US 12,213,778 B2
Muscle activity observation apparatus and muscle activity observation method
Atsushi Naito, Nagaokakyo (JP); Naoki Kawara, Nagaokakyo (JP); and Yutaka Takamaru, Nagaokakyo (JP)
Assigned to MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., Nagaokakyo (JP)
Filed by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Nagaokakyo (JP)
Filed on May 10, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/316,048.
Application 17/316,048 is a continuation of application No. PCT/JP2019/043786, filed on Nov. 8, 2019.
Claims priority of application No. 2018-223761 (JP), filed on Nov. 29, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2021/0259581 A1, Aug. 26, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 5/11 (2006.01); A61B 5/00 (2006.01); A61B 5/22 (2006.01); G01D 5/18 (2006.01); G01L 1/16 (2006.01); G16H 40/67 (2018.01)
CPC A61B 5/1107 (2013.01) [A61B 5/1101 (2013.01); A61B 5/224 (2013.01); A61B 5/6829 (2013.01); A61B 5/7278 (2013.01); G01D 5/185 (2021.05); G01L 1/16 (2013.01); G16H 40/67 (2018.01); A61B 2560/0475 (2013.01); A61B 2562/0204 (2013.01); A61B 2562/0219 (2013.01); A61B 2562/06 (2013.01)] 30 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A muscle activity detection apparatus comprising:
a first sensor configured to generate an output signal that changes based on a tremor of a tendon or a muscle;
a second sensor configured to generate an output signal that changes based on contraction and relaxation of the tendon or the muscle;
a state analyzing unit configured to determine: (1) whether an average level of an amplitude of the output signal of the first sensor is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and (2) whether an average change amount of the output signal of the second sensor is less than a second threshold value; and
a detector configured to detect whether the tendon or the muscle is a state where isotonic contraction is occurring or a state where isometric contraction is occurring based on the respective output signals of the first sensor and the second sensor,
wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor comprises a flat-film shaped piezoelectric sensor that is arranged side by side with a thin signal processing circuit module, and
wherein a connection terminal is disposed on a side of the thin signal processing circuit module that is opposite to the flat-film shaped piezoelectric sensor and is coupled to the detector.