7a continuously compares the voltage value detected to a
`
`threshold voltage αV (step S3) and if the detected voltage value is greater than the
`
`threshold voltage αV (step S3 "No"), the LED 4 is turned ON (step S4). In addition,
`
`the determination part 7a of the data processor 7 continuously compares the detected
`
`voltage to threshold voltages βV and γV (step S5) and if the detected voltage
`
`compared to the threshold voltages is "greater than βV and less than γV" (step S5
`
`"Yes"), it is judged that the LED 4 and PD 5 are in contact with the surface of the
`
`living body B.
`
`
`
`[0037] On the other hand, with the LED 4 OFF, if the voltage value detected by the
`
`PD 5 is less than the threshold voltage αV (step S3 "Yes"), it is judged that the LED 4
`
`and PD 5 are not in contact with the surface of the living body B. In addition, with the
`
`LED 4 ON, if the voltage value detected by the PD 5 compared to the threshold is not
`
`"greater than βV and less than γV" (step S5 "No"), it is judged that the LED 4 and PD
`
`5 are not in contact with the surface of the living body B. In other words, the data
`
`processor 7 performs reliable detection as to whether or not the LED 4 and PD 5 are
`
`in contact with the surface of the living body B.
`
`
`
`[0038] With the present embodiment, the data processor is continually comparing
`
`the detected voltage with threshold voltages but this could be set to comparing prior
`
`to measuring pulse or set to comparing before and after measuring pulse.
`
`
`
`[0039] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, when both bands 30, 31 are wrapped around
`
`the wrist A of the user and the tongue 30b of the first band 30 is inserted into the
`
`insertion hole 31a of the second band 31 depending on the size of the wrist A and the
`
`
`
`10
`
`014
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`

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`
`
`
`housing 2 is judged to be mounted to the wrist A by the determination part 7a, the
`
`data processor 7 causes the LED 4 to irradiate light onto the living body. The
`
`irradiated light is absorbed and scattered by tissues such as fat and muscle and blood
`
`and part of the irradiated light is detected by the PD 5 as backscattered light. The
`
`detected light fluctuates based on changes in blood volume due to pulsatory motion.
`
`In addition to receiving this backscattered light, the PD 5 generates a pulse rate
`
`signal (physiological information signal) based on changes to the amount of light and
`
`outputs this to the data processor 7. In other words, the amount of light irradiated
`
`from the LED 4 and backscattered fluctuates based on blood flow fluctuation in
`
`arteries and arterioles inside the wrist A (living body) enabling the PD 5 to receive
`
`backscattered light that corresponds to pulsation of arteries, in other words the pulse
`
`wave. Thus the PD 5 can generate a pulse rate signal.
`
`
`
`[0040] After amplifying the transmitted pulse signal, the data processor 7 performs
`
`prescribed processing such as FFT processing and analysis to calculate the pulse
`
`rate. Furthermore, the data processor 7 stores the calculated pulse rate in the
`
`memory 14 as well as displays it on the display part 11 based on operation of various
`
`buttons 20.
`
`
`
`[0041] By pushing various buttons 20 as necessary, the user can easily display the
`
`calculated pulse rate on the display part 11 for confirmation and so is convenient to
`
`use. Furthermore, based on operation of various buttons 20, the user can check
`
`information other than pulse rate such as time or charge level of the rechargeable
`
`battery 13 using the display part 11.
`
`
`
`[0042] Furthermore, as described above, the user mounts the housing 2 to the wrist
`
`A with a prescribed force using both bands 30, 31 so there is no feeling of pressure or
`
`of being uncomfortable even if worn for a long time.
`
`
`
`[0043] Based on the flexibility of the flexible circuit board 24, the LED 4 and PD 5
`
`are pressed against the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 getting them as close as
`
`
`
`11
`
`015
`
`FITBIT, Ex. 1030
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`possible to the surface of the living body B enabling highly accurate calculation of
`
`pulse rate.
`
`
`
`[0044] Furthermore, in the case of charging the rechargeable battery 13, for
`
`example, connecting of an external connection terminal 21 such as a charging cord
`
`connected to a charger enables charging making preparation of additional batteries
`
`unnecessary. Therefore, this helps reduce maintenance costs. Note, a configuration
`
`of providing audio output means such as a buzzer that outputs audio in the housing 2
`
`that provides notification of time to charge (charge timing) through audio output in the
`
`case that the charge level of the rechargeable battery 13 is reduced close to "0" is
`
`feasible.
`
`
`
`[0045] As has been described above, with the physiological information measuring
`
`device 1 of the present embodiment, contact of the LED 4 and PD 5 with the surface
`
`of the living body B is detected based on light received by the PD 5 while changing
`
`the light emitting status of the LED 4 enabling detection of contact with the surface of
`
`the living body B using a simple configuration. Therefore, in the case external light
`
`enters the PD 5, confirmation of contact with the surface of the living body B can be
`
`accurately performed enabling detection of physiological information with a high level
`
`of precision.
`
`
`
`[0046] Note, the technical scope of the present invention is not restricted to the
`
`embodiment described above and various changes that do not deviate from the
`
`scope of the present invention can be added.
`
`
`
`[0047] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a reflective surface 23a that reflects a part
`
`of the light propagating in the cover glass 23 can be provided in the cover glass 23
`
`arranged between the LED 4 and PD 5. In the case of this configuration, of the light
`
`emitted by the LED 4, light that propagates in the cover glass 23 is reflected towards
`
`the surface of the living body B by the reflective surface 23a. Therefore, when
`
`measuring physiological information, light propagating in the cover glass 23 that
`
`
`
`12
`
`016
`
`FITBIT, Ex. 1030
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`becomes light noise can be blocked enabling improving the SN ratio for generating a
`
`pulse signal.
`
`
`
`[0048]
`
`In other words, as shown in Fig. 10, the PD 5 and cover glass 23 can be
`
`arranged separated and a bundle of optical fibers 40 provided with one end 40a
`
`arranged close to the cover glass 23 and the other end 40b close to the light receiving
`
`surface 5a of the PD 5. In the case of this configuration, optical fibers 40 are arranged
`
`in the gap between the PD 5 and cover glass 23 so light passing along the surface of
`
`the skin of the surface of the living body B is reflected by the outer circumferential
`
`surface of the optical fibers 40. Light that only passes along the surface of the skin of
`
`the surface of the living body B does not contain very much physiological information
`
`so that blocking this light makes it so that most of the light that enters the optical
`
`fibers 40, propagates in the optical fibers 40, and is lead to the PD5 is light that has
`
`passed deeply through the living body under the inner skin, in other words, light that
`
`contains a lot of physiological information.
`
`
`
`[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 11, a crevice (concentrating part) 41 that
`
`concentrates light backscattered from the living body can be formed on the surface of
`
`the cover glass 23 opposite the PD 5. In the case of this configuration, light
`
`backscattered from the irradiated living body onto the PD 5 is efficiently concentrated
`
`by the crevice 41 onto the light receiving surface 5a of the PD 5. Therefore, with
`
`regards to the PD 5 generating a pulse rate signal, the light receiving surface area of
`
`the PD 5 can be reduced enabling size reduction of the physiological information
`
`measuring device overall. Note, the concentration part only needs to concentrate light
`
`onto the light receiving surface 5a of the PD 5 and so can be a convex shape as well.
`
`
`
`[0050] Furthermore, a configuration of using the LED 4 and PD 5 for both detecting
`
`contact with the surface of the living body B and receiving light backscattered from
`
`the living body to generate a pulse signal is employed; however, as shown in Fig. 12,
`
`a physiological information measuring device 50 provided with a detection part 53
`
`having an additional pair of LED 51 and PD 52 and a light blocking plate 54 for
`
`
`
`13
`
`017
`
`FITBIT, Ex. 1030
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`blocking between the LED 4, PD 5 and LED 52, PD 52 is also feasible. In the case of
`
`this configuration, the LED 4 and PD 5 detect contact with the surface of the living
`
`body B and the LED 51 and PD 52 receive light backscattered from the living body for
`
`generating a pulse signal so the backscatter light needed to generate the pulse signal
`
`is received by the PD 52.
`
`
`
`[