(19) Japan Patent Office (JP)
`
`(12) Japanese Unexamined Patent
`Application Publication (A)
`
`JP 2006-296564 A 11.2.2006
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A61B
`
`5/0245 (01.2006)
`
` FI
`A61B
`
`(11) Japanese Unexamined Patent
`Application Publication Number
`2006-296564
`(P2006-296564A)
`(43) Publication date November 2, 2006 (11.2.2006)
`Theme codes (reference)
` 4CO17
`
` 5/02
`
` 31OF
`
`Request for examination Not yet requested Number of claims 53 OL (Total of 23 pages)
`
`(21) Application number
`
`(22) Date of application
`
`Japanese Patent Application
`2005-119817 (P2005-
`119817)
`April 18, 2005 (4.18.2005)
`
`(71) Applicant
`
`(74) Agent
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`(72) Inventor
`
`000004260
`DENSO CORPORATION
`1 Showa-cho 1-chome, Kariya-shi, Aichi-ken
`100082500
`Patent attorney TSUTOMU ADACHI
`KAZUYA INOKAWA
`℅ Denso Corporation
`1 Showa-cho 1-chome, Kariya-shi, Aichi-ken
`KYOJI INOBE
`℅ Denso Corporation
`1 Showa-cho 1-chome, Kariya-shi, Aichi-ken
`KATSUMASA NISHII
`℅ Denso Corporation
`1 Showa-cho 1-chome, Kariya-shi, Aichi-ken
`
`Continued on the last page
`
`(TITLE OF THE INVENTION) OPTICAL VITAL SENSOR, BASE DEVICE, VITAL SIGN INFORMATION
`(54)
`GATHERING SYSTEM, AND SENSOR COMMUNICATION METHOD
`
`(57) (ABSTRACT)
`(PROBLEM) Provide an optical vital sensor, base device,
`vital sign
`information gathering system, and sensor
`communication method that are able to transmit and receive
`information with few malfunctions and with a simple
`structure.
`(MEANS FOR SOLVING) In S100, determine whether or not a
`pulse sensor 1 and base device 17 are connected. In short,
`determine whether or not an S-side contact-detecting
`terminal 19 and a B-side contact-detecting terminal 39 are
`in contact, and consequently a “contact detected” signal has
`been input to the S-side contact-detecting terminal 19 from
`the B-side contact-detecting terminal 39. In S110, switch
`the control mode of the CPU 16 from measurement mode
`to transmission mode. In the ensuing S120, transmit data
`stored in memory, such as pulse, to a base device 17 in
`transmission mode. In short, download data. In other
`words,
`information, such as pulse,
`is automatically
`transmitted to the base device 17 from the pulse sensor 1
`when the pulse sensor 1 is mounted onto the base device
`17.
`(SELECTED DRAWING) FIG. 8
`
`APPLE 1008
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`1
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`JP 2006-296564 A 11.2.2006
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`(SCOPE OF PATENT CLAIMS)
`(CLAIM 1)
` Optical vital sensor furnished with a sensor-side optical device component having:
` A sensor-side light-emitting means that emits light onto the body;
` A sensor-side light-receiving means that receives reflected light, which consists of light that has been emitted by the aforesaid
`sensor-side light-emitting means and reflected by the aforesaid body; and
` A vital sign sensing means that senses the vital signs of the aforesaid body based on the reflected light that was received by the
`aforesaid sensor-side light-receiving means;
` characterized in that the information about the aforesaid vital signs sensed by the aforesaid vital sign sensing means is
`transmitted, using the aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means, to a base device that is the recipient of transmissions from the
`aforesaid optical vital sensor.
`(CLAIM 2)
` Optical vital sensor set forth in Claim 1, characterized in that the aforesaid optical vital sensor has a measurement mode in
`which vital signs are sensed by the aforesaid vital sign sensing means, and a transmission mode in which the aforesaid vital sign
`information is transmitted to the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 3)
` Optical vital sensor set forth in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is furnished with a sensor-side contact-detecting
`component that detects when [the optical vital sensor] has been mounted onto the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 4)
` Optical vital sensor set forth in Claim 3, characterized in that [the optical vital sensor] is set to the aforesaid transmission mode
`upon detecting that [the optical vital sensor] has been mounted onto the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 5)
` Optical vital sensor set forth in any of Claims 2 through 4, characterized in that it is furnished with a mode-switching switch
`that switches between the aforesaid measurement mode and the aforesaid transmission mode.
`(CLAIM 6)
` Optical vital sensor set forth in any of Claims 1 through 5, characterized in that it is furnished with a charging component that
`is charged by means of a power supply structure on the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 7)
` Optical vital sensor set forth in any of Claims 1 through 6, characterized in that it is furnished with two or more of the
`aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 8)
` Light-emitting vital sensor set forth in any of Claims 1 through 7, characterized in that a lens is placed on the surface of the
`aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 9)
` Light-emitting vital sensor set forth in any of Claims 1 through 7, characterized in that a translucent cover is placed on the
`surface of the aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 10)
` Light-emitting vital sensor set forth in Claim 9, characterized in that the aforesaid cover serves the function of blocking visible
`light.
`(CLAIM 11)
` Base device to which the aforesaid vital sign information is transmitted from the optical vital sensor set forth in any of the
`aforesaid Claims 1 through 10,
` Characterized in that it is furnished with a base-side optical device component that has a base-side light-receiving means for
`receiving the aforesaid vital sign information transmitted by the aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 12)
` Base device set forth in Claim 11, characterized in that the aforesaid base-side optical device component is further furnished
`with a base-side light-emitting means that transmits a signal to the aforesaid sensor-side optical device component.
`(CLAIM 13)
` Base device set forth in Claim 12, characterized in that a command signal instructing the aforesaid vital sign information to be
`transmitted from the aforesaid sensor-side light-receiving means is transmitted to the aforesaid sensor-side light-receiving means
`
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`using the aforesaid base-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 14)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 13, characterized in that the aforesaid base device is furnished with a
`mounting structure onto which the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted in physical contact therewith.
`(CLAIM 15)
` Base device set forth in Claim 14, characterized in that the aforesaid optical vital sensor is disposed so as to be mounted at an
`angle when the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted onto the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 16)
` Base device set forth in Claim 14, characterized in that the aforesaid optical vital sensor is disposed so as to be mounted level
`onto the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 17)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 16, characterized in that it is furnished with a base-side contact-detecting
`component that transmits a detection signal to the aforesaid optical vital sensor when the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted
`onto [the base device].
`(CLAIM 18)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 17, characterized in that it has a power supply structure for charging the
`charging component of the aforesaid optical vital sensor.
`(CLAIM 19)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 18, characterized in that it is furnished with two or more of the aforesaid
`base-side light-receiving elements.
`(CLAIM 20)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 19, characterized in that the aforesaid base device is furnished with a recess
`into which the aforesaid optical vital sensor is fitted.
`(CLAIM 21)
` Base device set forth in Claim 20, characterized in that the aforesaid recess is a basal recess matching the base of the aforesaid
`optical vital sensor and/or a flank recess matching the sensor-side optical device component.
`(CLAIM 22)
` Base device set forth in Claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the aforesaid recess is a groove running the length of the direction
`in which the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted.
`(CLAIM 23)
` Vital sign information gathering system [sic: base device] set forth in Claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the central part of
`the groove in the aforesaid flank recess is itself further recessed.
`(CLAIM 24)
` Base device set forth in Claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the depth of the aforesaid basal recess is set such that, when the
`aforesaid optical vital sensor is fitted [into the recess] with a band attached thereto, the aforesaid band does not cause any
`impediment.
`(CLAIM 25)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 24, characterized in that the aforesaid base device is furnished with a basal
`component onto which the aforesaid optical vital sensor is placed and an upright component extending upwards from said basal
`component.
`(CLAIM 26)
` Base device set forth in Claim 25, characterized in that there is a difference in level between the aforesaid basal component and
`the aforesaid upright component.
`(CLAIM 27)
` Base device set forth in Claim 25 or 26, characterized in that it is designed so that, when a band is attached to the aforesaid
`optical vital sensor, this band fits around the outside of the aforesaid upright component.
`(CLAIM 28)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 25 through 27, characterized in that the flank of the aforesaid upright component is
`curved.
`(CLAIM 29)
`
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` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 28, characterized in that a lens is placed on the surface of the aforesaid base-
`side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 30)
` Base device set forth in any of Claims 11 through 28, characterized in that a translucent cover is placed on the surface of the
`aforesaid base-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 31)
` Base device set forth in Claim 30, characterized in that the aforesaid cover serves the function of blocking visible light.
`(CLAIM 32)
` Vital sign information gathering system characterized in that it is furnished with the optical vital sensor set forth in any of the
`aforesaid Claims 1 through 10 and the base device set forth in any of the aforesaid Claims 11 through 31.
`(CLAIM 33)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in Claim 32, characterized in that the aforesaid vital sign information
`transmitted using the aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means is received by the aforesaid base-side light-receiving means.
`(CLAIM 34)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in Claim 32 or 33, characterized in that a designated command signal
`transmitted using the aforesaid base-side light-emitting means is received by the aforesaid sensor-side light-receiving means.
`(CLAIM 35)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in Claim 34, characterized in that, when the aforesaid command signal is
`transmitted by the aforesaid base-side light-emitting means, the aforesaid optical vital sensor is set to the aforesaid transmission
`mode based on the aforesaid command signal.
`(CLAIM 36)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 35, characterized in that the aforesaid sensor-side
`optical device component and the aforesaid base-side optical device component are positioned in such a way as to be situated
`opposite one another when the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted onto the aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 37)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 36, characterized in that, when the aforesaid
`optical vital sensor is mounted onto the aforesaid base device, the aforesaid optical vital sensor fits into the aforesaid base device
`in such a way as to maintain a uniform distance and position between the light-emitting means and the light-receiving means.
`(CLAIM 38)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 37, characterized in that, when an infrared LED
`is used as the aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means, a member to block visible light is placed on the surface of the aforesaid
`base-side light-receiving means.
`(CLAIM 39)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 38, characterized in that it has a configuration
`whereby, if a lens has been placed on the aforesaid base-side optical device component and on the aforesaid sensor-side optical
`device component, the convexity of one lens fits into the concavity of the other.
`(CLAIM 40)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 38, characterized in that, if a translucent cover
`has been placed on the aforesaid base-side optical device component and on the aforesaid sensor-side optical device component,
`the convexity of one cover fits into the concavity of the other.
`(CLAIM 41)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 40, characterized in that it has a configuration
`whereby the terminals of the aforesaid base device and the terminals of the aforesaid optical vital sensor mechanically contact
`one another.
`(CLAIM 42)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in Claim 41, characterized in that it has a configuration whereby the shape of
`the mutually contacting aforesaid terminals determines the direction in which the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted.
`(CLAIM 43)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 42, characterized in that it has a configuration
`
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`whereby the reception and transmission of signals between the aforesaid base device and the aforesaid optical vital sensor is
`performed using electromagnetism.
`(CLAIM 44)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 43, characterized in that it has a configuration
`whereby power is supplied from the aforesaid base device to the aforesaid optical vital sensor using electromagnetism.
`(CLAIM 45)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in any of Claims 32 through 44, characterized in that, if two or more sensor-
`side light-emitting means are provided on the aforesaid sensor-side optical device component, the aforesaid base-side optical
`device component is furnished with as many base-side light-receiving means as there are aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting
`means.
`(CLAIM 46)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in Claim 45, characterized in that a plurality of pairs of the aforesaid light-
`emitting means and light-receiving means are provided on the aforesaid sensor-side optical device component and the aforesaid
`base-side optical device component, and transmission of the aforesaid vital sign information is performed using the aforesaid
`plurality of pairs of light-emitting means and light-receiving means.
`(CLAIM 47)
` Vital sign information gathering system set forth in Claim 45, characterized in that a plurality of pairs of the aforesaid light-
`emitting means and light-receiving means are provided on the aforesaid sensor-side optical device component and the aforesaid
`base-side optical device component, and transmission of the aforesaid vital sign information is performed using one of the
`aforesaid pairs of light-emitting means and light-receiving means, whereas transmission of check information for checking the
`aforesaid transmitted vital sign information is performed using the other of the aforesaid pairs of light-emitting means and light-
`receiving means.
`(CLAIM 48)
` Sensor communication method for communication between the optical vital sensor set forth in any of the aforesaid Claims 1
`through 10 and the base device set forth in any of the aforesaid Claims 11 through 31,
` characterized in that the aforesaid vital sign information is transmitted to the aforesaid base-side light-receiving means using
`the aforesaid sensor-side light-emitting means.
`(CLAIM 49)
` Sensor communication method set forth in Claim 48, characterized in that the aforesaid vital sign information is transmitted
`from the aforesaid optical vital sensor to the aforesaid base device when the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted onto the
`aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 50)
` Sensor communication method set forth in Claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the aforesaid vital sign information is
`transmitted from the aforesaid optical vital sensor to the aforesaid base device when a designated command signal is transmitted
`from the aforesaid base device to the aforesaid optical vital sensor.
`(CLAIM 51)
` Sensor communication method set forth in Claim 50, characterized in that the aforesaid optical vital sensor is placed in standby
`mode when the aforesaid optical vital sensor is mounted onto the aforesaid base device, and the aforesaid vital sign information is
`transmitted from the aforesaid optical vital sensor to the aforesaid base device when a command signal is received from the
`aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 52)
` Sensor communication method set forth in Claim 51, characterized in that, in the event that the aforesaid optical vital sensor
`has been placed in standby mode by means of the mode-switching switch, the aforesaid vital sign information is transmitted from
`the aforesaid optical vital sensor to the aforesaid base device when a signal requesting the aforesaid command signal is
`transmitted from the aforesaid optical vital sensor to the aforesaid base device and a command signal is then received from the
`aforesaid base device.
`(CLAIM 53)
` Sensor communication method set forth in Claim 50, characterized in that, in the event that the aforesaid optical vital sensor
`has been placed in standby mode by means of the mode-switching switch, the aforesaid vital sign information is transmitted from
`the aforesaid optical vital sensor to the aforesaid base device when a command signal is received from the aforesaid base device.
`(DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION)
`
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`(6)
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`JP 2006-296564 A 11.2.2006
`
`(TECHNICAL FIELD)
`(0001)
` The present invention relates to an optical vital sensor, base device, vital sign information gathering system, and sensor
`communication method that are able to obtain various kinds of vital sign information such as pulse.
`(BACKGROUND ART)
`(0002)
` Prior to now. in clinical settings, instruments such as optical pulse sensors have been used to accurately gauge the condition of
`patients, etc.
` When taking a measurement of pulse, pulse sensors of this kind store the measured data into memory. Technology exists that
`will download the data from the pulse sensor upon completion of measurement by connecting the pulse sensor via cable to a
`charger (base station) with communication functionality, and then connecting the base station to a PC via cable and transmitting
`an appropriate command from the PC.
`(0003)
` Separate from this, technology is also known that will transmit data wirelessly from a sensor that has obtained vital sign
`information to a base station that gathers this information (see Cited Literature 1 through 3).
`(PATENT LITERATURE 1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication H2003-275183
`(PATENT LITERATURE 2) Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication H2003-309485
`(PATENT LITERATURE 3) Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication H2003-270486
`(DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION)
`(PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION)
`(0004)
` However, in mechanically connected systems such as these in which the pulse sensor is connected to the base station via cable,
`there is the risk of contact failure due to damage or deterioration.
` On the other hand, in the case of systems that transmit data wirelessly, the problem is that a dedicated wireless communication
`circuit is required in addition to the circuits for detecting vital sign information, etc.
`(0005)
` The present invention was devised to solve the aforesaid problems, having as its objective to provide an optical vital sensor,
`base device, vital sign information gathering system, and sensor communication method that are able to transmit and receive
`information with few malfunctions and with a simple structure.
`(MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM)
`(0006)
`
`(1) In the invention in Claim 1, vital sign information sensed by a vital sign sensing means is transmitted, using a sensor-side
`light-emitting means, to a base device that is the recipient of transmissions from the optical vital sensor.
`
`In short, an optical vital sensor (e.g. pulse sensor) is furnished with a sensor-side light-emitting means such as an LED in order
`to sense vital sign information (e.g. pulse, etc.), enabling this sensor light-emitting means to be used to transmit vital sign
`information to a base device.
`(0007)
` For this reason, it is not necessary to use a wireless communication circuit or to establish connections via communication
`cable, which makes it possible to easily transmit vital sign information with few malfunctions and with a simple structure.
` Note that the type of vital sign information that can be transmitted includes any of the various kinds of information that can be
`measured and stored in memory by an optical vital sensor, including the various kinds of signals obtained by reflected light such
`as pulse (pulse rate, pulse interval) and signals indicating body motion or the like, as well as information obtained by analysis of
`these signals. Furthermore, it is also possible to transmit raw measurement data (data stored in memory).
`(0008)
`
`(2) In the invention in Claim 2, an optical vital sensor as a measurement mode in which vital signs are sensed by a vital sign
`sensing means, and a transmission mode in which vital sign information is transmitted to a base device, enabling operation to be
`performed in accordance with the respective mode by switching between modes.
`(0009)
` Note that a standby mode may also be furnished, whereby [the optical vital sensor] waits to transmit vital sign information to
`
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`the base device until receipt of a command signal (a signal instructing to transmit) from the base device.
`
`(3) In the invention in Claim 3, it is possible to detect when the optical vital sensor has been mounted onto the base device.
`(0010)
` Note that the sensor-side contact-detecting component can consist, for example, of terminals that come into contact with the
`terminals on the base side (base-side contact-detecting component). Alternately, detection may be performed by means of
`electromagnetism rather than by means of contact with the terminals on the base side.
`(0011)
`
`(4) In the invention in Claim 4, transmission mode is enabled when it is detected that [the optical vital sensor] has been
`mounted onto the base device. This makes it possible to automatically transmit vital sign information when the optical vital
`sensor is mounted onto the base device.
`(0012)
`
`(5) In the invention in Claim 5, a mode-switching switch is provided for the purpose of switching between measurement mode
`and transmission mode. Accordingly, because the modes can be switched by means of this mode-switching switch, it is possible
`to cause the optical vital sensor to perform the desired processing at the desired timing.
`(0013)
`
`(6) In the invention in Claim 6, a charging component is provided, making it possible to charge [the optical vital sensor] by
`means of the power supply structure of the base device.
` Note that, to perform charging, terminals that come into contact with one another may be provided on the optical vital sensor
`and the base device, but it is also acceptable to adopt a configuration whereby power is supplied by electromagnetism.
`(0014)
`
`(7) In the invention in Claim 7, two or more light-emitting means such as LEDs are provided as the sensor-side light-emitting
`means.
` Accordingly, by transmitting the vital sign information using a plurality of sensor-side light-emitting means, it is possible
`transmit efficiently. It is also possible to distinguish between the roles performed by the light-emitting means, e.g. with one
`means used to transmit vital sign information and another means used to transmit information used to check a checksum or the
`like. Furthermore, when using sensor-side light-emitting means of various kinds, such as an infrared LED or a green LED, the
`manner of use can be adjusted according to the properties of each respective means. For example, work can be divided between
`the various means, with an infrared LED used to detect vital signs and transmit vital sign information, and a green LED used to
`detect pulse.
`(0015)
`
`(8) In the invention in Claim 8, a lens is placed on the surface of the sensor-side light-emitting means.
` This lens makes it possible to increase the light-gathering ability of the LED as well as to protect the LED or PD.
`(0016)
`
`(9) In the invention in Claim 9, a translucent cover is placed on the surface of the sensor-side light-emitting means.
` This cover makes it possible to protect the LED or PD. Note that a lens may be placed on the inside of the cover.
`(0017)
`
`(10) In the invention in Claim 10, the cover serves the function of blocking visible light, making it possible to block noise
`caused by visible light.
`
`(11) The invention in Claim 11 is a base device to which vital sign information is transmitted from the optical vital sensor.
`This base device receives vital sign information by means of a base-side light-receiving means in a base-side optical device
`component.
`(0018)
`(12) In the invention in Claim 12, a base-side light-emitting means is able to transmit a variety of signals (e.g. a command
`
`signal requesting the transmission of vital sign information, etc.) to (the sensor-side light-receiving means of) the sensor-side
`optical device component.
`(0019)
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`(13) In the invention in Claim 13, the base-side light-emitting means can be used to transmit a command signal to the sensor-
`
`side light-receiving means instructing the sensor-side light-receiving means to transmit vital sign information.
`
`(14) In the invention in Claim 14, the base device is furnished with a mounting structure enabling the optical vital sensor to be
`mounted in physical contact therewith. Consequently, this enables the optical vital sensor to be mounted onto the base device.
`(0020)
`
`(15) In the invention in Claim 15, the optical vital sensor is mounted onto the base device at an angle (tilted slightly off
`vertical). Consequently, this makes it possible to use gravity to place the sensor-side optical device component and the base-side
`optical device component in close proximity (or touching).
`(0021)
`
`(16) In the invention in Claim 16, the optical vital sensor is mounted onto the base device level to the ground.
`
`(17) In the invention in Claim 17, the base device is furnished with a base-side contact-detecting component, by which means
`it is possible to transmit a detection signal (e.g. “contact detected” signal) indicating that the optical vital sensor has been
`mounted onto the base-side contact-detecting component of the optical vital sensor.
`(0022)
` Note that, for the base-side contact-detecting component, it is possible to use terminals that come into direct contact, or to use a
`detecting component that transmits a detection signal by means of electromagnetism.
`
`(18) In the invention in Claim 18, a power supply structure is provided, making it possible to charge the charging component
`of the optical vital sensor by means of this power supply structure.
`(0023)
` Note that, for the power supply structure, it is possible to use terminals that come into direct contact, or to use a structure that
`performs charging by means of electromagnetism
`
`(19) In the invention in Claim 19, two or more base-side light-receiving means are provided (according to the number of
`sensor-side light-emitting means).
`(0024)
` Consequently, this makes it possible to efficiently receive vital sign information using a plurality of base-side light-receiving
`means. Functions can be divided between means, e.g. with one means receiving vital sign information and another means
`receiving information used to check a checksum or the like.
`(0025)
`
`(20) In the invention in Claim 20, the base device is furnished with a recess into which the optical vital sensor is fitted, thereby
`making it possible to easily mount the optical vital sensor.
`
`(21) The invention in Claim 21 cites examples of recesses. The basal recess fits the base of the aforesaid optical vital sensor
`(the tip side of the mounting direction), and the flank recess fits the sensor-side optical device component of the optical vital
`sensor.
`(0026)
`
`(22) The invention in Claim 22 cites a groove-shaped recess.
`
`(23) In the invention in Claim 23, the groove in the flank recess is further recessed in the center so that the sensor-side optical
`device component can be placed into this recessed portion.
`(0027)
`
`(24) In the invention Claim 24, the depth of the basal recess is set such that, when the optical vital sensor is fitted therein, the
`band does not cause any impediment. This makes it easy to securely mount the optical vital sensor, as well as making it possible
`to securely perform transmission.
`(0028)
`
`(25) The invention in Claim 25 cites an example of a base device furnished with a basal component and an upright component.
`
`(26) The invention in Claim 26 has a difference in level between the basal component and the upright component so as to
`facilitate the mounting of an optical vital sensor with a band attached thereto.
`(0029)
`
`(27) In the invention in Claim 27, the band of the optical vital sensor can be fitted around the upright component.
`
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`(28) In the invention in Claim 28, the side surface of the upright component is curved so as to facilitate sliding the rounded
`
`band.
`(0030)
`
`(29) In the invention in Claim 29, a lens is provided on the surface of the base-side light-emitting means.
` This lens makes it possible to increase the light-gathering ability of the LED, as well as to protect the LED or PD.
`(0031)
`
`(30) In the invention in Claim 30, a translucent cover is provided on the surface of the base-side light-emitting means.
` This cover makes it possible to protect the LED or PD. Note that a lens may be provided on the inside of the cover.
`(0032)
`
`(31) In the invention in Claim 31, the cover serves the function of blocking visible light.
`
`(32) In the invention in Claim 32, a vital sign information gathering system is furnished with an optical vital sensor and a base
`device.
`(0033)
`
`(33) In the invention in Claim 33, vital sign information transmitted using a sensor-side light-emitting means is able to be
`received by means of a base-side light-receiving means.
`
`(34) In the invention in Claim 34, a designated command signal (e.g. a signal that causes vital sign information to be
`transmitted from the optical vital sensor) transmitted using a base-side light-emitting means is able to be received by means of a
`sensor-side light-receiving means.
`(0034)
`
`(35) In the invention in Claim 35, when a command signal is transmitted by the base-side light-emitting means, the optical
`vital sensor is set to transmission mode based on the command signal. This makes it possible to transmit vital sign information
`from the optical vital sensor to the base device.
`(0035)
`
`(36) In the invention in Claim 36, the sensor-side optical device component and the base-side optical device component are
`positioned in such a way as to be situated opposite one another when the optical vital sensor is mounted onto the base device,
`thereby making it possible to perform transmission and reception of information in an optimal manner by optical means.
`(0036)
`
`(37) In the invention in Claim 37, a structure is adopted whereby, when the optical vital sensor is mounted onto the base
`device, the optical vital sensor fits into the base device in such a way as to maintain a uniform distance and position between the
`light-emitting means and the light-receiving means.
`(0037)
` By this means, when the optical vital sensor is fitted into the base device, the distance and position remain uniform between
`the light-emitting means and the light-receiving means, thereby making it possible to accurately perform transmission and
`reception of information.
`(0038)
` Note that light-emitting means and light-receiving means refer either to sensor-side light-emitting