WO2024242154A1 - Oral cavity sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

An oral cavity sensor (10) is provided with a sensor unit (20). The sensor unit (20) is capable of measuring biological information for the interior of the oral cavity. The oral sensor (10) is provided with an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit is capable of acquiring the drive state of the oral cavity sensor (10), log information related to measurement of biological information by the oral cavity sensor (10), and a detection value detected by the sensor unit (20). The determination unit determines the stage of use of the oral cavity sensor (10) on the basis of one or more selected from the drive state, the log information, and the detection value. The output unit outputs guide information indicating how to handle the oral sensor (10) in accordance with the stage of use.

Description

Oral Sensor

This disclosure relates to an oral cavity sensor.

The oral moisture meter described in Patent Document 1 comprises a main body, a oscillating member, and a moisture content detection unit. The main body is generally rod-shaped. The main body is the part that the user holds when using the oral moisture meter. The oscillating member is supported on the main body so that it can oscillate freely. The moisture content detection unit is provided on the tip side of the oscillating member. The moisture content detection unit is a part that is brought into contact with the tongue mucosa or the like in the oral cavity to detect the moisture content at the measurement site.

International Publication No. 2015/125222

When performing measurements using an oral moisture meter such as that described in Patent Document 1, if the device is not handled appropriately, there is a risk that the measurement will not be performed correctly. For example, if the user does not have a high level of proficiency with the device, there is a risk that the moisture detection unit will not be properly abutted against the tongue mucosa. In this case, the oral moisture meter will not be able to perform accurate measurements. Therefore, measures are needed to enable users with low levels of proficiency to properly handle the oral moisture meter.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is an oral sensor that includes a sensor unit capable of measuring bioinformation in the oral cavity, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring the operating state of the oral sensor, log information related to the measurement of the bioinformation by the oral sensor, and a detection value of the sensor unit, a determination unit that determines a usage stage of the oral sensor based on one or more selected from the operating state, the log information, and the detection value, and an output unit that outputs guide information showing how to handle the oral sensor according to the usage stage.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is an oral cavity sensor including a first sensor unit capable of measuring bioinformation in the oral cavity, a second sensor unit capable of detecting whether the first sensor unit is in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring an operating state of the oral cavity sensor, log information related to the measurement of the bioinformation by the oral cavity sensor, and a detection result of the second sensor unit, a determination unit that determines a usage stage of the oral cavity sensor based on one or more selected from the operating state, the log information, and the detection result of the second sensor unit, and an output unit that outputs guide information showing how to handle the oral cavity sensor according to the usage stage.

With the above configuration, the user of the oral cavity sensor can obtain appropriate guide information according to the stage of use of the oral cavity sensor. Therefore, even if the user has a low level of proficiency, the user can understand the appropriate way to use the sensor.

Users can obtain appropriate guide information according to the stage of use of the oral sensor.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an oral cavity sensor. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a sensor unit in the oral cavity sensor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the oral cavity sensor with the cover attached. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case and an oral cavity sensor housed in the case. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the oral cavity sensor. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for guide information output control. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for guide information output control. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a series of processes for guide information output control. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the oral cavity sensor when the main body is appropriately held. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the sensor portion when appropriately pressed against the tongue. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how the cover is removed from the oral cavity sensor. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a sensor unit in the oral cavity sensor of the modified example.

Below, one embodiment of the oral cavity sensor will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings may show components enlarged to facilitate understanding. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ from those in the actual product or from those in other drawings.

<Overall configuration of the oral cavity sensor>
1, the oral cavity sensor 10 is a moisture measuring device for measuring the amount of moisture in the oral cavity. The oral cavity sensor 10 includes a main body 11, an insertion portion 15, and a sensor portion 20.

The main body 11 is generally rectangular and elongated on one side. The main body 11 is the part that the user holds when using the oral sensor 10. The main body 11 has an upper surface 11A. In this embodiment, the upper surface 11A is the one of the outer surfaces of the main body 11 that has the largest area. In the following explanation, the direction in which the upper surface 11A of the main body 11 faces will be referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the lower side.

The main body 11 includes a power button 12, a display screen 13, and a protrusion 14. The power button 12 is located on the top surface 11A of the main body 11. Pressing the power button 12 switches the power of the oral sensor 10 between an on state and an off state. In other words, by pressing the power button 12, the user can switch the operating state of the oral sensor 10 between an on state and an off state.

The display screen 13 is exposed on the top surface 11A of the main body 11. The display screen 13 is located approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction of the main body 11. When the oral cavity sensor 10 is powered on, the display screen 13 can display text data of the measurement results of the measured moisture content, etc.

The protrusion 14 is located on the top surface 11A of the main body 11. The protrusion 14 is located on one end side of the display screen 13 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 11. The protrusion 14 protrudes upward from the top surface 11A. The protrusion 14 is for hooking the cover 30 described below.

The insertion portion 15 is generally rectangular and elongated in the longitudinal direction of the main body 11. The insertion portion 15 extends from one longitudinal end of the main body 11. Specifically, the insertion portion 15 extends from the longitudinal end of the main body 11 on the side where the protrusion 14 is located. The insertion portion 15 is the part that is inserted into the oral cavity when the oral sensor 10 is in use.

The sensor unit 20 is attached near the tip of the insertion unit 15. The sensor unit 20 is exposed on the surface of the insertion unit 15 facing downward. The sensor unit 20 can measure the amount of moisture in the oral cavity as biometric information. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 20 is a capacitance sensor.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 20 has a pair of electrodes 21. Each electrode 21 is comb-shaped. The teeth of the pair of electrodes 21 are arranged alternately. The pair of electrodes 21 function as electrodes of a capacitor. The portion of the sensor unit 20 between the pair of electrodes 21 functions as a dielectric for the pair of electrodes 21. The sensor unit 20 detects, as a detection value, a capacitance value detected by the electrodes 21 due to the proximity or contact of a measurement target. Note that when the power of the oral sensor 10 is on, the sensor unit 20 outputs a detection value even if the user is not performing a measurement operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the oral cavity sensor 10 has three contact sensors 90. The three contact sensors 90 are built into the main body 11. Two of the contact sensors 90 are exposed on each side surface facing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 11. One of the contact sensors 90 is exposed on the top surface of the protrusion 14. The contact sensors 90 are capacitance sensors. That is, the contact sensors 90 detect contact by the user's fingers or the like based on a change in capacitance as a detection result.

As shown in FIG. 3, a cover 30 can be attached to the oral sensor 10. The cover 30 is made of synthetic resin. For example, the cover 30 is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The cover 30 is generally in the shape of a rectangular bag. The cover 30 can be attached to the oral sensor 10 so as to cover the entire sensor unit 20, substantially the entire insertion unit 15, and part of the main body 11. When the cover 30 is attached to the oral sensor 10, part of the cover 30 covers part of the upper surface 11A of the main body 11. Note that FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a guide image IMG, which will be described later, but each component is given a reference symbol for ease of explanation.

The cover 30 has a through hole 31. The protrusion 14 of the main body 11 can be passed through the inside of the through hole 31. When the protrusion 14 is passed through the through hole 31, the cover 30 is simply fixed to the main body 11.

As shown in FIG. 4, the oral sensor 10 can be stored in the case 50. The case 50 has a container portion 51 and an upper lid 52. The container portion 51 is generally box-shaped with one side open. The container portion 51 has two protrusions 51A. Each protrusion 51A is generally cylindrical. Each protrusion 51A protrudes from the inner bottom of the container portion 51. The two protrusions 51A are positioned opposite each other. The oral sensor 10 is supported by the container portion 51 by sandwiching the oral sensor 10 between the two protrusions 51A. In other words, the oral sensor 10 is stored in the case 50. The upper lid 52 is generally plate-shaped. The edge of the upper lid 52 is attached to the edge of the opening of the container portion 51. The upper lid 52 can rotate from the attachment point. When the upper lid 52 is closed, the upper lid 52 covers the entire opening of the container portion 51.

<Electrical configuration of the oral cavity sensor>
As shown in Fig. 1, the main body 11 of the oral cavity sensor 10 includes a built-in control device 100. The control device 100 includes a circuit including one or more processors. The control device 100 may be a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination thereof. Although not shown, the control device 100 also includes peripheral circuits such as a power supply circuit and a clock circuit.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 100 has, as its functional units, an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, an output unit 103, and a memory unit 104. The acquisition unit 101, the determination unit 102, the output unit 103, and the memory unit 104 may be configured as a single chip or module, or may be configured as separate chips or modules.

The acquisition unit 101 is capable of acquiring the driving state of the oral cavity sensor 10 , log information of the oral cavity sensor 10 , and the detection value of the sensor unit 20 .
Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 acquires, as the driving state, whether the power of the oral cavity sensor 10 is on or off. In addition, the acquisition unit 101 acquires, as the driving state, whether or not the oral cavity sensor 10 is wirelessly connected to the display 110 as an external device.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires the detection value from the sensor unit 20. As described above, the sensor unit 20 always outputs the detection value when the power of the oral cavity sensor 10 is on. Therefore, the acquisition unit 101 always acquires the detection value when the power of the oral cavity sensor 10 is on.

In addition, when the detection value from the sensor unit 20 continues to be equal to or greater than the threshold value for a predetermined period of time, the acquisition unit 101 converts the most recent detection value at that time into moisture content and measures it as bioinformation. The acquisition unit 101 then stores the acquired bioinformation in the storage unit 104 as log information. The log information includes, for example, bioinformation from the past few times. As new bioinformation is stored, the oldest bioinformation is deleted from the log information. Note that the above threshold value is predetermined as a value smaller than the detection value detected when the sensor unit 20 is placed against the tongue.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires a capacitance value from each contact sensor 90. When the capacitance value from each contact sensor 90 is within a predetermined range, the acquisition unit 101 determines that the user's fingers are in contact with the contact sensor 90. In other words, when the acquisition unit 101 determines that the user's fingers are in contact with the contact sensor 90, it acquires a detection result indicating that there is contact.

The determination unit 102 determines the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 based on one or more selected from the operating state, log information, and detection value of the sensor unit 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 101. The usage stage is any stage from the start of the moisture content measurement operation using the oral sensor 10 to the end of the measurement operation. The measurement operation will be described in detail later.

The output unit 103 is capable of wireless communication with the display 110, which is an external device. A state in which the output unit 103 can transmit data via wireless communication is a "possible" wireless connection state. On the other hand, a state in which the output unit 103 cannot transmit data via wireless communication is a "not possible" wireless connection state.

The output unit 103 outputs guide information for indicating how to handle the oral cavity sensor 10 according to the stage of use determined by the determination unit 102. In this embodiment, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating the stage of use determined by the determination unit 102 as guide information.

The storage unit 104 is a storage medium that can be read by the acquisition unit 101. The storage unit 104 includes a read-only ROM, a readable and writable non-volatile memory, a readable and writable volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 104 stores various processes executed by the acquisition unit 101, the determination unit 102, and the output unit 103 in the form of program data. Specifically, the storage unit 104 stores a guide information output program P. The storage unit 104 also stores in advance control values required for the various processes executed by the acquisition unit 101, the determination unit 102, and the output unit 103.

The display 110 includes a display panel 111 and a memory unit 112. The display panel 111 is capable of displaying images to a user, etc. The memory unit 112 stores various data. Specifically, the memory unit 112 stores each use stage of the oral cavity sensor 10 and a guide image IMG corresponding to that use stage, linking them to each other. The guide image IMG includes, for example, text, illustrations, photographs, etc. The display 110 acquires data indicating the use stage from the output unit 103 of the oral cavity sensor 10 as guide information. The display 110 then displays a guide image IMG corresponding to the use stage indicated by the guide information.

<About the stages of using the oral sensor>
A method of using the oral sensor 10 will be described. A user of the oral sensor 10 performs the following seven measurement operations from the start of a moisture content measurement operation using the oral sensor 10 to the end of the measurement operation. First, the user turns on the power of the oral sensor 10. This wirelessly connects the oral sensor 10 to the display 110. Next, the user attaches the cover 30 to the oral sensor 10. Next, the user appropriately holds the main body 11 of the oral sensor 10 with his or her fingers. Next, the sensor unit 20 of the oral sensor 10 is placed at an appropriate position in the oral cavity. Next, the cover 30 is removed from the oral sensor 10. Next, the user cleans the sensor unit 20 of the oral sensor 10 with a disinfectant such as alcohol. Then, the user stores the oral sensor 10 in the case 50.

Assuming that the oral sensor 10 is used as described above, in this embodiment, the use stages of the oral sensor 10 are subdivided into the following 14 use stages. The determination unit 102 of the oral sensor 10 then determines which of the following use stages the oral sensor 10 is in.

The first stage is a usage stage in which the oral sensor 10 and the display 110 are not wirelessly connected after the oral sensor 10 is turned on. The second stage is a usage stage in which the oral sensor 10 and the display 110 are wirelessly connected. The third stage is a usage stage before the moisture content is measured and the cover 30 is not attached to the oral sensor 10. The fourth stage is a usage stage before the moisture content is measured and the cover 30 is attached to the oral sensor 10. The fifth stage is a usage stage before the moisture content is measured and the main body 11 is not properly held. The sixth stage is a usage stage before the moisture content is measured and the main body 11 is properly held. The seventh stage is a usage stage in which the sensor unit 20 is not yet ready to measure biological information. The seventh stage includes, for example, a stage in which the user properly holds the main body 11 but does not place the sensor unit 20 in the oral cavity, and a stage in which the sensor unit 20 is placed in the oral cavity but does not properly contact the measurement target. The eighth stage is a usage stage in which the sensor unit 20 is ready to measure biometric information. The eighth stage includes, for example, a stage in which the sensor unit 20 is properly pressed against the tongue of the measurement subject. The ninth stage is a usage stage after measurement in which the cover 30 has not been removed. The tenth stage is a usage stage after measurement in which the cover 30 has been removed. The eleventh stage is a usage stage after measurement in which cleaning of the sensor unit 20 has not been completed. The twelfth stage is a usage stage after measurement in which cleaning of the sensor unit 20 has been completed. The thirteenth stage is a usage stage after measurement in which the oral sensor 10 has not been stored in the case 50. The fourteenth stage is a usage stage after measurement in which the oral sensor 10 has been stored in the case 50.

Note that stage 1 is the non-connected stage. Stage 2 is the connected stage. Stage 3 is the unattached stage. Stage 4 is the attached stage. Stage 5 is the non-gripped stage. Stage 6 is the gripped stage. Stage 7 is the unprepared stage. Stage 8 is the prepared stage. Stage 9 is the unremoved stage. Stage 10 is the removed stage. Stage 11 is the incomplete cleaning stage. Stage 12 is the completed cleaning stage. Stage 13 is the unstored stage. Stage 14 is the stored stage.

<Guide information output control>
The control device 100 executes each process of the guide information output control by executing the guide information output program P stored in the storage unit 104. The control device 100 executes the guide information output control only once when the power of the oral cavity sensor 10 is switched from an off state to an on state.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the control device 100 starts the guide information output control, it first executes the process of step S11. In step S11, the acquisition unit 101 acquires, as the driving state, whether or not a wireless connection with the display 110 is possible. Then, the determination unit 102 determines the use stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the driving state. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines whether or not the oral sensor 10 and the display 110 are wirelessly connected. If the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the second stage. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 executes the process of step S14. On the other hand, if the determination is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the first stage. In this case, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S12.

In step S12, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding wireless connection to the display 110 to the display screen 13. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs image data including the text "Communication Error" to the display screen 13. The display screen 13 receives the image data and displays the image. The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S13.

In step S13, the acquisition unit 101 acquires, as the driving state, whether or not a wireless connection with the display 110 is possible. The processing content of this step S13 is the same as that of step S11. If the determination in step S13 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the first stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S12 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the second stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting the guide information to the display screen 13. After that, the acquisition unit 101 executes the processing of step S14.

In step S14, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires log information. The determination unit 102 then determines the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the log information and the detection value. Specifically, at this stage, the oral sensor 10 has not measured the amount of moisture, so the log information does not include the amount of moisture since the oral sensor 10 was turned on. Therefore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires log information indicating that biometric information has not been measured. In addition, the determination unit 102 determines whether the detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. The second threshold is determined through experiments, simulations, etc. as a value slightly smaller than the detection value detected by the sensor unit 20 when the cover 30 is properly attached to the oral sensor 10.

If the judgment is a positive judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the fourth stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the fourth stage, provided that the detection value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 executes the process of step S17. On the other hand, if the judgment is a negative judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the third stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the third stage, provided that the detection value is less than the second threshold value. In this case, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S15.

In step S15, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding the attachment of the cover 30 to the oral sensor 10 to the display 110. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating that the oral sensor 10 is in the third use stage as guide information. The display 110 receives the data indicating that the oral sensor 10 is in the third use stage, and displays on the display panel 111 a guide image IMG corresponding to the third use stage among the guide images IMG stored in the storage unit 112. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide image IMG indicates that the cover 30 is attached to the oral sensor 10 so as to cover the entire sensor unit 20, substantially the entire insertion unit 15, and part of the main body unit 11. The guide image IMG also indicates that the protrusion 14 of the main body unit 11 is passed through the through hole 31 of the cover 30. The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S16.

In step S16, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The processing content of this step S16 is the same as that of step S14. If the determination in step S16 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the third stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S15 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the fourth stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting guide information to the display 110. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 101 executes the processing of step S17.

In step S17, the acquisition unit 101 acquires log information. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires detection results from each contact sensor 90. The determination unit 102 then determines the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the log information and the detection results. Specifically, at this stage, the oral sensor 10 has not measured the amount of moisture, so the log information does not include the amount of moisture since the oral sensor 10 was turned on. Therefore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires log information indicating that biometric information has not been measured. In addition, the determination unit 102 determines whether the main body unit 11 is being grasped. Note that when the acquisition unit 101 acquires detection results indicating that there is contact from all of the contact sensors 90, the determination unit 102 determines that the main body unit 11 is being grasped.

If the judgment is a positive judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the sixth stage. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 executes the process of step S20. On the other hand, if the judgment is a negative judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the fifth stage. In this case, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S18.

In step S18, the output unit 103 outputs guide information to the display 110 to show how to hold the main body 11. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating that the use stage of the oral cavity sensor 10 is the fifth stage as guide information. The display 110 receives the data indicating the fifth stage and displays, on the display panel 111, a guide image IMG corresponding to the fifth stage among the guide images IMG stored in the storage unit 112. As shown in FIG. 9, the guide image IMG shows a state in which the user is appropriately holding the main body 11. The guide image IMG also shows that the index finger of the right hand holds down the vicinity of the protrusion 14. Furthermore, the guide image IMG shows that the right hand holds the top surface 11A of the main body 11 and the two side surfaces adjacent to the top surface 11A. The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S19.

In step S19, the acquisition unit 101 acquires detection results from each contact sensor 90. The processing content of this step S19 is the same as that of step S17. If the determination in step S19 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the fifth stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S18 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the sixth stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting guide information to the display 110. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 101 executes the processing of step S20.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S20, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The determination unit 102 then determines the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the detection value. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines whether the detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value. The first threshold value is predetermined as a value greater than the above-mentioned second threshold value. The first threshold value is also determined through experiments, simulations, etc. as a value slightly smaller than the detection value detected by the sensor unit 20 when the sensor unit 20 is appropriately brought into contact with the tongue with the cover 30 attached to the oral sensor 10.

If the judgment is a positive judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the eighth stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the eighth stage, provided that the detection value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 executes the process of step S23. On the other hand, if the judgment is a negative judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the seventh stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the seventh stage, provided that the detection value is less than the first threshold value. In this case, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S21.

In step S21, the output unit 103 outputs guide information to the display 110 to indicate the posture of the oral sensor 10 during measurement. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating that the oral sensor 10 is in the seventh stage as guide information. The display 110 receives the data indicating that the oral sensor 10 is in the seventh stage, and displays a guide image IMG corresponding to the seventh stage among the guide images IMG stored in the storage unit 112 on the display panel 111. As shown in FIG. 10, the guide image IMG shows the state when the sensor unit 20 is appropriately pressed against the tongue of the person being measured. The guide image IMG also indicates that the sensor unit 20 should be placed in the center below the person being measured. Furthermore, the guide image IMG indicates that the acute angle between the tongue of the person being measured and the surface of the sensor unit 20 is within the range of -30 degrees or more and +30 degrees or less. The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S22.

In step S22, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The processing content of this step S22 is the same as that of step S20. If the determination in step S22 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the seventh stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S21 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the eighth stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting guide information to the display 110. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 101 executes the processing of step S23.

In step S23, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires log information. The determination unit 102 then determines the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the log information and the detection value. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines that the moisture amount has been measured if the log information includes the moisture amount after the oral sensor 10 is turned on. The determination unit 102 then determines whether the detection value is less than the above-mentioned second threshold value.

If the judgment is a positive judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the tenth stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the tenth stage, provided that the detection value is less than the second threshold value. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 executes the process of step S26. On the other hand, if the judgment is a negative judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the ninth stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the ninth stage, provided that the detection value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Then, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S24.

In step S24, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding the removal of the cover 30 from the oral sensor 10 to the display 110. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating that the oral sensor 10 is in the ninth use stage as guide information. The display 110 receives the data indicating the ninth stage and displays on the display panel 111 a guide image IMG corresponding to the ninth stage among the guide images IMG stored in the memory unit 112. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide image IMG shows the state in the middle of removing the cover 30 from the oral sensor 10. The guide image IMG shows the state in which the portion of the cover 30 having the through hole 31 is turned up and the insertion portion 15 is pulled out from the bag-shaped cover 30. The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S25.

In step S25, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The processing content of this step S25 is the same as that of step S23. If the determination in step S25 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the ninth stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S24 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the tenth stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting the guide information to the display 110. Then, the acquisition unit 101 executes the processing of step S26.

In step S26, the acquisition unit 101 continuously acquires the detection value from the sensor unit 20 for several tens of seconds. Note that "continuous acquisition" includes acquisition at a predetermined interval. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires log information. The determination unit 102 then determines the use stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the log information and the detection value. Specifically, at this stage, the oral sensor 10 should have already measured the amount of moisture, so the log information includes the amount of moisture since the oral sensor 10 was turned on this time. Therefore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires log information indicating that the measurement of biological information has been performed. Then, the determination unit 102 determines whether the maximum detection value detected within several tens of seconds after the start of the process of step S26 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to a value slightly smaller than the detection value detected when the sensor unit 20 is wiped with gauze or the like soaked in disinfectant.

If the judgment is a positive judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the 12th stage. In this case, the acquisition unit 101 executes the process of step S29. On the other hand, if the judgment is a negative judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is the 11th stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S27.

In step S27, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding cleaning of the sensor unit 20 to the display 110. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating that the oral cavity sensor 10 is in the 11th stage of use as guide information. Having received the data indicating the 11th stage, the display 110 displays on the display panel 111 a guide image IMG corresponding to the 11th stage from among the guide images IMG stored in the memory unit 112. The guide image IMG corresponding to the 11th stage includes a text image such as "Please clean." The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S28.

In step S28, the acquisition unit 101 continuously acquires detection values from the sensor unit 20 for several tens of seconds. The processing content of this step S28 is the same as that of step S26. If the determination in step S28 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the eleventh stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S27 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the twelfth stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting guide information to the display 110. On the other hand, the acquisition unit 101 executes the processing of step S29.

As shown in FIG. 8, in step S29, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires log information. The determination unit 102 then determines the use stage of the oral sensor 10 based on the log information and the detection value. Specifically, at this stage, the oral sensor 10 should have already measured the amount of moisture, so the log information includes the amount of moisture since the oral sensor 10 was turned on this time. Therefore, the acquisition unit 101 acquires log information indicating that the measurement of biological information has been performed. The determination unit 102 then determines whether the detection value is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that has been determined in advance. The third threshold value is determined in advance as a value smaller than the second threshold value. The third threshold value is determined by experiments, simulations, etc. as a value slightly smaller than the detection value detected by the sensor unit 20 when the oral sensor 10 is stored in the case 50. In this embodiment, when the oral sensor 10 is stored in the case 50, the capacitance value of the electrode 21 changes due to static electricity from the inner wall of the case 50. Because this change is reflected, when the oral cavity sensor 10 is stored in the case 50, the detection value of the sensor unit 20 becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold value.

If the judgment is a positive judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the 14th stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the 14th stage, provided that the detection value is equal to or greater than the third threshold value. In this case, the control device 100 ends the series of guide information output control processes. On the other hand, if the judgment is a negative judgment, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the 13th stage. That is, the judgment unit 102 judges that the use stage of the oral sensor 10 is the 13th stage, provided that the detection value is less than the third threshold value. Then, the output unit 103 executes the process of step S30.

In step S30, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding storing the oral sensor 10 in the case 50 to the display 110. Specifically, the output unit 103 outputs data indicating that the oral sensor 10 is in the 13th stage of use as guide information. Upon receiving the data indicating the 13th stage, the display 110 displays on the display panel 111 a guide image IMG corresponding to the 13th stage from among the guide images IMG stored in the memory unit 112. The guide image IMG corresponding to the 13th stage includes a text image such as "Please store in the case." The acquisition unit 101 then executes the process of step S31.

In step S31, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a detection value from the sensor unit 20. The processing content of this step S31 is the same as that of step S29. If the determination in step S31 is a negative determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is still at the thirteenth stage. Then, the output unit 103 executes the processing of step S30 again. On the other hand, if the determination is a positive determination, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 is at the fourteenth stage. Accordingly, the output unit 103 stops outputting guide information to the display 110. Then, the control device 100 ends the series of guide information output control processes.

<Effects of this embodiment>
(1) In the above embodiment, the output unit 103 outputs guide information on how to use the oral sensor 10 according to the stage of use. Then, the display panel 111 of the display 110 displays a guide image IMG according to the guide information. With this configuration, a user of the oral sensor 10 can refer to an appropriate guide image IMG according to the stage of use of the oral sensor 10. Therefore, even if a user has a low level of proficiency, the user can understand how to properly use the oral sensor 10.

(2) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the preparation is complete or not complete based on the detection value of the sensor unit 20. Then, when the determination unit 102 determines that the preparation is not complete, the output unit 103 outputs guide information to indicate the posture of the oral sensor 10 during measurement. With this configuration, the user of the oral sensor 10 can understand the appropriate posture of the oral sensor 10 during measurement by checking the guide image IMG or the like according to the guide information.

(3) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines that the sensor unit 20 is in the preparation complete stage if the detection value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. The determination unit 102 also determines that the sensor unit 20 is in the preparation incomplete stage if the detection value is less than the first threshold value. If the sensor unit 20 is placed on the tongue in an appropriate posture, the sensor unit 20 detects an appropriate detection value. In other words, if the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is excessively small, there is a risk that the posture of the oral sensor 10 during measurement is not appropriate, such as a gap occurring between the sensor unit 20 and the tongue. According to the above configuration, by comparing the detection value with the first threshold value, the determination unit 102 can determine whether the sensor unit 20 is ready for measurement without using a sensor other than the sensor unit 20.

(4) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the sensor is in the covered or uncovered stage. If the determination unit 102 determines that the sensor is in the uncovered stage, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding the attachment of the cover 30 to the oral sensor 10. With this configuration, the user of the oral sensor 10 can understand that the cover 30 should be attached to the oral sensor 10 before measurement.

(5) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines that the cover is attached when the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. The determination unit 102 also determines that the cover is not attached when the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the second threshold. According to the above configuration, by comparing the detection value with the second threshold, the determination unit 102 can determine whether the cover 30 is attached or not without using a sensor separate from the sensor unit 20.

(6) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the cover has been removed or not removed based on the log information and the detection value of the sensor unit 20. If the determination unit 102 determines that the cover has not been removed, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding removing the cover 30 from the oral sensor 10. With this configuration, the user of the oral sensor 10 can know that the cover 30 is still attached to the oral sensor 10 even after measurement.

(7) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the cleaning is complete or not complete based on the drive state and the detection value of the sensor unit 20. If the determination unit 102 determines that the cleaning is not complete, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding cleaning of the sensor unit 20. With this configuration, the user of the oral sensor 10 can know that the oral sensor 10 has not been cleaned even after measurement.

(8) The determination unit 102 determines whether the oral sensor 10 is in the stored stage or the unstored stage based on the log information and the detection value of the sensor unit 20. If the determination unit 102 determines that the oral sensor 10 is in the unstored stage, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding storing the oral sensor 10 in the case 50. With this configuration, the user of the oral sensor 10 can know that the oral sensor 10 is not stored in the case 50.

(9) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines that the device is in the stored stage if the detection value is equal to or greater than the third threshold. The determination unit 102 also determines that the device is in the unstored stage if the detection value is less than the third threshold. According to the above configuration, by comparing the detection value with the third threshold, the determination unit 102 can determine whether the device is stored in the case 50 without using a sensor other than the sensor unit 20.

(10) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the sensor is in the connected or unconnected stage based on the operating state. If the determination unit 102 determines that the sensor is in the unconnected stage, the output unit 103 outputs guide information regarding wireless connection to the display 110. With this configuration, the user of the oral cavity sensor 10 can understand that the oral cavity sensor 10 is not wirelessly connected to the display 110.

(11) In the above embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the stage is the grasping stage or the non-grasping stage based on the log information and the detection result of the contact sensor 90. If the determination unit 102 determines that the stage is the non-grasping stage, the output unit 103 outputs guide information showing how to hold the main body unit 11. With this configuration, the user of the oral cavity sensor 10 can know that the main body unit 11 is not being held correctly.

<Example of change>
The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

In the above embodiment, the oral sensor 10 is not limited to a moisture measurement device. For example, the oral sensor 10 may be a bite force measuring device that detects bite force, or a thermometer that measures body temperature under the tongue. In this way, the oral sensor 10 may be any device that can measure biometric information that can be measured in the oral cavity, such as bite force and body temperature.

- In the above embodiment, the configuration of the oral sensor 10 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the insertion portion 15 may be supported rotatably relative to the main body portion 11. Also, for example, the oral sensor 10 may not have a display screen 13. In that case, when the sensor portion 20 detects the amount of moisture, the oral sensor 10 may output the amount of moisture to the display 110. Also, for example, there may be no distinction between the main body portion 11 and the insertion portion 15. In other words, there is no physical boundary between the main body portion 11 and the insertion portion 15, and they may all be considered as the main body portion 11.

In the above embodiment, the oral cavity sensor 10 may have at least one contact sensor 90. Having one contact sensor 90 can provide the same effect as that described in (12).

- In the above embodiment, the external device is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the external device may be a device that notifies by one or more selected from sound, vibration, and light. For example, in the above embodiment, the external device may be a device that can output guide information by sound from a speaker or the like.

In the above embodiment, the period from the start of the moisture content measurement operation using the oral sensor 10 to the end of the measurement operation is divided into 14 usage stages, but the division of the usage stages is not critical. For example, it may be divided into two usage stages, before and after moisture content measurement, or into 15 or more finer usage stages. In any case, it is sufficient if the oral sensor 10 is able to output guide information according to the usage stage.

- In the guide information output control of the above embodiment, if the following series of processes 1), 2), and 3) are included, the processes of steps S11 to S29 can be omitted. For example, in the guide information output control of the above embodiment, the processes of steps S11 to S13 and steps S17 to S31 may be omitted.

1) A process in which the acquisition unit 101 acquires the operating state of the oral sensor 10, the log information of the oral sensor 10, or the detection value of the sensor unit 20. 2) A process in which the determination unit 102 determines the usage stage of the oral sensor 10 based on one or more selected from the operating state of the oral sensor 10, the log information of the oral sensor 10, or the detection value of the sensor unit 20. 3) A process in which the output unit 103 outputs guide information on how to handle the oral sensor 10 according to the usage stage.

The guide image IMG in the above embodiment is merely an example. For example, the guide image IMG displayed in step S15 may include multiple characters and multiple image illustrations. More specifically, the guide image IMG in step S15 may include an illustration showing only the cover 30, an illustration showing the insertion portion 15 of the oral sensor 10 being inserted into the cover 30, an illustration showing the protrusion 14 being inserted into the through hole 31 of the cover 30, and the like. In addition, the multiple characters included in the guide image IMG include the contents shown by each illustration, and may be displayed together with these illustrations. In this way, by adopting a guide image IMG including multiple illustrations and multiple characters, it is possible to encourage the user of the oral sensor 10 to properly attach the cover 30 to the oral sensor 10. This is also the case in steps S12, S18, S21, S24, S27, and S30 of the guide information output control. In addition, the guide image IMG may include only any of characters, illustrations, photographs, etc.

- In the above embodiment, the display 110 does not need to be equipped with a memory unit 112. In that case, the memory unit 104 of the control device 100 only needs to store a guide image IMG according to the stage of use. That is, in the guide information output control, the output unit 103 only needs to transmit the guide image IMG as data to the display 110 as guide information. Then, the output unit 103 only needs to output the transmitted guide image IMG to the display 110. In this way, the guide information may be the data itself, such as the guide image IMG for showing how to handle the oral cavity sensor 10, or may be information for identifying it.

In the above embodiment, the cover 30 may have a protective sheet that is detachable from the outer surface of the cover 30. If the cover 30 has a protective sheet, the determination unit 102 may determine, based on the log information and the detection value, whether or not the cover 30 is in a usage stage in which the protective sheet has been removed from the outer surface of the cover 30 before the moisture content is measured. If the determination unit 102 determines that the cover 30 is in a usage stage in which the protective sheet has not been removed from the outer surface of the cover 30 after the moisture content has been measured, the output unit 103 may output guide information regarding the removal of the protective sheet from the outer surface of the cover 30.

In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire whether or not the biometric information has been measured by the sensor unit 20 in another manner. For example, the oral cavity sensor 10 may be provided with a pressure detection sensor capable of detecting an external force applied to the insertion unit 15. When the pressure detection sensor detects an external force on the insertion unit 15, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire that the biometric information has been measured by the sensor unit 20. In addition, for example, when several minutes have passed since the cover 30 was attached to the oral cavity sensor 10, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire that the measurement by the sensor unit 20 has been performed. Note that, when the acquisition unit 101 acquires that the biometric information has been measured, it is preferable to store this as log information. If the log information includes information that the biometric information has been measured, the determination unit 102 can use the log information as to whether or not the biometric information has been measured.

In the guide information output control of the above embodiment, the determination of whether the sensor unit 20 is in the preparation stage or not may be performed only when a specific condition is satisfied. For example, the determination unit 102 may determine whether the sensor unit 20 is in contact with the measurement target in the oral cavity based on the detection value of the sensor unit 20. Specifically, the determination unit 102 may determine that the sensor unit 20 is in contact with the measurement target when the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is greater than a lower limit value that is set as a value smaller than the first threshold value. Then, the determination unit 102 may determine whether the sensor unit 20 is in the preparation stage or not when the sensor unit 20 is in contact with the measurement target in the oral cavity. With this configuration, the user of the oral cavity sensor 10 can know that the sensor unit 20 is not positioned correctly even though the sensor unit 20 is inserted into the oral cavity.

The use stage may also include a non-contact stage, which is a stage before the determination of whether the sensor unit 20 is in the preparation stage or not, and in which the sensor unit 20 is not in contact with the measurement target in the oral cavity. In this case, for example, the determination unit 102 may determine that the sensor unit 20 is in the non-contact stage based on the detection value of the sensor unit 20. Specifically, the determination unit 102 may determine that the sensor unit 20 is in the non-contact stage when the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is equal to or lower than the lower limit value. In this way, when the determination unit 102 determines that the sensor unit 20 is in the non-contact stage, the output unit 103 may output guide information indicating that the sensor unit 20 should be inserted into the oral cavity. According to this configuration, the user of the oral cavity sensor 10 can insert the sensor unit 20 into the oral cavity based on the guide information provided. That is, the user of the oral cavity sensor 10 can understand the procedure for measuring the moisture content. In this modified example, the determination of whether the sensor unit 20 is in the non-contact stage may be based on the detection value of the sensor unit 20, and is not limited to the determination using the lower limit value.

- In the guide information output control of the above embodiment, in step S14, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage is the third stage on the condition that the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the second threshold value, but other conditions may be included in the determination. For example, the above conditions may include that the oral cavity sensor 10 is capable of determining whether or not the cover 30 is touching the protrusion 14, and that the determination is a positive determination. Furthermore, in determining whether or not the usage stage is the third stage in step S14, the determination unit 102 may not include as a condition that the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the second threshold value. The same applies to the processing in step S23.

- In the guide information output control of the above embodiment, in step S20, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage is the seventh stage on the condition that the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the first threshold value, but other conditions may be included in the determination. For example, the above conditions may include that the oral sensor 10 is capable of detecting the temperature of the sensor unit 20, and that the temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature that is close to body temperature, for example. Furthermore, in determining whether or not the usage stage is the seventh stage in step S20, the determination unit 102 may not include as a condition that the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the second threshold value.

In the guide information output control of the above embodiment, in step S29, the determination unit 102 determines that the usage stage is the 13th stage on the condition that the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the third threshold value, but other conditions may be included in the determination. For example, the oral cavity sensor 10 may further include a contact sensor capable of detecting contact with an external object at the point where it abuts against the protrusion 51A of the case 50, and the above condition may include that the contact sensor has detected the contact. Furthermore, in determining whether or not the usage stage is the 13th stage in step S29, the determination unit 102 may not include as a condition that the detection value of the sensor unit 20 is less than the third threshold value.

In the above embodiment, when the sensor unit 20 is the first sensor unit, the oral cavity sensor 10 may be provided with a second sensor unit that can detect whether the first sensor unit is in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the oral cavity sensor 10 has four second sensor units 200. Each second sensor unit 200 is a pressure sensor that measures the force applied to the sensor unit 20 on the measurement target. The four second sensor units 200 are arranged surrounding the sensor unit 20. In other words, the four second sensor units 200 are provided at equal intervals around the sensor unit 20. The acquisition unit 101 is capable of acquiring pressure values from the second sensor units 200.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, in the guide information output control of the above embodiment, the process of step S20 can be executed using the second sensor unit 200. Specifically, in step S20, the acquisition unit 101 acquires a pressure value from the second sensor unit 200. Then, the determination unit 102 determines the use stage of the oral cavity sensor based on the pressure value. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines whether the pressure value is equal to or greater than a predetermined first pressure threshold. The first pressure threshold is determined through experiments, simulations, etc. as a value slightly smaller than the pressure value detected by the second sensor unit 200 when the sensor unit 20 is appropriately placed on the tongue. Note that the determination unit 102 makes a positive determination when the pressure values detected from all of the second sensor units 200 are equal to or greater than the first pressure threshold.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the second sensor unit 200 may be an optical sensor having a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives the light. The optical sensor converts the light received by the light-receiving element into an electrical signal.

Even if the second sensor unit 200 is an optical sensor, the process of step S20 can be executed using the second sensor unit 200 in the guide information output control of the above embodiment. Specifically, in step S20, the acquisition unit 101 acquires an electrical signal from the second sensor unit 200. Then, the determination unit 102 determines the use stage of the oral sensor based on the electrical signal. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines whether the electrical signal corresponds to a predetermined first pattern. The first pattern is determined by experiments, simulations, etc. as an electrical signal that corresponds to the electrical signal detected by the second sensor unit 200 when the sensor unit 20 is appropriately placed on the tongue. Note that the determination unit 102 makes a positive determination when the electrical signals detected from all the second sensor units 200 correspond to the first pattern.

In addition, when the second sensor unit 200 is an optical sensor, the process of step S14 can be executed using the second sensor unit 200 in the guide information output control of the above embodiment. Specifically, the acquisition unit 101 acquires an electrical signal from the second sensor unit 200. The acquisition unit 101 also acquires log information. The determination unit 102 then determines the use stage of the oral cavity sensor 10 based on the log information and the electrical signal. Specifically, the determination unit 102 determines whether the electrical signal corresponds to a predetermined second pattern. The second pattern is determined by experiments, simulations, etc. as an electrical signal that corresponds to the electrical signal detected by the second sensor unit 200 when the cover 30 is properly attached to the oral cavity sensor 10. Note that the determination unit 102 makes a positive determination when the electrical signals detected from all of the second sensor units 200 correspond to the second pattern.

As described above, by predetermining the pattern of the electrical signal detected by the second sensor unit 200, the processes of steps S23, S26, and S29 in the guide information output control of the above embodiment can be executed using the second sensor unit 200, which is an optical sensor. Note that when an optical sensor is used as the second sensor unit 200, the second sensor unit 200 is not limited to an optical sensor having a light receiving element and a light emitting element, and may be an optical sensor composed of only a light receiving element.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, at least one second sensor unit 200 is sufficient. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the position of the second sensor unit 200 is not limited to the periphery of the sensor unit 20. In other words, the position of the second sensor unit 200 is not limited as long as it is a position where it is possible to detect whether the sensor unit 20 is in contact with the measurement target in the oral cavity.

<Additional Notes>
The technical ideas that can be derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below.
[1] An oral sensor comprising: a sensor unit capable of measuring biometric information within the oral cavity; an acquisition unit capable of acquiring an operating state of the oral sensor, log information regarding the measurement of the biometric information by the oral sensor, and a detection value of the sensor unit; a determination unit that determines a usage stage of the oral sensor based on one or more selected from the operating state, the log information, and the detection value; and an output unit that outputs guide information to show how to handle the oral sensor according to the usage stage.

[2] The oral cavity sensor described in [1], wherein the use stage includes a preparation stage in which the sensor unit is ready to measure the biometric information, and an unprepared stage in which the sensor unit is not ready to measure the biometric information, and the determination unit determines whether the sensor unit is in the preparation stage or the unprepared stage based on the detection value, and when the determination unit determines that the sensor unit is in the unprepared stage, the output unit outputs the guide information to indicate the posture of the oral cavity sensor during measurement.

[3] The oral cavity sensor described in [2], wherein the determination unit determines that the preparation is complete when the detection value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and determines that the preparation is not complete when the detection value is less than the first threshold value.

[4] The oral cavity sensor described in [3], in which the determination unit determines whether the sensor unit is in the preparation complete stage or the preparation incomplete stage when it determines that the sensor unit is in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity based on the detection value.

[5] The oral cavity sensor according to [3] or [4], wherein the use stage includes a non-contact stage in which the sensor unit is not in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity, which is a stage before it is determined whether the sensor unit is in the preparation stage or the preparation stage is not completed, and the determination unit determines whether the sensor unit is in the non-contact stage based on the detection value, and when the determination unit determines that the sensor unit is in the non-contact stage, the output unit outputs the guide information to indicate that the sensor unit should be inserted into the oral cavity.

[6] The oral cavity sensor according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the use stage includes a cover-on stage in which a cover covering the sensor unit is attached to the oral cavity sensor before the measurement of the biometric information, and an uncovered stage in which the cover is not attached before the measurement of the biometric information, and the acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biometric information has been measured, and the determination unit determines whether the stage is the cover-on stage or the uncovered stage based on the log information and the detection value, and when the determination unit determines that the stage is the uncovered stage, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding the attachment of the cover to the oral cavity sensor.

[7] The oral cavity sensor described in [6], wherein the determination unit determines that the cover is attached when the detection value is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that has been determined in advance, and determines that the cover is not attached when the detection value is less than the second threshold value.

[8] The oral cavity sensor according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the use stage includes a cover removal stage in which a cover covering the sensor unit is removed from the oral cavity sensor after the measurement of the biometric information, and an uncovered stage in which the cover is not removed after the measurement of the biometric information, and the acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biometric information has been measured, and the determination unit determines whether the stage is the cover removal stage or the cover unremoved stage based on the log information and the detection value, and when the determination unit determines that the stage is the cover unremoved stage, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding the removal of the cover from the oral cavity sensor.

[9] An oral cavity sensor according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the use stages include a cleaning-completed stage in which cleaning of the sensor unit is completed after the measurement of the biometric information, and an incomplete cleaning stage in which cleaning of the sensor unit is not completed after the measurement of the biometric information, and the acquisition unit acquires as the log information whether the measurement of the biometric information has been performed, and the determination unit determines whether the cleaning is complete or incomplete based on the drive state and the detection value, and when the determination unit determines that the cleaning is incomplete, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding cleaning of the sensor unit.

[10] The oral sensor according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the use stage includes a storage stage in which the oral sensor is stored in the case after the measurement of the biometric information, and an unstored stage in which the oral sensor is not stored in the case after the measurement of the biometric information, and the acquisition unit acquires as the log information whether the measurement of the biometric information has been performed, and the determination unit determines whether the oral sensor is in the storage stage or the unstored stage based on the log information and the detection value, and when the determination unit determines that the oral sensor is in the unstored stage, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding the storage of the oral sensor in the case, and the determination unit determines that the oral sensor is in the storage stage if the detection value is equal to or greater than a third threshold value, and determines that the oral sensor is in the unstored stage if the detection value is less than the third threshold value.

[11] An oral cavity sensor comprising: a first sensor unit capable of measuring biometric information in the oral cavity; a second sensor unit capable of detecting whether the first sensor unit is in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity; an acquisition unit capable of acquiring an operating state of the oral cavity sensor, log information related to the measurement of the biometric information by the oral cavity sensor, and a detection result of the second sensor unit; a determination unit that determines a usage stage of the oral cavity sensor based on one or more selected from the operating state, the log information, and the detection result of the second sensor unit; and an output unit that outputs guide information showing how to handle the oral cavity sensor according to the usage stage.

[12] The oral cavity sensor described in [11], wherein the second sensor unit is provided in multiple units around the first sensor unit.
[13] The oral cavity sensor according to [11] or [12], wherein the second sensor unit is a pressure sensor that measures the force applied to the first sensor unit on the measurement object.

[14] The oral cavity sensor according to [11] or [12], in which the second sensor unit is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting element.

[15] The oral cavity sensor according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein the use stage includes a connection stage in which the oral cavity sensor is wirelessly connected to an external device and a non-connection stage in which the oral cavity sensor is not wirelessly connected to the external device, the acquisition unit acquires, as the operating state, whether the oral cavity sensor is wirelessly connected to the external device, the determination unit determines whether the oral cavity sensor is in the connection stage or the non-connection stage based on the operating state, and when the determination unit determines that the oral cavity sensor is in the non-connection stage, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding the wireless connection to the external device.

[16] An oral cavity sensor according to any one of [1] to [15], further comprising a main body for holding during measurement and a contact sensor attached to the main body, the use stages including a holding stage in which the main body is held before the measurement of the biometric information, and a non-holding stage in which the main body is not held before the measurement of the biometric information, the acquisition unit acquires as the log information whether the measurement of the biometric information has been performed, the determination unit determines whether the stage is the holding stage or the non-holding stage based on the log information and the detection result of the contact sensor, and when the determination unit determines that the stage is the non-holding stage, the output unit outputs the guide information for indicating how to hold the main body.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 oral cavity sensor 11 main body 15 insertion section 20 sensor section 30 cover 50 case 90 contact sensor 101 acquisition section 102 determination section 103 output section 110 display

Claims (16)

An oral cavity sensor,
A sensor unit capable of measuring intraoral biological information;
an acquisition unit capable of acquiring a drive state of the oral cavity sensor, log information related to the measurement of the biological information of the oral cavity sensor, and a detection value of the sensor unit;
a determination unit that determines a usage stage of the oral cavity sensor based on one or more selected from the driving state, the log information, and the detection value;
an output unit that outputs guide information for indicating how to handle the oral cavity sensor according to the use stage;
An oral cavity sensor. The use stage includes a preparation complete stage in which the sensor unit is prepared to measure the biological information, and a preparation incomplete stage in which the sensor unit is not prepared to measure the biological information,
The determination unit determines whether the preparation is complete or not based on the detection value,
The oral cavity sensor according to claim 1 , wherein when the determination unit determines that the preparation is not completed, the output unit outputs the guide information for indicating a posture of the oral cavity sensor during measurement. The determination unit is
determining that the preparation stage is complete on condition that the detection value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value;
The oral cavity sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor determines that the sensor is in the unprepared state on condition that the detection value is less than the first threshold value. The oral cavity sensor according to claim 3 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the sensor unit is in the preparation complete stage or the preparation incomplete stage when the determination unit determines that the sensor unit is in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity based on the detection value. The use stage includes a non-contact stage in which the sensor unit is not in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity, the non-contact stage being a stage before a determination is made as to whether the preparation stage is complete or not,
The determination unit determines whether or not the non-contact stage is in the non-contact stage based on the detection value,
The oral cavity sensor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when the determination unit determines that the sensor is in the non-contact stage, the output unit outputs the guide information for indicating to insert the sensor unit into the oral cavity. The use stage includes a cover attachment stage in which a cover covering the sensor unit is attached to the oral cavity sensor before the measurement of the biological information, and a cover removal stage in which the cover is not attached before the measurement of the biological information,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biological information has been measured;
The determination unit determines whether the cover is attached or not attached based on the log information and the detection value,
The oral cavity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the determination unit determines that the cover is not yet attached, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding attachment of the cover to the oral cavity sensor. The oral cavity sensor according to claim 6 , wherein the determination unit determines that the cover is attached when the detection value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, and determines that the cover is not attached when the detection value is less than the second threshold. The use step includes a cover removal step in which a cover covering the sensor unit is removed from the oral cavity sensor after the measurement of the biological information, and a cover non-removal step in which the cover is not removed after the measurement of the biological information,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biological information has been measured;
The determination unit determines whether the cover is removed or not removed based on the log information and the detection value,
The oral cavity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the determination unit determines that the cover is not yet removed, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding removal of the cover from the oral cavity sensor. The use stage includes a cleaning completion stage in which cleaning of the sensor unit is completed after the measurement of the biological information, and a cleaning incompletion stage in which cleaning of the sensor unit is not completed after the measurement of the biological information,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biological information has been measured;
The determination unit determines whether the cleaning is complete or incomplete based on the drive state and the detection value,
The oral cavity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the determination unit determines that the cleaning is incomplete, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding cleaning of the sensor unit. The use stage includes a storage stage in which the oral cavity sensor is stored in a case after the measurement of the biological information, and an unstorage stage in which the oral cavity sensor is not stored in the case after the measurement of the biological information,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biological information has been measured;
The determination unit determines whether the item is in the storage stage or the non-storage stage based on the log information and the detection value,
When the determination unit determines that the oral cavity sensor is not yet stored, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding storage of the oral cavity sensor in the case,
The oral cavity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the determination unit determines that the sensor is in the stored stage when the detection value is equal to or greater than a third threshold value, and determines that the sensor is in the non-stored stage when the detection value is less than the third threshold value. An oral cavity sensor,
A first sensor unit capable of measuring intraoral biological information;
A second sensor unit capable of detecting whether the first sensor unit is in contact with a measurement target in the oral cavity;
an acquisition unit capable of acquiring an operating state of the oral cavity sensor, log information related to the measurement of the biological information of the oral cavity sensor, and a detection result of the second sensor unit;
a determination unit that determines a use stage of the oral cavity sensor based on one or more selected from the driving state, the log information, and a detection result of the second sensor unit;
an output unit that outputs guide information for indicating how to handle the oral cavity sensor according to the use stage;
An oral cavity sensor. The oral cavity sensor according to claim 11 , wherein the second sensor unit is provided in a plurality of units around the first sensor unit. The oral cavity sensor according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second sensor unit is a pressure sensor that measures a force applied to the first sensor unit with respect to the measurement object. The oral cavity sensor according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second sensor unit is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting element. The use stage includes a connection stage in which the device is wirelessly connected to an external device, and a non-connection stage in which the device is not wirelessly connected to the external device,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the driving state, whether or not wireless connection between the oral cavity sensor and the external device is possible,
The determination unit determines whether the driving state is the connected state or the non-connected state,
The oral cavity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein when the determination unit determines that the sensor is in the non-connection stage, the output unit outputs the guide information regarding wireless connection to the external device. A main body portion for holding during measurement;
The device further includes a contact sensor attached to the body portion,
The use step includes a holding step in which the main body part is held before the measurement of the biological information, and a non-holding step in which the main body part is not held before the measurement of the biological information,
The acquisition unit acquires, as the log information, whether or not the biological information has been measured;
The determination unit determines whether the object is in the gripping stage or the non-grip stage based on the log information and a detection result of the contact sensor,
The oral cavity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the determination unit determines that the body is in the non-grasping stage, the output unit outputs the guide information for indicating how to hold the body.

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