TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION METHOD, TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION PROGRAM AND TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION DEVICE

Abstract

A temperature estimation apparatus includes a temperature calculation unit that calculates a core body temperature of a living body, a transient response detection unit that detects a starting point of time of transient response of the core body temperature, a correction section determination unit that determines a correction section of the core body temperature for each of a plurality of model functions that model a change in the core body temperature during a transient response, a temperature correction unit that calculates a result of correcting the core body temperature in the correction section using the plurality of model functions, a correction result evaluation unit that evaluates a correction result, and a correction result output unit that replaces data in the correction section among time-series data of the core body temperature with a correction result determined to be the best by the correction result evaluation unit.

Claims

1.-8. (canceled)

9. A temperature estimation method, the method comprising: measuring a temperature of a surface of a test subject using a first temperature sensor; measuring a temperature at a position away from the test subject using a second temperature sensor; calculating an internal temperature of the test subject based on the temperature of the surface of the test subject and the temperature at the position away from the test subject; detecting a starting point of time of a transient response of the internal temperature; obtaining coefficients of each of a plurality of model functions that model a change in the internal temperature during the transient response for a part of a coefficient calculation section from the starting point of time of the transient response until a predetermined transient response convergence evaluation time elapses; determining a correction section of the internal temperature for each of the plurality of model functions; calculating results of correcting the internal temperature in the correction section using each of the plurality of model functions; evaluating the results of correcting the internal temperature; and replacing data in the correction section among time-series data of the internal temperature with a correction result determined by evaluating the results of correcting the internal temperature.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of model functions comprises: a first model function that models a change in the internal temperature during the transient response in which wind blown to the test subject has changed; and a second model function that models a change in the internal temperature during the transient response in which external air temperature has changed.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein obtaining the coefficients of each of the plurality of model functions comprises obtaining the coefficient that minimizes a difference between the internal temperature and an output of the model function for each of the plurality of model functions.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coefficient calculation section is a section from an intermediate value between a peak value of the internal temperature and the internal temperature at the starting point of time of the transient response to the peak value.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein determining the correction section of the internal temperature for each of the plurality of model functions comprises: obtaining a first approximate straight line of the internal temperature immediately before the starting point of time of the transient response and a second approximate straight line of the internal temperature from the starting point of time of the transient response until a transient response convergence evaluation time lapses; and regarding each of the plurality of model functions, setting a section between two intersection points of the first and the second approximate straight lines and an output of the model function as the correction section.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein evaluating the results of correcting the internal temperature comprises: calculating an evaluation value for each of the results of correcting using the plurality of model functions; and setting a minimum evaluation value as the correction result.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein obtaining the coefficients of each of the plurality of model functions comprises obtaining the coefficient that minimizes a difference between the internal temperature and an output of the model function for each of the plurality of model functions.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the coefficient calculation section is a section from an intermediate value between a peak value of the internal temperature and the internal temperature at the starting point of time of the transient response to the peak value.

17. The method according to claim 9, wherein determining the correction section of the internal temperature for each of the plurality of model functions comprises: obtaining a first approximate straight line of the internal temperature immediately before the starting point of time of the transient response and a second approximate straight line of the internal temperature from the starting point of time of the transient response until a transient response convergence evaluation time lapses; and regarding each of the plurality of model functions, setting a section between two intersection points of the first and the second approximate straight lines and an output of the model function as the correction section.

18. The method according to claim 9, wherein evaluating the results of correcting the internal temperature comprises: calculating an evaluation value for each of the results of correcting using the plurality of model functions; and setting a minimum evaluation value as the most preferred correction result.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a temperature estimation program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute steps of: calculating an internal temperature of a test subject based on a temperature of a surface of the test subject and a temperature at a position away from the test subject; detecting a starting point of time of a transient response of the internal temperature; obtaining coefficients of each of a plurality of model functions that model a change in the internal temperature during the transient response for a part of a coefficient calculation section from the starting point of time of the transient response until a predetermined transient response convergence evaluation time elapses; determining a correction section of the internal temperature for each of the plurality of model functions; calculating results of correcting the internal temperature in the correction section using each of the plurality of model functions; evaluating the results of correcting the internal temperature; and replacing data in the correction section among time-series data of the internal temperature with a correction result determined by evaluating the results of correcting the internal temperature.

20. A temperature estimation apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a surface of a test subject; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature at a position away from the test subject; a temperature calculation circuit configured to calculate an internal temperature of the test subject based on the temperature of the surface of the test subject and the temperature at the position away from the test subject; a transient response detection circuit configured to detect a starting point of time of a transient response of the internal temperature; a coefficient calculation circuit configured to obtain coefficients of each of a plurality of model functions that model a change in the internal temperature during the transient response for a part of a coefficient calculation section from the starting point of time of the transient response until a predetermined transient response convergence evaluation time elapses; a correction section determination circuit configured to determine a correction section of the internal temperature for each of the plurality of model functions; a temperature correction circuit configured to calculate results of correcting the internal temperature in the correction section using each of the plurality of model functions; a correction result evaluation circuit configured to evaluate the results of correcting the internal temperature from the temperature correction circuit; and a correction result output circuit configured to replace data in the correction section among time-series data of the internal temperature with a correction result determined by the correction result evaluation circuit.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of model functions comprises: a first model function that models a change in the internal temperature during the transient response in which wind blown to the test subject has changed; and a second model function that models a change in the internal temperature during the transient response in which external air temperature has changed.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, to obtain the coefficients of each of the plurality of model functions, the coefficient calculation circuit is configured to obtain the coefficient that minimizes a difference between the internal temperature and an output of the model function for each of the plurality of model functions.

23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the coefficient calculation section is a section from an intermediate value between a peak value of the internal temperature and the internal temperature at the starting point of time of the transient response to the peak value.

24. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, to determine the correction section of the internal temperature for each of the plurality of model functions, the correction section determination circuit is configured to: obtain a first approximate straight line of the internal temperature immediately before the starting point of time of the transient response and a second approximate straight line of the internal temperature from the starting point of time of the transient response until a transient response convergence evaluation time lapses; and regarding each of the plurality of model functions, set a section between two intersection points of the first and the second approximate straight lines and an output of the model function as the correction section.

25. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, to evaluate the results of correcting the internal temperature, the correction result evaluation circuit is configured to: calculate an evaluation value for each of the results of correcting using the plurality of model functions; and set a minimum evaluation value as the most preferred correction result.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature estimation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a thermal equivalent circuit model of a heat insulating material, a temperature sensor, and a living body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for describing an operation of the temperature estimation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing correction processing for core body temperature when a transient response of the core body temperature is detected by a transient response detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one example of the core body temperature.

[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating one example of a standard deviation and an average of a core body temperature in a case where there is no change in wind blown to a living body or an external air temperature.

[0024] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating one example of a standard deviation and an average of a core body temperature in a correction section.

[0025] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating one example of a standard deviation and an average of a core body temperature after correction.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a core body temperature estimated by the temperature estimation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and an eardrum temperature measured by an eardrum thermometer.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer that realizes the temperature estimation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a thermal equivalent circuit model of a living body and a sensor.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a comparison result between a true core body temperature and an estimated temperature when wind is blown to a living body by an electric fan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature estimation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The temperature estimation apparatus includes: a temperature sensor 1 that measures a skin surface temperature T.sub.s of a living body 100 (test subject); a temperature sensor 2 that measures a temperature T.sub.top at a position away from the living body 100; a heat insulating material 3 that holds the temperature sensor 1 and the temperature sensor 2; a storage unit 4 for storing data; a temperature calculation unit 5 that calculates a core body temperature T.sub.cbt (internal temperature) of the living body 100; a transient response detection unit 6 that detects a starting point of time of transient response of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt; a peak detection unit 7 that detects a peak of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt during a transient response; a correction section determination unit 8 that determines a correction section of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt for each of a plurality of model functions that model a change in the core body temperature T.sub.cbt during the transient response; a coefficient calculation unit 9 that obtains a coefficient of each of the plurality of model functions regarding a part of a coefficient calculation section from a starting point of time of transient response until a predetermined transient response convergence evaluation time elapses; a temperature correction unit 10 that calculates a result of correcting the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in the correction section using each of the plurality of model functions; a correction result evaluation unit 11 that evaluates a correction result from the temperature correction unit 10; a correction result output unit 12 that replaces data in the correction section among time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt with a correction result determined to be the best by the correction result evaluation unit 11; and a communication unit 13 that transmits a calculation result of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt to an external terminal 14.

[0031] The temperature estimation apparatus is disposed such that the heat insulating material 3 comes into contact with the skin of the living body 100. The temperature sensor 1 is provided on the surface of the heat insulating material 3 on the living body side. The temperature sensor 2 is provided on the surface of the heat insulating material 3 opposite to the surface on the living body side so as to be in contact with air. The heat insulating material 3 holds the temperature sensor 1 and the temperature sensor 2 and serves as a resistor against heat flowing into the temperature sensor 1.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a thermal equivalent circuit model of the temperature sensors 1 and 2, the heat insulating material 3, and the living body 100. Since the thermal equivalent circuit model in the present embodiment is similar to that in the conventional art, description will be given by using the same reference signs as those in FIG. 11.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for describing an operation of the temperature estimation apparatus of the present embodiment. The temperature sensor 1 measures the skin surface temperature T.sub.s of the living body 100 (step S100 in FIG. 3). The temperature sensor 2 measures the temperature T.sub.top at a position away from the living body 100 (step S101 in FIG. 3). The measurement data of the temperature sensors 1 and 2 is stored in the storage unit 4.

[0034] The temperature calculation unit 5 calculates T.sub.s?T.sub.top as the heat flux H.sub.so of the skin surface (step S102 in FIG. 3).

Equation 3: H.sub.so=T.sub.s?T.sub.top(3)

[0035] Then, the temperature calculation unit 5 calculates the core body temperature T.sub.cbt of the living body 100 using Equation 1 (step S1o3 in FIG. 3). The thermal resistance R.sub.b of the living body 100 is stored in advance in the storage unit 4. The data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt calculated by the temperature calculation unit 5 is stored in the storage unit 4.

[0036] Next, the peak detection unit 7 calculates a time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt calculated by the temperature calculation unit 5 (step S104 in FIG. 3).

[0037] The transient response detection unit 6 calculates a standard deviation ?.sub.cbt of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt calculated by the temperature calculation unit 5 (step S105 in FIG. 3). For the standard deviation ?.sub.cbt, for example, it is sufficient if the standard deviation for the immediately preceding 5 to 10 minutes is calculated.

[0038] Next, the transient response detection unit 6 compares a difference T.sub.cbt-? between the core body temperature T.sub.cbt calculated by the temperature calculation unit 5 and, for example, an average value ? of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt for the immediately preceding 5 to 10 minutes with a threshold value TH.sub.cbt (step S106 in FIG. 3). The threshold value TH.sub.cbt is, for example, a value 3?.sub.cbt three times the standard deviation ?.sub.cbt. Thus, the processing of steps S100 to S106 is performed at regular time intervals until T.sub.cbt-? exceeds TH.sub.cbt or falls below ?TH.sub.cbt.

[0039] When T.sub.cbt-? exceeds TH.sub.cbt or falls below ?TH.sub.cbt (YES in step S106), the transient response detection unit 6 determines that a starting point of time of transient response of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt been detected, and sets the core body temperature T.sub.cbt at this time as a core body temperature T.sub.cbt_start at the starting point of time of the transient response. Furthermore, the transient response detection unit 6 sets current time t at which the core body temperature T.sub.cbt exceeds the threshold value TH.sub.cbt as time t_.sub.start at which the transient response starts (step S107 in FIG. 3).

[0040] The temperature estimation apparatus performs the above processing of steps S100 to S107 at regular time intervals, for example, until there is an instruction to end the measurement from the user (YES in step S108 in FIG. 3).

[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing correction processing for the core body temperature T.sub.cbt when a transient response of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt is detected by the transient response detection unit 6, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one example of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt. When there is no change in the wind blown to the living body 100 or the external air temperature, the core body temperature T.sub.cbt obtained from Equation 1 follows a normal distribution N(?, ?). For example, a standard deviation ? and an average ? for a section J in FIG. 5 are as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0042] However, when the wind blown to the living body 100 or the external air temperature changes, the error distribution of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt changes. The temperature change when the wind blown to the living body 100 changes is dominated by heat conduction from the surface and heat flux due to convection. It is generally known that the temperature T changes as indicated in Equation 4 due to heat conduction, and the temperature T changes as indicated in Equation 5 due to heat flux.

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Equations}4\mathrm{and}5:& ?\\ T~T0+A\mathrm{erfc}\left(\frac{C}{\sqrt{t}}\right)& \left(4\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}T~T0+B\sqrt{t}& \left(5\right)\end{array}$

[0043] In Equations 4 and 5, To is an initial value of the temperature T, t is time, and erfc( ) is a complementary error function. By combining Equations 4 and 5, a temperature (hereinafter, T.sub.1) during a transient response when the wind blown to the living body 100 changes can be expressed as Equation 6.

[00002]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Equation}6:& ?\\ T_1=A_1\mathrm{erfc}\left(\frac{B_1}{\sqrt{t}}\right)-C_1\sqrt{t}+D_1& \left(6\right)\end{array}$

[0044] Further, a temperature (hereinafter, T.sub.2) during a transient response when the external air temperature suddenly changes can be expressed as Equation 7 by arranging Equation 4.

[00003]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Equation}7:& ?\\ T_2=A_2\mathrm{erfc}\left(\frac{B_2}{\sqrt{t}}\right)-C_2\mathrm{erfc}\left(\frac{D_2}{\sqrt{t}}\right)+E_2& \left(7\right)\end{array}$

[0045] Equation 6 indicates a model function that models a change T.sub.1 in the core body temperature during a transient response when the wind blown to the living body 100 changes. Further, Equation 7 indicates a model function that models a change T.sub.2 in the core body temperature during a transient response when the external air temperature has changed. A.sub.1, A.sub.2, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, D.sub.1, D.sub.2, and E.sub.2 in Equations 6 and 7 are coefficients relating to the strength of the wind, the thermophysical properties of the living body 100, and the thermophysical properties of the temperature sensors 1 and 2. As described above, when there is no change in the wind blown to the living body 100 or the external air temperature, the core body temperature T.sub.cbt follows the normal distribution N(?, ?), but when the wind blown the living body 100 or the external air temperature changes, the error distribution of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt changes by Equation 6 or 7. Therefore, when the core body temperature T.sub.cbt is corrected on the basis of Equation 6 or 7 regarding the section of the transient response, the influence of the wind and the external air temperature can be removed.

[0046] First, the peak detection unit 7 refers to the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt stored in the storage unit 4, and determines the peak direction of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt by the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt of T.sub.cbt after the time point when the transient response of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt is detected by the transient response detection unit 6 (step S200 in FIG. 4). When dT.sub.cbt/dt>0, that is, when the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt after the starting point of time of the transient response t_.sub.start is positive as in the example of FIG. 5, the peak detection unit 7 determines that it is an upward peak. Further, when dT.sub.cbt/dt<0, that is, when the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt after the starting point of time of the transient response t_.sub.start is negative, the peak detection unit 7 determines that it is a downward peak.

[0047] When the peak detection unit 7 determines that it is an upward peak, the peak detection unit 7 detects a point at which the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt changes to negative. When detecting a point at which the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt changes to negative (YES in step S201 in FIG. 4), the peak detection unit 7 sets the core body temperature T.sub.cbt at this time as a peak value T.sub.cbt_top (step S202 in FIG. 4).

[0048] Further, when the peak detection unit 7 determines that it is a downward peak, the peak detection unit 7 detects a point at which the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt changes to positive. When detecting a point at which the time derivative dT.sub.cbt/dt changes to positive (YES in step S203 in FIG. 4), the peak detection unit 7 sets the core body temperature T.sub.cbt at this time as a peak value T.sub.cbt_top (step S202).

[0049] Next, the coefficient calculation unit 9 refers to the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt stored in the storage unit 4, and detects a value with which T.sub.cbt_top?T.sub.cbt=T.sub.cbt?T.sub.cbt_start is established within the core body temperature T.sub.cbt after T.sub.cbt_top, that is, an intermediate value T.sub.cbt_between the peak value T.sub.cbt_top of the core body temperature and the core body temperature T.sub.cbt_start at the starting point of time of the transient response (step S204 in FIG. 4). The coefficient calculation unit 9 sets the detected intermediate value T.sub.cbt_ as T.sub.cbt_mid (step S205 in FIG. 4).

[0050] Subsequently, the correction section determination unit 8 refers to the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt stored in the storage unit 4, and obtains an approximate straight line L.sub.1 of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt immediately before the starting point of time of the transient response (step S206 in FIG. 4). In practice, it is sufficient if the correction section determination unit 8 obtains an approximate straight line of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in a section from a time point a predetermined time t.sub.1 (for example, several minutes) before the starting point of time of transient response t_.sub.start to immediately before the starting point of time of the transient response t_.sub.start.

[0051] Furthermore, the correction section determination unit 8 refers to the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt stored in the storage unit 4, and obtains an approximate straight line L.sub.2 of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt after a prescribed transient response convergence evaluation time t_.sub.conv from the core body temperature T.sub.cbt_start at the starting point of time of the transient response (step S207 in FIG. 4). In practice, it is sufficient if the correction section determination unit 8 obtains an approximate straight line of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in a section from a time point after t_.sub.conv from the starting point of time of the transient response t_.sub.start until a predetermined time t2 (for example, several minutes) elapses. t_.sub.conv is, for example, about 30 minutes.

[0052] Next, the coefficient calculation unit 9 refers to the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt stored in the storage unit 4, and uses the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt of the coefficient calculation section from the intermediate value T.sub.cbt_mid to the peak value T.sub.cbt_top to obtain the coefficients A.sub.1, B.sub.1, C.sub.1, and D.sub.1 of the model function of Equation 6 so as to minimize the difference between the core body temperature T.sub.cbt and an output T.sub.1 of the model function (step S208 in FIG. 4). Note that although there is a section from the peak value T.sub.cbt_top to the intermediate value T.sub.cbt_mid, it is sufficient if the coefficient calculation section is a section before the peak value T.sub.cbt_top.

[0053] Similarly, the coefficient calculation unit 9 uses the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt of the coefficient calculation section from the intermediate value T.sub.cbt_mid to the peak value T.sub.cbt_top to obtain the coefficients A.sub.2, B.sub.2, C.sub.2, D.sub.2, and E.sub.2 of the model function of Equation 7 so as to minimize the difference between the core body temperature T.sub.cbt and an output T.sub.2 of the model function (step S208).

[0054] Next, the correction section determination unit 8 obtains an intersection point P.sub.11 of the approximate straight line L.sub.1 and the output T.sub.1 of the model function of Equation 6 and an intersection point P.sub.21 of the approximate straight line L.sub.2 and the output T.sub.1 of the model function, and sets a section from the intersection point P.sub.11 to the intersection point P.sub.21 as a correction section I.sub.1 for the model function of Equation 6 (step S209 in FIG. 4).

[0055] Further, the correction section determination unit 8 obtains an intersection point P.sub.12 of the approximate straight line L.sub.1 and the output T.sub.2 of the model function of Equation 7 and an intersection point P.sub.22 of the approximate straight line L.sub.2 and the output T.sub.2 of the model function, and sets a section from the intersection point P.sub.12 to the intersection point P.sub.22 as a correction section I.sub.2 for the model function of Equation 7 (step S210 in FIG. 4).

[0056] Note that, in the example of FIG. 5, a case where the correction section I.sub.1 is obtained for the model function of Equation 6 is described.

[0057] Next, the temperature correction unit 10 calculates a result of correcting the core body temperature T.sub.cbt using the model function of Equation 6 in the correction section I.sub.1 determined by the correction section determination unit 8 (step S211 in FIG. 4). When Equation 6 is used, the corrected core body temperature T.sub.cbt is expressed by Equation 8. Equation 8 means that the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in the correction section I.sub.1 is corrected for each time by the time-series data of the output T.sub.1 of the model function of Equation 6.

Equation 8: T.sub.cbt=T.sub.cbt?T.sub.1(8)

[0058] Further, the temperature correction unit 10 calculates a result of correcting the core body temperature T.sub.cbt using the model function of Equation 7 in the correction section I.sub.2 determined by the correction section determination unit 8 (step S211). When Equation 7 is used, the corrected core body temperature T.sub.cbt is expressed by Equation 9. Equation 9 means that the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in the correction section I.sub.2 is corrected for each time by the time-series data of the output T.sub.2 of the model function of Equation 7.

Equation A: T.sub.cbt=T.sub.cbt?T.sub.2(9)

[0059] Next, the correction result evaluation unit 11 evaluates the correction result from the temperature correction unit 10 (step S212 in FIG. 4). For example, the correction result evaluation unit 11 calculates an evaluation value for each of the correction result using the model function of Equation 6 and the correction result using the model function of Equation 7. As the evaluation value, for example, it is sufficient if ??.sup.2dt indicating the degree of variation in the correction result is calculated. Then, the correction result evaluation unit 11 sets, as the best correction result, a correction result having the minimum evaluation value from the correction result using the model function of Equation 6 and the correction result using the model function of Equation 7.

[0060] The correction result output unit 12 replaces the data of the correction section I.sub.1 or I.sub.2 among the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt stored in the storage unit 4 with the correction result determined to be the best by the correction result evaluation unit 11 (step S213 in FIG. 4).

[0061] When it is determined that the correction result using the model function of Equation 6 is the best, the correction result output unit 12 replaces the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in the correction section I.sub.1 with the time-series data of the correction result T.sub.cbt using the model function of Equation 6. Further, when it is determined that the correction result using the model function of Equation 7 is the best, the correction result output unit 12 replaces the time-series data of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt in the correction section I.sub.2 with the time-series data of the correction result T.sub.cbt using the model function of Equation 7. Thus, the correction of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt ends.

[0062] For example, a standard deviation ? and an average ? of the core body temperature T.sub.cbt for the correction section are as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In the correction section, the standard deviation ? becomes not constant, and the average ? also deviates from the original core body temperature.

[0063] On the other hand, the standard deviation ? and the average ? of the correction results using the model functions of Equations 6 and 7 are as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, it can be seen that the standard deviation ? and the average ? are values in a case where there is no disturbance (change in wind or external air temperature) by the model function of Equation 6.

[0064] The communication unit 13 of the temperature estimation apparatus transmits the time-series data of the corrected core body temperature to the external terminal 14. The external terminal 14 including a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone displays the value of the core body temperature received from the temperature estimation apparatus.

[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates the core body temperature estimated in the present example and the core temperature (eardrum temperature) measured by the eardrum thermometer for comparison. Here, the core body temperature of the living body 100 is measured while the wind of the fan is directly blown to the living body 100. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 900 denotes the core body temperature T.sub.cbt calculated by the temperature calculation unit 5, reference numeral 901 denotes the eardrum temperature, and reference numeral 902 denotes the core body temperature after correction according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 9, a transient error due to the occurrence of convection is reduced, and a temperature estimation error is suppressed to ?0.1? C. or less.

[0066] The temperature calculation unit 5, the transient response detection unit 6, the peak detection unit 7, the correction section determination unit 8, the coefficient calculation unit 9, the temperature correction unit 10, the correction result evaluation unit 11, the correction result output unit 12, and the communication unit 13 described in the present embodiment can be realized by a computer including a central processing unit (CPU), a storage apparatus, and an interface, and a program for controlling these hardware resources. A configuration example of the computer is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0067] The computer includes a CPU 200, a storage apparatus 201, and an interface apparatus (I/F) 202. Hardware and the like of the temperature sensors 1 and 2 and the communication unit 13 are connected to the I/F 202. In such a computer, the temperature estimation program for realizing the temperature estimation method of embodiments of the present invention is stored in the storage apparatus 201. The CPU 200 executes the processing described in the present embodiment in accordance with the program stored in the storage apparatus 201.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a technique for estimating an internal temperature of a test subject such as a living body.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0069] 1, 2 Temperature sensor [0070] 3 Heat insulating material [0071] 4 Storage unit [0072] 5 Temperature calculation unit [0073] 6 Transient response detection unit [0074] 7 Peak detection unit [0075] 8 Correction section determination unit [0076] 9 Coefficient calculation unit [0077] 10 Temperature correction unit [0078] 11 Correction result evaluation unit [0079] 12 Correction result output unit [0080] 13 Communication unit [0081] 14 External terminal